Goa Can Wait. This monsoon, Explore India’s Best-Kept Travel Secrets

By Raajwrita Dutta 17 June 2025

As the first rains fall, India awakens in emerald hues and misty mornings. Beyond the crowds lie secret places, and this season is the time for travellers to uncover their hidden stories.

Image credits: Unsplash

1. Chopta, Uttarakhand Located in the Himalayas, Chopta feels like a hidden postcard. Known as ‘Mini Switzerland,’ it wears the monsoon mist like a gentle cloak.

Image credits: WanderOn

Serene paths come alive with blooming rhododendrons, inviting trekkers to lose themselves in peaceful beauty far from the crowds.

Image credits:  Nature Canvas Travel

2. Majuli Island, Assam Drifting east, the mighty Brahmaputra cradles Majuli, the world’s largest river island. Here, culture and nature blend in peaceful harmony.

Image credits  Wikivoyage

As monsoon floods nourish the wetlands, rare birds arrive, turning Majuli into a soothing paradise for birdwatchers and solitude seekers.

Image credits: oddessemania.in

3. Gokarna, Karnataka Down south, the rains breathe new life into Gokarna’s secluded beaches, far from Goa’s hustle, with untouched sands and spiritual calm.

Image credits: Incredible India

Waterfalls roar to life, and forest trails beckon, making it the ideal spot for mindful walks and calm moments with nature.

Image credits: Tripadvisor

4. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh Further north, Tirthan Valley hides away in cool monsoon air. With trout-filled rivers and cascading falls, it is a haven for peaceful escapes.

Image credits: The Hosteller

The rain swells its pristine waters, creating mesmerising views that soothe the soul and refresh the spirit far from city noise.

Image credit : MakeMy Trip

5. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh Finally, the rains paint Ziro Valley in bright green. Famous for tribal traditions and endless rice fields, it is a festival of nature and culture.

Image credits: WonderingDestination

Monsoon clouds cradle music festivals and ancient rituals, inviting travellers to dive deep into timeless stories and blooming landscapes.

Image Credit: Holidify