Monsoon Magic

Published in the Sunday Navbharat Times on 21 July, 2024

Rain can elicit different reactions from different people. Some love it, and some hate it. But everyone has an opinion, especially when it rains on their holiday. Usually, the response is negative—hence the saying "don't rain on my parade," as most people feel disappointed when rain disrupts their plans. However, I believe this often stems from a lack of planning. Take Europe, for instance. There's no monsoon and no predictability; it can rain anytime. Yet, isn’t that the reason it's always so lush and green?

Rain doesn’t have to ruin your holiday; sometimes, it can make it even more memorable. And in India, we have a reasonably predictable monsoon season, so we can plan accordingly. Whether you want to visit India and enjoy the landscapes dressed with lush green carpets that nature adorns across the country or avoid it completely and set off to destinations across the world, the choice is yours. If you’re looking for a winter holiday, then heading south is the way! Winter is coming to the entire southern hemisphere, and you can actually enjoy skiing and snow sports in Australia and New Zealand. Or go to Africa and witness the wildebeest migration, one of the greatest spectacles on earth. You can even enjoy fabulous road trips on the Garden Route of South Africa or sip wines in their beautiful vineyards. If lazing on the beach is your thing, then you should definitely head to Mauritius, Seychelles, or other idyllic islands.

One of my favorite destinations to travel to during the monsoon is Southeast Asia. It's close to India, and the traveling times are shorter, making it easy to plan a short holiday. These months also often welcome shopping festivals, making it a great time to refresh your wardrobe along with your mind and body. If this appeals to you, be sure to pack some empty bags for your trip to Southeast Asia, or better yet, buy a new suitcase while you're there! Many of these countries boast amazing beaches, and the rain in tropical regions is often intermittent, with showers usually brief. I’ve realized over the years that having a thin rain jacket or a small folding umbrella is all you need, and they don’t take up much space in your bags. Why not visit a destination that has been on your mind but not yet visited? Take Sabah and Sarawak, for instance. Or combine Singapore with surrounding countries that are a short hop away, like Bali. Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia could also be great options. The rain adds a unique charm to these places, enhancing their natural beauty.

If you want to stay nice and dry and escape the rains, then Europe or the USA is the place to be. These countries would be at the peak of summer, and that means flowers blooming everywhere—on windowsills, on the streets, and in the gardens. Summer also means long days, allowing you to enjoy daylight until as late as 9 or 10 PM across most of Europe and America. Many attractions and museums are also open longer, so you don’t need to rush through the day. In some places, the sun doesn’t set at all, and you can experience the midnight sun phenomenon, where the sun never goes below the horizon. To experience this, head to the Arctic region and join us on our Scandinavian Midnight Sun tour. It might be the first time you have to wear eye shades to sleep! If you have always visited the beaches in India and Asia, then the summer is the perfect time to enjoy the coastline and beaches of Europe, either at a resort by the sea in Spain, Portugal, France, or Italy, or the many islands surrounding these countries. Greece, the nation of islands, is also a fantastic choice. Or perhaps you could take a cruise in Europe if you have never done so. Enjoy the joy of floating on the ocean aboard a luxury cruise ship, checking in once, disembarking at ports to see the cities, and returning to the cruise for amazing entertainment and food.

But maybe you don’t want to travel this far, so let's come back to India. India's monsoon season transforms the country into a lush, green paradise. I’ve had the good fortune to travel to many destinations during the monsoons for work and sometimes for pleasure too. Ages ago, when I first visited Coorg and Chikmagalur to check new hotels and see what the destination could offer our guests, I was mesmerized. Walking through the coffee plantations in the mist, I touched clouds for the first time. It was an absolutely magical experience. Explore Abbey Falls, enjoy panoramic views from Raja's Seat, and visit Dubare Elephant Camp. Karnataka, Kerala, and Goa are top draws for a lush green holiday. "God's Own Country" comes alive during the monsoon. Cruise through the serene backwaters of Alleppey on a houseboat, enjoy the misty tea plantations of Munnar, and witness the majestic Athirappilly Falls, often called the "Niagara of India." I was in Cochin during the rains, and after struggling with an umbrella for a bit, we gave up and kept sipping on filter coffees after getting soaked in the rain. Goa, of course, is an all-time favorite, and the only precaution you must take is to not enter the sea where the beach is closed. If you make safety your first priority, then there’s no better time than the monsoon. The crowds are fewer, and you can experience Goa's charm with fewer tourists and a vibrant green landscape. Monsoon also brings with it many offers and better prices everywhere. I personally feel it is the best time to experience luxury stays, which are quite affordable during this time of the year. The cities in Rajasthan are well connected and offer superb palatial hotels to make you feel like royalty on your holiday. It’s not surprising that Rajvilas, the Oberoi property in Jaipur, was just voted the best hotel in the world. Udaipur, with its many options, is not far behind. The "City of Lakes" is enchanting during the monsoon with its beautiful architecture and delicious food.

The monsoon season offers a unique perspective on India's natural beauty, making it an ideal time to explore these lush, vibrant destinations. So, embrace the rains, pack your bags, and set off on a journey that will refresh your body, mind, and soul. Let the monsoon magic create unforgettable memories on your next holiday.