Are you looking for the perfect destinations to explore in India during August? The monsoon season adds a magical touch to the country, turning it into a lush green paradise. August is an ideal time to embark on an adventure and witness the beauty of India in its full glory. In this article, we will unveil the ten best places to visit in India during the month of August. From picturesque hill stations to vibrant festivals, India has something to offer for every traveller’s taste. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the wonders of this incredible country.

Ladakh: Land of High Passes

In August, Ladakh experiences pleasant weather, making it an excellent time to explore this enchanting region. Nestled amidst the Himalayas, Ladakh offers breathtaking landscapes, serene monasteries, and adventurous activities like trekking and river rafting. Don’t miss the stunning Pangong Lake and the ancient monasteries of Hemis and Thiksey.

Places to Stay: Ladakh offers a wide range of accommodations catering to different budgets. You can find luxury hotels, cozy guesthouses, and even homestays to experience the local culture. Some popular options include The Grand Dragon Ladakh, The Zen Ladakh, and Shambhala Guest House.

Attractions: Ladakh is known for its breathtaking landscapes and serene monasteries. Visit Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and Magnetic Hill for awe-inspiring natural beauty. Explore Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, and Diskit Monastery to experience the region’s rich cultural heritage.

How To Reach: The easiest way to reach Ladakh is by air. Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar. Alternatively, you can also take a road trip from Srinagar or Manali, but the roads may be challenging due to the monsoon.

Places to Visit: Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Leh Palace, Magnetic Hill, Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, Diskit Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Zanskar Valley, Khardung La Pass.

Goa: Monsoon Beach Retreat

Experience a unique side of Goa during August, as the monsoon casts its spell on this popular beach destination. The lush greenery, roaring waves, and fewer crowds make it an ideal time for a tranquil beach retreat. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife, relish Goan delicacies, and visit Dudhsagar Waterfalls for an unforgettable experience.

Places to Stay: Goa offers a plethora of accommodation options, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Some popular beach resorts are Taj Exotica, The Leela, and Alila Diwa. For budget travellers, Zostel Goa, Jungle Hostel, and Pappi Chulo are excellent choices.

Attractions: While in Goa, enjoy serene beaches like Calangute, Baga, and Anjuna without the usual tourist crowd. Explore the Dudhsagar Waterfalls, spice plantations, and vibrant flea markets. Don’t forget to experience the vibrant nightlife and beach shacks.

How To Reach: Dabolim Airport in Goa is well-connected to major cities in India. You can also reach Goa by train or bus from nearby cities like Mumbai and Bangalore.

Places to Visit: Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fort Aguada, Dudhsagar Spice Plantations.

Munnar: Blissful Tea Gardens

Munnar, situated in Kerala, is renowned for its picturesque tea gardens and misty landscapes. August adds charm to this hill station with its refreshing showers. Take a stroll through the tea plantations, visit the Eravikulam National Park, and witness the enchanting Attukad Waterfalls.

Places to Stay: Munnar offers a range of accommodations, including luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and budget-friendly homestays. Some top-rated options are Windermere Estate, Tea Valley Resort, and Dream Catcher Plantation Resort.

Attractions: Munnar is famous for its lush tea gardens and misty landscapes. Explore the Eravikulam National Park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Visit Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Top Station for breathtaking views.

How To Reach: The nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport, approximately 110 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to reach Munnar. The town is also well-connected by road to major cities in Kerala.

Places to Visit: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Top Station, Tea Gardens, Anamudi Peak, Attukad Waterfalls.

Udaipur: The Venice of the East

August brings a pleasant climate to the romantic city of Udaipur in Rajasthan. Famous for its stunning lakes and palaces, Udaipur offers a captivating experience. Explore the City Palace, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, and admire the intricate architecture of Jag Mandir.

Places to Stay: Udaipur offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury heritage hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Taj Lake Palace, and Fateh Prakash Palace are among the top luxury options. For a budget stay, consider Udai Haveli, Mewar Haveli, or Bhanwar Vilas Guest House.

Attractions: Udaipur’s attractions include the majestic City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola, the serene Jag Mandir island, and the iconic Lake Palace. Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola and visit the Saheliyon Ki Bari and Jagdish Temple.

How To Reach: Udaipur has a domestic airport, Maharana Pratap Airport, which connects to major Indian cities. The city is well-connected by train and road as well.

Places to Visit: City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, Lake Palace, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Jagdish Temple, Fateh Sagar Lake, Sajjangarh Palace.

Andaman Islands: Tropical Paradise

Escape to the tropical paradise of the Andaman Islands in August, where you can indulge in water sports, explore coral reefs, and bask in the beauty of unspoiled beaches. Havelock Island and Neil Island are must-visit destinations for a tranquil getaway.

Places to Stay: The Andaman Islands offer a mix of luxury resorts and budget-friendly accommodations. For a luxurious stay, check out Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Barefoot at Havelock, or Munjoh Ocean Resort. Budget travelers can consider Hotel Haywizz, SeaShell Neil, and Tango Beach Resort.

Attractions: Explore the stunning Radhanagar Beach and Elephant Beach for water sports and relaxation. Visit the Cellular Jail National Memorial to delve into the history of India’s freedom struggle. Don’t miss the breathtaking sunset views at Chidiya Tapu.

How To Reach: Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman Islands, has an airport with regular flights from Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, and other major cities. The islands can also be reached by sea through passenger ships from Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam.

Places to Visit: Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Cellular Jail National Memorial, Chidiya Tapu, Ross Island, Havelock Island.

Shillong: Scotland of the East

August is the perfect time to explore Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. With its rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and pleasant weather, Shillong offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city life. Visit the Elephant Falls, Ward’s Lake, and the famous living root bridges.

Places to Stay: Shillong offers a range of accommodations, from charming guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Some popular options include Ri Kynjai – Serenity by The Lake, Hotel Polo Towers, and OYO 18305 Hotel Monsoon.

Attractions: Explore the rolling hills of Shillong and visit the beautiful Elephant Falls and Shillong Peak for panoramic views. Don’t miss the famous living root bridges of Meghalaya and the serene Umiam Lake.

How To Reach: The nearest airport to Shillong is Shillong Airport, but it has limited flights. The most convenient option is to fly to Guwahati Airport and then take a taxi to Shillong, which is around 100 km away. Shillong is also accessible by road from Guwahati.

Places to Visit: Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Living Root Bridges, Umiam Lake, Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, Laitlum Canyon.

Varanasi: Spirituality by the Ganges

Experience the spiritual aura of Varanasi in August as the monsoon rejuvenates the holy city. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at the ghats, take a boat ride on the sacred river, and explore the narrow alleys filled with temples and markets.

Places to Stay: Varanasi offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. Some top-rated options are BrijRama Palace, Taj Nadesar Palace, and Suryauday Haveli. Budget travelers can consider Stops Hostel Varanasi, Ostel – Hostel, and Kedar Guest House.

Attractions: Experience the spiritual aura of Varanasi by witnessing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti at the ghats. Take a boat ride on the sacred Ganges River and visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sarnath, the place where Buddha preached his first sermon.

How To Reach: Varanasi has a domestic airport, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, with flights from major cities in India. The city is well-connected by train and road as well.

Places to Visit: Assi Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, Manikarnika Ghat, Ramnagar Fort.

Mount Abu: Rajasthan’s Hill Station

Escape the summer heat in Rajasthan by visiting Mount Abu in August. The only hill station in the state, Mount Abu offers pleasant weather and stunning views. Dilwara Jain Temples, Nakki Lake, and Guru Shikhar are some of the attractions not to be missed.

Places to Stay: Mount Abu offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget hotels and guesthouses. Some popular options include Hotel Hillock, The Colonial Manek Manor, and Hotel Hilltone. For budget-friendly stays, check out Hotel Vinayak, Hotel Karnavati, or Hotel Aradhana.

Attractions: Mount Abu is Rajasthan’s only hill station, and it offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat. Explore the Dilwara Jain Temples, Nakki Lake, and Guru Shikhar, the highest peak in the Aravalli Range.

How To Reach: The nearest airport to Mount Abu is Udaipur Airport, which is approximately 185 km away. You can also reach Mount Abu by train or take a bus from nearby cities like Udaipur and Ahmedabad.

Places to Visit: Dilwara Jain Temples, Nakki Lake, Guru Shikhar, Achalgarh Fort, Sunset Point, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary.

Valley of Flowers: Nature’s Extravaganza

August is the best time to witness the blooming Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a paradise for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts. Experience the burst of colors as numerous alpine flowers paint the valley.

Places to Stay: The Valley of Flowers is a protected national park, and there are no accommodations within the valley itself. However, you can find places to stay in nearby towns like Joshimath and Govindghat. Some options include The Tattva, Hotel Dronagiri, and The Char Dham Camp – Joshimath.

Attractions: The Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning alpine flowers. Trek through the valley and witness a burst of colors from different flower species. Don’t miss the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara, a sacred Sikh shrine nearby.

How To Reach: The Valley of Flowers is accessible from Joshimath, which is well-connected by road from Haridwar and Dehradun. The trek to the Valley of Flowers starts from Govindghat, which is around 20 km from Joshimath.

Places to Visit: Valley of Flowers National Park, Hemkund Sahib, Govindghat, Badrinath Temple, Auli.

Sikkim: Gateway to the Himalayas

Explore the pristine beauty of Sikkim in August, as the monsoon enhances its charm. From the majestic Tsomgo Lake to the scenic Yumthang Valley, Sikkim offers a blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture. Don’t forget to visit the Rumtek Monastery and the capital city of Gangtok.

Places to Stay: Sikkim offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels and homestays. Some popular options include MAYFAIR Spa Resort & Casino, The Elgin Nor-Khill, and Yangthang Heritage.

Attractions: Explore the enchanting Tsomgo Lake and the picturesque Yumthang Valley. Visit Rumtek Monastery, Enchey Monastery, and Pemayangtse Monastery to experience Sikkim’s Buddhist culture.

How To Reach: The nearest airport to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. Gangtok is also accessible by road from nearby cities like Siliguri and Darjeeling.

Places to Visit: Tsomgo Lake, Yumthang Valley, Rumtek Monastery, Pemayangtse Monastery, Gangtok, Nathu La Pass.

Conclusion

August opens up a plethora of options for travellers to explore the diverse beauty of India. From the majestic Himalayas to the serene beaches, there’s something for everyone. So, plan your trip, and get ready to create wonderful memories in these ten best places to visit in August in India.