August is the time when the monsoon season is in full swing in many cities across India. And this year, we have two long weekends — Independence Day (Tuesday) and Raksha Bandhan (Wednesday) — in the month as well. With rainfall and a chance to take at least one short vacation, this is the best opportunity to explore a new or revisit a beautiful Indian destination. From lush Western or Eastern Ghats to the mighty Himalayas or the tranquil and laid-back beaches, we have listed the best places in India you can visit in August.
Munnar, Kerala
If there’s one thing you have to do in August, it’s travel to Munnar. What’s not to love about endless jungles, meandering roads, verdant plantations, captivating waterfalls, and misty hills? See Thattekad, which is ideal for bird enthusiasts, or Kodanad, one of Kerala’s biggest elephant training facilities, while you’re there. Aathirappally, Vallara, and Cheeyapara are a few waterfalls that shouldn’t be missed. If you have time, you could also include the Karadippara viewpoint on your list.
How to reach
By air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, about 110 km away
By train: The nearest railhead is in Kochi, about 128 km away
By road: Munnar is 155 km from Coimbatore
Divar Island, Goa
Few people in Goa choose to forego the Anjuna-Baga-Calangute route in search of other possibilities. But if you want a more sedate Goan vacation, Panjim is only a short ferry trip away from Divar, a gorgeous island on the Mandovi River. Divar is full of picturesque fields, deserted roads, and traditional Goan homes. The island is home to numerous medieval churches and heritage monuments, and its main villages are Piedade, Malar, Goltim, and Naroa.
How to reach
By air: Goa Airport is about 28 km away from Panjim, from where you need to take a ferry for Divar.
Igatpuri, Maharashtra
In order to escape the throng in Maharashtra, take a direct route to Igatpuri and take in the verdant splendour of its valleys. Here, at an elevation of roughly 600 meters above sea level, the monsoons have a powerful influence. There’s a lot of rain, a nice breeze, and a pleasant sun. Go to Igatpuri in August if the adventurer in you has been itching for a nice walk. The Sahyadris around the quick getaway, which is peppered with historic fort ruins, charming resorts, and tiny spas. It’s amazing that Igatpuri is still largely unnoticed on maps given what it has to offer.
How to reach
By air: Nashik Airport is the nearest airport, about 58 km away
By train: Igatpuri has its own railway station
By road: Igatpuri is 121 km from Mumbai
Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Mount Abu is located in the Aravalli Hills and is referred to as the “Oasis of the desert.” The hill station is located away from the heat and sand dunes that cover over 67 percent of Rajasthan, in contrast to other cities in the state. Aside from its inherent beauty, Mount Abu is renowned for its lakes and Hindu and Jain temples that date back to the eleventh and thirteenth centuries. Nakki Lake, the Dilwara Jain Temples, and Guru Shikhar Point are some of the main attractions.
How to reach
By air: Udaipur Airport is the nearest airport, about 177 km away
By train: Abu Road Railway Station is the nearest railhead, about 28 km away By road: Mount Abu is 494 km away from Jaipur
Diu, Daman and Diu
There are countless things to do in Diu, such as touring St. Paul Church, one of the most beautiful Portuguese churches in India, or the captivating Fortress of Panikotha, a stone construction in the middle of the sea. While October through March is the best time to visit this island throughout the winter and spring, the monsoon season adds a unique charm. If it’s raining, head straight to Ghoghla or Nagoa Beach for some history and fun in the sun and sand. You can even try some water sports or visit the Diu Museum for some beach-side history. Visit Jallandhar Beach for a breathtaking view of the coastline. You might also decide to visit one of the many historic temples, like the Gangeshwar Temple, to delve deeply into spirituality.
How to reach
By air: Diu Airport is the nearest airport, about 6 km away
By train: The nearest railhead is in Veraval, about 90 km away
By road: Diu is 399 km from Vadodara
Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Havelock Island, with its lush green trees, white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical temperature, is a great spot to visit in August. Witnessing the sunrise at Radhanagar Beach or Vijayanagar Beach is a must if you’re an early riser. At Elephant Beach, you may go parasailing, scuba diving, sea walking, kayaking, and snorkeling.
For those who enjoy their seafood prepared with fresh ingredients, this island is paradise.
How to reach
By air: The nearest airport is in Port Blair, about 57 km away but the only way to reach Havelock Island from here is by ferry.
Panna, Madhya Pradesh
If you enjoy rivers and waterfalls, August is one of the greatest months to visit Panna, and the monsoon season is the perfect time to see these natural beauties at their most magnificent. Some of the tallest waterfalls in India may be found there, such as the Pandav Falls (100 feet) and Raneh Falls (98 feet), which are collectively referred to as the Grand Canyon of India, as well as the Pandav Caves. Ajaygarh Fort, Baldeoji Temple, Mastani Mahal, and Ken Gharial Sanctuary are further tourist destinations. Boating on the Ken River, where you can see several bird species, can make up for the Panna Tiger Reserve’s closure during this period.
How to reach
By air: Khajuraho Airport is the nearest airport, about 40 km away
By train: The nearest railhead is in Khajuraho
By road: Panna is about 384 km from Bhopal
Travellers should be aware that owing to the risk of landslides and floods, monsoons are not the best time to visit some destinations in the mountains. Hence, before planning a trip, it is advisable to consider these kinds of climate-related disruptions.
