The entire nation changes course as the monsoon arrives and the skies open up over India. There is a certain romance in the air as the dust settles and the trees take on a rich green light. The monsoon season is the best time to experience some of India’s most amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites in a completely different way, despite the fact that most people avoid traveling during this time of year. Here are five locations where the monsoon not only improves the view but also changes the experience, from historic caves that shimmer in dripping rain to verdant hill forts shrouded in mist.
These 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India Are Ideal for a Trip During the Monsoon Season:
1. Maharashtra to Kerala’s Western Ghats
Greatest for: sweeping train trips, waterfalls, and wildlife
It would be impossible to discuss the monsoon without mentioning the Western Ghats. One of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity in the world, this 1,600-kilometer mountain range spans five states. However, the Ghats are exceptionally lush from June to September, when the monsoon season occurs. From Mangalore, take the picturesque train to Goa, where a new waterfall roaring down the hills can be seen around every corner. Visit Wayanad or Silent Valley National Park in Kerala if you want to see endangered animals like the Lion-tailed macaque. The rain is merciless here, so make sure your camera is waterproof.
2. Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
Greatest for: Mumbai monsoon atmosphere and Gothic architecture
It is indeed a functional railway station. However, the Victorian Gothic masterpiece Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) is equally impressive as any European landmark. When it rains, the streets surrounding the wet stone facade resemble a scene from a historical drama, complete with umbrella wars, tea breaks, and spontaneous cricket matches in ankle-deep water. Get a window seat at one of the cafes across from the station for the finest view. The Mumbai monsoon doesn’t play around, so be careful. Puddles that appear to have no bottom, unexpected downpours, and traffic jams are to be expected.
3. Assam’s Kaziranga National Park
Ideal for: Birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts
There is a minor disclaimer, but this is for the nature enthusiasts. Kaziranga was classified by UNESCO in 1985 and is home to the world’s biggest population of one-horned rhinoceroses. Due to the Brahmaputra’s propensity to flood, the national park formally closed to visitors from May to October, when monsoon season is at its height. The problem is that you might just be able to see the park in its most spectacular condition if you visit the area in early June or late September and the water levels are under control. The wetlands glisten under gray skies, migratory birds arrive, and the noises of the forest grow wilder, greener, and louder.
4. Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers National Park
Hikers on a bucket list and flower lovers
The Valley of Flowers, tucked away in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, lives up to its name—but only if you visit at the ideal moment. Which window is the best? Bang in the thick of the monsoon, from mid-July to mid-August. The valley is transformed into a fantastic, technicolor scene as hundreds of alpine flowers bloom throughout the high-altitude meadows during this brief time. The roughly 17-kilometer hike is not for the faint of heart, particularly given the slick paths and foggy conditions. However, those who succeed are rewarded with breathtaking vistas, uncommon flora, and an unforgettable sense of quiet.
5. Maharashtra’s Ajanta Caves
Ideal for: Those who enjoy art and ancient history
The Ajanta Caves are 2nd century BCE and are carved onto a horseshoe-shaped rock face above the Waghora River. The reason it has been on the UNESCO list since 1983 is because of the sculptures and frescoes that depict scenes from the life of Buddha and are among the best examples of ancient Indian art. However, the entire scenario becomes quite dramatic during the monsoon season, and in the greatest way conceivable. The river surges below, the jungle is alive, and waterfalls erupt around the caverns. You could even be able to spend some time alone with a 2,000-year-old painting during this time of year, when fewer people visit. How often is that possible?
