Once dismissed as off-season, the monsoon is now powering a new wave of Indian tourism—blending lush landscapes, offbeat experiences, and value-driven deals. From city staycations to high-altitude treks, here’s how the season is reshaping the way India travels
Monsoon season in India—once a tourism slump marked by cancelled plans and soggy landscapes—is undergoing a transformation. Increasingly, Indian travellers are choosing this time of year for the very reasons it was once avoided: misty mountain views, emerald-green valleys, low crowds, and compelling value.
“Monsoon travel has been gaining popularity, with travellers drawn to lush landscapes and off-season value pricing,” says Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India).
According to Thomas Cook’s latest India Holiday Report, nearly 85 per cent of respondents now plan four or more trips a year—double the pre-pandemic average. And an increasing number of these are happening during the rains.
Seeking the Scenic Route: What Travellers Want
Today’s travelers aren’t chasing sunny skies—they’re looking for atmosphere. From monsoon treks and tea plantation stays to spa retreats and heritage walks, the rains have become part of the story.
“There’s a marked shift towards immersive, offbeat travel,” says Pankaj Parwanda, Co-founder of goSTOPS. “Guests are asking for treks in the mist, bonfire nights, and chai with a view. They want the romance of the rains, not just sunshine on the beach.”
Pranav Dangi, Founder & CEO of Hosteller, echoes the appeal of slow, sensory travel: “When it comes to monsoon travel, North India and Goa offer some of the most enchanting experiences. In the North, destinations like Dharamshala, Mcleodganj, Dalhousie, and Kareri become especially captivating during the rains. The mountains are alive with fresh greenery, clouds float low over the valleys, and there’s a calming stillness in the air that makes these places perfect for slow travel and quiet reflection. What makes them even more appealing is how accessible they are from Delhi — hop on a bus, and within hours, you’re surrounded by nature, fresh air, and the sounds of the forest.”
He adds, “On the other end of the spectrum, Goa in the monsoon feels like a well-kept secret. It sheds its party skin and reveals a softer, more soulful version of itself. The fields turn neon green, waterfalls are in full force, and the beaches — often near empty — let you experience the coast in its purest form. It’s perfect for travelers who want to skip the crowds and explore Goa’s charming villages, rain-kissed Portuguese architecture, and cozy cafés that seem made for monsoon days. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, or a group of friends, monsoon Goa offers a deeply local, immersive experience that’s hard to find any other time of year.”
Popular domestic destinations this season include Ladakh, Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Goa, Andaman, Kerala, Pondicherry, Coorg, Ooty, and Munnar—many offering a surreal charm in the rains. Internationally, nearby options like Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Nepal are seeing increased traction due to ease of access and visa convenience.
For business travellers, the rains don’t mean slowing down—just smarter planning, says Vaibhav Jain, Regional General Manager, Holiday Inn Express (IHG) South West Asia. “Monsoon months bring unique challenges, so safety, accessibility and dependability are top priorities. Our hotels are strategically located near airports and business hubs in cities like Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and Gurugram, enabling seamless travel even during weather disruptions.”
He adds that features like express check-ins, high-speed Wi-Fi, self-service laundromats and healthy breakfasts help professionals stay productive on the go. “The idea is to offer smart stays that let guests work efficiently and explore local experiences—without a post-workcation financial hangover.”
Avni Tripathi, CMO of Aahana Resort, says travellers now seek slow, nature-rich escapes that are safe and accessible. With improved infrastructure and curated experiences like wellness, farm-to-table dining, and folk art, destinations like Jim Corbett are witnessing longer stays and higher footfall. “The rains invite reconnection—with self, with nature, and with culture,” she notes, adding that the monsoon has become a key contributor to local hospitality revenue when paired with thoughtful design and seamless access.
The Power of Price and Personalisation
But it’s not just scenery that’s drawing in crowds—it’s value. Monsoon is still considered shoulder season by much of the travel industry, making it the ideal time for smart travel deals.
Thomas Cook’s monsoon offers include ‘Buy One Get One Free’ (BOGO) packages, while SOTC has introduced themed getaways focused on romance, wellness, and adventure. “We’re offering up to 50 per cent off on select properties, with curated inclusions like early check-ins, yoga sessions, and monsoon menus,” says Jayant Singh, Managing Partner, Treehouse Hotels & Resorts.
At Treehouse, weekend getaways to Chail, Goa, Pondicherry, Mahabaleshwar and Belgaum are seeing solid demand, thanks to short-distance accessibility and flexible packages.
Beyond Relaxation: Wellness and Spirituality in the Spotlight
The monsoon’s natural rhythm also ties well into wellness and spiritual travel—segments seeing renewed energy post-Covid.
“Wellness holidays are trending, especially in Kerala where the monsoon is considered the best season for Ayurvedic therapies,” says S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel. “We’re also seeing increased interest in spiritual trails—such as the Jyotirlinga Circuit in India and the Ramayana Trail in Sri Lanka.”
These journeys combine convenience and comfort with meaning. Demand is rising for escorted group tours with expert guides, flexible travel dates, and culturally immersive experiences.
The Urban Escape: Monsoon Staycations Take Off
Interestingly, not all monsoon travellers are heading to the hills. Big-city residents, especially in metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, are choosing luxury staycations as a quick fix for rainy-day blues.
“In recent years, we’ve seen a clear uptick in monsoon staycations,” says Tarun Seth, General Manager, Grand Hyatt Gurgaon. “People want the feeling of escape, but without having to leave the city.”
The hotel has tailored its offerings with indoor experiences—signature wellness rituals, mixology workshops, and chef’s tasting tables—designed to make guests feel like they’ve left their routine behind, even if only for a night.
Infrastructure and Access Still Matter
Yet, even as the monsoon gains popularity, practical concerns remain. Rainy weather often brings roadblocks—literally—with flight delays, landslides, and unreliable connectivity being common in remote areas.
“Young travellers want immersive experiences, but they also demand seamless infrastructure,” says Parwanda of goSTOPS. “They choose destinations where they feel safe, connected, and taken care of.”
Rahul Deb Banerjee, COO, The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, adds that for monsoon-prone destinations, reliability becomes a key brand asset. “Whether it’s backup power, trained staff, or medical support, our guests prioritise peace of mind during this season.”
Gen Z, Social Media, and the New Travel Trigger
Perhaps the biggest force behind monsoon travel’s boom is digital influence. Younger audiences—millennials and Gen Z—are inspired less by seasonality and more by trending reels, FOMO-driven itineraries, and travel communities.
“Today’s travel decisions are often made on impulse—after seeing a friend’s story or an influencer’s post,” says Govind Gaur, CEO of D2C travel-tech company WanderOn. “That’s why we design our monsoon packages around what looks and feels great on social media.”
WanderOn is seeing rising interest in Munnar, Cherrapunji, Coorg and Tawang—destinations that shine in the monsoon and lend themselves to stunning visual storytelling. The company is also marketing flexible workation bundles, blending remote work with scenic getaways.
Community Travel and Local Impact
The benefits of monsoon tourism go beyond urban travellers and hoteliers. For local communities in less-travelled regions, the rains are becoming a source of dependable income.
“Monsoon travel used to be niche, but in places like Maharashtra, Kerala, Sikkim and Uttarakhand, it’s now a peak season,” say Bharat and Simran, co-founders of OneLatitude, a community-first experiential travel company.
Their guests seek offbeat, regenerative travel—like forest stays in Uttarakhand, cultural walks in Sikkim, or food trails in Tamil Nadu. But they also demand trust and transparency. “During extreme weather events, we cancel trips. It’s better to lose one booking than a customer’s confidence,” Simran says.
Looking Ahead: From Offbeat to Mainstream
With personalised itineraries, better infrastructure, smarter pricing and a surge of social media influence, monsoon travel is no longer the underdog of the tourism calendar—it’s becoming the dark horse.
“By aligning offerings with evolving traveller needs, the industry is transforming monsoon tourism into a resilient and profitable window,” says Rajeev Kale.
As younger Indians prioritise experience over timing, the question is no longer “Should I travel during the monsoon?”—but rather, “Where should I go when it rains?”
