There’s something magical about the Indian monsoon. It doesn’t just wash away the dust of summer – it awakens the landscape, stirs local legends, and brings quiet destinations into full bloom. While most travelers make a beeline for popular hill stations, there’s a whole world of lesser-known places that offer a richer, more intimate experience of the rains.
Here are ten offbeat destinations across India that are perfect for a monsoon retreat in June.
A town that feels plucked from a Mughal romance, Mandu is perched high in the Vindhya ranges and dotted with ancient palaces, lakes, and pavilions. As the rains sweep across the plateau, its ruins transform into a dramatic green theatre of history. Monsoon turns the dry terrain into a lush spread, and every monument tells a love story, especially that of Baz Bahadur and Rani Roopmati, immortalised in sandstone and melody.
Top Attractions: Jahaz Mahal, appearing to float between twin lakes, is Mandu's most iconic sight. Explore the Hindola Mahal, known for its sloping walls, and the grand Jama Masjid with its Indo-Islamic design. Rani Roopmati's Pavilion offers misty views of the Nimar plains. The romantic ruins of Baz Bahadur’s Palace and the mysterious Rewa Kund also come alive in the rain. The town is also dotted with Baobab trees, believed to be brought by African traders centuries ago.
Getting There: Indore, about 100 km away, is the nearest airport and railway station. From there, a scenic drive will take you to Mandu.
Chembra Peak, nestled in the Western Ghats, is the highest point in Wayanad and offers a striking panorama of valleys and forested hills. June's arrival cloaks the hills in emerald hues and veils the trail in soft mist, making the trek to the summit both thrilling and surreal.
Top Attractions: The heart-shaped lake, Hridaya Saras, located en route to the summit, is the trek’s crown jewel. From the peak, the sweeping view of Wayanad, Nilgiris, and even parts of Tamil Nadu is breathtaking. Nearby, you can explore Soochipara and Meenmutty waterfalls, the Pookode Lake, and Banasura Sagar Dam. Adventure lovers can also try bamboo rafting and wildlife spotting in Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Getting There: Kozhikode (Calicut) is the nearest railhead at 79 km. Calicut International Airport is about 103 km away. Taxis and buses are available to Meppadi, the base point.
Often described as the cleanest village in Asia, Mawlynnong is a picture-perfect hamlet with cobbled pathways, flowering hedges, and bamboo structures. During June, the village takes on a fairy-tale charm, with constant light rain, drifting clouds, and vibrant greenery.
Top Attractions: Visit the famous living root bridge nearby in Riwai. Climb the Sky Walk bamboo tower for panoramic views that stretch across to Bangladesh on a clear day. Explore the Balancing Rock, a natural wonder, and simply enjoy the aesthetic harmony of the village – every home, pathway, and garden is meticulously maintained. Locals offer warm hospitality and home-cooked Khasi meals.
Getting There: Shillong Airport is about 90 km away, while Guwahati is the nearest major railhead. Road journeys from both are scenic and memorable.
Tucked away in the Kumaon region, Binsar is a quiet, forested hill town that becomes even more enchanting with monsoon clouds drifting through its deodar and rhododendron forests. It’s a place where you wake up to birdcalls and sleep to the sound of rain.
Top Attractions: The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Leopards, Himalayan gorals, and barking deer roam the forest trails. The Zero Point viewing platform offers unobstructed views of Himalayan giants like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli. Visit the 16th-century Bineshwar Mahadev Temple and explore charming Kumaoni villages in the vicinity.
Getting There: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station (about 110 km), while Pantnagar Airport is 152 km away. Cabs and buses ply regularly from both.
Famed for its coffee estates, Chikmagalur is a green wonderland during the rains. The monsoon revives every leaf, hill, and stream here, creating a refreshing retreat with just the right mix of adventure and leisure.
Top Attractions: Begin your visit with a plantation tour where you can see coffee being grown and processed. Hike to Mullayanagiri, Karnataka’s highest peak, or explore the ancient caves of Baba Budangiri. Waterfalls like Hebbe and Jhari roar to life in June. Add to that the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and the architectural wonder of Hoysaleswara Temple in nearby Halebidu.
Getting There: The nearest airport is Mangalore, around 150 km away. Kadur is the closest rail station (about 40 km). Buses and taxis connect well to Chikmagalur.
Pelling offers a breathtaking mix of spirituality, heritage, and natural beauty. In June, this West Sikkim town dons a soft foggy blanket and its waterfalls become lively, while the mighty Kanchenjunga occasionally peeks through.
Top Attractions: The Pemayangtse Monastery is a serene start to your journey. Explore the ruins of Rabdentse, the former capital of Sikkim. Khecheopalri Lake, sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus, is surrounded by legends. Don’t miss the thrilling Singshore Bridge and the Chenrezig Skywalk. Sangachoeling Monastery and Rimbi Waterfall also deserve a visit.
Getting There: Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri Station are about 160 km away. Taxis and shared jeeps are readily available.
This lesser-known hamlet near Mirik in the Darjeeling district is a peaceful monsoon retreat. Nestled beside the Rangbhang River, Tabakoshi is surrounded by forests and tea estates, with a landscape that turns postcard-perfect in June.
Top Attractions: Stroll through the Gopaldhara Tea Estate, enjoy riverside walks, and explore orange orchards and bamboo groves. You can also make day trips to Mirik Lake, Bokar Monastery, and nearby viewpoints that offer foggy vistas of the Eastern Himalayas.
Getting There: The nearest airport is Bagdogra (52 km), and New Jalpaiguri Station is 65 km away. Taxis and shared cars are easily available.
India’s first planned eco-tourism destination, Thenmala in southern Kerala is a beautiful blend of conservation and adventure. The rains enhance its lush forests and waterfalls, making it an engaging destination for nature lovers.
Top Attractions: Visit the impressive Thenmala Dam, take nature walks in the eco-tourism zone, and spend an afternoon at the Butterfly Safari Park. The Palaruvi Waterfalls are especially majestic during monsoon. The Musical Fountain and the hanging bridge over Kallada River are popular with families.
Getting There: The nearest airport is Trivandrum (72 km), and Kollam Junction is the closest railhead. Local transport options are available.
Named after the pristine Tirthan River, this valley is a lesser-known gem in Himachal Pradesh. Monsoon turns it into a forest fantasy with mist, streams, and the rhythmic sound of falling rain.
Top Attractions: The Great Himalayan National Park, a UNESCO site, is a biodiverse treasure for trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts. Try trout fishing or riverside camping. Short treks to Serolsar Lake or waterfalls make for memorable outings. The Shringa Rishi Temple and Jalori Pass are culturally and scenically rich.
Getting There: Bhuntar Airport (50 km) is the nearest. Joginder Nagar is the closest train station. Buses and taxis are easily available from both.
Ziro is a quaint valley known for its pine forests, rolling paddy fields, and Apatani tribal culture. When the monsoon arrives, the already lush landscape becomes more vivid, and the quiet atmosphere of the region deepens.
Top Attractions: Visit the Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary for a glimpse of rare Himalayan fauna. Take a boat ride on Siikhe Lake, see the 25-foot Shiva Lingam at Kardo, and wander through Apatani villages to observe their unique sustainable practices. If visiting later in the season, don’t miss the renowned Ziro Music Festival.
Getting There: Jorhat (Assam) is the nearest airport. Naharlagun is the closest railway station. From both, taxis and shared vehicles take you to Ziro.
Why Travel During the Monsoon?
Because there’s no better season to experience India’s hidden beauty. As the clouds descend and the earth blossoms, these lesser-known gems come alive. Whether it’s misty mornings, cultural richness, or waterfalls at full throttle, June is your invitation to see India at its most soulful.
