Discover destinations in India with less rain during July and August
The Trans-Himalayan Cold Deserts: Ladakh and Spiti Valley
These high-altitude desert regions are among the suitable choices for avoiding monsoon rains in India. They are located behind the towering Himalayan ranges, which help block monsoon clouds.
1. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh: A rugged, less-trodden area compared to Ladakh, Spiti Valley is a cold desert known for its landscapes and Tibetan Buddhist heritage. Why visit in July & August: Spiti, similar to Ladakh, is in a rain shadow, experiencing minimal monsoon precipitation. Roads, while sometimes challenging, are generally open, and the climate can be cool and invigorating.
Spiti, similar to Ladakh, is in a rain shadow, experiencing minimal monsoon precipitation. Roads, while sometimes challenging, are generally open, and the climate can be cool and invigorating. What to expect: Untouched wilderness, ancient monasteries such as Ki Monastery, Dhankar, and Tabo, and a sense of peace and remoteness.
Untouched wilderness, ancient monasteries such as Ki Monastery, Dhankar, and Tabo, and a sense of peace and remoteness. Things to do: Visit monasteries, explore high-atitude villages like Komic and Hikkim, and trek to Chandratal Lake.
Visit monasteries, explore high-atitude villages like Komic and Hikkim, and trek to Chandratal Lake. Club Mahindra Presence: Direct Club Mahindra resorts are not located within Spiti Valley itself due to its remote and challenging terrain. However, Club Mahindra has several resorts in Himachal Pradesh that can serve as bases for exploring the wider region, such as the resort in Manali and or the resort in Shimla, from where adventurous travellers might plan their Spiti expedition.
The Arid Charms of Rajasthan
Rajasthan's desert and semi-arid regions generally experience less rainfall during the monsoon compared to central and southern India. Any light showers may cool the air and bring a subtle green hue to the landscape.
2. Udaipur, Rajasthan: Often referred to as the "City of Lakes" and "Venice of the East," Udaipur's beauty may be enhanced during the monsoon with fuller lakes and a more temperate climate. Why visit in July & August: Udaipur receives moderate to low rainfall, and the replenished lakes and fresh air can make it inviting.
Udaipur receives moderate to low rainfall, and the replenished lakes and fresh air can make it inviting. What to expect: P alaces, boat rides, intricate architecture, and a generally serene ambience.
alaces, boat rides, intricate architecture, and a generally serene ambience. Things to do: Explore the City Palace, enjoy boat rides on Lake Pichola, and visit Jagdish Temple.
Explore the City Palace, enjoy boat rides on Lake Pichola, and visit Jagdish Temple. Club Mahindra Presence: Club Mahindra Udaipur is a notable property, offering a blend of traditional Rajput hospitality and modern comforts. This resort in Udaipur can provide a comfortable base to explore the city's charm.
4. Jodhpur, Rajasthan: The "Blue City," featuring the Mehrangarh Fort, offers a journey into Rajasthan's history. Why visit in July & August: Jodhpur, being in a drier part of Rajasthan, experiences minimal rainfall. The weather is often milder than the summer, potentially making for comfortable sightseeing.
Jodhpur, being in a drier part of Rajasthan, experiences minimal rainfall. The weather is often milder than the summer, potentially making for comfortable sightseeing. What to expect: Forts, bazaars, and a cultural tapestry.
Things to do: Explore Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, and wander through the old city's lanes.
Explore Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, and wander through the old city's lanes. Club Mahindra Presence: Pratap Niwas Palace Jodhpur (A Club Mahindra Associate Resort) offers a palatial experience, blending traditional architecture with modern amenities. This resort in Jodhpur can be a good choice for a royal retreat.
5. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: The "Golden City," located in the Thar Desert, is recognised as one of India's driest locations. Why visit in July & August: Rainfall here is almost negligible, making it a largely rain-free option. Temperatures are warm but often tolerable.
Rainfall here is almost negligible, making it a largely rain-free option. Temperatures are warm but often tolerable. What to expect: A unique living fort, golden sandstone architecture, and desert experiences.
A unique living fort, golden sandstone architecture, and desert experiences. Things to do: Explore Jaisalmer Fort, embark on a camel safari in the Sam Sand Dunes, and visit Patwon ki Haveli.
Explore Jaisalmer Fort, embark on a camel safari in the Sam Sand Dunes, and visit Patwon ki Haveli. Club Mahindra Presence: Club Mahindra Jaisalmer Resort provides a comfortable and culturally immersive stay, designed in a Haveli style. This resort in Jaisalmer can offer a taste of Rajasthani heritage amidst the desert.
Other Dry/Low-Rain Destinations
6. Pondicherry: This charming former French colonial town on India's southeastern coast has a distinct monsoon pattern. Why visit in July & August: Pondicherry primarily receives rainfall during the North-East monsoon (October to December). Thus, July and August experience relatively lighter, sometimes pleasant drizzles that enhance its appeal.
Pondicherry primarily receives rainfall during the North-East monsoon (October to December). Thus, July and August experience relatively lighter, sometimes pleasant drizzles that enhance its appeal. What to expect: French colonial architecture, tranquil beaches, and a cultural fusion.
French colonial architecture, tranquil beaches, and a cultural fusion. Things to do: Stroll through the French Quarter, visit Auroville, and enjoy the fusion of French and South Indian cuisine.
Club Mahindra Presence: Club Mahindra Puducherry offers a beachfront retreat. This resort in Puducherry can offer a base to explore the town's unique charm, with amenities and access to beach activities.
7. Hampi, Karnataka: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi features ancient ruins, massive boulders, and a history of the Vijayanagara Empire. Why visit in July & August: Hampi receives less rainfall than other parts of Karnataka during the southwest monsoon, making it suitable for exploration. The sporadic greenery around the ruins can add to its allure.
Hampi receives less rainfall than other parts of Karnataka during the southwest monsoon, making it suitable for exploration. The sporadic greenery around the ruins can add to its allure. What to expect: Architectural marvels, intricate carvings, and an atmosphere created by the boulder-strewn terrain.
Architectural marvels, intricate carvings, and an atmosphere created by the boulder-strewn terrain. Things to do: Explore the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple (with its stone chariot), and enjoy coracle rides on the Tungabhadra River.
Explore the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple (with its stone chariot), and enjoy coracle rides on the Tungabhadra River. Club Mahindra Presence: Vijayshree Resort & Heritage Village, Hampi (A Club Mahindra Associate Resort) aims to provide a comfortable and unique stay amidst a man-made forest, offering a tranquil environment and focusing on holistic well-being.
8. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat: This vast salt marsh is known for its arid climate, especially during the monsoon. Why visit in July & August: The region receives very little rain. While the white desert experience is highlighted in winter, the monsoon may bring a subtle, unique beauty with sparse vegetation.
The region receives very little rain. While the white desert experience is highlighted in winter, the monsoon may bring a subtle, unique beauty with sparse vegetation. What to expect: Expansive landscapes, traditional Kutchhi villages, and a distinct cultural immersion.
Expansive landscapes, traditional Kutchhi villages, and a distinct cultural immersion. Things to do: Visit Kalo Dungar (Black Hill) for panoramic views and explore the local handicrafts and villages.
Visit Kalo Dungar (Black Hill) for panoramic views and explore the local handicrafts and villages. Club Mahindra Presence: While there isn't a direct Club Mahindra property specifically in the Rann of Kutch, Club Mahindra Dwarka and Club Mahindra Gir are located in Gujarat and can serve as starting points for exploring the wider region; these resorts in Gujarat can offer as a base and assist in organizing tours.
When planning your monsoon escape to these relatively dry destinations, it is advisable to check specific local weather forecasts closer to your travel dates. Road conditions, especially for mountainous regions, should also be monitored. By choosing wisely and considering the offerings of resorts like those from Club Mahindra, you can experience India's diverse landscapes in July and August with less interruption from heavy rains.
Note to the Reader: This article is part of Hindustan Times' promotional consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Hindustan Times assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.
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