The arrival of the first raindrops is a moment of celebration for the people – The scorching heat of summer has now gone. In India, the monsoon is not just a season but an entire emotion. The soft breeze you feel while taking the train, the shimmer of green leaves you see outside and the smell of petrichor that floods the air are all fragments of what makes the rainy season a beautiful one. These are just a few of the many reasons travelling during the monsoon can be an absolute delight. Here are 5 activities you simply cannot miss while heading for a monsoon holiday:
1. Experience Lonavala’s Gorgeous Waterfalls
If you’re looking for holiday destinations in the monsoon, Lonavala must be at the top of your list. The rains bring this part of the hills alive, with flourishing plants and trees covering it in a lush green carpet. And amid these thriving landscapes are streams of water rushing through the undergrowth and cascading down the mountainsides. Nothing feels more monsoon-like than heading to these wonders that last only a month or two and standing under the chilly water, splashing around with your friends. If you can’t get enough of waterfalls, stay at SaffronStays Inverlochy, so you’re within reach of these lovely spots at any time. Not a fan of large touristy crowds? Opt for SaffronStays Masaya, a luxury villa in Lonavala that offers not just one but two waterfalls right on the estate. During your stay, these private waterfalls are all yours!
2. Go On Soul Nourishing Treks
As nature blossoms under the hand of the rains, the hillside blooms with beautiful sights. This is the perfect time to go trekking and soak in the beauty of glossy leaves, dense green foliage and crisp, cool air that only the monsoon can bring. At SaffronStays Nandanvan Estate, the private villa’s property itself has multiple trails you can choose from. Here, you will find unique solace as you drift through the picturesque woods of Tamil Nadu and conclude it with a charming picnic by a stream. You can even enjoy a trek to Kothaligadh at SaffronStays SanvinaFarm, a heart-pumping adventure that you can follow up with a meal in the middle of a river!
3. Unwind By The Backwaters
The monsoon season is just as good for repose and relaxation and at the same time for a healthy dose of fun too. Just lay back and close your eyes; let the slow melody of the falling rain and gentle wind soothe your soul. And where better to experience this than by the serene backwaters of South India? The leafy estate of SaffronStays Coorg Toddy Farms is only 15 kilometres away from the Harangi Backwaters, a mesmerising location and a front-row seat for a stunning sunset. With a stay at SaffronStays Suvarna Sangam in Udupi, you can explore the calm backwaters of Karnataka by boat and later wrap up the day with a waterfront candlelight dinner. Way to set the mood, right?
4. Slip Away From The World On Long Drives
With so much natural beauty all around, this is the perfect time for a long drive with your loved ones. Head towards SaffronStays Sundowner in Karjat if you want to drive through the breathtakingly green Western Ghats with its winding, misty roads and low hanging grey clouds. Another option is riding the highway across Maharashtra’s spectacular plains, with idyllic fields stretching all the way to the horizon. Drive down to SaffronStays Riverdale, Lavassa, a private pool villa on the banks of Varasgaon Dam and surrounded by dense mountains and trees. Soak in the fresh air, and open space as the road leads you to SaffronStays Onella, a private vineyard in the heart of the country’s wine capital, Nashik. Sounds tempting? Grab those car keys, plug in your favourite music and, most importantly, don’t forget to roll down the windows.
5. Indulge In Monsoon Snacks
For some inexplicable reason, rainy days make the stomach rumble. There are no words to describe the joy of munching crispy kanda bhaji and slurping hot soupy noodles while the skies are grey and the air smells of rain. The alfresco dining arrangements at SaffronStays Aatman make this experience all the more amazing. You can tuck into some scrumptious barbecue right under the open skies, surrounded by the majestic hills of Mahabaleshwar. And if you choose to rather dine at a multi-cuisine feast on a balcony overlooking a whole forest, then head to SaffronStays Solitude Maison Alibaug, where you can enjoy the panoramic view along with the lip-smacking delicacies are the perfect monsoon accompaniment.
These beautiful rainy skies and pleasant winds may last for only two out of twelve months, but they leave behind a veritable paradise. Take advantage of the early hour and book yourself a nature’s retreat at one of our luxury villas today!
Looking for some offbeat holiday destinations? Try out these hidden gems.
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