Monsoon lovers unite, this one’s for you! Wondering where to celebrate one of the most loved seasons? Here’s our selection of some of the best places to visit in July to experience the true essence of rain alongside vibrant monsoon festivals in India.
Explore more with our guide to the best monsoon destinations in India.
The best places to visit in India in July
Bastar, Chhattisgarh
A waterfall in Bastar, Chhattisgarh | Image credit: Manish Patel/Unsplash
A relatively less explored destination in India, Bastar district in Chhattisgarh boasts an abundance of natural wonders, from enigmatic caves to serene waterfalls. While the winter months between October and March are ideal for exploring the destination, especially its headquarters in Jagdalpur, a visit in July allows travellers to experience the monsoon with Bastar’s waterfalls in full glory. The mesmerising Teerathgarh Waterfall with its staircase-like rock formation is a sight to behold in July.
Key attractions: Waterfalls including Chitrakote, Mendri Gumar, Tamda Ghumar, Chitradhara and Teerathgarh, Caves such as Kailash and Kotumsar, Narayanpal Temple and the captivating Kanger Valley National Park.
Average temperature in July: Maximum 30°C/Minimum 22°C
Where to stay: Bastar Greens and Bastar Birds Nest
Where to eat: Wazwan Multicuisine Restaurant @ Hotel HAM Residency, Cafe One And Only, and Little Roti
How to reach
By air: Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur is approximately 272 km away
By train: Jagdalpur Railway Station is approximately 12 km away
By road: Bastar is approximately 284 km from Raipur
Book your stay at Bastar Greens on Booking.com
Hyderabad, Telangana
Bonalu Festival in Hyderabad | Image credit: Saisnaps/Shutterstock
While Hyderabad is dotted with iconic tourist attractions, including the famed Char Minar, the City of Nizams deserves a July visit for its sacred Bonalu Festival. Dedicated to Goddess Mahakali, Bonalu is celebrated across Hyderabad and Secunderabad during the monsoon season (Ashada Masam). It is fascinating to witness the rituals associated with this festival, to be observed from July 7 to August 4, 2024. Women cook rice with milk and jaggery in earthen pots decorated with neem leaves, turmeric powder and vermillion. They later carry the pots on their heads as an offering to the Goddess.
Key attractions: Statue of Equality, Ramoji Film City, the iconic Golconda Fort, and Hussain Sagar Lake
Average temperature in July: Maximum 31°C/Minimum 23°C
Where to stay: Taj Falaknuma Palace, Vivanta Hyderabad, Begumpet, ITC Kohenur, Hyderabad, and Taj Krishna
Where to eat: Deccan Pavilion, Over The Moon Brew Company, Hummus House and Theth Masala
How to reach
By air: Hyderabad Airport is approximately 32 km from city centre
By train: Hyderabad has its own railway station
By road: Hyderabad is approximately 574 km from Bangalore
Book your stay at Taj Falaknuma Palace on Booking.com
Jageshwar, Uttarakhand
Jageshwar Temple, Almora, Uttarakhand | Image credit: ImagesofIndia/Shutterstock
A quaint temple town in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, Jageshwar is home to over 100 stone temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Epitomising exquisite architecture dating back over 2,500 years, Jageshwar’s charm rises multifold due to its serene location — amidst majestic mountains and the pristine Jat Ganga stream. Travellers can experience the divine Jageshwar Monsoon Festival (July 15 and August 15) amidst the region’s lush green landscapes. Adventure enthusiasts can trek 1.5 km uphill to Vridh Jageshwar, an ancient temple and the source of Jat Ganga. Necessary caution is advised for visitors to Almora due to potential landslides in monsoon.
Key attractions: Dandeshwar Temple complex, Jageshwar Mahadev, Archaeological Museum, Sri Mahamrityunjaya Temple, and Kubera Temple Complex
Average temperature in July: Maximum 23°C/Minimum 14°C
Where to stay: Kot Kailash Kumaon, Binsar Forest Retreat and Ghumakkad Stay
Where to eat: Cafe Swayambhu, Bird Song by Club Mahindra Binsar Valley, Uttarakhand, and Himalayan Hobbit House
How to reach
By air: Pantnagar Airport is approximately 150 km away
By train: Kathgodam Railway Station is approximately 116 km away
By road: Jageshwar is approximately 98 km from Nainital
Book your stay at Kot Kailash Kumaon on Booking.com
Jowai, Meghalaya
Behdienkhlam Festival celebrations in Jowai | Image credit: Talukdar David/Shutterstock
Dominated by the Pnar Kings decades ago, the historical town of Jowai in the Jaintia Hills is breathtakingly beautiful, especially during monsoon. This gem in Meghalaya is about 7 km from the beautiful Syntu Ksiar, home to a historical monument dedicated to revered Jaintia freedom fighter Kiang Nong Bah. Visit Jowai in July to partake in the vibrant Behdienkhlam Festival, a significant annual dance festival of the Jaintia tribes, celebrated to invoke the Gods for a bountiful harvest.
Key attractions: Thadlaskein Lake, Lalong Park, Sacred Grove, and the extremely popular Nartiang monoliths
Average temperature in July: Maximum 23°C/Minimum 18°C
Where to stay: HeiJo’s Homestay and Odyssey Stays Jowai
Where to eat: Yutran Restaurant, Hyperfuse Cafe and Belly Timber
How to reach
By air: Shillong Airport is approximately 72 km away
By train: Guwahati Railway Station is approximately 158 km away
By road: Jowai is approximately 64 km from Shillong
Book your stay at HeiJo’s Homestay on Booking.com
Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra
Malshej Ghat during monsoon | Image credit: Pyusha Chatterjee
Surrounded by the captivating beauty of the Sahyadris, Malshej Ghat is one of the most beautiful hill stations near Mumbai in Maharashtra. Located about 130 km from Mumbai, the serene beauty of Malshej Ghat makes it a popular weekend getaway. The drive from Mumbai to Malshej Ghat is punctuated with milky white streams and waterfalls gushing down lush green rolling hills alongside breathtaking vistas of the verdant valleys during monsoon (I highly recommend it). A hot cup of coffee by the tranquil Malshej Lake just after the rain is all you need to soak in the essence of this season.
Key attractions: Malshej Falls, Harishchandragad Fort (trek opportunity for thrill seekers), Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, and Naneghat (around 36 km)
Average temperature in July: Maximum 25°C/Minimum 21°C
Where to stay: Saj By The Lake and Jandyal Farm House
Where to eat: Maati Baani, Blu Deck Restaurant and Hotel Kshanbhar Vishranti
How to reach
By air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai is approximately 128 km away
By train: Kalyan Railway Station is approximately 85 km away
By road: Malshej Ghat is approximately 120 km from Pune
Book your stay at Saj By The Lake on Booking.com
Palakkad, Kerala
Palakkad, Kerala | Image credit: Jishnu Narayan/Unsplash
Kerala’s beauty during monsoon is unmatched, but a July visit to one of the state’s treasured gems, Palakkad, promises a unique ritual called ‘Njangattiri Aanayoottu’ that involves feeding of elephants. Held at the Njangattiri Bhagavathi Temple at Pattambi in the Palakkad district, this ritual follows the principles of Ayurveda, according to which elephants are fed medicated and healthy food. As feeding elephants is considered auspicious in Hindu mythology, visitors from all around participate in the intriguing ritual, to be observed on July 19 this year. Plan a perfect vacation with our 7+3 day Kerala itinerary.
Key attractions: Meenvallam Waterfalls, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Malampuzha dam, Kalpathi Heritage Village, Nelliyampathy and Pothundi Dam
Average temperature in July: Maximum 29°C/Minimum 23°C
Where to stay: Distrikt 9 and Mayo Suites
Where to eat: Kloud 9 Rooftop Restobar, The Rice Bowl Restaurant, Nalanda Restaurant and Noorjehans Open Grill
How to reach
By air: Calicut International Airport (Kozhikode) is approximately 100 km away
By train: Palakkad has its own railway station
By road: Palakkad is approximately 144 km from Kochi
Book your stay at Distrikt 9 on Booking.com
Pondicherry
Auro Beach, Pondicherry | Image credit: Pyusha Chatterjee
One of India’s most popular beach destinations, Pondicherry or Puducherry is an ideal place to visit in July not only for the weather but also due to the Bastille Day festivities. Dedicated to both French and Indian soldiers, Bastille Day is observed on July 14, owing to the strong influence of France on the destination. The vibrant parade features a flag-hoisting ceremony of both countries and a rendition of their national anthems. Also known as India’s French capital, Pondicherry is dotted with pristine beaches and beautiful cafes. Explore the French town’s delectable cuisine with our selection of the most beautiful cafes in Pondicherry.
Key attractions: Beaches including Paradise, Serenity, Auro and Promenade, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Old Lighthouse and French War Memorial
Average temperature in July: Maximum 36°C/Minimum 26°C
Where to stay: Palais De Mahe – CGH Earth, La Villa, and The Residency Towers Puducherry
Where to eat: Coromandel Cafe, THE SPOT by Villa Shanti, Pondicherry, and Rendezvous Cafe Restaurant
How to reach
By air: Chennai International Airport is approximately 145 km away
By train: Villupuram Junction Railway Station is approximately 38 km away
By road: Pondicherry is approximately 95 km from Mahabalipuram
Book your stay at Palais De Mahe – CGH Earth on Booking.com
Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Seeh Lake, Biirii, Ziro | Image credit: Shekhar Pillay/Shutterstock
While this quaint town in Arunachal Pradesh reminds travellers of the immensely popular Ziro Festival of Music, the spectacular destination boasting unmatched natural beauty is beyond that. While visiting Ziro in July is ideal for experiencing the charm of monsoon, travellers can witness the Dree Festival too. Ziro is majorly inhabited by the Apatani tribe, known for their sustainable agricultural practices and distinct methods of wet rice cultivation. This agricultural festival is dedicated to various local deities for a prosperous harvest.
Key attractions: Seeh Lake, Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Train Fish Farm, Midey, Meghna Cave Temple and Kile Pakho
Average temperature in July: Maximum 20°C/Minimum 16°C
Where to stay: Ziro Valley Resort and Odyssey Stays Siikhe Lake
Where to eat: Bliss Bistro, Pataan, Biryani Wala and Ziro Degree
How to reach
By air: Donyi Polo Airport in Itanagar is approximately 132 km away
By train: Naharlagun Railway Station is approximately 90 km away
By road: Ziro is approximately 415 km from Guwahati
Book your stay at Ziro Valley Resort on Booking.com
(Feature image credit: Ketan Vikamsey/Shutterstock)
Disclaimer: Monsoon poses various risks including landslides and flash floods in many areas in India, especially hilly regions. Hence, caution is advised while travelling.
Related | 2024 Wanderlust: Must-Visit Destinations In India For Your Travel Wishlist
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which are the best places to visit in July in North India?
Hill stations like Almora in Uttarakhand and Naggar and Jibhi in Himachal Pradesh are best to visit in July, however, staying updated on the landslide situation is imperative.
Which are the best places to visit in July in South India?
From places like Munnar, Vagamon and Varkala in Kerala to Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, there are many beautiful places in South India, perfect for a July visit.
Which are the best beaches to visit in July in India?
Beaches in Kerala and Goa are best to explore in the month of July, keeping in view cyclone alerts.
Which are the best adventure activities to do in July in India?
Monsoon treks and waterfall rappelling are some of the adventure activities that can be done in July, provided proper precautions are taken.
Which are the best destinations in the Northeast to visit in July in India?
Jowai, Shillong, Cherrapunji, Ziro and Tezpur are some of the destinations in the Northeast that can be explored in July.
Which are the best honeymoon destinations to visit in July in India?
Meghalaya and Kerala are two of the best honeymoon destinations to visit in July in India.
Which are the best places for a solo trip in July in India?
Destinations including Lonavala, Karjat and Malshej Ghat in Maharashtra, Tirthan Valley in Himachal Pradesh, Munsiyari in Uttarakhand and Goa are perfect for solo trips.
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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