Monsoon – It’s that time of the year when the weather Gods decide to take the responsibility of adjusting the hues, the lighting and the white balance for you. The raindrops add beauty to the surroundings and just make everything more contrasty and colourful. One can easily be mistaken into thinking that the only reason why this season exists is so that we can bring out our cameras and capture nature’s beauty in it’s most amazing form.
For someone who has just fallen in love with his/her camera and cannot wait to capture the beauty of the rainy season, here are a few places that are the perfect getaway during the monsoon season.
1. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu.
Situated in the hills of the Dindigul district in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal in Tamil means “The gift of the forest.” A popular tourist destination, this city is often referred to as the Princess of the hill stations. The monsoon brings life to this picturesque city. And the fresh and delightful aroma of the rain-drenched mud and the trees are sure to freshen you up.
2. Deoria Tal, Uttarakhand.
Located at an altitude of 2438 meters, this lake is a 3 km uphill trek from the villages of Mastura and Sari. The lush green surroundings, snow-covered mountains make it a sight to behold.
3. Munnar, Kerala.
A hill station located in the Idukki district of Kerala, Munnar is situated 1,600 meters above sea level. Home to various tea plantations, this hill station is home to one of the most famous tea plantations in India, Kannan Devan. The monsoon adds colour and contrast to this beautiful town and turns its hills into a landscape masterpiece.
4. Bishnupur, West Bengal.
Famous for its terracotta temples, Bishnupuriya Raslilla and Balucheri sarees, this town situated in the Bankura district in the state of West Bengal is one of the most colourful cities you will ever visit. The monsoon adds a different flavour to this place and one really needs to travel here to truly experience its beauty.
5. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh.
A favourite town for the World Heritage Site for a number of years, Ziro is a census town located in the Lower Subansiri district in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is surrounded by rich rice fields and mountains that boast pine trees in large numbers. The onset of the monsoon adds further colour and vibrancy to this already beautiful town.
6. Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra.
A mountain pass on the Western Ghats range, Malshej Ghat is famous for the different kinds of flora and fauna especially the quails, cuckoos and flamingos. During the monsoon, the curvy roads and the beautiful mountains will leave you so mesmerised and that you’ll wish that you could stay here forever.
7. Udaipur, Rajasthan.
Although the monsoon makes this city a little humid, the drop in temperature as compared to the summer is what makes this an ideal getaway destination. With every photo becoming a masterpiece, it is advisable to carry a few extra memory cards so that you don’t miss out on a single frame.
8. Devprayag, Uttarakhand.
This town will definitely satisfy your craving for landscape photography. Here you can capture the majestic sight of Alaknanda and Bhagirathi meeting together to become a part of the Ganges. The large number of Hindu devotees that visit this picturesque town also make it must-visit for every photographer.
9. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh.
Established by Rudra Pratap Singh somewhere around 1501, Orchha lies on the Betwa river which is around 15kms from Jhansi. Home to a wildlife sanctuary, the Betwa river that flows through the city is filled to the brim during the monsoon season. The ancient forts also add a bit of mystery and grandeur to the beauty of this town.
10. Majuli, Assam.
A large river island located on the Brahmaputra river in Assam, Majuli has a total area of 1,250 square kilometres. The sunset adds beauty and colour to this town and during the rainy season, this majestic island gets covered in a beautiful green cloak.
11. Kakkabe, Karnataka.
Everyone who loves to trek and hike will fall in love with this town in a matter on seconds. Although it is close to Coorg, but is still untouched by the touristy affair. The fresh, clean and crisp mountain air of this hill station is best enjoyed during the monsoon.
12. Shoja, Himachal Pradesh.
A small settlement on the Himalayas, Shoja is situated 8,500 ft above sea level. These hills offer photographers the chance to capture this town’s natural beauty, along with this, the jungle, and the trek is just an added incentive to visit this beautiful town.
One of the best places to visit during the monsoons is Munnar. This beautiful city is not only famous for its magnificent beauty but also for its tea plantations, making this a photographer’s dream. If you also want to take part in this experience, then simply send your photograph capturing the essence of monsoons and “Your Love For Chai” to www.thephotographyescapade.com. If your photograph is truly amazing, then you might just win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Munnar for 4 days and 3 nights at absolutely no cost!