Monsoons and Tourism in India
The two monsoons in India, Southwest Monsoon from July to September and Northeast Monsoon from December to early March bring in droves of domestic tourists to scores of tourist destinations. Indians, as a rule, enjoy monsoons after being scorched by the hot sun for months on end unlike the residents of Northern Hemisphere who suffer invariably from rainy day blues. They go out into the rain drenched streets, beaches and forests and let themselves go.
Goa
The Western tourists too have learned to enjoy monsoons in India. Among the prime locations for tourism is Goa, a sleepy town on the West coast. This former Portuguese colony has an old world European feel to it. The rain-drenched Gothic and Greco-Roman structures, washed by the rain, glisten dazzlingly and tourists stand and gape at them.
The beaches
Goa possesses a number of good and functional beaches. The monsoon rains falling on the raising waves hold the tourists in trance and they just refuse to go away, digging their feet literally in. Hotels fill the landscape near the beaches and the prices range from exorbitant to shoestring.
Nightlife
Sporadic monsoon singing parties known as trance parties and dancing in the rains are to be enjoyed. Hotels hold jam sessions with local groups and you can watch the rain sitting in the comfort of shelters with songs wafting through the air. Live groups touch your nostalgic nerves with Rock and Roll numbers.
Kerala
Kerala is a geological extension of Goa and has same different terrain. The people however, are quite distinct and the culture is different. Monsoon rains are not incessant. Now it rains, now it shines. Thiruvanandapuram, the capital of Kerala is home to the very popular Kovalam beach. During monsoons, foreign tourists some times outnumber the domestic travelers, so famous is it abroad! Alappuzha has a unique tradition of houseboats. They line the backwaters and venture out in monsoon rains till the mouth of the backwaters and the ride along the scenic banks. Coconut tree fronds almost brushing against you is an exhilarating experience.
Valley of Flowers National Park
This park ls situated in the Northern state of Uttarkhand, near Chamoli Garhwal, some 400 miles away from Delhi. While the mountainous terrain is a challenge to the adventure-minded during the monsoon and trekking is the activity they can indulge themselves in, there are safe passages for the less intrepid. The name tells it all. This park, in the Himalayan hill ranges burst into at least 300 varieties of flowers in monsoon and look like a carpet of myriad colors and shades through the valley. As the flowers bloom only in monsoon, It is advisable to visit it July to September.
There are hotels and camping is an option too. The government-run GMVN guest houses are your best bet.
By: Asokan Ponnusamy
Posts Tagged ‘Former Portuguese Colony’
Monsoon Magic in India
November 20th, 2009A Journey Through Cultural India
October 8th, 2009
Are you considering India as the destination of your next wild adventure? Below you’ll find an account from a fellow traveler of the amazing views and experiences to be had in this breathtaking, culture filled land.
Long haul vacations have become commonplace today as more of us seek out exotic destinations. There is nothing more fascinating than discovering the hidden wonders India has to offer. It is a country of contrast, with wonderful scenery, top class accommodation and ancient temples. India really offers the best of both worlds, you can visit the amazing sites and experience the tourist culture on offer, and just five minutes down the road you can stumble upon true third world conditions where for some, every day is a struggle to survive. Visiting these parts of India can be very humbling experience, to have the opportunity to see how a hidden majority of the population lives, and even to inspire oneself to take the steps to giving something back to these communities in need.
By far the most attractive tourist destination is the state of Goa in the west. It is a particular favorite amongst the younger generation, having gained a reputation for its beach lifestyle and dance parties. There are several beaches to choose from and the annual carnival is the highlight of the year. This region is a former Portuguese colony and much of the colonial architecture remains. The main religions are Hinduism and Roman Catholicism as is evident by the many breathtaking church and temple tours on offer. While every part of India offers a unique experience, Goa has been rated one of the most popular tourist destinations, offering a world away from the hectic, culture packed cities of India, a chance to relax and unwind, and to make the most of the beautiful weather, beaches, and take full advantage of the tourist comforts on offer.
Southern India is another tourism hot spot offering a relaxed surrounding as you take in the culture, the ancient temples, and the spectacular tropical forests and beaches. There are also a number of vibrant cities and two National Parks. The regional cuisine is known as an outstanding contribution to Indian food. Many travelers make it a point to go through Tamil Nadu to see the hill stations, noted for their scenic locations. There is wonderful architecture, temples and cultural traditions.
Tamil Nadu contains the city of Madurai, an unforgettable place on any agenda for India travel. The city is full of temples, the most famous one being the Meenakshi Temple. Madurai also contains the Gandhi Museum, where his robes are displayed and there are workshops, a store selling fabrics woven on a hand loom and a bookstore containing spiritual publications.
Where-ever you decide to travel in India, One aspect of your trip that you will notice is how welcoming the locals are. Despite their sometimes extreme-poverty, you will always find a smiling, generous face.
The people are a contributing factor in making India such a spiritual place to visit, along with the breathtaking sights and rich cultural history held by the buildings and landmarks. The state of Bihar contains the village of Bodhgaya, which is a sacred place, cherished by Buddhists. Buddhists travel here on pilgrimages from all over the world to see the famous Mahabodhi Temple. The most sacred feature is the descendant of the Bodhi tree that the Buddha sat under and gained his enlightenment.
Obviously the most well-known landmark in India is the Taj Mahal, an incredibly beautiful structure of white marble, built in the Islamic style in the 17th century. Known as one of the seven wonders of the world, it is located in Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Its origins are pure romance as a Mughal emperor built it as a tribute to his wife, whom he adored. The mosque, ornamental gardens and mausoleum are simply stunning and more than live up to its reputation.
By: Ceb Matheson
