Monsoon Travel: What You Need to Know

‘Let it rain. Let it pour. But don’t forget to explore.’

If you, like me, are fed up of this scorching heat and if the thought of the skies opening up and showering down on us brings a smile to your face, a monsoon getaway might be perfect for you.  Be it the misty mountains, the lush, tropical beaches or even the banal city, there’s nothing like a little rain to bring things to life. But before you travel in the monsoons, here are some things you should keep in mind:  

First, Ask Yourself If You Really Like the Rains

First things first; ask yourself if you really love the rains. It’s great to enjoy the rains while sipping on a hot chai at home, but travelling in the rains is an entirely different ball game. If you’re the type of person who struggles to crack a smile at the sight of rainfall, or wants to run back to the hotel whenever two drops of water land on your head, maybe you should rethink travelling in the monsoon.

Always Put Safety First

Heading to the hills? It can be a treacherous affair in the rains, with slippery roads and the possibility of landslides. Don’t try to Michael Schumacher your way to your destination. Take your time, and plenty of breaks in between. The last thing you want to do is end up going off the deep end!

If you’re planning to hit the beach, remember that swimming in the sea might be dangerous during the monsoons in some areas.  Certain beaches might be off-limits during the rainy season, so make sure to do your research before planning your trip. But this shouldn’t be any reason enough to stay away! Monsoons are when the tropics flourish. Everything is green and clean and a million shades of emerald. Certainly a feast for the eyes!

Avoid The Road Less Travelled

For those who love road trips, there’s no better feeling that driving with your windows down, the breeze hitting your face and the delightful sight of dark clouds through your windscreen. But there’s also no worse feeling than being caught in such a torrential downpour that it forces you to land in a muddy ditch on the side of the road. The joys of the rain are unfortunately also accompanied by the hazards. So, always pull over when the going gets rough.

Wherever you decide to go, make sure that you stick to major highways and roads. In case you need assistance along the way, the chances of getting it will be much higher on a frequented route than on a desolate one.

Be Prepared for Occasional Delays

Flying during monsoons is not advisable for those who have queasy stomachs. As lovely as it is to look out of a tiny plane window and see a bright ray of lightning carving its way through dark clouds, turbulence is something that can get the better of any but the most experienced flyer. If the weather is exceptionally unfavourable, flights might even be cancelled. So, be prepared for a few delays. Carry a good book and your sense of humour!

Pack Smart

If you’re going to be out and about in the rains, it is of vital importance that you pack smart. It’s not enough to just carry an umbrella, for instance, if you plan on romping through the forests in the rain, or take a hilly trek. Carry a raincoat or a waterproof jacket with a hoodie and clothes that are easy to dry (think polyester). It might also be a good idea to carry a mosquito repellent, and a few packets of silica gel for your delicate electronics, to avoid getting moisture into them. Be sure to carry rain-appropriate footwear, and carry all your belongings in a waterproof bag (or wrapped in plastic sheets).

If you keep these few things in mind, travelling in the monsoon can be an immensely rewarding experience—and will make you see your destination in an entirely different light. So what are you waiting for? Check out these top destinations that bloom in the monsoon.