Best Places To Visit In August In India

August is the month of mellow showers and lush greens in almost all parts of India. There are some places that get drenched and become soggy, while there are others that bloom like heaven itself after the two months of blessed rainfall. Hill stations like Nainital and Mount Abu, rugged mountains of Leh-Ladakh, the beautiful valley of Jammu Kashmir, wet green lands of the South like Munnar and Coorg are some of the best places to visit in India for the month of August. With carpeted mountains, crisp fresh waterfalls, nature treks, monsoon adventure activities and lots of delicious comfort food to accompany, your trip is sure to bring you unparalleled joy.

What’s more is, since this is the off-season in many places, you get to save a ton of money. Added discounts on travel, accommodation, food as well as local shopping is a win-win in August.

Ladakh

Ladakh is the land of monasteries and rugged mountains, a perfect holiday destination for bikers and adventure junkies. With renowned towns like Leh and Kargil, passes like Khardung La and Rohtang, lakes like Pangong Tso, this marvel of opal blue skies over brown hills is a dream on earth. During the month of August, this place becomes even more special as the rains have washed the landscapes and left them clean and gleaming. A cool weather with 20-30°C temperature range prevails.

Things to Do:

You can do a host of things here, like trekking in the Zanskar Valley, sightseeing around the Leh Palace, visiting the Magnetic Hill, Shanti Stupa etc. Lamayuru Monastery is another must-visit, while Mulbek Valley is ideal for camping. Don’t miss the crystal clear waters of Pangong Lake and Tsomoriri Lake. Nubra Valley is another great spot for trekking as well as sightseeing, with the Hunder sand dunes as the best attraction.

How to Reach:

Flying in to the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the best way if you want to reach Ladakh quickly and without any hassle. Jammu is the nearest station, 700 km away. But most adventure junkies prefer to either drive up to Leh from a stop-over destination in Kashmir valley or take their bikes through the many passes and dirt roads. This is a very scenic and rewarding experience.

Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu And Kashmir are two parts of the northernmost state of India, rich with Himalayan mountains, lakes, rivers and an aura that looks like heaven on earth. During the month of August, the state sees a moderate temperature range of 15-36°C with mild rains and lots of sunshine. Rainbows are also visible sometimes, making this time ideal for a summer-monsoon getaway.

Things to Do:

Jammu Kashmir has many sights for soar eyes. Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Srinagar, Sonmarg and Betaab Valley become some of the most coveted destinations for sightseeing and relaxation while in Kashmir Valley. In Jammu, the Jammu City is an ancient stronghold of Dogra dynasty and most of the tourist places have historic significance. The famed Vaishno Devi Temple can also be a two day sojourn while in Jammu. Akhnoor is also a famous city and must-visit.

How to Reach:

Sheikh ul-Alam Airport in Srinagar is your landing spot when coming in to Kashmir Valley, while the Jammu Airport is for Jammu region. You can hire cars for internal transport or take the local buses. This is the best method to get to J&K. Srinagar is not well connected by railway, so Jammu Tawi Station in Jammu is your last stop, from where you can take road transport to Kashmir.

Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh is one of the northern states of India, nestled in the lap of Himalayas. Filled with gurgling rivers, tall ice-capped mountains and rolling meadows, Himachal is an ideal hill station getaway, especially in August, when rains have made land fertile and green. The temperatures are not too high or too low, but just the perfect, pleasant range, 25°C being the average. Showers are occasional. 

Things to Do: 

Being nestled in the hills, Himachal mostly has deciduous tree covers and evergreen forests. Some hill stations become ideal for a leisurely holiday, like Shimla, Kufri, Kasauli, Kullu, Manali, Mcleod Ganj etc. While trekkers and adventure junkies find Kinnaur - ‘land of fairytales,’ Beas Kund and Indrahar Pass as major attractions. Spiti Valley is the current hot favourite with many solo travellers and peace-seekers travelling to this rugged, marvellous beauty of a place.

How to Reach:

Himachal is 343 km from Delhi and well connected via roadways if you want to take a road trip. You can also travel by road from Dehradun (240 km) and Chandigarh (117 km). This is one of the best, most enjoyable ways to reach Himachal Pradesh. Kalka is the nearest Railway Station to Himachal and there are regular narrow gauge lines from Ambala to here. If you want to fly in, Kullu Airport is only 23 km away.

Nainital

Nainital is a beautiful city built around Lake Naini, peppered with more lakes around it. In the month of August, this picturesque town of Uttarakhand blooms and becomes green around the many water bodies it contains in its lap. The air is cool with average temperature of 25°C, rain minimal, skies downcast but filled with sunshine. 

Things to Do: 

Take a tour of the many lakes, including boating in Lake Naini; eat some sumptuous fried food at Chandi Chowk to commemorate the rains, enjoy the view of the Himalayas from Snow Point. You can also visit the Eco Cave Garden that comes alive with flora and fauna in this season, or do a 7 day course in bouldering, rock climbing and river crossing. The sunset from Hanuman Garhi is another coveted thing to do, especially in the grey-orange dusks of August.

How to Reach:

The best way to reach Nainital is by air. Pantnagar Airport is 65 km away from Nainital. Spicejet, Indigo, GoAir, Jet and Air India operate regular flights. Kathgodham Railway Station becomes your stop when travelling by train to Nainital. It is 34 km away from this lake town. Many trains from Kolkata, Delhi, Dehradun and Mathura-Agra stop here. You can also drive up to Nainital from Delhi or Dehradun.

Munnar

Munnar is a delightful scenic hill station in Kerala, one that promises a pleasant time with occasional showers and lots of greenery during the month of August. Munnar is a great place for couples, especially honeymoon couples. Since this is the off-season, some ground breaking discounts are to be expected everywhere. This place is also very cold during the monsoons, with a chilly range of 2-13°C. So do carry a lot of warm clothes, as well as wind-cheaters and umbrellas.

Things to Do:

The tea estates of Munnar are renowned and you must visit Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, which also happens to be one of the highest tea plantations in all of the world. You can book a night’s stay in the tree house at Dream Catcher Plantation Resort or go trekking to Echo point. For nature lovers, visits to Eravikulam National Park, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary become inevitable. You get to see elephants, leopards and deer among other exotic animals. There are also some great waterfalls - Attukal, Lakkam, Chinnakanal, and Thoovanam that double up as relaxation spots. Also, do avail the Ayurvedic massage treatments here as they are most effective during monsoons. 

How to Reach:

Cochi International Airport is 110 km away from Munnar and becomes your landing destination if flying in. Jet, Go Air and Air India operate regular flights to Cochi from most major cities of India. You can hire a cab from the airport to Munnar. The state-run buses can be hired for road transport to Munnar, or a private taxi from various cities of Kerala, the nearest being Ernakulam (135 km away). Aluva is the nearest railway station to Munnar, 110 km away, while Madurai Station is 35 km away.

Ooty

For tea lovers, Ooty is like swimming in the beverage of your dreams. It’s a hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu, abound with tea estates. In August, the rains are very scarce here but the previous months’ downpour has left the tea plantations blooming and air scented with tea. This should be the single most compelling reason to make Ooty your August holiday destination. The weather is also very agreeable, with dissolved sunlight of 4 hours a day and 13-20°C temperature range.

Things to Do:

While in Ooty, take a ride in the Nilgiri Toy Train, go boating in Pykara Lake and visit the Government Botanical Garden. With cool temperatures and a nip in the air, keep woollens handy. The Glen Morgan Tea Estate is another plantation worth exploring, especially for its thick moist air that is heavy with the fragrance of fresh tea. You can also explore the Toda Hamlet for its Toda Temple and enjoy the view from Doddabetta Peak.

How to Reach:

Coimbatore is the nearest airport to Ooty, situated 88 km away, well connected with major Indian cities. Jet, Air India and Go Air are some of the regular airlines here. If planning a road trip, you can drive up here from Bangalore; with a choice of two routes - via Mysore or via Chamarajanagar. Tamil Nadu state run buses are an option or you can hire a cab. If coming in by train, the nearest railway station is Mettupalyam (40 km away).

Coorg

Coorg, also known as Kodagu is renowned as ‘Scotland of India.’ It is a holiday destination in the state of Karnataka. With its cold misty air and almost unpredictable showers, highlands and lush landscapes, mud and streams, Coorg becomes a green wonderland during August. It is also known for its coffee plantations, orange orchards, cardamom, pepper plantations as well as dense forests. 

Things to Do:

Pick coffee berries at the many coffee plantations in Coorg, or visit the Abbey and Iruppu Falls to enjoy a leisurely picnic. Nature and Animal lovers will enjoy Nagarhole National Park And Dubare Elephant Camp. Raja’s seat is also a great point for its view of the mountains and glens. Rainfall adds to the charm of all these destinations and makes your trip memorable.

How to Reach: 

Mangalore is the nearest domestic airport, situated 160 km away. You can take a taxi or use the state transport from Mangalore Airport to Coorg. The Mysore Railway Station also happens to be the nearest rail destination to Coorg (95 km away). If choosing the road, there are several buses running from Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore to Coorg. You can also hire a car or choose to drive up yourself for the added charm of a leisurely, long drive.

Mount Abu

If we said Rajasthan has a hill station, would you believe?

This desert state of India, known for its sands and mirages, Maharajas and forts, also cocoons in its lap the beautiful hill station of Mount Abu. It was used as the summer capital of kings in olden days and now is a holiday destination with its quiet hill that is ensconced by lush forests. Mount Abu also holds great religious significance, especially for Jains.

Things to Do: 

You can go trekking through Aravali Hills, take a boat ride in the Nakki Lake, and also visit Dhrudhiya waterfalls. During the month of August, the hill receives little rain and blooms, the weather is cool and moist, very unlike for Rajasthan. You must visit the sunset point near Nakki Lake to witness some great sights of the sky and Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary for indigenous fauna and flora. The famous Dilwara Jain Temple can also be a stop to admire this marvel of peace and tranquility.

How to Reach:

Udaipur is the nearest airport to Mount Abu, at a distance of 185 km. You can also land at Ahmedabad (221 km) as it has better frequency and connectivity of flights. The nearest railway station to Mount Abu is Abu Road, only 28 km away. Daily trains from Mumbai, Jaipur, New Delhi and Ahmedabad stop here. You can either book taxis or hire one directly from the airport or station to Mount Abu. The rates will be reasonable, heavily discounted even, for this off-season month.

Udaipur

Udaipur, better known as the City of Lakes, is a renowned tourist destination of Rajasthan. Known for its palaces and lakes, this beautiful city is constructed on Lake Pichola, far away from Thar Desert. The seat of Mewadi Rule, Udaipur is still stewarded by the 1000 year old Mewadi dynasty, currently held by Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar. In this tradition, the Maharanas are not kings but custodians of the kingdom on behalf of Eklingji (a local deity). With such folklore and unbroken history, sights of tall palaces and idyllic lakes, Udaipur is one coveted August destination. The average temperature is 29°C.

Things to Do:

When in Udaipur, you must visit the Lake Palace and City Palace, take a trip to The Leela and attend the Light and Sound show at Kumbhalgarh Fort. During August, the Monsoon Palace, better known as Sajjan Garh Palace is also a sight worth exploring. It is a hilltop palatial residence with a panoramic view of the city’s landscape, to enjoy the view of rains drenching palaces and lakes in the distance. Hog street foods like Cholle-Bhature, Kashmiri Pulav, Pav bhaji, Indian style pastas and chow-mien at Sukhadia Circle.

August in Udaipur is also the time of Teej festival. Women with hennaed hands and colourful clothes visit temples to worship Gauri and Shiv with song and dance. If around Udaipur during Janmashtami, do visit the Shrinathji Temple of Lord Krishna in Nathdwara (45 km away). Here the birth night of Krishna and Nandmahotsav the next day are celebrated in opulent grandeur. And a 7-gun salute is fired by the Royal Nathdwara Guard. 

How to Reach:

Udaipur’s Maharana Pratap Airport is only 22 km away from the town centre. It is well connected to major Indian destinations like Mumbai, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Delhi. Some regular airlines here are Air India, Jet and Indigo. The city is also equipped with its own railway station, with trains coming in from Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Khajuraho, Jaipur etc. You can also drive to Udaipur from Ahmedabad (262 km), Ajmer (269 km) or Jaipur (419 km). The state run RSRTC buses can be availed too.

Pondicherry

Pondicherry is an eclectic mix of quaint French and urban Indian cultures, sitting near the southeastern tip of Tamil Nadu. With its French culture, cute cafes, ancient churches and desi Indian gullies, Pondicherry has become a great attraction amongst old and young. In the month of August, when rain gods are merciful and don’t pound the place with outpour, Pondicherry comes alive with smells of greens, fresh coffee and wet roads. Average temperature is 25-35°C.

Things to Do:

This former French colony has a great many things to offer. You can enjoy a long, leisurely hour of sunrise at the beach, take a boat ride to Paradise Beach Island, hire bicycles and tour through the small and chic lanes of Pondicherry, and stop by at the many churches too! Hallelujah Assembly of God Church, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Zion Methodist are some of the most visited churches here. Enjoy a dish of ratatouille and piping pasta in a small, idle cafe as drizzle kisses the cafe window, and that’s how you pass an August holiday weekend at Pondicherry. 

How to Reach:

Puducherry Airport in Lawspet district of Pondicherry is your best bet if flying in. For more regular and frequent flight schedules, you can also use the Chennai International Airport (135 km away). A drive to Pondicherry is also an option. You can hire a car from Chennai (150 km) or Bangalore (320 km). Frequent state as well as private buses also run from Chennai, Thanjavur, Coimbatore, Bangalore and Madurai. If train is your transport of choice, Villupuram is the nearest railway station, 35 km away from Pondicherry, connected to Mumbai, Trivandrum, Delhi, Kolkata etc.