With the monsoon, nature seems to wake up all over again. The green stretching in every direction, hills draped in a blanket of cloud, the steady music of waterfalls and the cool breeze brushing past you — these are the things that set the rainy season apart from every other. If you want to spend a few days surrounded by exactly these sights, there is hardly a better address than Northeast India. The natural beauty here, the calm atmosphere and a culture quite unlike anywhere else make a trip stay with you for a very long time. Here are five places where you can see the monsoon at its truest.
Shillong — the Scotland of the East
The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong, is not called the 'Scotland of the East' for nothing. During the rains, its green hills and waterfalls seem to come alive. The cascades of Elephant Falls, the wide stretch of Umiam Lake and the views around Cherrapunji simply hold your gaze. Amid the light showers the weather turns cool and romantic, which is exactly why this place becomes a favourite for both couples and nature lovers.
Cherrapunji — a paradise among the clouds
Counted among the wettest places on earth, Meghalaya's Cherrapunji looks nothing short of paradise in the monsoon. The 'living root bridges' formed naturally from the roots of trees, the Nohkalikai Falls and the many caves here keep drawing tourists back again and again. The rain that refuses to stop and the hills wrapped in cloud make the whole experience truly special.
Gangtok — a city of cloud-covered valleys
Sikkim's capital, Gangtok, looks even lovelier in the rains. Valleys sunk in cloud, colourful monasteries and a deep calm all around are the marks of this city. Here you can take in the buzz of MG Road, the quiet of Rumtek Monastery and the beauty of Tsomgo Lake. A glimpse of the Himalayas amid a gentle drizzle makes the journey unforgettable.
Ziro Valley — the Apatani land draped in green
As soon as the monsoon sets in, Arunachal Pradesh's Ziro Valley is completely covered in a sheet of green. The swaying paddy fields, the hills standing all around and the local Apatani culture together offer a truly unique experience. For those who want to stay away from the crowds and spend time amid peace and nature, this place is ideal.
Kaziranga — the home of the one-horned rhino
Assam's Kaziranga National Park looks magnificent in the monsoon. While some parts of the park stay closed in this season, the greenery spread all around and the view of the Brahmaputra river still win you over. Famous for the one-horned rhino, this place is the biggest draw for wildlife lovers.
