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The new-age traveller does not look monsoon as the ‘off-season.’ Monsoon has, now, evolved into a perfect time for mini getaways without the peak rush.
Spiritual trails, nature stays, and wellness retreats are popular in monsoon.
The monsoon is no longer seen as an ‘off-season’. It has evolved into a season of exploration and opportunity. According to the India Holiday Report by Thomas Cook and SOTC, 85% of respondents plan to take four to six holidays a year, with 47% leveraging long weekends for mini getaways. Travellers are also shifting away from peak-season crowds, instead opting for multiple shorter breaks during the year, and the monsoon is the perfect time to do just that.
The monsoon brings with it rain-washed landscapes, cooler climes, and a unique invitation for travellers to slow down, explore, and discover experiences that feel refreshing and meaningful. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited and S.D. Nandakumar – President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited share why travellers are making the most of the season with carefully planned getaways that blend nature, wellness, adventure, and culture. They note that many are choosing this time for better value, special deals, and to enjoy India’s scenic beauty without the peak-season rush.
Spiritual Trails for Deeper Connections
Spiritual and pilgrimage tourism continues to attract travellers who want more than just sightseeing. Popular circuits include the 12 Jyotirlingas, Char Dham, Rameswaram, Omkareshwar, and Varanasi. Many travellers are choosing spiritual circuits to combine faith with peaceful surroundings, taking advantage of the cooler weather and quieter atmosphere that the monsoon season offers.
Rainy Season Safaris and Nature Stays
Wildlife and safari escapes are gaining popularity among travellers looking to experience nature at its greenest. Jawai Dam and Desert National Park in Rajasthan, Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka, and the Sunderbans in West Bengal are in demand. Many travellers are choosing unique stays like floating cottages, eco-resorts, and tree houses, or planning treks to the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand. The cooler monsoon weather and fewer crowds make it an ideal time to explore India’s rich wildlife and enjoy offbeat nature stays that feel peaceful and immersive.
Misty Treks, Offbeat Adventures and Scenic Getaways
For young professionals, millennials, Gen Z, couples, and families, adventure is a big part of the monsoon plan. Biking trips, hiking, rafting, waterfall rappelling, and ziplining are among the top picks for travellers seeking misty trails and fresh air. Destinations like Ooty, Coorg, Wayanad, Coonoor, Munnar, the Western Ghats, Kerala’s coastal belt, the Andamans, Ladakh, Rajasthan, the North East, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka remain favourites for these getaways.
Many are choosing these short breaks to make the most of long weekends. Road trips and drive-cations add to this trend, with travellers heading to places like Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Nashik, Mussoorie, Jaipur, and Rishikesh. Cruise holidays to destinations like Singapore and Malaysia are also seeing strong interest, offering an all-inclusive monsoon experience at sea.
Relax with Wellness Spa Escapes
Wellness travel continues to grow each year. Ayurvedic treatments and retreats in Kerala are highly sought after, along with wellness breaks in Rishikesh and Gokarna. Many travellers are also heading to luxury wellness destinations like Sri Lanka, Bali, Thailand and India’s serene spots like Kerala and Rishikesh to combine the calm of the season with mindful self-care. Travellers are using the monsoon’s peaceful surroundings to slow down, recharge, and enjoy wellness experiences that feel more meaningful away from daily routines.
A Season for Unique Holidays
Travellers are using special deals, off-season pricing, and flexible breaks to explore more, not just from metro cities but from tier 1 and 2 markets too. Travelers are making the most of off-season pricing and monsoon discounts to explore India’s scenic getaways without the crowds. With special deals by Thomas Cook India and SOTC like ‘Buy One Get One Free’ on select packages and the ‘TravSure’ programme, this season offers great value.
Whether it’s a spiritual trail, rain-kissed festival, misty trek, wellness retreat, road trip, or cruise, the monsoon is no longer just a break from the heat. It’s the perfect time to discover experiences that feel new every time it rains.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India
- First Published:
