Best places to visit in July in India

Most individuals shudder at the notion of travelling in July, when the monsoon intensifies across most parts of India. However, this season is perfect for taking in the lush green landscapes. Moreover, during the monsoon season, most places in India have astonishingly low costs. Here are some of the best places to visit in July in India.

 

22 best places to visit in India in July

Check out the list of some incredible places in India you can visit during the month of July.

Places to visit in July #1: Leh, Ladakh and Nubra Valley

 

Ladakh is a riot of complex murals and red-robed monks, adorned by gorgeous Gompas (Tibetan Buddhist monasteries), fluttering prayer flags and whitewashed stupas. The valley is very beautiful, with its sparse rainfall, magnificent Pangong Lake, rough mountain ranges, and scenic views. Ladakh’s peak season is from June to September but if you schedule your journey to pass through Leh, you’ll avoid most of the crowds.

Visit Nubra Valley as well, which is situated along a former trade route leading to eastern Tibet. Although the valley is frigid all year round, the summer and monsoon seasons are lovely.

How to reach Leh?

By air: There are direct flights to Leh’s airport from Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar. Due to Leh’s popularity as a tourist destination, the number of flights from different Indian cities has also increased. Local taxis may be hired to take you wherever you want to go in Leh, from the airport.

By rail: Pathankot, Chandigarh, and Kalka are the three railroad stations nearest to Leh. These stations are served by significant trains from numerous Indian cities. To go to Leh, one can catch a train at either of these stations and then rent a taxi.

By road: The road from Manali to Leh is one of the best routes to reach Ladakh. Between Manali and Leh, premium and regular buses are operated daily by Himachal Pradesh Tourism, HRTC, and J&K SRTC. Both, deluxe and standard government buses, ply regularly between Leh and Srinagar and from Kargil. For the Leh-Srinagar and Leh-Manali routes, there are also cars and jeeps available.

 

Places to visit in July #2: Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh

 

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When you enter Spiti Valley, you are greeted by a long stretch of twisting roads and valleys that offer amazing views of the chilly desert and snow-capped mountains. Since Spiti is blocked off from the rest of the nation for around six months out of the year by the heavy Himalayan snow, the only time Spiti is easily reached by motorway is during the summer.

Spiti, which is sparsely populated, offers a variety of trekking paths and is a haven for adventure seekers. All of these treks begin in Kaza, the capital of Spiti, where you establish your base camp, and lead to a variety of peaks from where you can see the Himalayas in all their glory.

Check out other unexplored places in Himachal Pradesh that you can visit

How to reach Spiti Valley?

By air: The Spiti Valley cannot be reached directly by air. The closest airport is 245 kilometres away in Bhuntar, which is close to Kullu. The Bhuntar airport, however, is a small one with few services. Chandigarh Airport is 522 kilometres away.

By rail: Chandigarh has the closest broad gauge station that is easily accessible from Spiti. The closest railway station to Spiti is in Jogindernagar, although it does not have as good connectivity.

By road: There are frequent bus services that run to and from Spiti Valley. They run daily from locations like New Delhi, Pathankot, Shimla, etc., day or night. For the same journey, you can also use shared taxis or cabs.

 

Places to visit in July #3: Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

 

One of the most popular honeymoon locations in India is Kodaikanal, which is situated in Tamil Nadu. Places to visit in Kodaikanal, a lakeside resort town in Tamil Nadu, include a waterfall, manicured cliffs coated in mist and a wonderful environment, all of which combine to make the perfect backdrop for a retreat. Kodaikanal, whose name translates to ‘the gift of the forests’, is a hill town that is perched 7,200 ft above sea level among the Palani Hills’ undulating slopes.

How to reach Kodaikanal?

By air: Since Kodaikanal lacks an airport, you must fly down to the one at Trichy or Madurai, both of which are 120 and 150 kilometres distant, respectively, if you intend to arrive by air. Coimbatore airport, located 175 kilometres away, is another airport that is frequently utilised to get to Kodaikanal. You can take a taxi or a local TNSTC bus from these airports to Kodaikanal.

By rail: Kodai Road, the station that serves Kodaikanal, is located around 100 kilometres from the main Kodaikanal town. Many people choose to get here by train, because the rail path is extremely beautiful. However, as there are only taxis accessible, getting to the main town from here is difficult.

By road: Another great suggestion is to take a road trip to Kodaikanal, which is often incredibly gorgeous and lovely. However, keep in mind that the ghat sections are lengthy and that new driver may find it a little challenging to navigate. Kodaikanal can be reached through either the Palani or the Vathalagundu paths. Research these routes to determine their navigability before taking one of them, as road widening and construction projects are occasionally carried out along these routes. However, travelling to Kodaikanal in your automobile can be a rejuvenating experience.

 

Places to visit in July #4: Coorg, Karnataka

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One of the most beautiful sites to visit in India in July, is Coorg, in Karnataka. The mountains and valleys are covered with different shades of green between July and September and the little sprouts of brilliant flowers help to ease the eyes from the summer’s harsh light. Walk through the valleys in the rain, when you are looking for things to do in Coorg, or simply sit and watch the mountains hide and seek in the fog.

How to reach Coorg?

By air: The closest airport to Coorg is Mangalore Airport, which is situated about 160 kilometres away. Major Indian cities including Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, and Hyderabad are serviced by scheduled flights from this airport.

By rail: The closest railroad station to Coorg is Mysore Junction, which is situated about 95 kilometres away.

By road: Regular service to Coorg is provided by luxurious buses from places like Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore by KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation).

 

Places to visit in July #5: Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

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The Valley of Flowers is situated in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, around 300 kilometres north of Rishikesh (and close to Badrinath). Wild roses, blue corydalis, saxifrage, and geraniums, to name a few, are among the many exotic blooms that cover the entire region in July.

The valley of flowers, found by mountaineer Frank S Smith in 1931, at the meeting point of the Himalayan ranges, Zanskar, and the Western and Eastern Himalayas, has been designated a world heritage site for its wild, untamed blooms surrounded by white peaks. It is also said that Sanjivani was delivered to the sick Lakshmana by Hanuman from the valley of flowers, known for its diverse medicinal herbs.

See also: Top 10 tourist places in Uttarakhand

How to reach Valley of Flowers?

By air: The Valley of Flowers cannot be reached by direct flights. The closest commercial airport is located in Dehradun at Jolly Grant Airport. From the airport, you can book a cab to transport you to Valley of Flowers.

By rail: No direct rail service is available to the Valley of Flowers. The Valley is 272 kilometres from Rishikesh, the closest railway station. Regular buses ply between Rishikesh and Valley of Flowers. You can also take a taxi from Rishikesh as an alternative.

By road: The Valley of Flowers is not directly accessible by road. Buses run along well-maintained, drivable roads to Govindghat, the closest bus stop, which is located around 12 kilometres from the actual location.

 

Places to visit in July #6: Lonavala, Maharashtra

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The most popular hill station in Maharashtra and the place to be during the monsoons, is Lonavala, which is located in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats close to Pune and Mumbai. It is a well-liked location for camping, trekking and other adventure activities, because of the abundance of waterfalls, lakes and hills around.

One of the twin hill resorts, along with Khandala, is Lonavala (these two can be easily visited together). The Bhaja Caves, Bushi Dam, Karla Caves, Rajmachi Fort, and Ryewood Lake are some of the well-known places to visit in Lonavala.

How to reach Lonavala?

By air: Lohegaon Airport in Pune is the closest domestic airport to Lonavala. From any Indian city, travellers can take a flight to Pune, where they can then rent a local car to get to Lonavala. You can also take a flight to Mumbai and then take a bus or a car to get to Lonavala.

By rail: Lonavala has a separate train station. Numerous trains connect Lonavala with Mumbai and Pune, including the Intercity Express, as well as mail and passenger trains. Both, Mumbai and Pune, have frequent train service that is offered regularly.

By road: The most efficient way to go to Lonavala is via car. Taxis, tour companies, and public and private buses all offer frequent and regular service to Lonavala. Road transportation to Lonavala is also possible with cars or bicycles. You can go to Lonavala via the old NH4 or the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

 

Places to visit in July #6: Lonavala, Maharashtra

 

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One of the most significant pilgrimages in India is to the Amarnath cave, which is home to the revered Shivling of naturally-formed ice that resembles Lord Shiva.

How to reach Amarnath Caves?

By air: Pahalgam is roughly 70 kilometres from the Srinagar airport, which is served by all major airlines. You can either take a government-run bus or a private cab to get to Pahalgam, where your journey to Amarnath begins. Hans and other significant helicopter services operate between Baltal (near Pahalgam) and Amarnath.

By rail: Amarnath cannot be reached by train directly. Jammu is the closest station, located 178 kilometres from Amarnath. One can book cabs from Jammu to travel to Baltal or Pahalgam. Amarnath can be reached after a one to two-day hike of 15 kilometres from Baltal. However, the Pahalgam path is rather more time-consuming, taking about 3-5 days.

By road: Amarnath is not well connected by road, because it is located in a very dangerous area. After arriving in Jammu, one must take the road to Srinagar before continuing to Baltal or Pahalgam. The shortest and most challenging walk to Amarnath is through Baltal. The walk to Pahalgam is longer, comparatively safer, and better suited for families and senior citizens. In addition, people can hire ponies and palkis to help them navigate difficult terrain.

 

Places to visit in July #8: Udaipur, Rajasthan

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Rajasthan has one of the lowest total rainfall in the nation, making it a great place to visit during the monsoons, because there is just the right amount of precipitation for a nice climate and straightforward travel. One of the well-liked locations to visit in July during the monsoons is Udaipur. The city of lakes, Udaipur, is one of India’s most popular romantic locations. Among the places to visit in Udaipur, Sajjan Garh, a palace located 3,100 ft above sea level and 1,100 ft above the surrounding area, provides a panoramic view of the city and its lakes. It’s interesting to note that it’s also known as the Monsoon Palace.

How to reach Udaipur?

By air: Udaipur is 24 kilometres away from the Maharana Pratap airport, also called the Dabok airport. There are daily flights from here to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur, making the journey pretty comfortable.

By rail: There are two train stations in Udaipur: Udaipur City and Rana Pratap Nagar. Both are well connected to the majority of Indian cities, including Kolkata, Bangalore, New Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota, and Agra, among others. 3 kilometres separate the two stations from the city’s centre.

By road: At the confluence of NH 8, the Golden Quadrilateral, the East-West Corridor, and NH 76, the city is situated halfway between Delhi and Mumbai. It takes about 5 hours to travel by car from Ahmedabad to the town through NH8, and it takes 6 hours to travel from Jaipur to the city via the Golden quadrilateral. Additionally, using the EW corridor, the trip takes four hours from Kota.

 

Places to visit in July #9: Kerala

 

Kerala is a paradise during the monsoon. Some of Kerala tourist places that are picturesque, are locations like Kochi, Kovalam, and Kozhikode. The rains make it a lush green, revitalising and fresh place. It’s a vacation well spent if you take a boat tour through the backwaters, unwind at one of the many Ayurvedic spas, or just take a stroll through this stunning state while indulging in some of Kerala’s delectable cuisine.

How to reach Kerala?

By air: Kerala is reachable through flight. Three major airports serving the state are Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode. The Karipur Airport in Kozhikode offers local airlines, while Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi both have international airports that operate year-round major domestic and international flights.

By rail: Kerala has good train service connections to all of India’s major cities, including the four metropolises of New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. In Kerala, there are about 200 railway stations that connect locations both, inside and beyond the state. Here, express and super-fast trains are available, to get to your desired location.

By road: Kerala’s roads are significantly better than those in other Indian states. Some of the neighbouring states in south India, including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh, are directly connected to Kerala by road. A larger network of highways, National Highway Nos. 17, 49, and 47, connect Kerala to the rest of the nation. The primary types of road transportation are buses, taxis for tourists, and cars.

 

Places to visit in July #10: Jog Falls, Karnataka

 

These beautiful falls, which are the tallest waterfalls in all of India, are a top tourist destination in Karnataka, and the breathtaking vista they offer leaves everyone with lifelong memories. The monsoon season is when this location is at its most beautiful because the area around Jog Falls is blanketed in chilly, windy weather. The Sharavathi River gushes water down from an elevation of 830 ft. Every monsoon enthusiast will find the majestic waterfall a treat as it enhances the beauty of the sky above and the surrounding vegetation.

How to reach Jog Falls?

By air: At a distance of 133 kilometres from Jog Falls, Hubli Airport is the closest airport. Jog Falls may be reached from Hubli Airport by cab.

By rail: Shimoga railway station, which has a train connection to Bangalore, is where you may take a train to get to Jog Falls.

By road: Due to the area’s excellent network of highways, travelling to Jog Falls by car is relatively convenient. 372 kilometres separate Bangalore from Jog Falls. From Bangalore and neighbouring cities, one can take buses or taxis.

 

Places to visit in July #11: West Sikkim

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A stunning region at the base of Mount Kanchenjunga is West Sikkim. One of the best time to travel to India is during the July rains to see the hills, see the old Buddhist monasteries, or spend some time outside camping in the lush jungle.

How to reach West Sikkim?

By air: The closest airport is Bagdogra Airport, which is 140 kilometres away from Pelling. Direct flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Guwahati are offered by Air India, Spice Jet, Jet Airways, Indigo and other airlines. Once at the airport, you must take a cab or rent a car to get to Pelling. The travel time is about five hours.

By rail: New Jalpaiguri railway station is the closest. Major cities including Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai are easily accessible from this station. Between New Jalpaiguri and West-Sikkim, buses frequently run. As an alternative, you might also get a taxi at the train station.

By road: Regular buses run the five-hour route from Siliguri to Pelling. Additionally, buses are accessible from Kurseong, Gangtok. The route’s scenery is breathtaking.

 

Places to visit in July #12: Mount Abu, Rajasthan

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Mount Abu, the lone hill town in Rajasthan, benefits greatly from the scanty rainfall that occurs there. People are drawn to this sleepy little hill station by the varied flora and breathtaking landscapes. Among places to visit in Mount Abu, are magnificent ancient structures that are rich in history and architecture. One of the best spots to travel to in India in July for an unforgettable experience is Mount Abu. 

How to reach Mount Abu?

By air: The closest domestic airport to Mount Abu is in Udaipur, which is 210 kilometres away, while the closest international airport is in Ahmedabad. There are connections from the domestic airport to important Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai. Taxis are easily accessible from the airport to get to Mount Abu.

By rail: The closest train station to Mount Abu that runs on the Delhi to Mumbai lines is Abu Road. The major railheads are connected to Mount Abu via this station.

By road: All of the major adjacent cities are connected to Mount Abu by frequent buses operated by the state government. Cities like Jaipur (475 km), Udaipur (167 km), Delhi (734 km), and Jaisalmer are all connected to Mount Abu by private buses (406 km).

 

Places to visit in July #13: Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

 

Orchha in Madhya Pradesh, has ancient palaces and temples. One of the major rivers in Madhya Pradesh, the Betwa river contains seven streams that come together at Orchha, making it a sight to behold. Orchha is a great spot to travel to in India in July because Madhya Pradesh generally has less rainfall and rarely intense rains.

How to reach Orchha?

By air: Gwalior Airport is the closest domestic airport and it is about a three-hour journey from Orchha. Through flights operated by Air India, it is well connected to places like Delhi and Mumbai.

By rail: Jhansi Railway Station, which is about a 25 minute drive from the town, is the closest railway station. It has connections to all of Madhya Pradesh’s main cities. Through the Rajdhani Express, Tamil Nadu Express, Nzm Garib Rath, Karnataka Express, Pushpak Express, Punjab Mail, and Jhelum Express, it is connected to cities like New Delhi, Bangalore, Mysore, Lucknow, Kanyakumari, Puri, Ahmedabad, Agra, and Jaipur.

By road: Orchha is connected to Jhansi, Lalitpur, Gwalior, Isagarh, Bhind, Ashoknagar, Sagar and Damoh via the Madhya Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (MPRTC) and various private transportation services.

 

Places to visit in July #14: Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra

 

This hill station in the Sahyadri ranges, which is close to Mumbai, is covered with greenery and waterfalls during the monsoon season. With the gorgeous view of the magnificent valleys and tranquil lakes, the drive to Malshej Ghat is relaxing. Flamingos have been known to travel from Europe to this mountain pass during the monsoons, and this area is also home to a variety of other plants and animals. It is an excellent destination in India in July for outdoor pursuits like bird viewing, hiking and trekking and also has several top-notch resorts nearby for relaxation and rejuvenation.

How to reach Malshej Ghat?

By air: The closest international airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, is a three hour drive from Malshej Ghat. Outside the airport, there are taxis available to transport guests to Malshej Ghat for a set cost of Rs 3,000.

By rail: Kalyan is the closest railway station to Malshej Ghat. Malshej Ghat is located about 85 kilometres from Kalyan Railway Station. Many significant stations, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, are connected to it by train. Malshej Ghat is reachable from Kalyan via private taxis or buses operated by the Maharashtra State Board Transport Corporation (MSRTC).

By road: There are various routes by which we can reach this site. Road travel distances from Mumbai and Pune to Malshej Ghat are 126 km and 118 km, respectively. Malshej Ghat is accessible via roads from Kalyan and Karjat. Numerous state transport buses travel through Malshej Ghat from Kalyan. State Transport (ST) buses run frequently between Mumbai and Pune and Malshej Ghat.

 

Places to visit in July #15: Panchgani, Maharashtra

 

Panchgani, a well-known hill town close to Mahabaleshwar, gets its name from the five hills that surround it. It is well-known for its numerous sunset and sunrise viewing locations and picturesque valley views. Although significant rains are infrequent in Panchgani, the weather is still wet, chilly and foggy, which may make it difficult to see the mountains. However, if a person is completely prepared for Panchgani’s regular fun showers, they may tour the city.

How to reach Panchgani?

By air: The closest airport to Panchgani is Lohegaon Airport in Pune. From any location in India, one can take a direct flight or one with a layover to Pune, and then take a road trip to Panchgani.

By rail: Pune station serves as the most significant one even though Satara is the closest railroad station to Panchgani. Tourists can take a train to Pune and then take a taxi from there to Panchgani, because Pune is connected to the rest of India by a significant number of trains.

By road: Buses operated by the state frequently travel to Panchgani from Mumbai, Pune, Satara, Mahabaleshwar and Mahad. These buses are available to tourists looking for inexpensive transport. Alternatively. One can drive directly to Panchgani. The Panchgani drive is gorgeous and the roads are in good shape.

 

Places to visit in July #16: Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

 

Cherrapunji, one of the wettest places on Earth, is a great spot to relax because of its pure surroundings and clean air. Visit Cherrapunji during the monsoon season to see the waterfalls spring to life and the beautiful green surroundings.

How to reach Cherrapunji?

By air: The closest large airport to Cherrapunji is in Guwahati. It is 181 kilometres away from the city. You can either take a pre-paid cab from the airport itself or rent a taxi from the Paltan Bazaar bus stop in Guwahati to get to Cherrapunji town. The closest airport to Cherrapunji is technically the Umroi Airport (91 km) near Shillong. However, the airport only receives flights from Kolkata and even then, only sometimes.

By rail: The closest rail hub to Cherrapunji is Guwahati. Despite being 181 kilometres away from this area, the railway station has bus services and taxis.

By road: From Shillong’s Sohra Bus Stand in the Bara Bazaar neighbourhood, buses depart for Cherrapunji.

 

Places to visit in July #17: Shillong, Meghalaya

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Shillong, often known as the ‘Scotland of the East’ due to the surrounding hills and peaks, is a terrific destination to visit during the monsoon season, because it receives a lot of rainfall and has fewer visitors, making it the ideal location to travel to in July in India. It is a must-see for its beautiful misty hills, tall waterfalls and full lakes. You can find several places to visit in Shillong, which has maintained its beauty, owing to its remote location.

How to reach Shillong?

By air: Shillong Airport in Umroi is a small airport that accepts Alliance Air aircraft and is situated 40 kilometres from Shillong. Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC) offers bus services from the airport to the state’s various cities. Shillong is serviced by frequent flights to several cities, including Ahmedabad, Aizawl, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, and others.

By rail: Meghalaya currently has no proper rail infrastructure. The closest railroad station, located 105 kilometres away from Shillong, is Guwahati. The city has excellent train connections to all other major cities throughout the nation. For Shillong, there are also taxi and bus services available.

By road: Buses from Guwahati to Shillong are operated by the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) and the Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC). The primary interstate bus terminal is close to the Guwahati train station. Shillong offers a variety of affordable bus types, including Volvo, AC, AC Sleeper, and luxury buses. You can explore some places nearby, such as Cherrapunji (55 km) and Jowai (61 km).

 

Places to visit in July #18: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

 

Tawang offers visitors a fusion of China and India together with beautiful landscapes. It is certain to bring out the amateur photographer in you, with its scenic surroundings. The Buddhist monasteries will beckon you in with their spiritual aura and the stunning orchids add colour to the landscape.

See also: Best places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh

How to reach Tawang?

By air: The closest airport to Tawang is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, which has excellent connections to all the major centres in India. From here, Tawang is roughly 497 kilometres and can be reached overnight by taxi. Another option is to fly by chopper from Guwahati to Tawang.

By rail: The two railroad stations closest to Tawang are those in Naharlagun and Guwahati.

By road: You can easily obtain buses, taxis, and shared cabs to Tawang from Tezpur (Assam) and Bomdila. The road trip to Tawang is challenging. However, the relaxing drive that winds through stunning hills makes the effort worthwhile.

 

Places to visit in July #19: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra

 

Mahabaleshwar, the most well-known hill town in Maharashtra’s Sahyadri Ranges, provides an amazing panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. Places to visit in Mahabaleshwar include waterfalls and springs and the land is covered with dense flora due to the monsoons. With some of Maharashtra’s greatest rainfall totals, Mahabaleshwar’s hilltops appear to be covered in rain.

How to reach Mahabaleshwar?

By air: The closest airport, at a distance of 120 km, is Pune Airport.

By rail: Wathar, which is 60 miles away from Mahabaleshwar, is home to the closest railway station. Once more, a practical way to go to Mahabaleshwar is via train from Pune.

By road: Travellers can use the services provided by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Service. The city is connected to Kolhapur (113 km), Nasik (328 km), Mumbai (220 km), and Pune (179km).

 

Places to visit in July #20: Agumbe, Shimoga

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Agumbe, a small town in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, is frequently referred to as the ‘Cherrapunji of South India’. This area, which is rich in biodiversity, receives the second-highest annual rainfall in India and the highest rainfall in south India. A visit to Agumbe is a rewarding experience, because of its beauty, trekking paths and torrential rains. One of the remaining lowland rainforests still exists. In the television series Malgudi Days, this stunning location served as the setting for the extremely well-known fictional town of Malgudi in India. The spectacular sunsets over the Arabian Sea that can be seen from the area of Agumbe are well-known.

How to reach Agumbe?

By air: The closest airport is 100 kilometres distant in Mangalore. At the airport, taxis and auto rickshaws are available.

By rail: The closest railway stations to Agumbe are Shimoga, 90 km, and Udupi, 55 km. Both railway stations offer cabs and auto rickshaws.

By road: Some buses go to Agumbe and Thirthahalli, which are located on the National Highway NH-13 and then towards Agumbe, from Bengaluru and other locations.

 

Places to visit in July #21: Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh

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Nestled in the scenic Kangra Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is a popular destination known for its serene beauty and spiritual charm. The town is divided into two distinct areas: the lower Dharamshala, which is a bustling commercial centre, and the upper Dharamshala, also known as McLeod Ganj, which serves as the residence of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Dharamshala offers breathtaking views of the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range, lush green forests and cascading waterfalls, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers and those seeking peace and tranquillity. Visitors can explore Tibetan monasteries, enjoy adventurous treks and immerse themselves in the rich Tibetan culture and cuisine.

How to reach Dharamshala?

By Air: The nearest airport to Dharamshala is Gaggal Airport, also known as Kangra Airport, located about 15 kilometres from the town. From the airport, taxis and buses are available to reach Dharamshala, which is approximately a 30-minute drive away.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Dharamshala is Pathankot, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Pathankot, visitors can take a taxi or board a local bus to reach Dharamshala, which is about 90 kilometres away and takes around 3 hours to reach.

By Road: Dharamshala is well-connected by road. Regular bus services are available from major cities in North India including Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla. The journey takes approximately 8-10 hours from Delhi.

 

Places to visit in July #22: Gangtok, Sikkim

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Nestled amidst the Eastern Himalayas, Gangtok is the picturesque capital city of Sikkim. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant Buddhist monasteries and warm hospitality, Gangtok offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The city is adorned with colourful prayer flags, charming streets and stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. Visitors can explore the famous Rumtek Monastery, take a cable car ride to witness panoramic views from the Tashi Viewpoint and indulge in the local cuisine. Gangtok is also a gateway to numerous adventure activities, including trekking, paragliding and river rafting.

How to reach Gangtok?

By Air: The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport, located near Siliguri. From the airport, visitors can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Gangtok, which is about a 4-5 hour drive.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station, located in Siliguri. From the railway station, visitors can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Gangtok, which is approximately a 4-5 hour drive.

By Road: Gangtok is well-connected by road to major cities in the region. The nearest major city is Siliguri, which is around 114 kilometres away. From Siliguri, visitors can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Gangtok. The journey offers breathtaking views of the Teesta River and takes approximately 4-5 hours.

 

Important tips for travelling in monsoon

• Carry appropriate rain gear: Make sure to pack raincoats, umbrellas and waterproof footwear to stay dry during your travels. It’s also a good idea to carry waterproof bags or covers for your electronic devices and important documents.

• Stay updated on weather forecasts: Keep a close eye on weather forecasts and plan your activities accordingly. Avoid venturing into areas prone to landslides or flash floods. Stay informed about any road closures or transportation disruptions caused by heavy rainfall.

• Choose the right footwear: Opt for sturdy and waterproof footwear with good grip to navigate slippery surfaces. This will help prevent accidents and ensure comfortable exploration of outdoor destinations.

• Pack appropriate clothing: Pack lightweight and quick-drying clothing that will dry easily in case you get wet. Avoid heavy fabrics that take longer to dry and may cause discomfort.

• Be cautious of waterborne diseases: During the monsoon season, there is an increased risk of waterborne diseases. Drink only bottled or purified water and avoid consuming raw or uncooked food from street vendors. 

• Stay updated on transportation options: Due to heavy rainfall, there may be delays or cancellations of flights, trains or buses. Stay in touch with transportation providers and have backup plans in case of any disruptions. Consider booking refundable or flexible tickets.

• Respect local advice and guidelines: Listen to the advice of locals and follow any safety guidelines provided by authorities. They have valuable knowledge about the region and can help you make informed decisions.

 

FAQs

What destinations are excellent to visit in July?

Kerala, Gangtok, the Valley of Flowers, Amarnath, Dharamshala, Kodaikanal, and the Spiti Valley are the top tourist destinations in India in July.

Which place does not receive rainfall in India in July?

The south east coast does not receive rainfall in July in India.