Monsoon Magic
Enjoy the wet weather on a holiday and
experience a new side of a destination
The monsoon season is making its primary calls across the country — a welcome respite from the summer heat and grime. But why spend your days cooped up at home watching the rain when you could be out, dancing in it?
The dampness and deluge don’t necessarily have to cloud your travel plans. Instead, make use of the cool weather — by either travelling domestically or abroad and explore a new side to a destination that the rains will reveal to you. Most of South-East Asia will be enjoying some percentage of rain showers this June. The heavier downpour will not have set in yet, making travel an easy possibility.
Thailand, for example, is less crowded with tourist traffic and booking flights, hotel rooms and tours will be all the more convenient.
Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Indonesia, all these locales present an opportunity to strike offseason deals. With fewer tourists thronging the uber exclusive resorts, it’s a good time to have fun there. Wherever you decide to go, make sure to first take your flu vaccines and (especially during the rain season) drink only distilled water. Get wet, Go!
MONSOONS WORLD SPECIAL
SOAK IN NATURE ON A RAINY HOLIDAY
Thailand offers a variety of holiday styles. Rain-time vacations here bring out the natural beauty in all its glory
For Indian travellers, Thailand makes up
for one of the first and most often visited destinations. And why not! The
country is a short flight away and offers a bountiful range of activities to
spend time enjoying and a host of regional destinations, all unique from the
other.
Come June, the tropical rain could start to gather overhead, bringing the tourist influx to a slowdown. For the traveller looking to do something different in the country, this is the perfect time to visit.
Storm season, which more or less sets in by August is still a long way off, and the June rains only
work to heighten the natural beauty of the destination, while also giving its heritage monuments a good wash over.
Central Thailand, comprising Greater Bangkok, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi are your best options for a Thai monsoon getaway.
Come June, the tropical rain could start to gather overhead, bringing the tourist influx to a slowdown. For the traveller looking to do something different in the country, this is the perfect time to visit.
Storm season, which more or less sets in by August is still a long way off, and the June rains only
work to heighten the natural beauty of the destination, while also giving its heritage monuments a good wash over.
Central Thailand, comprising Greater Bangkok, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi are your best options for a Thai monsoon getaway.
THINGS TO DO
Visit the heritage monuments in Ang Thong and Ayutthaya. Being a bit away from the tourist-centric spots, these sites have a spiritual ambience.
Take a train ride across the Bridge Over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi, which was built during World War II. Another option is to hire a small boat and have the boatsman row you across the river. Kanchanaburi is also home to a WWII cemetery.
The rains add more fullness to the rivers, making the rapids all the more challenging and enthralling. Buckle up your life jackets and start paddling.
The Thai Shopping Fest is on, till July-end. While the street markets might be smaller due to
the rains, the deals on offer at the malls, shopping complexes and restaurants make up for it.
For a bit more sunshine, visit the Samui Archipelago, which experiences rains later in the year. Samui, Koh Pha Ngan or Koh Tao are good bets, though be ready for freak showers as well.
www.tourismthailand.com
SRI LANKA
With eight UNESCO World Heritage sites to boast of, Sri Lankans proudly display the achievement of ancient Sri Lanka to every tourist. From amazing structures such as the Sigiriya Rock Fortress to rivers and lakes to well-planned gardens, visitors here are awed from the moment they arrive. Good roads and infrastructure are another treat. Start your day in SL with a chalked-out plan in hand. So, if you are visiting Sri Lanka with your kids, then head to Udawalawa National Park, located approximately 200 km
south-east of Colombo city. It is a major eco-tourism destination. Popular for the many elephants that live here (about 400 in total), it’s a kid’s delight to see them at play time. During your visit, you could witness entire herds of adults and young elephants – feeding or bathing and playing in the water. In addition to this main attraction, the park is home to water buffalo, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, monkeys and the occasional leopard. This park is also an exciting location for bird enthusiasts.
For some beach fun, you must make your way to Unawatuna Beach, which is a semi-circular stretch of golden sands bordered with coconut and palm trees around the coast of Galle. It’s here, where good dive points are accessible, too. There is a reef protecting the beach, which makes it perfectly safe for bathing. For some outdoor adventure, try camping, trekking, kayaking and canoeing. In fact, you can also enjoy a hot air balloon ride in the heart of the Cultural Triangle. For an adrenalin rush with a difference try wave riding or paragliding. Being an island, it is easy to experience the country by cycling and backpacking, which is a cost-effective
way to enjoy Sri Lanka.
www.srilanka.travel
Compiled by Lara Rebello
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