Travel Guides & Articles
Pondicherry, Shillong, Lonavala, Udaipur, Wayanad, Valley of Flowers, Chikmagalur, Coorg, Tawang, and Munnar Offer the Monsoon Magic in India’s Best Travel Destinations
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
August in India offers a unique opportunity to experience the magic of the monsoon season, with landscapes transformed by the rains and nature at its most vibrant. Pondicherry, Shillong, Lonavala, Udaipur, Wayanad, Valley of Flowers, Chikmagalur, Coorg, Tawang, and Munnar emerge as some of the best destinations to embrace this magical time of the year. Each of these places offers a distinct experience, from the coastal charm of Pondicherry with its French colonial streets and coastal calm, to the misty hills of Shillong, with its cascading waterfalls and pine forests. Whether you’re seeking adventure through treks in the Valley of Flowers or romantic boat rides on Udaipur’s serene lakes, these destinations provide a perfect blend of nature, culture, and tranquility. The monsoon rains enhance their beauty, making them ideal spots for those looking to immerse themselves in India’s most captivating landscapes.
1. Wayanad, Kerala
Located in the serene hills of Kerala, Wayanad is a paradise for eco-tourism and those seeking a peaceful retreat. August brings out the best of Wayanad’s natural beauty, with gushing waterfalls and thick forests that come alive during the monsoons. Explore the scenic Meenmutty and Soochipara Falls, trek to the ancient Edakkal Caves to view petroglyphs, or take a tranquil boat ride at Pookode Lake. Stay in a rustic treehouse or a charming spice plantation, and discover the rural charm of Kerala amidst lush greenery.
2. Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is a must-see during August, when its meadows bloom with an explosion of colors. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the valley is a perfect destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. The trek starts at Govindghat, passes through Ghangaria, and takes you to the stunning alpine meadows. If you’re looking to combine adventure with spirituality, don’t miss the detour to Hemkund Sahib, a high-altitude Sikh shrine. The Valley of Flowers is undoubtedly one of India’s top monsoon trekking spots.
3. Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Chikmagalur, a charming hill station in Karnataka, offers the perfect monsoon getaway with its lush green coffee plantations and mist-covered hills. The rains transform this region into a verdant haven. Trek up to Mullayanagiri Peak for a panoramic view of the Western Ghats, or visit the stunning Hebbe and Jhari Waterfalls. A plantation stay here allows you to enjoy the cool climate and the peaceful surroundings. Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic escape or a solo traveler seeking serenity, Chikmagalur is an excellent choice.
4. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur, known as the “City of Lakes,” offers a refreshing contrast to the dry desert landscapes of Rajasthan during the monsoon. In August, the city’s lakes are brimming with water, creating a tranquil atmosphere perfect for romantic getaways. Explore the grandeur of the City Palace, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, or watch the sun set from the Monsoon Palace. With fewer tourists during this off-season, Udaipur offers an intimate and peaceful experience, ideal for honeymooners or couples looking for a romantic escape.
5. Pondicherry
Pondicherry, with its French colonial charm and peaceful coastline, is a great destination for monsoon travel. During August, the weather is cooler, with light rains enhancing the city’s appeal. Take a leisurely walk along the quiet Rock Beach, visit the Auroville community, or indulge in local Tamil-French cuisine in heritage cafés. The monsoon adds a sense of calm to Pondicherry’s vibrant streets, making it an ideal spot for a laid-back beach holiday or a solo retreat.
6. Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong, often referred to as the “Scotland of the East,” offers an enchanting experience during the monsoons. The rains breathe life into its picturesque landscapes, with lush pine forests, scenic lakes, and dramatic waterfalls. Visit the famous Elephant Falls, take a boat ride on Umiam Lake, and drive to Cherrapunji, known for its living root bridges and stunning rainfall. Shillong is perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers looking to capture the beauty of India’s northeastern landscapes.
7. Lonavala, Maharashtra
For those in Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala is a go-to destination for monsoon getaways. Surrounded by lush greenery, fog-covered hills, and cascading waterfalls, Lonavala offers the perfect monsoon escape. Explore historic forts like Rajmachi and Tikona, visit the popular Bhushi Dam, or relax at Tiger Point, which offers sweeping views of the valley. The cool weather and stunning views make Lonavala a top choice for quick weekend trips during the monsoon season.
8. Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is one of South India’s most beloved monsoon destinations. In August, the lush coffee estates, colonial bungalows, and cool climate make Coorg an ideal getaway. Visit the iconic Abbey and Iruppu Falls, go for a river rafting adventure on the Barapole River (if the water levels allow), or simply unwind in an eco-resort surrounded by misty forests. Coorg is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the lap of nature, with options for both adventure and relaxation.
9. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh offers a tranquil and offbeat escape during the monsoons. August brings a mystical feel to this picturesque town, with clouds hovering over lush valleys and serene lakes. Explore the Tawang Monastery, one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India, and take a scenic drive through the Sela Pass. The remote and spiritual ambiance of Tawang makes it an ideal destination for monsoon road trips, cultural exploration, and soul-searching in the Himalayan foothills.
10. Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is one of Kerala’s most stunning hill stations, and it reaches its peak beauty during the monsoon. The tea plantations, rolling hills, and mist-covered landscapes make it a photographer’s paradise. Visit the Tea Museum, hike up Anamudi Peak, or take a serene boat ride at Kundala Lake. The cooler weather and lush green scenery during the rainy season create the perfect environment for a peaceful retreat. Munnar is an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking a tranquil, scenic getaway.
India’s monsoon season brings a unique beauty to its diverse landscapes, making it the perfect time to explore some of the country’s most enchanting destinations. From the lush hills of Kerala to the stunning alpine meadows of Uttarakhand, these monsoon getaways offer a blend of adventure, relaxation, and romance. Whether you’re trekking through Himalayan valleys, boating across serene lakes, or simply enjoying the rain-soaked beauty of nature, these places promise unforgettable experiences.
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The airline industry is betting against Spirit Airlines.
Spirit’s biggest aircraft lessor last week told the carrier it was terminating lease agreements for some of its planes, helping tip the struggling discounter into its second bankruptcy in less than a year. Now, rival airlines are getting in position to go after the budget airline’s customers.
United Airlines, whose chief executive has predicted since last year that Spirit would eventually go under, is preparing to backfill the void that would be left if Spirit goes out of business by the end of this year. It is adding flights starting in January from Spirit strongholds such as Las Vegas as well as Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
“If Spirit suddenly goes out of business it will be incredibly disruptive, so we’re adding these flights to give their customers other options if they want or need them,” said Patrick Quayle, United’s head of network planning and alliances.
Frontier, which is gunning for Spirit’s position as the largest U.S. ultradiscounter, has seized on Spirit’s pullback, announcing plans to add service along several routes Spirit serves.
“We want to be America’s low-fare airline,” said Frontier Chief Executive Barry Biffle. “And we see an opportunity.”
Spirit, which filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy last week, has assured customers they can continue to book future flights and use their tickets. Chairman Robert Milton said in a recent interview the airline has no intention of liquidating: “It needs its costs restructured and to get its mojo back.”
Spirit for years played the role of an airline industry maverick, charging ultralow fares with fees for almost everything.
A Spirit spokesman on Thursday described United’s plans as “wishful thinking” from an airline that wants to drive a low-cost competitor out of business in order to charge more.
“While we appreciate the obsession certain airline executives have with us, we’re focused on competing and running a great operation,” he said.
But even a weakened Spirit is good news for competitors, which stand to benefit from reduced supply of seats.
In years past, Spirit has played the role of an industry maverick. It was willing to fly its bright yellow planes into big cities and go head-to-head with the legacy airlines. Its nickel-and-dime approach to sales—charging bargain basement fares with fees for almost everything—sometimes annoyed customers. But it also forced competitors to lower fares, and in many cases, adopt similar practices.
Now Spirit plans to shrink its fleet and retrench to key cities such as Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Detroit. It announced this week that it is pulling out of 11 cities and scrapping plans to add service to one more—about 4.5% of its planned flights.
A three-year saga of failed mergers, changing postpandemic travel patterns, and new competitive weapons deployed by big airlines brought Spirit to this point. Spirit’s losses since the beginning of 2020 have more than wiped out all the profits it made since 2006, when it shifted to embrace the ultradiscount model.
Struggling to find its footing after a federal judge last year struck down a $3.8 billion acquisition by JetBlue Airways, Spirit filed for its first bankruptcy in November. But it didn’t seek to use the power of chapter 11 to renegotiate contracts with aircraft lessors or other obligations, as other airlines have historically done after filing for bankruptcy.
The company opted instead for a quick balance-sheet fix that minimized its time spent under court protection, hoping to avoid a lengthy and expensive process. The earlier bankruptcy only affected Spirit bondholders, which swapped nearly $800 million in debt for equity ownership of the business, while leaving more than $2 billion of debt outstanding.
Spirit recently said it is pulling out of 11 cities and scrapping plans to add service to one more.
“Unfortunately, the industry-wide headwinds that preceded the Prior Chapter 11 Cases did not abate; rather, they intensified,” Chief Financial Officer Fred Cromer wrote in a court filing over the weekend. Instead of the $252 million in profit Spirit had projected for 2025, it reported in August that it had lost more than $256 million since mid-March.
Spirit had started to warn of its dire straits last month and was scrambling to bolster its cash balances. It drew down $275 million on its revolving credit facility and completed a series of sale-leaseback transactions in July and August that brought in approximately $250 million.
Then last week, AerCap, Spirit’s largest lessor, notified the carrier it was terminating leases for 36 planes scheduled for delivery in the coming years, and said Spirit was also in default on more than three dozen planes already in its fleet.
Worried that the disclosure of the notices would panic other creditors, the airline decided it had no choice but to file for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection again.
Spirit denied that it had defaulted on any of the leases. It said it is negotiating with AerCap to resolve the issue and is prepared to litigate the matter. An AerCap representative didn’t respond to requests for comment.
The company is burning through cash fast. Spirit disclosed a projection showing that it expects to burn $179 million for the first month of the bankruptcy case. Cromer said in court papers that the airline is continuing to work with certain bondholders on an agreement that would allow access to “significant additional liquidity.”
Spirit has said this time will be different.
In a bankruptcy court appearance Tuesday, Spirit lawyer Marshall Huebner characterized the recent filing as “really Spirit’s first chapter 11, not its second.” Spirit intends to use the powers of the bankruptcy code to walk away from certain contracts, shrink its aircraft fleet and reduce its operating costs, Huebner said in court.
Once the process is complete, “Spirit will once again be the disruptive maverick that has long challenged—and changed—the U.S. aviation industry,” Cromer wrote.
Write to Alison Sider at alison.sider@wsj.com and Alexander Gladstone at alexander.gladstone@wsj.com
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