Last Updated:June 22, 2025, 16:37 IST
What was once termed as the ‘off-season’ in travel, travellers today are embracing monsoon in its full glory. Travellers are prioritising slower and more immersive experiences.
Travellers seek tranquility and wellness during the monsoon.
For decades, the Indian monsoon has been romanticised in literature, cinema, and music. But when it came to travel, this season was long dismissed as ‘off-season’. Most tourists preferred to stay indoors, wait for clearer skies, or head to international shores. That mindset, however, is shifting, especially after the COVID pandemic.
Travellers today are prioritising slower, more immersive experiences over high-energy sightseeing. They are seeking out emotional connection, tranquillity, self reflection and the healing touch of nature that the monsoon uniquely offers. As green covers flourish, waterfalls roar, and mist cloaks the hills, India transforms into a sensory experience that no other season quite replicates.
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Why Monsoon is Becoming a Preferred Season
Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings, notes that one of the key drivers is the growing appeal of experiential travel. He says, “Monsoon destinations are ideal for travellers who want to pause and recalibrate. A walk through rain-drenched coffee plantations, a book by the window in a forest retreat, or a spontaneous conversation with locals over hot pakoras, these are the moments that define monsoon holidays. And for an emerging generation of travellers, such authenticity matters more than ticking off tourist hotspots.”
Agarwal attributes this change in mindset to how wellness tourism has started intersecting with seasonal travel. The monsoon is considered an ideal time for traditional Ayurvedic therapies, owing to the enhanced absorption of oils and herbs by the body during this period. Many travellers now align their vacations with wellness needs, choosing retreats in Kerala, Karnataka, or the foothills of the Himalayas to detox, both physically and mentally.
Travel Trends and Behavioural Shifts
Agarwal says, “According to several internal industry data, there has been a 30 to 40 per cent year-on-year increase in interest for monsoon-centric travel packages, particularly between June and August. Destinations like Meghalaya, Coorg, Munnar, Wayanad, and the Konkan Coast are gaining traction among domestic travellers.”
Searches for ‘best monsoon getaways in India’ peak in late May and early June, suggesting growing curiosity and intent. He notes, “Additionally, travel behaviours have evolved. Rather than long holidays, people are opting for three to five-day micro-trips, planned around long weekends or work-from-anywhere flexibility. Monsoon holidays are no longer limited to seasoned trekkers or honeymooners; they now appeal to families, solo travellers, and even elderly couples seeking quiet rejuvenation.”
Affordability and Sustainability in Focus
Affordability is another crucial factor. With traditionally lower hotel tariffs during the rains, travellers can explore scenic destinations at a better value. This economic incentive is pushing people to experiment with lesser-known locations. Agarwal explains that travellers today are mindful. He explains, “There is also a rising awareness about sustainable travel. Monsoon tourism often involves eco-sensitive regions like the Western Ghats or the Northeastern hills. Conscious travellers are actively choosing properties and experiences that leave minimal environmental footprints. This reflects a larger behavioural pivot where people are not just travelling for consumption, but for contribution.”
From Seasonality to Emotional Seasoning
Monsoon holidays appeal not just to the eye but to the soul. Unlike summer vacations, which are often high-energy and activity-packed, the rains slow you down and contribute to a deeply emotional experience.
Looking Ahead: The Rise of Monsoon Tourism
Agarwal says, “It is safe to say that monsoon tourism is evolving from a niche segment into a strong seasonal category in India’s travel landscape. The potential for innovation is immense from curated monsoon treks and culinary experiences featuring seasonal produce, to music festivals, wellness retreats, and even photography tours.”
For the modern traveller who is more connected to nature, conscious of impact, and hungry for original experiences, the rains offer more than just scenery. They offer stillness, stimulation, and a renewed sense of wonder.
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Location :Delhi, India, India
First Published:News lifestyle » travel From Rains To Retreats: Why Nature Lovers Are Choosing Monsoon Holidays