10 Monsoon Adventure Activities & Where To Enjoy Them

Nothing beats travelling in the monsoon. The weather is perfect and the scenery looks all that more beautiful. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg. What makes vacationing during the monsoon truly exciting are all the fun adventure activities that you get to explore - from rafting, and kayaking, to storm chasing too! Even trekking, hiking and camping is more fun under the grey skies and drizzle.

So for your next vacation in the rain, here’s our top 10 picks for the best monsoon adventure activities that you can check out (and the best places to enjoy them, of course!)

Trekking

The monsoons make everything more exciting, and trekking is no exception! Nothing is more exhilarating than a monsoon trek - with lush greenery all around, and sights that no money can buy. Head to the Great Himalayan National Park in Shangarh for a trek against the backdrop of the Himalayas, or check out meadows of blossoming buds in Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers. The Dudhsagar falls in Goa is another unmissable monsoon trek, when the rains create a thundering rush where the 4 falls meet.

Traveller trekking through the lush green valleys

Waterfall Chasing

Close your eyes and imagine the rush of seeing a high, gushing waterfall. Now imagine that feeling again - multiplied by several times. That’s what waterfall chasing in the monsoon is like. Experience it in the fullest by heading to Chikmagalur for the gorgeous Manikyadhara and Hebbe Falls, or travel to Himachal and bask in the glory of the famous Kheerganga falls in Kasol, and the mystical Bhagsu waterfall McLeodganj which boasts sparkling blue waters.

Waterfall chasing at the cascading monsoon waterfalls

Storm Chasing

There’s one thing that the monsoon offers, which no other season does, and that is storm chasing. As the skies turn dark, and lightning streaks through, follow the eye and watch nature unfold before you. Now isn’t that exciting? Explore the thundering rains of Coorg, and the raging storms of Manali, or head to Goa to watch stormy winds dance across the waves.

Storm chasing to a breezy coastal town

Kayaking

If you’re looking for a monsoon adventure, kayaking is a must. The rush of the water as it ebbs and flows is incredibly thrilling, but combine it with a slight drizzle? Now that’s an experience fit for the Travel Channel. Grab your bags and head to Naukuchiatal for a quaint kayaking experience, or explore the mighty Ganges in Rishikesh with a 12km expedition. Or better yet, kayak through the gorgeous, palm-tree-studded backwaters of Kerala.

Travellers enjoying kayaking with monsoon drizzle

Camping

We’ve all heard of “singing in the rain”, but you know what’s better? Camping in the rain. A monsoon adventure that we swear by is a camping trip - complete with a bonfire night, smores on a stick and snuggling up in sleeping bags. Bring your monsoon trek and camping desires to life in Kasol, with trails of Kheerganga and Tosh, or head to Mussoorie to camp along the streamside. And if you’d like to flip the script, camp on the sides of the Bhandardara Lake, and view the gorgeous Western Ghats.

Camping on the hills - perfect monsoon adventure

Cycling 

What’s better than just cycling? Cycling in the monsoon…in the hills! Nothing beats swerving and gliding down swift mountain roads under overcast skies. The weather is perfect enough to feel the fresh air, without you getting breathless. If cycling is your jam and you’re looking for a getaway, experience local sights on wheels in Bir in Himachal, twist through plantations in the Nilgiris in the Ooty trail, or head to Goa and explore the coastline.

Cycling through the scenic routes of a hill during monsoon

Caving

If you’re looking for your Indiana Jones moment, then exploring caves should surely be on your monsoon adventure list. Untouched by most people, caves are treasure troves of geographical phenomenon, and a sight to behold. Head to Spiti, located a few kilometres away from Tirthan Valley, to explore the Tabo Caves, or check out the famous Arjun Gufa in Manali. And if you’re a history buff, visit the Karla caves in Lonavala - an ancient buddhist temple dating back to 200 BC.

Go caving in the exciting Karla caves Lonavala

Rappelling

Under the soft grey skies, nothing beats a monsoon adventure like rappelling in the hills. You feel the breeze ruffle your hair and the adrenaline pump through your veins. Explore rappelling at Tiger’s Leap in Lonavala, named so due to its resemblance to a tiger leaping, or check out Rishikesh, the mecca of spirituality and adventure sports, to rappel through the valleys. For an offbeat rappelling experience, head to the Nishani Hills in Coorg.

Adventurer rappelling down the hill with the monsoon breeze

Ziplining 

And if we’re talking rappelling, we have to talk about its equally exciting cousin - ziplining. Nothing comes close to zip lining over valleys, lakes and rushing rivers. Head to Munnar to check out the longest zipline in India with a length of 1800 metres, or visit Manali for India’s highest zipline, located at a height of 6000 ft. But if a view of lush deciduous forests is more your thing, head to Dharbandora village in Goa.

Ziplining through the lush green cover

Safari

When the weather is great, and the forests are lush, that’s the best time to greet your furry friends! A monsoon safari is an adventure like none other - so head to Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand - home to Bengal tigers, Himalayan black bears and many more, or catch an elephant safari at the famous Rajaji National Park in Dehradun. But if a hidden gem is what you’re looking for, check out the Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary and spot jackals, gorals, and more.

Explorers going on a wild safari

And there you have it! The next time you need a monsoon break and want to get your blood pumping, check out these monsoon adventures - from a safari in the heart of the beasts, to rappelling and ziplining through windy skies and even exploring sights while you cycle through hilly roads.