TRAVEL / MONSOON SPECIAL .....Monsoon getaways that cost less than your shoe string!

Monsoon getaways that cost less than your shoe string!

Monsoon blesses the nation with a striking panaroma. The parched summer landscape makes way for beautiful getaways laden with misty showers

What if we tell you, that some places are best savoured during the rains.

Here are some of the most affordable destinations down south:

GOKARNA: 

Beaches are only sought after by many when the sun is out and the sands are hot. What this means is you can take advantage of this culturerich beach destination at a fraction of the price. Trek hillocks for splendid beaches, sip at quirky cafes or just unwind at one of the many hotels which are always a walk away from the beach! This hippiehotspot is an 8-hour scenic drive or just an overnight bus from the city.

COORG: 

As clichéd a plan to Coorg may sound, it is just one of those unbeatable experiences in the monsoon. Victorian style home stays nestled in the middle of hilly estates is the best place you can be when it's pouring out and all green. Trek one of the numerous hills or a little sightseeing and coming back to your cozy cottage to sip your favourite drink for the evening along with the signature pork is what you call - Quality Time!

YERCAUD: 

It is one of those places, which you don't hear people talk about. Placed among the castling Shevaroy hills, Yercaud is one the perfect offbeat monsoon destinations of all time. Visit numerous waterfalls which come alive for the season, take a stroll around the famous Yercaud Lake which is complete with a park or just soak in the views offered by the many vantage points. This hilltop is also a popular hiking destination, if you're feeling adventurous. These experiences, among many make this place a top rated weekend monsoon getaway from the city being just a mere 4 hours away from Bengaluru.

CHIKMAGALUR: 

A city nestled among the Western Ghats, it is one of the most sought after weekend destinations among many travellers. During the monsoon, experiences are even better all around this hill city. Striking off the famous Mullayanagiri trek from your bucket list is only the start of what you can do here. Comfortable and budget friendly stays among the hills, which often come with a view puts icing on the cake!

WAYANAD: 

One of the many gems that the 'God's own Country' has on offer this whole district is a nature lover's paradise. Winding roads sided with either estates or forests leading to paradise like landscapes like the Banasurasagar reservoir or the many wildlife reserves rich with flora and fauna is where you want to be when the rain is doing its magic. Activities like treks or any other adventure sports are plenty on offer.

VARKALA: 

Probably one of the most underrated and non commercialised destinations in all of Kerala, has naturally become a hippy paradise. Pristine shorelines, age old Hindu temples and the Anjengo fort makes this place well worthy over a monsoon weekend. Cliff side cafes which play world music, stalls selling the rather popular baggy clothes and the whole backpacker vibe the town gives out. All this cannot be missed as there are many affordable travel and beach side accommodation, which makes you look forward to a rainy weekend by the beach.

— ANI

This Monsoon set out on a camping adventure

Why not go camping this weekend? To take a break from the monotony of life and to experience nature and adventure, from deserts, valleys and jungles offering wide range of camping sites.

Refer to these trending places that can de-stress and rejuvenate you:

Sattal- Jungle Camp, Uttarakhand

Located in the hills of Kumaon, is an ideal camping destination. Cocooned in lush greens and mighty mountains, at a height of 1370 m above sea level, Sattal extends a peaceful ambiance just right for camping. Hike through the forest, enjoy bird watching. Trotting through the woods you would come across locations dotted with tents with campers enjoying activities like kayaking, rappelling, trekking, angling, etc. The right times to visit Sattal are March- June and September- December.

Bhandardara: Fireflies Camp, Maharashtra

Bhandardara sits by the Pravara River, and the natural environment, waterfalls, mountains, Wilson dam, Arthur lake and Randha falls are tourist attractions. The place is increasingly gaining popularity for the Fireflies camp in the Purushwadi area. Millions of fireflies come out in the open and create a fascinating view. Over 2000 species of fireflies can be spotted in the woods of Purushwadi. This is a must visit during the month of June.

Dandeli, Karnataka

Dandeli, located in northern Karnataka offers an incomparable mix of scenic beauty and adventure. The modern town blessed by River Kali is surrounded by deciduous forests and a renowned wildlife habitat where rare animals and birds roam free in deep valleys and its rugged terrains. Dandeli offers adventurous activities like river rafting, night camping, nature walks, boating, bird watching, tiger and crocodile spotting and angling, along with picnics, eco-tourism, and trips to nearby caves and temples.

Karnala, Maharashtra

Karnala is situated a short drive away from Mumbai, and has been a Mumbaikar's much-loved destination for a quick getaway. It hosts a bird sanctuary where you can spend some time sighting exotic bird species in their natural habitat. With lush lawns and palm trees, the ambiance is beautiful, and you will naturally just take off on a jaunt towards one of the pathways leading out of camp to explore all the natural beauty around. For those seeking adventure, a trek to the Karnala Fort is highly recommended. You can enjoy watching the gorgeous waterfalls during the monsoon season. There are plenty of options/sites to camp in Karnala, where you can spend some quiet time in nature's lap and indulge in some fun camping activities.

Anjuna- Beach Camp, Goa

Well-known for its beautiful and serene beaches, Anjuna is one of the best camping locations in Goa. It is a nice little place in Goa where people tend to camp to enjoy the scenes and lifestyle of Goa's hippy culture. Beaches, chapels and flea markets can be explored at will while camping on the Goan landscape. The happening nightlife of Goa is something you must watch for.

-— ANI