- HOMEGROWN WORLD
- #HGCREATORS
- #HGEXPLORE
- #HGVOICES
- #HGSHOP
- CAREERS
- ABOUT US
- CONTACT US
For many, July is often the season to cuddle, stay in with some piping hot beverage and romanticise the idea of rains. For others, it’s an inconvenience that renders them helpless, captive within the four walls of urbanisation. But for the adventurous lot, it’s the perfect weather to make the most of a particularly rainy day by venturing out into the unknown world of cascading waterfalls, roadside bhajiyas, and meandering mountain passes.
Whether it’s the comfort of your car or the adrenaline-induced thrill of speeding your two-wheeler on the highway, monsoon road trips possess a unique charm that appeals to everyone. Especially in a diverse land like India, monsoon road trips have something different to offer depending on which part of the country you’re in. Up north, it’s slightly colder and riskier but all the more exciting. Down south, it’s all about sitting back and assimilating the beauty of verdant valleys and waterfalls. The coast, on the other hand, has a totally different thing going on.
But for someone who isn’t used to driving when it’s raining cats and dogs, travelling in this season can be a tricky situation. The allure of the rains comes with its own set of problems. Visibility of the road can drop awfully low at times and traffic tends to slow down a little too much. Navigating water puddles and the looming fear of unexpected landslides, or even the possibility of your vehicle skidding on a wet road. These are everyday fears that require immense tactic and expertise. However, don’t let that stop you. If you don’t feel confident enough to drive, there’s always the option of hiring a local taxi as the taxi drivers are likely to have experience in navigating monsoon terrain with ease.
So pack your bags (with a few extra towels, of course) and hit the road this July. And use our Homegrown guide to make sure you make the most of your seasonal road trip.
I. Chennai to Pondicherry via East Coast Road
Duration: 3 hrs
With beaming waters on one side, a long path ahead of you, and some vacation music to give you company—this road trip is ideal if you want to get away for just a little bit. Pondicherry is the perfect place to escape to when you’re getting a little sick of Chennai’s relentless humidity. And what’s better than a quick road trip along the Bay of Bengal? Covering a distance of 150 kilometres along the South-eastern coast of India, the East Coast Road is the quicker (and definitely more exciting) route to reach Pondicherry–previously a French colony–in approximately three hours.
Curious Eye
Half an hour from the capital city of Pondicherry is Auroville—a spiritual town that attracts visitors from all across the globe. You can visit, volunteer, or stay here.
Where To Stop
Almost halfway between the two is the coastal city of Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu. One of the most important seaports in ancient India, you can stop here to refresh before hitting the road again. Don’t forget to visit the Shore temple (in case you’re planning to sightsee a bit).
HG Tip
Start early morning so that you don’t get too hot in case you’re planning to take your bike. Also, carry enough water as there aren’t that many shops along the way.
II. Chennai to Yelagiri
Duration: 5 hrs
The road from Chennai to Yelagiri is as smooth as butter and the traffic is really fast, so don’t worry about having to put too much stress on your vehicle. This road trip has a bit of colonial legacy, but not the kind you’d think. Yelagiri has little historical value but it was one of the most famous weekend getaway destinations for the British officers living in Chennai. Today it stands quietly as a cluster of villages sprawled across the Yelagiri hills. Take the National Highway 48 and span a distance of 230 km in under five hours.
Curious Eye
The road leading to the Yelagiri hills has 14 panoramic hairpin bends, each named after a Tamil poet!
Where To Stop
As you reach closer to Yelagiri, stop at a restaurant called Sai Sangeet, on the left of the highway just after Vaniyambadi toll, for an authentic south Indian meal. You can also stop at Vellore, which is located at a distance of 130 km from Chennai. You could also spend the night here, visit the local charms like Sripuram Golden Temple, and then begin the next day.
HG Tip
The Yelagiri hills do not have any petrol pumps, so if that’s where you’re camping for the night make sure to refill your fuel tank before driving up the hill.
III. Bangalore to Bandipur Forest
Duration: 4.5 hrs
Roads leading up to national parks are never short of gorgeous. Adorned with lush green trees and the absence of unnecessary speed breakers (yes, you read it right), this is a gorgeous route for a typical monsoon drive to the forest. The Bandipur National park is home to one of the largest elephant and tiger populations in the country. Located 230 km from the bustling metropolis of Bangalore, the route via Mysore will take you approximately 4.5 hours (depending on where you stay in Bangalore, of course!). Once you’ve reached the Bandipur Forest entry point, keep your windows rolled up for safety reasons.
Curious Eye
About 70 km from Bangalore is a little village called Channapatna known for its wooden handicraft, so don’t forget to stop by and pick up some souvenirs for friends back home.
Where To Stop
Stop at Kamat Lokaruchi, 1.5 hours away from Bangalore, and try their unlimited Jowar Roti meal that goes perfectly with brinjal curry.
HG Tip
The Bandipur Forest Road is closed from 6 pm to 6 am so it’s advisable to either leave early morning and make it in time. Or spend the night at either Mandya or Mysore, before reaching Bandipur the next day.
IV. Vishakhapatnam to Araku Valley
Duration: 4 hrs
Long, winding roads that lead to the Araku valley known for its rich culture and traditions, this road trip is best experienced during the rains. With lofty mountains on either side and pregnant clouds looming just overhead, Araku valley is known for its verdant ravines and bauxite mines. It is located 114 km from Visakhapatnam, at a distance of under four hours. Don’t let the monsoon stop you from taking a dip in Araku’s magnificent waterfalls or strolling through the coffee plantations in the area.
Curious Eye
Along the Borra caves is a mysteriously tunnelled railway track spanning 200 metres. Only one passenger train passes on this track everyday—a direct train from Visakhapatnam to Borra Caves.
Where To Stop
My Restaurant, located on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam, is a great choice for a quick breakfast on the highway itself.
HG Tip
Araku’s coffee is quite famous amongst the coffee plantation experts in the country. So if you’re there, make sure to stock up on some local coffee! It’s also very affordable.
V. Kolkata to Digha
Duration: 5 hrs
The road to Digha, a beach town in West Bengal, is not for the lone wolf. It’s full of enticing dhabas at regular intervals and a steady road that passes through little villages along the way—plenty of opportunities to interact with locals. The nearest coastal town (after Mandarmani which is just 3 km away), Digha is picture perfect in its own way with commanding canopies and bird noises to give you company. Just 184 km away, it’s a 5-hour-drive from Kolkata.
Curious Eye
Look out for Digha’s entry gate which is big, blue, and shaped like the face of a shark. It is quite a spectacle!
Where To Stop
Halt for a hearty meal at Sher-e-Punjab—a restaurant-cum-dhaba—near Kolaghat, on your way to Digha. It’ll be on your right side when travelling towards Kharagpur from Kolkata, on the National Highway 6.
HG Tip
As it’s a quite popular tourist destination, we recommend you make a few calls beforehand and make yourself a reservation at one of the cosy hotels there.
VI. Guwahati to Cherrapunji via Shillong
Duration: 4.5 hrs
With a curtain of mist ahead of you and the rain fogging up the windows of your car, the road from Guwahati to Cherrapunji is known for its meandering and steep pathways. This one is not for the fainthearted, and definitely not during the monsoon season because Cherrapunji holds the record for receiving the highest rainfall in a calendar month. A 150 km drive that takes almost four and a half hours to reach, a little more depending on how much it’s raining, if you go via the National Highway 6. Keep in mind that the road from Shillong to Cherrapunji is full of sharp turns on an unusually narrow path.
Curious Eye
Once you reach Duwan Sing Syiem Bridge, on your way to Cherrapunji from Shillong, halt for a bit to view the beautiful Mawkdok Dympep valley that is covered with a thick layer of greenery and seems to stretch till eternity.
Where To Stop
This roadtrip is an opportunity to explore some of the tiniest, cutest and cleanest villages in India. We recommend stopping at Mawlynnong which has plenty of homestays and guest houses, where you can bond with the locals over a cup of tea and some snacks in their machan.
HG Tip
While driving up the Khasi Hills in Upper Shillong, roll down your car windows and feel the clouds caress your hair. Also, the weather can be quite unpredictable in this region so be prepared for anything and everything.
VII. Kinnaur to Spiti Valley
Duration: 4 hrs
Opaque mountains engulfed by grey clouds paralleling the greener pastures below—the route from Kinnaur to Spiti Valley, however cliche, is nothing short of a cultural experience. It takes almost 4 hours to reach via NH505. Spiti, being a rain shadow area, is usually dry even during monsoons but carry your rain gear anyway as you’ll need it when you begin your journey from Kinnaur.
Curious Eye
Look out for newly ripened apples of the season. They’re fresh, juicy, and an absolute delight to bite into!
Where To Stop
The road from Kinnaur to Spiti is full of small hamlets with very little population. So stop wherever you see a gathering of people and refresh yourself for the route ahead.
HG Tip
The road to Spiti Valley is an unpredictably, adventurous. So if you’re not a very experienced driver we’d recommend you take a taxi. However, if you must drive, make sure your car has good ground clearance.
VIII. Pune to Tarkarli
Duration: 9 hrs
Driving along the Konkan coast during the monsoon season is an experience laden with abundant seafood, cool winds, and coconut trees. In this case, the nine hour journey leads up to something even better—a white sand beach with clear waters. A very popular tourist attraction, Tarkarli is a small village in Western Maharashtra. From one coastal town to another, blessed by southwest monsoon showers, this road trip is for those who absolutely can’t get enough of the sea.
Curious Eye
If you’re going to spend the night, do so by falling asleep on a gorgeous houseboat on the Tarkarli backwaters. These houseboats are maintained by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation.
Where To Stop
Stop by the Mand Punjabi Dhaba on the outskirts of Chiplun for a delectable lunch of Butter Chicken, Dal Makhini and Roti—all steaming hot to fit the weather outside.
HG Tip
Tarkarli is also known for its water sports so if that’s something you wish to explore, we’d recommend visiting the place after the monsoon season has passed.
IX. Mumbai to Malshej Ghat
Duration: 4 hrs
A picturesque four-hour drive that stands out particularly in the rains, the road to Malshej Ghat from Mumbai is known for its green valleys, dense fog, rugged slopes, and seasonal lakes. Famous for the Malshej falls, If you’re making it a one-day trip, do carry some extra pair of clothes because the route is lined with innumerable waterfalls—each an invitation to soak yourself and dance to nature’s rhythm.
Curious Eye
Look out for migratory flamingos heading your way to welcome you once you reach. They often visit Malshej during the monsoons.
Where To Stop
The route to Malshej is dotted with waterfalls and each waterfall is complemented by at least one roadside dhaba where you can stop for a scalding cup of tea and Maggi.
HG Tip
If you plan on spending the night, make sure you call and book a room in advance since Malshej has limited resorts and guest houses.
[Note To The Reader: While driving in the monsoon season can be adventurous, it comes with it’s own share of risks. Please check weather and news reports for storm predictions and cases of landslides before you go. We also encourage you to be responsible travellers to ensure that these beautiful places thrive in all their naturalness.]
Feature Image Courtesy: travoxpress.com
If you enjoyed reading this article, we suggest you read:
