4 Monsoon Getaways for Road Trippers
With the rains lashing down on us mercilessly, there is no time like the present to get your cars road trip-ready and head to these beautiful weekend getaways in India.
Image courtesy: beontheroad.com
Bekal, Kerala
Soak in the tranquility & the dense colours of nature in this seaside town in Kerala. Drive around its sleepy streets and enjoy this small town’s quiet charm and pristine beaches. The famous Bekal Fort, with its moss-covered walls offers a superb view of the Arabian Sea in Monsoons. Bekal is perfect for those who like to enjoy the monsoon from the comfort of a cosy armchair. My suggestion for the perfect spot for a few days in Bekal is the Taj Bekal which is uniquely located at the confluence of the backwaters and the sea.
Image courtesy: Smruti Apsingekar
Ladhak, Kashmir
For those who would like to get away from the rains, Ladhak is an ideal destination. It is a unique desert in the hills that doesn’t receive any rainfall. Be prepared to see unimaginable landscapes, Buddhist monasteries and emerald lakes. No drive in Ladakh is complete with some butter chai and Maggi at the highest passes of the country. The ambient air at Ladakh’s high altitude is very thin so you must allow for 24 hours to acclimatise yourself to the location. The best way to do is to get to Leh by road from either Manali or Srinagar so that you gradually acclimatise yourself. Stay at the century-old Nimmu House for a long weekend of glamping immersed in local culture.
Shillong, Meghalaya
Known as the “Scotland of the East”, Shillong has breathtaking scenery, beautiful people and amazing food. The local cuisine is very meat and fish-heavy. Also, given the difficult access to spices they ---- their dishes with interesting alternatives like black sesame paste for a smoky flavour. The local Khasi and Jaintia food is difficult to find in restaurants, so travelers should stay in homestays or ask the locals to share a meal with them to experience this food. For a more luxurious stay choose Ri Kynjai. Carry your umbrella and be ready to get drenched.
Image courtesy: Pooja Vir
Udaipur, Rajasthan
One of India’s most beautiful destinations, Udaipur, opens up to a different glory in the monsoons. The lakes are full, the weather is romantic and hotel rates are affordable! Udaipur even has a palace named after the monsoons – “Monsoon Palace”. Originally named Sajjan Garh Palace, it is the most perfect place for views of the city, through a blanket of thick rain clouds. My recommendation for a weekend stay and a monsoon dip in their rooftop pool is at Chunda Palace.
