Highest Rainfall Places in India 2024

Highest Rainfall in India

India stands out globally for its unparalleled diversity, spanning culture, cuisine, languages, and landscapes. From the arid expanse of the Thar Desert in the western regions to the lush, rain-soaked terrain of Cherrapunji in the east, which receives the highest rainfall in India and is also the wettest place on the planet, the country showcases an extraordinary array of climatic contrasts. This captivating diversity is what truly sets India apart.

In particular, when considering the states that receive the highest rainfall in India, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and West Bengal emerge as notable contenders. These regions experience abundant precipitation, contributing significantly to the country's overall rainfall statistics. As of the year 2024, these states continue to maintain their status as prime recipients of rainfall, showcasing the enduring climatic patterns that shape India's geographic tapestry.

Let us dive right into the top 7 places that receive the highest rainfall in India.

1. Mawsynram, Meghalaya 
2. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya 
3. Agumbe, Karnataka 
4. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra 
5. Amboli, Maharashtra 
6. Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh 
7. Gangtok, Sikkim
    

• Mawsynram, Meghalaya

Mawsynram in Meghalaya sits at the top of our rainiest cities in India list for a reason. It is recognised as the wettest place not just in India but in the world and has etched its name in the Guinness World Record books. 

Mawsynram receives an average rainfall of about 11,000 mm during the monsoon season. Every year, the village receives incessant rainfall, and landslides are a common sight. However, the residents prepare themselves for the heavy rains and bad weather by preparing Kunps, using bamboo slivers and plastic sheets to create a rain shield for their homes. 

The best time to visit Mawsynram is from September to November, after the rainy season. However, monsoon turns the entire state into an oasis and the hills are decorated with plenty of greenery. So, if you are planning a holiday to this beautiful state during monsoon, you can be sure to embrace nature in its rawest form. 

Popular attractions in Mawsynram

¨     Mawsmai Caves

¨     Nohalikalai Falls

¨     Mawlyngbna

¨     Lum Symper Peak

¨     Jakrem Hot Water Spring

• Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

Like Mawsynram, Cherrapunji is also perched on the Khasi Hills and experiences high levels of rain every year. In fact, Cherrapunji once had the distinction of being the wettest place in India, only to be recently replaced by Mawsynram. 

Located on the confluence of two gorges in the hills, Cherrapunji receives about 11,610 mm of rainfall. Every year, Cherrapunji receives a high volume of tourists from all over India and overseas to witness the monsoon in the region. 

Many locals suggest that the quaint town continues to get rains all through the year but June to September is when the region receives the highest rainfall. And despite its constant rain, Cherrapunji maintains its natural splendour as is. It has the most pristine landscapes in the northeast region and its untouched and unfiltered natural beauty, coupled with fresh and pure air is sure to rejuvenate your senses. 

 Popular attractions in Cherrapunji 

¨     Living root bridge

¨     Dawki River

¨     Mawlynnong Village, it has the distinction of being the cleanest village in Asia

¨     Krem Phyllut

¨     Nohkalikai Waterfalls

Also Read: Top 5 Monsoon Destinations in India for a Memorable Getaway

• Agumbe, Karnataka

When you talk about highest rainfall states in India, Karnataka will definitely make the cut, thanks to Agumbe, a small town nestled in Western Ghats. Known for its rich biodiversity, cascading waterfalls, and surreal natural landscape, Agumbe is a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Agumbe also has the distinction of being one of the wettest places in India, therefore has earned the moniker, ‘Cherrapunji of South.’ Surrounded by one of the last surviving rain forests in India, this tiny hamlet in the Shimoga district receives 7,000 mm rainfall annually and the village has a sparse population of just about 500-600 people. 

Being surrounded by forests, the village is known to be home to several wildlife species, mostly cobras. The snake experts suggest it is the ‘Cobra Capital’ of India due to the large number of deadly snakes found in the region. Locals say that they encounter a Cobra or any of the 70 other species of snakes almost every day. 

Agumbe is one of the best places in Karnataka to indulge in fun and adventurous activities like hiking, river rafting, trekking, and bike riding. 

Popular attractions in Agumbe

¨     Jogigundi Falls

¨     Agumbe Rainforest Research Station

¨     Sunset view point

¨     Gopala Krishna Temple 

¨     Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary

• Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

Fourth on the list of places in India with highest rainfall is Mahabaleshwar, a hill town in Maharashtra. Nestled in the picturesque Western Ghats, it is one of the most popular tourist places in the state and a favourite getaway destination for city dwellers. 

Apart from its natural beauty, this hill station is also known for a pleasant climate all through the year. 

In terms of rainfall, Mahabaleshwar receives about 5600 mm rainfall every year. Unlike other rainiest cities in India that receive incessant rainfall for a few days, Mahabaleshwar receives steady rainfall throughout the monsoon season. Apart from its rich natural foliage, there are many amazing places to visit in Mahabaleshwar, like ancient temples, historic forts, serene lakes and innumerable viewpoints, which make your trip to this town in the monsoon an enriching experience.

Popular attractions in Mahabaleshwar

¨     Venna Lake

¨     Elephant’s Head Point

¨     Chinaman’s Falls

¨     Pratapgarh Fort

¨     Arthur’s Seat

Best place to stay in Mahabaleshwar

When you go on a holiday with your family or spouse to a place as pretty as Mahabaleshwar, you need at least 3-4 days to fully visit the various popular sightseeing attractions and explore the hidden gems. You can enjoy a pleasant stay by checking-in at one of the most premium resorts in Mahabaleshwar by Club Mahindra, i.e., Club Mahindra Sherwood, or Club Mahindra Saj. 

Both these resorts offer premium living space and boast luxury amenities that make your stay comfortable and make you feel at home. 

Also Read: Monsoon Travel Preparations: Tips for a Safe Trip in India During Monsoon

• Amboli, Maharashtra

It is no surprise that another hill station from Maharashtra makes it to the list of top seven places that receive the highest rainfall in India. Fondly known as the ‘Mist Paradise,’ Amboli is perched at a height of about 690 metres on the stunning Sahyadri Hills. This hill town receives about 7500 mm of rain every year. 

One of the ‘Eco hot spots’ of the world, Amboli has the reputation for being home to some of the best and rarest flora and fauna in the world. Although the hill station does not feature prominently in the Maharashtra tourism map, it still attracts many tourists all through the year, especially during the monsoon season. 

Hardcore nature enthusiasts, photography lovers and wildlife conservators visit the place to revel in the tranquil environment of the place, click stunning pictures and enjoy watching the antics of the wildlife in their natural habitat. It is the last hill station in Maharashtra before the coastal highlands of Goa begin. 

Popular attractions in Amboli

¨     Madhavgarh Fort

¨     Hiranya Keshi Temple

¨     Shirgaonkar Point

¨     Ramteerth

¨     Amboli Falls

• Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh

Home to the mighty River Brahmaputra, Pasighat is known as the ‘Gateway of Arunachal Pradesh.’ Blessed with beautiful weather, the region also receives plenty of rainfall of about 4500 mm annually, therefore it is considered one of the rainiest cities in India. 

Located at the foothills of the mighty Himalayan ranges, it is also one of the oldest towns in Arunachal Pradesh, making it a historically and culturally significant place in the state. One of the most famous attractions here is the Siang River and the sunrise point near the river, which is considered as the point where India receives its first sunlight. 

While the sight of the sunrise is breathtaking, the surroundings near the river are even more endearing. Visit this place once and it would surely leave an everlasting impression in your mind and heart. 

Popular attractions in Pasighat

¨     Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary

¨     Pangin

¨     Kekar Monying

¨     Komsing

¨     Siang River

Also Read: The Ultimate Monsoon Travel Tips: Expert Tips, Do's & Don'ts

• Gangtok, Sikkim

The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok is an enthralling place and one of the wettest places in India. Until the 1980s, Gangtok was considered a Buddhist Pilgrimage site. But over the years, as more and more people started exploring the northeastern regions of India, the city suddenly popped up as one of the most visited tourist spots. The city’s striking natural beauty and religious significance draws visitors from all over the country and overseas. 

The city receives an annual rainfall of about 3900 mm annually. Apart from its natural beauty and rainfall, the city has a unique culture and the most hospitable locals in India. Wherever you go, you get a warm and friendly welcome, and the locals are always happy to lend you a helping hand.

Popular attractions in Gangtok 

¨     Nathula Pass

¨     Tsomgo Lake

¨     Himalayan Zoological Park

¨     Rumtek Monastery

¨     Tashi Viewpoint

¨     Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple

Best place to stay in Gangtok

You can make your holiday in Gangtok even better by staying at one of the resorts by Club Mahindra, i.e., Club Mahindra Gangtok, or Club Mahindra Baiguney. 

Now that you are aware of the top 7 places with the highest rainfall in India, which of these places are you most excited to explore? All these wonderful locations are sure to give you a surreal tourist experience that you will remember forever!