MONSOON TRAVEL PLANS - LOVE THEM

I am of the firm opinion that when it comes to travelling, there is no such thing as bad weather, only a bad choice of clothing and bad attitude. If you love walking in the rain monsoon is a great time for travelling. Otherwise why would you gleefully accept the notoriously unpredictable London rains but frown when it pours in Kolkata?  Cold rains and heavy winds in Vancouver, Melbourne, Chicago and Wellington send chills right down to the bones of my tropically tuned body. Mumbai, Shillong, Chennai, Nainital and Mount Abu are any day more friendly……….only if we take care of a couple of things. It’s all about setting the right expectations and making the best of the situation.

The Indian monsoon has disadvantages of a paucity of infrastructure, which is still developing, but it also many benefits: the lush greenery, less tourist crowds and much lower prices for accommodation and other services, to name a few. However, we can’t predict the weather and every monsoon is different. One year it could rain cats and dogs and in the next year India suffers from droughts. So do embrace whatever may come and make the best of it in India.

Travelling during the monsoon is a very exotic concept to those travelers coming from more moderate climate zones. It can come in any form – from constant drizzle to short but heavy rainfalls to tropical storms and gales to a heavy deluge. But India is a big country with multiple climate zones and therefore the monsoon can develop differently in various regions. At places like Lucknow there is usually a drizzle or the one shower for a couple of minutes as you get in South-East Asia. But it often rains for days and it rains heavily in the tropical areas of the west coast and in the north of India. The cities have an almost non-existent drainage system and the streets flood quickly. And on top of it there is the humidity, your constant travel companion. Clothes don’t dry for hours to days and the heat feels more discomforting. But if you are travelling to a hot country were you not expecting this? It’s all about the attitude when you travel during the Indian monsoon. 

In the mountains landslides aren’t uncommon. Transport, especially buses and trains can be delayed due to heavy fog and rains even air traffic can be disturbed. Almost all national parks in India are shut from June to beginning of October and tiger and other safaris won’t be possible. But Mother Nature is most generous and is dressed in her best outfit. The tree tops are all lost in the clouds and the mountain tops far away are still shining in glorious sunlight! The nature comes to life, dry brown grasslands and forests become lush and green, the farmers welcome the season with full productivity and lakes and rivers as well as waterfalls fill up and become stronger than ever.

 During monsoons it’s a great pleasure to walk through the lush hills and pass the freshly filled lakes and rivers and enjoy what makes the tropics so interesting and unique. Wayanad, Munnar and Thekkady are such places but also the Dudhsagar Waterfall Hike in Goa. Ooty in Tamil Nadu is very popular amongst domestic tourists to flee the heat of the cities.

Even the run of the mill metro cities look surprisingly different and if you have spent some time negotiating the Mumbai traffic during the monsoons you will at once understanding what I am hinting at. Forget the flooded roads and the occasional potholes if you can and look at the classical architectural marvel the city has to offer, all washed clean and shining after a good downpour. Look at their amazing reflections on the flooded roads and get ready to capture the best of the city in your camera for memories!

 Many tourists avoid India in the monsoon which means that you have a lot of sights to yourself. That makes it easier to connect to locals and experience more authenticity. The typical tourist scams appear at a minimum and all together you just don’t feel like one in a thousand travelers while you stroll the lanes and monuments of ancient India.

Furthermore, it is the best time for budget-conscious backpackers who like to keep their expenses to a minimum but don’t want to miss out on some comfort. Many hotels offer their rooms for much less, often even for half the costs than in the main season. You can stay at boutique hotels or luxury resorts for low prices. A good accommodation is a must in the Indian monsoon time as you might spend some time indoors when a particular strong downpour hits the city.

But in order to be a monsoon tourist you have to prepare yourself beforehand. These are a few useful tips.

1.      Always carry an umbrella with firm stretchers--otherwise you'll find yourself clinging to an upturned umbrella when the torrential showers hit. Better would be a raincoat with a cap. A thin rain jacket with breathable material is essential as well as thin light clothes that dry quickly. Pack clothes that cover your skin entirely as the sun can be quite harsh when she shines through the clouds. Sometimes a rain jacket might feel to warm so also pack an umbrella.

2.    Though plastic is banned in many Indian cities but during rains they are invaluable to protect your phones, laptops, watches, or anything that is dear to you.

3.    Footwear should be water-proof and so sturdy sneakers, rain boots, or shoes that come with rubber soles are advisable. Flip Flops aren’t the best option as you just flip the dirt against your legs while walking. But any sandals made of lasting rubber and with a back strap to hold the shoes to your feet are a good idea. Not only will that decrease your chances of falling and breaking your teeth, it will also save your expensive footwear from being ruined in the rain and mud.

4.      Keep a change in a plastic or water-proof bag. There will be many occasions when even the best of the umbrellas and rain-coats will not be able to keep you from the windy rain; it is wiser to keep a change of clothes handy. Also, don't forget a pair of dry socks!

5.      Be careful with your choice of food. Avoid the street food and go for the freshly cooked hotel or restaurant food and stick to fruits in between meals. Chai and pakoras are popular rain snacks but if not straight from the stove, they may be difficult to digest.

6.      Beware of potholes and open manholes and don’t ask me how! These hell-holes become twice as dangerous in the pouring rain and you cannot see them. So follow the local guy who is walking in front of you and pray that he knows where the potholes are, but be ready to pull him out if he starts disappearing in front of you. This is Monsoon Symbiosis!

7.      Be very careful while driving. Long drives along the Marine Drive and along Shaheed Path undoubtedly top the things-to-do-during-Mumbai and Lucknow monsoon list. But with water all over the place and rain hitting down on your windshield relentlessly, you've got to be a tad more careful behind the wheel, or on your bike. The overflowing gutters and dirt mixed with rainwater create risks of skidding for drivers here. Keeping your vehicles well-maintained is one away to get around it, apart from putting the wipers and headlights to their utmost use.

8.      Carry some medicines – Ciprofloxacin, Metronidazole and Paracetamol for some stomach upset and flu. Drink safe water either from your hotel or securely bottled ones.

So do not let the monsoon dampen your travel plans. When you were a child did you not enjoy the rainy days? So, it is not the rain but the attitude! Some walk in the rain and enjoy and some get wet and frown. Make the best use of this lean tourist season from June to September. After a hot summer the monsoon rains inject an amazing amount of vigor into the local people, and it's common to see children running about, dancing in the rain, and playing games. Even the adults join in because it's so refreshing. Be like the locals – hope for the best and be prepared for the worst!