15 Best Places to Visit in the Summer Rainy Season

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 While summer is often associated with beach vacations and bright sunshine, the rainy season brings its own magical charm. The scent of the first rain, mist-covered mountains, lush greenery, gushing waterfalls, and fewer crowds make monsoon travel a unique experience. Whether you're a nature lover, a photographer, a trekker, or just looking for peace and quiet, the rainy season opens up a different side of travel.

Here’s a curated list of the 15 best places to visit during the summer rainy season, both in India and around the world. Each destination comes alive when drenched in rain, offering a mix of adventure, romance, and natural beauty.

1. Munnar, Kerala, India

Munnar is a gem nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala. During the rainy season, the tea gardens look even more lush and vibrant, and the surrounding hills are wrapped in a blanket of mist.

Why Visit in Monsoon:

  • Green tea plantations are at their most beautiful.

  • Waterfalls like Attukal and Lakkam are in full flow.

  • Lesser tourist crowds make for a peaceful retreat.

Activities: Tea tasting, trekking, exploring Eravikulam National Park.

2. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya, India

Known as one of the wettest places on Earth, Cherrapunji is a must-visit during the monsoon. Rain transforms the landscape into a mystical wonderland.

Why Visit in Monsoon:

  • Magnificent waterfalls like Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters at full strength.

  • Living Root Bridges are spectacular in the rain.

  • Lush landscapes and caves to explore.

Activities: Trekking, cave exploration, sightseeing.

3. Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

The monsoon in Bali lasts from November to March, but Ubud’s appeal in the early rainy season of August–September is a beautiful transition from summer. Ubud offers spiritual calm, verdant rice terraces, and jungle adventures.

Why Visit in Rainy Season:

  • Fewer tourists and peaceful retreats.

  • Rain nourishes the green rice fields.

  • Yoga and wellness resorts become more affordable.

Activities: Visit rice terraces, yoga retreats, Balinese cooking classes.

4. Coorg, Karnataka, India

Nicknamed the "Scotland of India," Coorg transforms into a monsoon paradise. Rolling hills, coffee plantations, and foggy mornings make it an ideal getaway.

Why Visit in Monsoon:

  • Rain-enhanced greenery and romantic weather.

  • Abbey Falls and Iruppu Falls are stunning.

  • Fresh coffee aroma in the air.

Activities: Plantation tours, waterfall treks, river rafting (during mild rains).

5. Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Located in central Peninsular Malaysia, this region is known for its tea estates, strawberry farms, and cool weather — ideal during the rainy season, which isn't too harsh here.

Why Visit in Rainy Season:

  • The mist and light showers make it cozy and refreshing.

  • Fewer tourists than in peak summer.

Activities: Visit tea plantations, go jungle trekking, explore butterfly gardens.

6. Lonavala & Khandala, Maharashtra, India

Located just a short drive from Mumbai or Pune, these twin hill stations come alive during the monsoon. They are dotted with forts, waterfalls, and lush valleys.

Why Visit in Monsoon:

  • Beautiful treks to Rajmachi and Lohagad Fort.

  • Waterfalls like Kune and Bhushi Dam in full force.

  • Green cover across the Sahyadri hills.

Activities: Hiking, road trips, waterfall hopping.

7. Hoi An, Vietnam

While many avoid Vietnam in the wet season, Hoi An offers a charming escape. Its historic Old Town looks even more beautiful with the reflection of lanterns on wet streets.

Why Visit in Rainy Season:

  • Fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations.

  • Great time to explore local culture and cuisine.

  • Light rain adds to the town’s romance.

Activities: Lantern festival, cooking classes, river cruises.

8. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand, India

Only open from June to October, the Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage site that truly blossoms during the monsoon. The alpine valley is carpeted with over 500 species of flowers.

Why Visit in Monsoon:

  • Peak blooming season for rare Himalayan flora.

  • Misty surroundings with a dreamlike ambiance.

Activities: Trekking, photography, nature walks.

9. Queenstown, New Zealand

If you're looking for a summer monsoon alternative in the Southern Hemisphere, Queenstown in August is perfect. It’s winter there — snow-draped mountains, occasional rain, and cozy cafes await.

Why Visit:

  • Ski season is in full swing.

  • Mild rainfall and snow provide dramatic scenery.

Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, wine tasting, adventure sports.

10. Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kerala, India

Known for its iconic backwaters, Alleppey offers a peaceful monsoon escape with houseboats gently floating through misty lagoons.

Why Visit in Monsoon:

  • Houseboat stays are serene and deeply relaxing in the rain.

  • Ayurvedic treatments are more effective during monsoon.

  • Fewer tourists enhance the local experience.

Activities: Houseboat cruise, birdwatching, Ayurveda therapies.

11. Shillong, Meghalaya, India

The capital of Meghalaya is a musical, cultural, and natural delight during the rains. The rolling hills, colonial charm, and lake views offer a dreamy monsoon experience.

Why Visit in Monsoon:

  • Umiam Lake and Elephant Falls are majestic in rain.

  • Drive through lush, foggy roads.

  • Musical evenings in cozy cafes.

Activities: Nature walks, boating, local market visits.

12. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

Though a spiritual destination, Rishikesh is also known for adventure. During early monsoon, it's less crowded, and the Ganges is full of life.

Why Visit in Monsoon:

  • Lush greenery and riverside serenity.

  • Thrilling white-water rafting (when river conditions are safe).

  • Ideal for yoga and wellness retreats.

Activities: River rafting, yoga, spiritual classes, cafe hopping.

13. Kyoto, Japan

August in Kyoto is rainy and warm, creating a romantic setting among temples and gardens. It’s also the season of Gozan no Okuribi, a traditional festival that lights up mountainsides.

Why Visit in Rainy Season:

  • Beautiful hydrangea and lotus blossoms in gardens.

  • Fewer crowds in temples.

  • Festivals and traditional Japanese hospitality.

Activities: Visit Kiyomizu-dera, bamboo forests, tea ceremonies.

14. Agumbe, Karnataka, India

Known as the “Cherrapunji of the South,” Agumbe is a hidden rainforest treasure. It receives heavy rainfall, nurturing rare species and incredible biodiversity.

Why Visit in Monsoon:

  • Ancient rainforests bursting with life.

  • Home to King Cobras and medicinal plants.

  • Sunsets post-rain are breathtaking.

Activities: Rainforest treks, photography, herping (reptile watching).

15. Sintra, Portugal

Just outside Lisbon, Sintra is known for its whimsical palaces and mist-covered forests. The light summer rains of August bring out its fairytale charm.

Why Visit in Rainy Season:

  • Moody skies enhance the mystique of Pena Palace.

  • Quieter trails through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

  • Fresh Atlantic breezes after rain.

Activities: Castle visits, nature hikes, wine tasting.

🌦️ Tips for Traveling in the Rainy Season

  1. Pack Smart: Carry waterproof jackets, quick-dry clothes, umbrellas, and waterproof shoes.

  2. Check Weather Forecasts: Monsoon travel is beautiful, but flash floods or landslides can occur in some areas.

  3. Stay Flexible: Be open to itinerary changes due to weather conditions.

  4. Embrace Slow Travel: The monsoon is not for rushing—enjoy the calm, the drizzle, and the rhythm of rain.

  5. Book Accommodation with Views: Watching rain fall in the mountains, over lakes, or through a forest can be a deeply soothing experience.

✨ Final Thoughts

The rainy season is often overlooked for travel, but it offers a refreshing, soul-nourishing perspective. The landscapes come alive, tourist spots are less crowded, and everything feels more intimate and magical. From India’s monsoon-soaked ghats to Asia’s jungles and European fairy-tale towns, there’s a whole world to explore under the umbrella of rain.

Whether you’re sipping chai in a misty hillside cafe in Munnar, walking along rice terraces in Ubud, or wandering through a rainy Kyoto garden — monsoon travel brings moments you’ll never forget.

So next time the rain starts to fall, don’t stay indoors. Pack your bags, chase the clouds, and let the world surprise you.

By, saket kumar singh

Founder, SayuFinserv

www.sayufinserv.com

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