September 2024: Monsoon Trek Issue

Welcome to the September 2024 issue of Travel Viewpoint, Issue 65, devoted to one of the most joyful habits of Indian travel: the monsoon trek. As the rains reach their last full month across much of the country, the Western Ghats are wrapped in cloud, waterfalls pour off every cliff, and the high Himalayan meadows are slowly turning from flower to gold. This issue is your guide to walking through it all, safely, slowly and with your eyes wide open.

Below you will find every story in this issue, with a short note on what each one offers. Read them in order, or jump straight to the trail that is calling you.

Editor’s letter

Our editor, Khushi Anand, writes about why so many of us choose to walk into the rain, what the monsoon teaches about slowing down, and why the best trek is sometimes the one where you see nothing at all. She also shares a plain word on safety and responsible trekking that we hope every reader will take to heart.

10 Monsoon Treks in India to Conquer Before the Season Ends

Our round-up of ten monsoon treks across India, from the Sahyadri to the south, chosen for their beauty in the rain and their variety of difficulty. A good place to start if you are still deciding where to go this month.

Harishchandragad Trek: A Monsoon Dream in Maharashtra

One of the most celebrated forts of the Sahyadri, Harishchandragad combines ancient caves and temples with the dramatic Konkan Kada cliff. Our guide explains why it is a classic of the monsoon season and how to approach it.

Why Monsoon is the Best Time to Trek Tadiandamol

Tadiandamol, the highest peak in Kodagu, is often called one of Karnataka’s hidden gems. This story makes the case for visiting in the wet season, when its grasslands and shola forests are at their greenest.

How to Prepare for a Monsoon Trek in India

Gear, fitness, clothing and safety: everything you need to think about before setting out on a trail in the rain. Essential reading for anyone planning their first monsoon walk.

Easy Trails to Start Your Hiking Journey

New to trekking? This guide introduces gentle, beginner-friendly trails that build confidence without asking too much of your legs or your nerves.

Monsoon Treks for Photographers: Capturing India’s Green Glory

The monsoon is a gift to photographers: dramatic skies, endless shades of green and waterfalls at full strength. This piece covers trails that photograph beautifully and how to protect your camera in the rain.

New this month: Rajmachi from Lonavala

Our route feature argues that one trail explains monsoon trekking better than any other. Rajmachi, the twin forts of Shrivardhan and Manaranjan above Lonavala and Karjat, offers the full experience: the train ride out of the city, the long walk across a rain-soaked plateau, the hot village meal in Udhewadi and the fort in the clouds. We compare the gentle Lonavala approach with the steep Kondivade climb, and share practical notes on timing, overnight stays and safety.

New this month: Three Days on the Valley of Flowers Trail

Instead of a checklist, we suggest a slow, three-day rhythm for the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand: a gentle first day to Ghangaria, a full unhurried day in the valley, and an optional climb to Hemkund Sahib. We explain why September, with fewer crowds and clearer views, may suit slow travellers better than the peak bloom of July and August.

New this month: What to Skip on Your First Monsoon Trek

An honest, practical list for first-timers. Skip the crowded Sunday trail, the brand-new boots, the cotton jeans, the waterfall selfie, the late start and the heavy pack, and replace them with habits that keep you safe and happy in the rain. We also include a short packing list.

New this month: Andharban, a Quieter Monsoon Forest

When Lonavala’s viewpoints are packed, the “dark forest” near Tamhini offers hours of silence. Our story walks you through the Andharban trail from the plateau near Pimpri down towards the Konkan, with notes on permits, guides, timing and how to respect one of the Sahyadri’s most beautiful forests.

How to read this issue

If you are new to monsoon trekking, start with our preparation guide, the beginner trails and our list of what to skip, then choose Rajmachi or Andharban for a first outing. If you already have a few seasons behind you, the Valley of Flowers story and the Harishchandragad guide will take you further and higher. Photographers will want to keep the green glory piece open while they plan.

Before you go

Every story in this issue shares a few simple principles that we want to underline here.

Check the weather and local advisories before you set out, and respect official closures of forts, waterfalls and trails.
Go with experienced companions or reputable organisers, especially on your first few treks.
Start early, carry a head torch, and turn back if conditions worsen.
Never enter fast-flowing water or stand at cliff edges for photographs.
Carry your rubbish home and keep the trails quiet.
Eat in the villages, pay fairly and thank the people who feed you.

A season worth walking

The monsoon is short, and every year it changes the hills it touches. Some trails close, new waterfalls appear, and the green fades into autumn gold by October. If you have been waiting for the right moment to try a monsoon trek, this is it. Pick a trail from these pages, choose a weekday if you can, pack your quick-dry clothes and set out early.

We hope this issue inspires you to walk into the rain and come back muddy, happy and already planning the next trek. And when you do, write to us; we would love to hear where the monsoon took you.

Coming next month

Our October 2024 issue turns to Dussehra, with stories from Mysuru, Kullu and Bastar, and practical advice on enjoying India’s great autumn festival without the stress.

Happy trekking, and see you next month.