July is a splendid month for travellers who wish to experience India in its natural glory. It is that time of the year when the weather is perfect, with the summer ebbing across the subcontinent. It is also the time when the flora and fauna are at their best, making it a great time to catch a glimpse of the mighty Himalayas and the perfect time to sunbathe at a beach in Goa. Read on as we give you the lowdown on the best places to visit India in July to indulge in the most amazing monsoon bliss.

Goa

The month of July is the best time to visit Goa, as locals prefer to visit the beach town more during the festive year-end season. You can enjoy the sparsely populated beaches and savour the amazing seafood at the many gourmet restaurants located close to the beaches. July, being a lean month, you almost have the place to yourself. So, bask in the sun, enjoy visiting the many colonial churches spread across Goa, and take a leisurely stroll along the very popular Aguada Fort.

July is also the ideal time to visit the cascading Dudhsagar waterfalls, which are the pride of Goa. The sight of snow-white flowing water amidst the lush green backdrop is a sight to behold. A visit to the spice plantations is an enthralling experience in the monsoon month of July. The strong aroma of Indian spices fills the air as you are taken on a curated plantation tour. It is a marvellous experience to see the cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and bay leaves up in the trees before being plucked. The tour ends with a delicious organic meal that is simply delectable. Goa is dressed in its natural best in July and a monsoon sojourn here is an absolute must.

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a very popular tourist destination in Kerala. With many heritage bungalows that have been transformed into fabulous resorts, this stunning hamlet is truly breathtaking. Situated by the Vembanad Lake, the largest backwaters in Kerala, Kumarakom offers a glimpse of the pristine beauty found in one of the most beautiful states in India, Kerala.

The resorts offer amazing Ayurveda massage packages designed to soothe your tired nerves. Stay for a few days and enjoy the rejuvenating Kerala massage, which is believed to be most effective during the monsoon months. This alone makes Kumarakom one of the best places to visit in India in July.

Kumarakom, with its tall coconut trees, lush green paddy fields, and vibrant local life is simply therapeutic. Relish the local cuisine, take a backwater ride, try your hand at fishing on the river, and enjoy the verdant beauty of Kerala, one of the most mesmerizing states in India.

Shillong

Shillong, the state capital of Meghalaya, is famous for its well-kept gardens, lakes, churches, and the very popular root bridges. Known as the ‘abode of clouds’, the azure skies above Shillong are as beautiful as the city below. Among the best places to visit in July in India, Shillong is at its best with clear skies and blooming flowers. The Lady Hydari Park in the centre of the city is a must-visit. The beautiful park is filled with colourful blooms and makes for a great place to spend a day. The Elephant waterfalls, the many beautiful churches, Shillong Peak, and the local markets keep the tourists entertained and engaged.

Meghalaya has yet another pearl in its bouquet of offerings, the Mawlynnong village. Dubbed as ‘God’s Own Garden’, it is the cleanest village in India. In addition to cleanliness, the community has made significant progress, including a women’s empowerment rate of 100 percent. The most stunning tangible heritage sites, the living root bridges, are also a must-visit when in Meghalaya. Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the bridges are made of interlaced roots and have been constructed by the locals for ages to cross flooding rivers throughout the monsoon season. These live root bridges are particularly popular in Nongriat, Cherrapunji, Nongbareh, and other neighbouring places.

Landour

The small cantonment town of Landour is located not far from Mussoorie in Uttarakhand. The tranquility and calmness of the Garhwal Himalayas are abundant in the picturesque hamlet of Landour and it is certainly one of the best places to visit in India during July. On a clear day, Landour offers views extending up to 200 kilometres, making numerous Himalayan peaks visible to the naked eye, including Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and many others. The town of Landour is reminiscent of the British Empire, and it still predominantly exhibits the stunning architecture and way of life from that era. With only a few places to stay, Landour remains quiet and pristine, making it a great place to soak in the beauty of Indian hill station. Enjoy a coffee at the famous Landour Bakehouse, attend a service at the age-old St. Paul’s Church, or take long mountain walks, Landour will always leave you mesmerized with its beauty.