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Last Updated:May 30, 2025, 16:38 IST
From ancient caves to lush hill forts wrapped in mist, here are five UNESCO World Heritage sites in India to explore during the monsoon season.
Western Ghats are lush and vibrant from June to September. (AI Generated Image)
Monsoon arrives in India with a dramatic flourish, washing away the dust and bringing life to the land. During the rainy season, the country’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites become heavenly. Although the monsoon season is often overlooked by travellers, those who pack their bags and venture out during this time are rewarded with unforgettable experiences.
From the dripping caves of ancient rock-cut temples to the emerald hills of forgotten forts, the monsoon transforms these sites into breathtaking gems. Here are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are at their most captivating during the monsoon season.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga was listed by UNESCO in 1985 and is home to the world’s biggest population of one-horned rhinoceroses. Due to the Brahmaputra’s propensity to flood, the national park is formally closed to visitors from May to October, when the monsoon season is at its height. The catch is that you might catch the park in its most stunning state if you visit in early June or late September, when the water levels are manageable. Under grey skies, migratory birds arrive, and the forest comes alive with wilder, greener, and louder sounds.
Western Ghats
It would be impossible to discuss the monsoon without mentioning the Western Ghats. One of the eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity in the world, this 1,600-kilometre mountain range spans five states. However, the Ghats are exceptionally lush from June to September, when the monsoon season occurs. Take the picturesque train from Mangalore to Goa, where you’ll spot new waterfalls roaring down the hills around every corner. You can also visit Wayanad or Silent Valley National Park in Kerala to see endangered animals like the Lion-tailed macaque.
Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
When you talk about the UNESCO World Heritage sites in India, you can’t miss the Ajanta Caves. They are carved onto a horseshoe-shaped rock face above the Waghora River. The reason it has been on the UNESCO list since 1983 is because of the sculptures and frescoes that depict scenes from the life of Buddha and are among the best examples of ancient Indian art. However, the entire scenario becomes quite dramatic during the monsoon season. The river surges below, the jungle is alive, and waterfalls erupt around the caverns.
Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand
The Valley of Flowers, tucked away in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, lives up to its name—but only if you visit at the ideal moment. Which window is the best? Visit in the thick of the monsoon, from mid-July to mid-August. The valley is transformed into a breathtaking, picturesque scene as hundreds of alpine flowers bloom throughout the high-altitude meadows. The roughly 17-kilometre hike is not for the faint of heart, particularly given the slick paths and foggy conditions. However, those who succeed are rewarded with breathtaking vistas, uncommon flora, and an unforgettable sense of peace.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai
It is indeed a functional railway station. However, the Victorian Gothic masterpiece Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) is equally impressive as any European landmark. When it rains, the streets surrounding the wet stone facade resemble a scene from a historical drama. Get a window seat at one of the cafes across from the station for the finest view. The Mumbai monsoon can be intense, so be cautious.
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Delhi, India, India
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