5 Reasons Why There's No Place Like the North-East in the Monsoon

If you were born, or you grew up in North-East India, you will find it very hard to be anywhere else during the monsoon. Let me tell you why. The perfect rhythm of the rainfall, and the newness you experience when you see the rain-washed forest and manicured tea-estates, is surreal. The rolling terrain of the North-East region is verdant any time of the year, but especially so in the rainy season. You’ll enjoy the variations – from the monsoon scenery on steep slopes of the Darjeeling area, to the rounded hills of Meghalaya on the way to Shillong. Visit Cherapunji and Mawsynram, which currently holds the world record for the most annual rainfall. Here I give you 5 cogent reasons on why you should plan this trip, read on!

1. Enjoy All Fifty Shades of Green

The North-East is blessed with lush vegetation year-round but it is during the monsoons that they are at their greenest, in myriad shades unseen in the northern Himalayas. A veritable feast for the eyes, as the variety of changing panoramas and scenes is akin to a main course meal – green rice paddies merging into hilly outcrops, rolling hills, many with tea-gardens, and, in North Bengal and Sikkim, alpine greenery and steep mountains. Whether arriving by air, rail or overland, nature is always at its exhilarating best here.

2. Marvel at the Spectacular Live Root Bridges, Caves and More

The chances of getting leave from work during summer and winter vacation are always bleak; being peak season, so why not choose this time. If Shillong has been on your list since quite a long time, this is the perfect time to visit. In recent times, Mawsynram has overtaken Cherapunji, and is renowned for its wonderful caves and spectacular live root bridges! Truly a unique experience.

3. Relax in the Cool and Wet Weather

The weather in the North-East may be a bit wet, but such is the case anywhere else in India. What’s important is that it’s not sweltering or muggy. In general, the weather is almost like the perfect air-conditioner!

4. Getaway from the Madness of Everyday Life

Whether you’re looking for some alone time, a spa vacation or a romantic rendezvous, you’ll get all the privacy you want, and more, at the major destinations in the Northeast. If you are looking for action, even that is available in the markets, bazaars and downtown places of Darjeeling, Gangtok and Shillong. Enjoy the ornate bridge over picturesque Ward’s Lake, take in the eerie silence at the All Saint’s Cathedral and understand more on butterfly species at the Wankhar Entomology Museum.

5. Enjoy Off Season Prices, Discounts and Upgrades

There are great all-round discounts and upgrades to be enjoyed this time of year, along with the ever assured hospitality of the North East. Foodies can choose from a wide variety of goodies at low prices. Enjoy your fill of stir-fries, spicy pork, momos and beer at unbeatable prices!

So take a break from the slush, grind and swelter, and visit MakeMyTrip.com for a menu of North-East packages that will help you make bigger savings on off season rates.