9 handpicked monsoon getaways to soak in the season

Forget those predictable summer vacations – monsoon travel is where the real magic happens. Think lush landscapes painted in a thousand shades of green, the scent of wet earth filling your lungs, and waterfalls cascading like liquid silver. It's nature's way of hitting the reset button, washing away the grime of everyday life and leaving you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle whatever chaos comes your way. From mist-shrouded mountains to emerald forests, prepare to discover destinations that come alive when the heavens open up. So, grab your raincoat, your sense of adventure, and get ready to dance in the rain – your soul will thank you for it!
Mansao Curtorim, CGH Earth, Goa

Escape the monsoon madness and discover a Goa few tourists ever see! Mansão Curtorim isn't your typical beachside boogie; it's a 236-year-old Portuguese mansion tucked away in the time-forgotten village of Curtorim. Think of it as your personal portal to a slower, richer Goa. Here, the monsoon isn't an inconvenience, it's an invitation. Watch the rains paint the paddy fields emerald green from the balcão, book in hand, as the scent of Goan spices wafts from the kitchen. Forget ticking off tourist traps; the real adventure lies in wandering the silent streets, discovering ancient churches, and soaking in the stories etched into every stone.

Aramness, Gir, Gujarat

Elevate your monsoon escape at the luxurious Aramness– a sanctuary designed by the masters of the exotic African safari lodges we often read about in the magazines. Where luxury whispers and the wilderness beckons and sophistication unfolds at every turn. From the meticulously designed kothis – one and two-bedrooms - with private pools and dreamy terraces with star beds, private butlers who anticipate your needs before you even express them, and chefs who create exceptional traditional and global cuisines specially for you. immersing yourselves in the verdant beauty of the lodge's waterbodies and orchards, rejuvenate at the inhouse spa or learn some pottery with master craftsmen. You can also venture out for some adventures - Somnath temple is a short drive away and so is the Devalya Park for lion safaris. With summer offers and discounts running, Aramness is perfect for some well-deserved indulgence as a couple, family or groups of friends.

WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa, Jawai

Cradled in the serene wilderness of Jawai, Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa is a luxurious boutique retreat spread across 20 acres, made even more magical during the monsoon. With elegant rooms, tents, and chalets — some featuring private, temperature-controlled pools — the resort promises comfort amidst dramatic landscapes. Monsoon here brings the lake within the property alive with birdsong and misty reflections, making it a perfect setting for lazy afternoons, rejuvenating spa rituals, and slow meals by the hills at Rotela Café or ‘Jawai under the Sky’.

Palais de Mahe, Pondicherry

Skip the predictable and set your sights on Pondicherry, where the rain plays a supporting role now, not the main event. Palais de Mahé, a stunning colonial-style hotel, is your stylish sanctuary in the heart of this captivating coastal town. Here, you can relish the gentle pitter-patter while venturing out to explore Pondicherry's unique blend of Tamil and French cultures. Wander through the charming streets of the French Quarter, savour delectable cuisine – their café offers a taste of the evolved Pondicherry cuisine with Tamil and European influences, and discover the spiritual oasis of Auroville. Palais de Mahé is the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration without sacrificing your adventurous spirit. Think breezy evenings on the rooftop, enjoying the refreshing air after a light shower and a refreshing drink, followed by your days spent uncovering the secrets of this eclectic destination.

Jetwing Kandy Gallery, Sri Lanka

With easy e-visas and very reasonable flight options, trade a domestic holiday for a flavour of Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture and the best of hospitality with the sublime riverside Jetwing Kandy Gallery. Perched in the heartlands of the hills overlooking the Mahaweli River – the longest in the country, the hotel offers a front-row seat to the season's beauty, as the rain transforms the landscape into a lush masterpiece! What’s more, you can time your visit with the spectacular Kandy Esala Perahera celebrated through July and August every year. A mesmerizing festival of dancers, decorated elephants, and ancient rituals - think fire-dances, whip-crackers, and a kaleidoscope of Kandian artistry, the experience is enriching and enlightening.

Taj Surajkund Resort & Spa, Delhi NCR

Discover the quiet allure of the monsoon at Taj Surajkund Resort & Spa, Delhi NCR, an elegant retreat tucked away at the edge of the Aravalli hills. Just a short drive from Delhi, the resort offers calming views of the infinity pool, the central courtyard, or the forested landscape, creating the perfect backdrop for a restful weekend. Culinary journeys unfold at Oasis, where Indian and global cuisines come together, while Paranda celebrates the robust flavours of North India. The Promenade Lounge offers a refined setting for relaxed conversations over tea and delicacies. Whether you seek stillness or celebration, Taj Surajkund Resort & Spa, Delhi NCR, offers a soulful monsoon escape, where every moment is crafted with care.

Tilar Siro, Andamans

Take an out-of-the-ordinary monsoon break in the Andamans. We suggest you do it right by ditching the touristy bay-waters of Havelock’s Radhanagar and choosing the untamed allure of Tilar Siro instead. Here, the rhythm of the rains takes on a different melody as the Vijayanagar beach where the resort resides, faces the open seas. Don’t miss the guided intertidal walk by Tilar Siro on this beach – one of the guests’ favourites, that reveals the hidden wonders of exotic marine life of the island. Monsoons in Tilar Siro can be a romantic and deeply restorative experience.

Jaypee Residency Manor, Mussoorie

This monsoon, discover the perfect vacation destination at Jaypee Residency Manor in Mussoorie, the Queen of Hills. Perched atop a hilltop, this luxurious resort offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The property’s crowning glory is its breathtaking 360-degree panorama, showcasing the lush Doon Valley and the majestic snow-capped Himalayas. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the diverse menu featuring both local Garhwali specialties and international cuisine. The pleasant climate provides a refreshing respite from the plains, making it an ideal retreat year-round.

Aahana Resort, Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand

This July, embrace the magic of the monsoon at Aahana. Spread across 13.5 acres of lush greenery and sharing a boundary with Corbett’s Bijrani zone, Aahana comes alive during the rains with the scent of wet earth, the chorus of birds, and the gentle rhythm of falling rain which transforms the resort into a haven of serenity.
From customized dinner date setup to attractive monsoon offers of spa services, the resort also offers enriching activities such as a guided birdwatching walk, evening hi-tea with local flavours served poolside, a farm-to-fork experience with the chef, and optional yoga or meditation sessions offer moments of both rest and reconnection.