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After the scorching heat and humid weather of summer, as soon as dark clouds appear in the sky and the first showers of monsoon fall on the earth, a different aspect of nature emerges. This rainy season is no less than a boon for those who are fond of long drives and road trips. With the arrival of monsoon, many roads in India become so magical and beautiful that driving there becomes a unique and memorable experience in itself. While traveling on these routes, the views are so captivating that your attention shifts from the destination to the route itself. Let us know about those 5 selected monsoon routes of the country, where you should definitely drive once in your life.
1. Mumbai to Goa Highway (NH66): A magical journey through the Western Ghats
When it comes to the best road trips in India, the Mumbai-Goa Highway is the first name that comes to mind. During monsoon days, this road of Western Ghats starts looking like some other world.
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What is special: While driving on this route, you will get to see winding roads, dense forests and dozens of seasonal waterfalls falling from the mountains. The views of Chiplun, Sawantwadi and Amboli Ghats on the way and the mist prevailing there will win your heart. The cool breeze here and the velvety greenery spread all around makes this journey very romantic.
2. Shillong to Cherrapunji (Meghalaya): Road through clouds and valleys
Meghalaya, located in the north-eastern part of the country (Northeast India), is called the home of clouds. The view here during the monsoon season is unique and unmatched in the whole world.
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What is special: The distance between Shillong and Cherrapunji is only 54 kilometers, but in this short journey you will get to see the most ferocious and beautiful form of nature. While driving on this route, your car literally passes through clouds and dense fog. The huge waterfalls like Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters and the deep mist covered valleys found on the way make this journey a lifetime experience.
3. Munnar to Thekkady (Kerala): The sweet aroma of tea gardens
If you love driving in the serene and lush green valleys of South India, then the Munnar-Thekkady route of Kerala is the perfect choice for you.
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What is special: This approximately 90 kilometer long route is completely surrounded by rolling hills, dense forests and terraced tea gardens. During the monsoon rains, when the tea leaves are washed and completely cleaned, the entire valley turns bright green. The air is filled with the faint fragrance of cardamom and tea, and if you are lucky, you may even spot elephants or other wildlife on this route.
4. Coorg to Agumbe (Karnataka): Rainforest and thrilling hairpin bends
The Agumbe region of Karnataka is known for its extremely heavy rainfall and is also called the ‘Cherrapunji of the South’. The drive from Coorg to Agumbe is full of adventure and thrill.
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What is special: This route takes you through the extremely dense rainforests of South India. The biggest feature of this route is its 18 dangerous and exciting ‘hairpin bends’ (curved turns with U-turns). As challenging as it is to drive on these turns during monsoon, the views from the nearby tree-top view-points are even more breathtaking and relaxing.
5. Udaipur to Mount Abu (Rajasthan): A lush desert makeover
Usually, when people hear the name of Rajasthan, dry mountains and sand dunes come to their mind, but during monsoon days, this part of Rajasthan will completely surprise you.
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What is special: The National Highway leading from Udaipur to Mount Abu is known for its excellent road quality. During the rainy season, the dry hills of Aravali become completely green. The rivers, streams and lakes lying on the way get filled to the brim, due to which the weather of the desert becomes very pleasant and cool. If you want to enjoy a smooth monsoon drive without any potholes or bad roads, then this route is the best.
Important safety tips for driving in monsoon: Take special care while driving in the mountains during the rainy season. Before starting the journey, check the grip of the wipers, brakes and tires of the car. In hilly areas, visibility is often reduced due to landslides and heavy fog, so limit speed and use fog lights.
