Latest news with #ChikhalKalo
News18
6 days ago
- News18
10 Breathtaking Getaways To Soak In This Monsoon: Easy Escape Awaits
Last Updated: From quiet hill stations and misty forests to coastal towns and countryside escapes, here is a list of mesmerising monsoon destinations in India Monsoon in India is more than a season; it's a sensory journey. As the first drops hit the ground, even familiar places start to feel a little more special. Hills turn greener, the skies grow dramatic, and the air smells magical. If you don't mind getting a bit wet, it's the perfect time to step out and explore the unbridled beauty of nature. But beyond the poetry, there are real reasons to travel during the monsoon. Fewer tourists mean quieter trails, peaceful heritage sites, and better hotel rates. Landscapes are at their lushest, festivals are in full swing, and seasonal foods from steamed tribal delicacies to monsoon-only sweets make travel during this season a memorable experience. From quiet hill stations and misty forests to coastal towns and countryside escapes, here is a list of mesmerising monsoon destinations in India. And the best part? All these stunning places are easy to reach by air. So, grab your umbrella, pack light, and get ready to discover India when it's most alive. 1. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya Cherrapunji, nestled in Meghalaya and famed as one of the wettest places on Earth, is India's most iconic monsoon destination. Torrential rains transform the landscape into a spectacle of roaring waterfalls like Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters, misty canyons, and lush green forests. Adventurers can trek to the Double Decker Living Root Bridge or explore the mystical Mawsmai and Arwah caves. Here, rain isn't a disruption, it's the experience itself, offering a raw, immersive encounter with nature at its most powerful. Travel & Accessibility: • Nearest Airport: Shillong Airport (SHL) • Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from Kolkata and Imphal 2. Kumarakom, Kerala Located on the serene banks of Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is the quintessential monsoon escape for those seeking relaxation, nature, and wellness. The season enhances the charm of its meandering backwaters, with houseboat cruises becoming surreal experiences. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is a haven for ornithologists and nature lovers alike. The monsoon is also considered the most effective period for traditional Ayurvedic therapies, making it ideal for rejuvenation. Travel & Accessibility: • Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) • Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from 10+ destinations in India including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru 3. Goa Ditch the beach party clichés, Goa in the monsoon is a whole different mood. Picture emerald fields, rain-soaked Portuguese villas, and waterfalls roaring through the Western Ghats. South Goa is quieter and perfect for slow travel: kayak through backwaters near Galgibaga, trek to Tambdi Surla Waterfall, or explore the ancient Mahadev Temple nestled deep in the forest. Monsoon brings unique Goan festivals like Chikhal Kalo, a playful mud-slathering ritual in July, and Patolleanchem Fest in August, celebrating Goan culture with traditional dance, music, and a monsoon delicacy, patolleo, coconut-jaggery stuffed rice cakes steamed in turmeric leaves. Travel & Accessibility: • Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport (GOI) • Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from 20 Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru 4. Puri, Odisha Puri, one of India's holiest cities, comes alive during the monsoon with the grand Rath Yatra, a vibrant celebration of faith and tradition. The mix of divine rituals, coastal rains, and sea breeze creates an ethereal atmosphere. Beyond the temple circuit, visitors can explore Chilika Lake for boat rides and birdwatching, or visit Raghurajpur, a heritage village known for its Pattachitra art. Despite the rains, the season offers a compelling blend of spiritual energy and cultural richness. Travel & Accessibility: • Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from over 15 Indian cities 5. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh Orchha turns quietly magical in the monsoon, as the Betwa River swells and its ancient palaces and cenotaphs shimmer under moody skies. Rain intensifies the town's mystical aura, Jahangir Mahal and Chaturbhuj Temple look sculpted from storm clouds, and forest trails in the nearby wildlife sanctuary burst into green, alive with birdsong. The month of Shravan brings devotional fervour to the temples, while locals warm up with mahua and spicy street snacks. For lovers of history and rain, Orchha offers poetry in stone, soaked in silence. Travel & Accessibility: • Nearest Airport: Gwalior (GWL) • Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai 6. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand Framed by the Himalayan foothills and flowing alongside the Ganges, Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of India takes on a mystical charm during the monsoon. Misty riverbanks, lush forest trails, and gentle rains create a serene setting perfect for spiritual and wellness retreats. While rafting pauses due to high currents, visitors can experience the soulful Ganga aarti at Triveni Ghat, rejuvenating yoga and Ayurveda sessions, and scenic treks to waterfalls like Neer Garh and Patna Waterfall. It's an ideal time to reconnect with nature and self in this sacred Himalayan town. Travel & Accessibility: • Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from 10 Indian cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Chennai 7. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu Kodaikanal, often referred to as the 'Princess of Hill Stations," embraces a romantic and introspective charm during the monsoon. Pine forests exude fresh aromas, waterfalls like Silver Cascade gush with renewed energy, and mist shrouds panoramic trails like Coaker's Walk and Guna Caves. This is a perfect time for cozy retreats, local bakery indulgences, and slow-paced nature hikes. The rains bring out the rare flora of the region, making it a haven for plant enthusiasts and solitude seekers. Travel & Accessibility: • Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport (IXM) • Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi 8. Mount Abu, Rajasthan Mount Abu, Rajasthan's only hill station, becomes a refreshing green oasis during the monsoon, offering a cool escape from the state's typically arid landscape. While it does receive monsoon showers, the rainfall is modest, and the misty landscape adds a gentle charm. The marble marvels of the Dilwara Temples glow softly in the monsoon light, while treks to Guru Shikhar and boating on Nakki Lake offer peaceful getaways. With fewer tourists, it remains a serene choice for nature and culture enthusiasts alike. Travel & Accessibility: • Nearest Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur (UDR) • Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai 9. Port Blair In the monsoon, Port Blair slows down to a soulful rhythm—lush, rain-drenched hills meet the rugged sea, and deserted beaches invite quiet reflection. Nature flourishes along trails to Mount Harriet and Wimberlygunj, while Chidiya Tapu draws birders with rare sightings. The Island Tourism Festival adds cultural colour with music, dance, and seasonal seafood delicacies. With off-season calm and dramatic island beauty, Port Blair is perfect for those who find peace in the sound of rain on water. Travel & Accessibility: • Fly: IndiGo has direct flights from Kolkata and Chennai 10. Hubballi, Karnataka Often overlooked on travel maps, Hubballi is a hidden monsoon gateway to the Western Ghats and rich cultural heritage. Nearby Dandeli offers thrilling jungle safaris, nature walks, coracle rides, and natural wonders like Syntheri Rocks, while history lovers can explore ancient temple architecture in Lakkundi and Gadag. Under the dramatic South Indian monsoon skies, Hubballi offers a unique mix of adventure, heritage, and rural charm. Travel & Accessibility: view comments First Published: August 13, 2025, 13:03 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
03-08-2025
- News18
Goa wins excellence award at TTF for hinterland tourism campaign
Panaji, Aug 3 (PTI) Goa has won the Excellence Award for its hinterland tourism campaign at the recently held Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) in Gujarat, an official said on Sunday. The award for the 'Goa Beyond Beaches' campaign was presented at the Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gandhinagar during the TTF, which concluded on Saturday, said state Tourism Director Kedar Naik. He said the state is honoured to receive this recognition. 'The 'Goa Beyond Beaches' campaign is part of our mission to create a more inclusive, responsible, and diversified tourism experience," he said. Naik said the award validates the tourism department's ongoing efforts to make Goa an all-year-round destination anchored in sustainability, culture, and community participation. The display also put the spotlight on Goa's vibrant festival calendar, from Chikhal Kalo and Sao Joao to Shigmo, Spirit of Goa, and Carnaval, all of which are attracting experiential travellers from across India, he added. PTI RPS ARU view comments First Published: August 03, 2025, 09:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Morning Digest: Brad Pitt's Style In ‘F1' Has Indian Heart & Other Top Stories
Last Updated: India's T20 WC 2024 triumph was celebrated in Birmingham with cake, laughs, and playful jabs—Rishabh Pant's dig at Jadeja stole the spotlight. Watch the banter From Bollywood's bonds to Brad Pitt's desi fashion twist, Goa's monsoon cheer, and cricket room banter, here's your daily dose of top news. In the new Formula 1 movie, Brad Pitt wears an organic indigo shirt from Indian label 11.11/eleven eleven, woven in Gujarat's Tangaliya tradition. The film's stylist Julian Day explains why he picked it. 👉 Read More 🌧 ️Goa's Monsoon Celebrations Are In Full Swing Goa isn't just about beaches and nightlife. Come monsoon, the state turns festive with Sao Joao, Chikhal Kalo, Sangodd, and Touxeachem Fest lighting up the season with music, mud, and mirth. 👉 Dance in the Rain, Goan Style 🥃 Aamir Reveals He Parties All Night With SRK & Salman In a fun chat, Aamir Khan opens up about his evolving friendship with Shah Rukh and Salman—night-long hangouts, old jibes, and that famous 'SRK licking feet' blog post. 👉 'SRK" Was Just the Dog! Aries, brace for bumps; Cancer, ride the growth wave. Whether it's love, career, or clarity you seek, this week's astrological forecast may help steer your next step.👉 Check weekly prediction India's T20 WC 2024 win was relived in Birmingham with cake, cheers, and comical digs. Rishabh Pant's jab at Ravindra Jadeja had the team in splits. 👉 Watch the Banter Unfold First Published: June 30, 2025, 09:49 IST
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Goa is set to celebrate its vibrant Chikhal Kalo 2025 Festival
Goa's Department of Tourism is gearing up to host one of the state's most lively and immersive traditional festivals, Chikhal Kalo 2025, from July 5th to 7th. This deeply rooted Goan tradition will unfold at the historic Shree Devki Krishna Temple in Marcel, offering a powerful expression of Goa's cultural identity and a major highlight in its monsoon tourism calendar. Chikhal Kalo, celebrated with immense enthusiasm and spiritual fervor, commemorates the playful antics of Lord Krishna and his companions through a community mud-play, drawing participants from all walks of life. This festival has, over the years, grown into a significant expression of Goa's intangible cultural heritage. The festivities kick off on July 5th (Dashami) with a Cooking Competition showcasing traditional Goan vegetarian dishes. This will be followed by "Nachu Kirtanache Rangi," a devotional musical program, and a soulful presentation of "Vitthalvaari" featuring renowned artists such as Smt. Mugdha Gaonkar, Shri Hrishikesh Sane, Shri Anay Ghate, Shri Utpal Sainekar, Shri Kedar Dhamaskar, and Shri Govind Gauthankar. The formal inaugural function will be followed by a devotional music concert led by Dr. Bharat Balvalli, joined by Pandit Makrand Kundale, Shri Prasad Karambelkar, Shri Amar Oak, Shri Dada Parab, and Shri Govind Bhagat, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere. On July 6th, devotees will gather for a Bhajan recital inside the temple premises, observed during Ashadhi Ekadashi, a sacred day in the Hindu calendar. The celebrations will culminate on July 7th (Dwadashi) with the iconic Chikhal Kalo. Participants, young and old, will joyfully engage in traditional games like chendu fali (mud ball games) and khushti (wrestling), along with other rituals in the mud, all celebrating the divine playfulness of Lord Krishna. These activities will be accompanied by the sounds of traditional Goan instruments like the ghumot and shamel, creating a joyful and energetic atmosphere throughout the temple grounds. This event has become a major draw for cultural tourism, offering an authentic Goan experience beyond the conventional. Rohan A. Khaunte, Hon'ble Minister for Tourism, emphasized the festival's significance, stating, "Chikhal Kalo exemplifies how deeply faith, folklore, and community spirit are woven into Goan culture. Festivals like Chikhal Kalo connect us with our roots and also provide an opportunity to showcase Goa's cultural richness to the world. Through such events, we are strengthening our vision for regenerative tourism, where culture and tradition play a central role in shaping a responsible and inclusive tourism narrative. " Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, further added, "As part of our 'Goa Beyond Beaches' campaign, the Department is committed to curating and promoting festivals like Chikhal Kalo that highlight Goa's spiritual and rural heritage. This festival is a living example of community-led cultural celebration, and we are proud to support and elevate its reach to a wider audience both within and outside Goa." The Department of Tourism extends a warm invitation to everyone to experience Chikhal Kalo 2025 and immerse themselves in this vibrant celebration of Goan heritage, unity, and joyous tradition. ReplyReply allForward Add reaction
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Time of India
Experience the Magic of Goa's Monsoon: Wellness, Nature, and Culture Await, ET TravelWorld
Advt By , ETTravelWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals. Subscribe to Newsletter to get latest insights & analysis in your inbox. All about ETTravelWorld industry right on your smartphone! Download the ETTravelWorld App and get the Realtime updates and Save your favourite articles. The Department of Tourism, Government of Goa , has unveiled its seasonal campaign, #GlowOnArrival, to reposition Goa as a restorative monsoon destination focused on wellness, culture, and nature. The initiative is part of a broader effort to promote regenerative travel and draw attention to Goa's off-season campaign highlights the distinct appeal of Goa during the rains, when the state's green landscapes and overcast skies provide a serene backdrop for reflection and exploration. Experiences being promoted include heritage treks, forest walks, wellness and Ayurvedic therapies, and locally hosted homestays designed to foster slow, mindful travel.'This campaign is an invitation to rediscover Goa during its most magical season,' said Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Government of Goa. 'Monsoon in Goa is not just about scenic beauty but about reconnecting with nature, embracing wellness, and experiencing the rich cultural warmth of our land. We welcome travellers to slow down, breathe, and leave with a glow that only Goa can offer.'To maintain engagement over the coming months, Goa Tourism has planned a series of thematic promotions that run from June to September. The line-up includes local festivals such as Sao Joao and Chikhal Kalo in June; traditional monsoon culinary experiences in July; eco-adventures including plantation trails and treks in August; and heritage drives, waterfall visits and museum tours coinciding with World Tourism Day in campaign will be rolled out across digital platforms and social media to reach both domestic and international travellers. By showcasing a slower, more immersive side of the state, the government aims to shift perceptions around the monsoon season and establish Goa as a rejuvenating travel alternative.
