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Places to Visit in India in August

Ladakh, called the “Land of High Passes”, offers you clear roads, blue skies, and some of the driest weather you’ll find during the Indian monsoon. This is when the high passes are accessible, Pangong Lake reflects its full colour, and places like Nubra and Tso Moriri are easier to reach. With almost no rain, the views stretch far into the distance, past barren ridges, monasteries, and endless mountain trails. It’s also the peak window for most Ladakh tour packages, especially those covering Leh, Khardung La, and the Changthang region.

Best Places to Visit in Ladakh:

Visit Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley for the double-humped camels and Diskit Monastery. You can also head to Leh Palace, Thiksey Monastery and enjoy the views as you pass by Magnetic Hill and Sangam (Zanskar-Indus confluence).

Top Things to do in Ladakh:

Take a bike ride through Khardung La Pass

• Try yak cheese momos and butter tea at a local café, The Tibetan Kitchen or Bon Appetit are worth trying
• Camp at Pangong Lake for a night under clear skies
• Visit local markets for apricot jam, pashmina shawls, and prayer flags
• Watch the morning rituals at Hemis Monastery
• Try rafting in Zanskar during the summer

Stay Options: Some hotels in Ladakh are traditional Ladakhi guesthouses in Leh, tented stays in Nubra and Pangong, and modern hotels in Ladakh like The Grand Dragon or The Abduz.

Best Places to Visit in near Valley of Flowers:

Ghangaria village is the base point and has simple guesthouses and eateries. If you're extending the Valley of Flowers trip, Hemkund Sahib, set by a glacier lake, is a steep but rewarding trek.

Top Things to do near the Valley:

• Hike the marked trail through the national park from Ghangaria
• Spot wildflowers in bloom between July and September
• Stop at Pushpawati River crossings along the trekking route
• Trek to Hemkund Sahib for its high-altitude lake and peaceful setting
• Try a hot plate of Maggi or paratha at Ghangaria’s local dhabas

Stay Options: Stay options are basic but functional, most travellers halt at Ghangaria, which has budget lodges and tented camps.

Think Goa’s all about parties and packed beaches? Visit in August and you’ll see a whole new side. The beaches are quieter and the paddy fields greener. While the party scene slows down, you’ll find cosy cafés still open, backwater routes, and forest trails well worth exploring. It’s an ideal time to check out lesser-known spots and still get a good beach vacation. If you're shortlisting places to visit in August in India, look into Goa tour packages that cover offbeat locations.

Best Places to Visit in Goa:

• Try seafood at Ritz Classic in Panjim or pork vindaloo at Mum’s Kitchen
• Hop between beach cafés at Morjim and Ashwem
• Rent a scooter to explore village backroads lined with paddy fields and churches
• Take a sunset cruise from Panjim Jetty on the Mandovi River
• Go club-hopping at Tito’s Lane or try a beachside silent disco in Palolem
• Browse through Latin Quarter art galleries and pick up azulejos tile souvenirs
• Try water sports like parasailing or banana boat rides at Calangute

Stay Options: You’ll find everything from party hostels in Anjuna to homestays in Saligao. Some of the top beach resorts in Goa like Taj Holiday Village or W Goa in Vagator offer sea-facing rooms, spa services, and direct beach access. 

A favourite destination in most Kerala tour packages, Munnar is a place in Kerala that’s all about long drives through misty tea estates, cool weather, and photo stops every few turns. Rolling tea gardens laced with mist and raindrops make Munnar a gem in God’s own country, Kerala. Munnar is also one of the best places to visit in India in August month, when you can drive along all-weather roads, interact with locals plucking tea leaves, and stop for some ‘idli-chutney’.

Best Places to Visit in Munnar:

Visit the Eravikulam National Park to spot the Nilgiri Tahr, the Mattupetty Dam for paddle boating and scenic views, the Top Station for stunning valley vistas, and the Tea Museum to delve into Munnar's tea history. If you're around during the bloom season (July-October), the Neelakurinji trail is worth checking out.

Top Things to do in Munnar:

• Walk through Munnar’s sprawling tea estates
• Go off-roading with a jeep safari through hill trails
• Try paragliding with views of green valleys below
• Taste and shop for local spices, teas, and chocolates
• Enjoy camping under the stars and guided nature treks
• Visit spice plantations and learn about cardamom and pepper cultivation
• Sip locally brewed tea at a roadside stall with a view
  
  

Stay Options: You’ll find homestays with valley views, boutique hotels tucked near the plantations, and plenty of scenic resorts in Munnar that offer spa treatments, bonfire evenings, and private tea garden access.

• Tour a working coffee estate around Virajpet or Siddapura
• Pick up Coorg’s famous pork curry (Pandi Curry) at Raintree or Coorg Cuisine
• Try homemade wines and chocolates sold at the Madikeri market
• Spend an evening by the Kaveri River at Dubare Elephant Camp
• Sample honey, black pepper, and filter coffee straight from local plantations
• Go on short treks through Pushpagiri or Brahmagiri hills
• Visit Talacauvery, the source of the river Kaveri, on a clear morning

If we call Udaipur the best place to visit in India in August, that might just surprise you. Often associated with heat and dust, but Udaipur in August tells a different story. The rains breathe life into the Aravalli hills, the lakes brim with fresh water, and the city’s palaces stand out against a lush backdrop. A boat ride on Lake Pichola, with views of the City Palace and Jag Mandir, feels almost cinematic in the monsoon. A well-timed Rajasthan tour package can make the experience even smoother, with curated stops and local insights along the way.

Best Places to Visit in Udaipur:

City Palace for its courtyards, museums, and views of Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir for a quick boat stop and heritage walk, Saheliyon Ki Bari for its fountains and gardens, and Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace for hilltop views during the rains. Don’t miss the evening show at Bagore Ki Haveli, which captures Rajasthani dance and folklore in a relaxed courtyard setting.

Top Things to do in Udaipur:

• Take a sunset boat ride on Lake Pichola
• Stroll along the lakeside promenade at Fatehsagar
• Try a rooftop dinner with a lake view, Ambrai or Upré are good picks
• Browse silver jewellery and miniature paintings at Hathi Pol Bazaar
• Explore the narrow lanes of the old city on foot or cycle
• Visit local sweet shops for Ghewar and Malpua during monsoon
• Plan a short break for camping in Igatpuri if you want a nature reset
  
  

Stay Options: Udaipur has everything from heritage havelis converted into guesthouses to lake-facing boutique hotels and palace-style resorts. Many resorts in Udaipur offer rooftop dining and cultural performances along with local excursions.

The picturesque hill station of Mussoorie is quite a scenic spot in August and its monsoon. Landour is all cool and cloudy, while waterfalls such as Kempty are in full flow. As one of the best places to visit in India in August month, Mussoorie offers both scenic spots and adventure without the usual rush. 

Best Places to Visit in Mussoorie:

Visit waterfalls like Kempty Falls followed by Gun Hill. You can head to Camel’s Back Road and Company Garden for a short nature walk.

Top Things to do in Mussoorie:

• Take a cable car ride up to Gun Hill for town views
• Try omelettes at Lovely Omelette Centre and fresh bakes at Landour Bakehouse
• Explore old churches like St. Paul’s and Kellogg Memorial in Landour
• Visit George Everest’s House for scenic valley views and short hikes

Stay Options: There are a lot of hotels in Mussoorie that offer a more luxurious experience but can be far from the center while hotels around Library Chowk and Mall Road are convenient and affordable.

Just a stone’s throw from Mawsynram, Cherrapunji is one of Meghalaya’s most scenic places and among the best places to visit in August in India. It's about 50 km from Shillong and was once called the wettest place on Earth. Here, you’ll come across waterfalls cutting through cliffs, mist-covered trails, and the double-decker living root bridge, built over years using real tree roots. If you're looking for North-East tour packages, Cherrapunji is a no-brainer.

Best Places to Visit in Cherrapunji:

Witness the beauty of Nohkalikai Falls, step inside the Mawsmai Cave to see narrow limestone passages and natural rock patterns. Watch Seven Sisters Falls come alive during the rains with water flowing down multiple streams. Trek down to the double-decker living root bridge in Nongriat, a long descent, but worth the climb back.

Top Things to do in Cherrapunji:

• Trek down to the double-decker root bridge in Nongriat
• Explore limestone caves like Arwah and Mawsmai
• Walk along cliffside roads with wide valley views
• Stop at Eco Park and Thangkharang Park for open green spaces
• Buy locally made honey and dried bay leaves from roadside vendors
• Visit Khasi villages like Nongriat and Smit to try regional meals such as Jadoh, Dohkhlieh, Pumaloi, Pukhlein, and Dohneiiong.

Stay Options: You’ll find basic homestays run by locals, eco-lodges with uninterrupted views of the valleys, and a few boutique resorts offering wood-panelled rooms, local meals, and easy access to trails. 

• Try thukpa and momos at Kunga Restaurant near Gandhi Road
• Sip Darjeeling tea at Nathmulls Tea Lounge
• Browse for woollens and prayer flags at Bhutia Market
• Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to Ghum
• Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Zoo next door
• Shop for locally made preserves and tea at Glenary’s store
• Catch live music at Joey’s Pub in the evening

• Book a houseboat cruise with meals served onboard
• Try toddy at a licensed shack and sample Karimeen Pollichathu
• Visit the Revi Karunakaran Museum for its personal art collection

Located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Wayanad is out among the best places to visit in August in India. This is a good time to visit its waterfalls like Soochipara and Meenmutty as they’re in full flow. Wildlife safaris in the Wayanad Sanctuary may be limited, but the greenery around the hills and dam areas make for scenic drives and short treks. It’s a popular monsoon getaway from nearby Bangalore and South Indian cities.

Best Places to Visit in Wayanad:

Climb up to Edakkal Caves. Walk around Pookode Lake. Drive through Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary. Spend an hour at Banasura Sagar Dam. Watch the view from Neelimala Point. Visit Meenmutty Falls after a short hike.

Top Things to do in Wayanad:

• Try bamboo biryani at The Bungalow Restaurant in Kalpetta
• Shop for spices and wild honey at Santhi Pappadam in Sulthan Bathery
• Go boating at Karlad Lake
• Trek to Chembra Peak with a local guide
• Ride through tea plantations around Vythiri
• Explore Jain Temple ruins near Puliyarmala
  
  

Stay Options: You’ll find hill-facing cottages, treehouse stays, and luxury resorts in Wayanad around Kalpetta, Vythiri, and Meppadi.

• Try kachoris at Chhotu Motu Joshi Sweet Shop
• Buy bhujia and sweets from Bhikharam Chandmal
• Explore the old city bazaar for handicrafts and mojris
• Visit the royal cenotaphs at Devi Kund Sagar
• Catch the evening aarti at Kodamdesar Temple
• Ride a camel cart in the dunes near Raisar

Located in the Nilgiri hills, Ooty is known by the epithet “Queen of Hill Stations” and is a popular tourist destination round the year. In August, the town feels fresh after every downpour, gardens glisten, tea estates stretch into the mist, and roadside waterfalls come alive. For those eyeing Ooty tour packages, monsoon is a good time to visit as you can explore Ooty without the usual rush. 

Best Places to Visit in Ooty:

Take the scenic Nilgiri Mountain Railway from Mettupalayam to Ooty through tunnels, tea gardens, and sharp bends. Walk through the structured gardens and glasshouse at the Government Botanical Garden. Head to Doddabetta Peak for a wide-angle view of the Nilgiris. 

Top Things to do in Ooty:

• Sip hot chocolate at King’s Cliff or try baked goods at Willy’s Coffee Pub
• Stroll around Ooty Lake or take a pedal boat out on the water
• Consider buying eucalyptus oil, handmade chocolates, and Toda embroidery at the Tibetan Market
• Drive to Pykara Lake and Waterfalls for a quieter outing away from the main town
• Take a walk inside the Rose Garden when the blooms are in season
• Explore colonial-era buildings like St. Stephen’s Church
• Visit the Tea Factory & Museum to learn about the region’s tea legacy
• Catch the toy train from Ooty to Coonoor for views of valleys and plantations
  
  

Stay Options: Ooty has heritage bungalows with old fireplaces, hillside cottages with garden breakfasts, and restored colonial-era hotels like Savoy–IHCL. You can choose to stay in some resorts in Ooty for a better experience.

• Have nihari at Karim’s in Jama Masjid or chole bhature at Sita Ram Diwan Chand
• Shop for fabrics and juttis at Janpath or Dilli Haat
• Visit India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan during a late-night drive
• Try street food at Chandni Chowk and Paranthe Wali Gali
• Pick up books, crafts, and stationery from Connaught Place arcades
• Catch a play or performance at India Habitat Centre

• Pick up fresh strawberries and mulberries at Laxmi Strawberry Farm
• Walk through the lanes of Old Mahabaleshwar to visit the Panchganga Temple
• Hike to Lingmala Waterfall during monsoon for a misty trail experience
• Catch a quiet sunset at Wilson Point, the highest spot in the area
• Visit Pratapgad Fort for a dose of Maratha history and plateau views

Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan and the former summer retreat of Rajputana rulers, sits at 1220 metres. In August, the landscape turns green and misty, making it one of the best places to visit in India in August month. A Mount Abu trip usually includes boating at Nakki Lake, a drive to Guru Shikhar, and a visit to the centuries-old Dilwara Temples.

Best Places to Visit in Mount Abu:

Nakki Lake is the centre point, ideal for boat rides and evening strolls. The Dilwara Temples are a must-see and Guru Shikhar, the highest point in the Aravalli range, offers wide views and cooler air. 

Top Things to do in Mount Abu:

• Go boating at Nakki Lake and explore the surrounding market
• Climb up to Guru Shikhar for panoramic views
• Explore the detailed architecture of Dilwara Jain Temples
• Try local snacks like dal pakwan and rabri at Chacha’s Cafe

Stay Options: Resorts in Mount Abu range from family-run guesthouses near the lake to quiet resorts on Mount Abu set amid hills and gardens.

• Try strawberry cream at Hilltop Ice Cream
• Have a Maharashtrian meal at Meher Café
• Buy fruit crushes and jams from Mapro’s town outlet
• Drive through farms and backroads between Panchgani and Wai

Varanasi takes on a different look in August and is among the best places to visit in August in India. While the rain may cause a few traffic hiccups in the galis, it doesn’t stop the daily rituals at Dashashwamedh Ghat or the lines outside Kashi Vishwanath Temple. You can choose from various Varanasi tour packages that cover key sites like Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath and offer a boat ride as well.

Best Places to Visit in Varanasi:

Attend the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, walk along Assi Ghat, visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, stop by Tulsi Manas Temple, offer prayers at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, see the map of India at Bharat Mata Mandir, witness rituals at Manikarnika Ghat, and explore Buddhist relics at Sarnath.

Top Things to do in Varanasi:

• Take a sunrise boat ride along the ghats to watch morning rituals
• Stroll through the old city lanes near Vishwanath Gali
• Try local specialities like kachori sabzi, tamatar chaat, and blue lassi
• Go on a day trip to Sarnath to see the Dhamek Stupa and museum
• Shop for Banarasi silk sarees and wooden toys in local bazaars

Stay Options: There’s a wide range of hotels in Varanasi, from basic hotels near the ghats to larger properties slightly away from the river.

Chikmagalur, known as the Coffee Land of Karnataka, is located at the base of the Mullayanagiri hills. The place sees good rainfall in August, which turns the coffee estates and hillsides green and active. This is a good time for a Chikmagalur trip, especially for those interested in taking plantation stays, local coffee trails, and treks like Mullayanagiri or Baba Budangiri. Chikmagalur is one of the best places to visit in India in August month for a short hill break.

Best Places to Visit in Chikmagalur:

Drive up to Mullayanagiri, walk around the old temple complex at Halebidu. Spend an evening by Hirekolale Lake. Wander through coffee plantations near Aldur or Mudigere. Take a detour to Baba Budangiri and stop at viewpoints along the ridge.

Top Things to do in Chikmagalur:

• Sip freshly brewed filter coffee at The Estate Café or Coffee Barn Café
• Visit the Coffee Museum in Chikmagalur town to trace the region’s brew history
• Ride through Charmadi Ghat during the monsoon for cloud-covered roads
• Buy roasted beans, homemade chocolates, and essential oils from town shops
• Explore Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary on a guided jeep safari

Stay Options: Resorts in Chikmagalur offer everything from estate homestays with private coffee trails to high-end resorts near Mullayanagiri with views of forest ridges. 

Madhya Pradesh sees light to moderate rainfall in August, which makes the temperature cool. The carvings across the Western and Eastern groups of temples in Khajuraho can be clearly seen against the damp stone, and the reduced footfall gives you more time to explore. Most of the temples date back to the 10th–11th century and show a high level of precision in layout and detail. For those interested in architecture and sculpture, Khajuraho is among the best places to visit in August in India.

Best Places to Visit in Khajuraho:

Walk through the Western Group of Temples. Step into the quiet lanes of the Eastern Group. Visit the Duladeo and Chaturbhuj Temples in the Southern Group. Stop at Raneh Falls after a short drive. Explore the small museum near the main entrance.

Top Things to do in Khajuraho:

• Try local thalis at Raja Café near the temple road
• Pick up tribal crafts and masks at Mrignayani showroom
• Visit the Adivart Tribal Museum for cultural exhibits
• Stop by for tea and snacks at Madras Coffee House
  
  

Stay Options: You’ll find heritage stays, guesthouses, and a few modern resorts in Khajuraho close to the temple complex, some even offering evening folk performances.

• Try fresh seafood meals at Hotel Triveni or Saravana
• Shop for shell crafts and conch items at the beachside stalls
• Visit the Tsunami Monument and coastal memorials
• Buy locally sourced spices and handicrafts from Poompuhar outlet

Athirapally Falls, Kerala’s biggest waterfall, is at its most impressive during the monsoon, making it one of the best places to visit in August in India. Located around 60 km from Thrissur, the 80-foot-high cascade flows with full force as rain-fed streams merge into the Chalakkudy River. The pool above the falls is quite popular, and the area also draws birdwatchers thanks to its population of hornbills.

Best Places to Visit near Athirapally Falls:

Walk to the base of Athirapally Falls for a close-up view of the drop. Visit Vazhachal Falls just a few kilometres downstream. Take a short forest trail to the Butterfly Garden near Vazhachal. Drive up to Thumboormuzhi Dam for quiet riverside views and a hanging bridge.

Top Things to do near Athirapally:

• Have a Kerala-style lunch at Indian Coffee House in Chalakudy
• Pick up homemade banana chips and jaggery sweets from local roadside stalls
• Visit the Tribal Museum inside the forest range office
• Take a guided forest safari through Sholayar ranges (permit required)

Stay Options: You’ll find nature lodges close to the falls, homestays along the river, and eco-friendly resorts in Kerala around Athirapally.

Located along the Arabian Sea in coastal Karnataka, Gokarna is both a pilgrimage town and a laid-back beachside getaway. Near Karwar, it sees a good footfall in August, some drawn to the temples, others to quieter stretches like Kudle and Om Beach. Gokarna remains one of the best places to visit in India in August month, often included in Karnataka tour packages around this time.

Best Places to Visit in Gokarna:

Walk down the cliff trail to Om Beach and spot the natural 'Om' shape from the rocks above. Visit the Mahabaleshwar Temple or head to Half Moon Beach or Paradise Beach, both accessible by boat or a forest trail.

Top Things to do in Gokarna:

• Have seafood thali at Namaste Café or try Israeli plates at Shree Shakti Café
• Rent a kayak at Om Beach during calmer tides
• Take a beach trek connecting Kudle, Om, Half Moon, and Paradise
• Watch the sunset from the hilltop near Belekan Beach
• Buy cotton beachwear, incense, and local handicrafts from street stalls near the temple
• Join a morning yoga session or beach meditation class offered by some local stays

Stay Options: You’ll be spoilt for choices when it comes to resorts in Gokarna. Several luxury resorts in Gokarna, like SwaSwara or Kahani Paradise, offer cliffside views, private villas, and curated wellness experiences.

• Try aloo ke gutke and mandua roti at Garden Restaurant
• Buy local teas and handicrafts at Kausani Shawl Factory outlet
• Catch early morning Himalayan views from the main viewpoint
• Spend a quiet evening at the prayer hall in Lakshmi Ashram

• Try misal pav and poha at Zaika Family Restaurant near the railway station
• Spend an evening by the bonfire while camping in Igatpuri near Vaitarna Lake
• Go ziplining, kayaking, or cliff jumping at local adventure camps
• Visit Ghatandevi Temple tucked between green slopes
• Take a short drive to Myanmar Gate and the Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre
• Explore Ashoka Waterfall after a rainy spell
• Rent a cycle and ride along the quiet backroads near Talegaon

• Cycle around the star-shaped Kodai Lake
• Visit local chocolate factories for handmade treats
• Try boating or a coracle ride at Berijam Lake (with permit)
• Trek to Dolphin’s Nose or Vattakanal Falls
• Catch the sunset at Green Valley View (formerly Suicide Point)
• Explore pine forests for short walks and photo breaks

Mawlynnong has earned a name for being one of the cleanest villages in Asia, but it’s the title God’s Own Garden that really defines its character. Tucked near Meghalaya’s southern edge, this Khasi village feels lived-in yet remarkably kept place. It’s also home to the iconic Nohwet Living Root Bridge, one of the most recognisable sights in the state. Mawlynnong is among the best places to visit in August in India, and is covered in most Meghalaya tour packages year-round.

Best Places to Visit in Mawlynnong:

The Living Root Bridge in Riwai village is a short walk and one of the biggest draws here. Sky View Point, a bamboo platform near the Indo-Bangladesh border, offers sweeping views of countryside. The village itself, with its clean lanes, floral fences, and bamboo dustbins, is an experience in slow rural living. You can also visit the Balancing Rock, a curious natural formation nearby.

Top Things to do in Mawlynnong:

• Walk through the village to see how waste management is done locally
• Take a short trek to the Living Root Bridge in Riwai
• Climb the bamboo watchtower for panoramic border views
• Sit down for a local Khasi meal, jadoh rice and smoked meat at the village kitchen
• Visit nearby Dawki for a boat ride on the clear waters of Umngot River
• Explore neighbouring villages for homestay lunches and regional crafts
• Consider exploring Mawlynnong packages that include both cultural stops and nature walks

Stay Options: Most stays in Mawlynnong are family-run guesthouses or homestays built in local architectural style, simple, clean, and often surrounded by gardens.