Whether you love monsoon or hate it, saying no to a drive as you sit inside listening to soothing music and watching the droplets pour down the windshield is almost impossible. This monsoon, wander on the scenic wetlands leading you to scenic spots that come to life in the season. India is blessed with so many enchanting road trip destinations to choose from. To get you started, we have picked the best ones for you. So, prepare your playlist, grab those snacks, and embark on a journey you won’t forget exploring the best of monsoon in India.

Mumbai to Lonavala

View from the Rajmachi Point in Khandala | Photo by Sonika Agarwal on Unsplash

Mumbai monsoons are incomplete without a getaway to Lonavala. An escape from the city life into the majestic hills of Lonavala as you drive through the rain-soaked highway is all you need. With lush green valleys, waterfalls, and rock caves on the way, this 2-hr drive has everything for your epic monsoon road trip. Admire the views as you take pit stops for vada pav and tea on your journey. Once you reach the hill station, check out Zostel Plus Lonavala for a boutique stay right by Pawna Lake. The hostel has a vibrant common area with swings and lounges by the pool.

Distance: 83 km (2 hours)

Delhi to Kanatal

Driving through the roads of Uttarakhand from Delhi is the perfect weekend trip idea. As the popular hill stations remain flooded with tourists, choose an offbeat destination this season for your monsoon road trip. Around 48 km from the bustling town of Mussoorie lies a hidden gem, Kanatal. A drive in the hills leading to this quaint town will give you a much-needed break. You can go boating at Tehri Lake or go trekking in the Kodia jungle around Kanatal.

Note- Be careful, as driving this season can be a little risky, especially in the mountains.

Distance: 338 km (Around 7.5 hours)

Bangalore to Coorg

The stunning view from Raja's Seat in Coorg

Coorg’s waterfalls and hills come to life in their full grandeur as the rain pours. The Western Ghats are the greenest and offer captivating landscape views as you move to the countryside from Bangalore. The aromatic coffee plantations of Coorg become a sight to behold and are definitely one of the best places to visit in India during monsoons. A drive amidst the lush green hills with hairpin bends is an experience in itself. You can head to Zostel Coorg (Madikeri), located in a peaceful setting, for a comfortable stay where you can wake up to mesmerising views and catch the sunset.

Distance: 242 km (Around 6 hours)

Udaipur to Mount Abu

Rajasthan is one of the best places to visit in India during monsoons, and a drive to its only hill station, Mount Abu, is a must. Even the barren hills of Rajasthan become lush green during monsoons. The journey between these two exceptionally beautiful destinations is the one to tick off this monsoon. Nestled amidst the mountains, Mount Abu has various places to explore, including the serene Nakki Lake and temples located at a high altitude. This road trip will let you experience the regal beauty of Udaipur, along with the tranquillity of its mountains. For a happening stay in the heart of the city, facing the famed Pichola Lake, check out Zostel Udaipur.

Distance: 163 km (Around 3 hours)

Shillong to Cherrapunji

Seven sister falls in Cherrapunji | Photo by Rasheda Akter on Unsplash

A road trip across the northeastern state of Meghalaya is an enthralling experience in itself. A journey from Shillong amidst the Khasi hills takes you to the wettest place on earth - Cherrapunji, known for its perennial rainfall and leaping waterfalls. The mist-covered hills offer views to die for, and one can truly witness the beauty of northeast India during monsoon. After soaking in the views of the hill town, you can count on Zostel Shillong for an equally beautiful stay, one of the few backpacker hostels in town. The common area and the restaurant here have a very energetic vibe where you can meet fellow travellers and indulge in indoor games.

Distance: 57 km (Around 2 hours)

Chennai to Dhanuskodi

The last road of India, Dhanushkodi, is located at the southeastern tip of Tamil Nadu and the southernmost part of mainland India. A road trip from Chennai to Dhanushkodi is an amalgamation of religious importance, cultural discoveries, and stunning scenery. This long but scenic road trip would be a journey to remember, as there are so many attractions on the way, including Pondicherry and Rameshwaram. Going on this road trip should be on the itinerary of your trip to South India for an extraordinary experience.

Distance: 444 km (Around 8-10 hours)

Whether you are a passenger princess or the driver of the group, we hope to see you on the road exploring monsoon in India. It’s the best way to explore the beautiful towns of the country, which are even more lively this season.

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