Monsoon in Rishikesh

Moonflower Monk

Hello all,

Travel agencies nor any regular information source could provide me an answer. It concerns the Monsoon period. It seems to start July and end three months later? No information source could tell me about the Monsoon in the region I'm going to travel (Rishikesh). What am I to expect? Is it so bad one is best to be advised to travel another time? Is there a place around the North which does not suffer so badly from the Monsoon? I heard Ladakh only knows a few hours of rain or so each day, then one can continue to enjoy a summer-like weather condition (in the Monsoon season that is). Are there any other places to go in India to escape the Monsoon (if it is at all present in such a dominant form that one will want to move on).


I hope anyone can inform me on this.


Thanks,

Moonflower Monk

Aishah

In North India you get pre-monsoon showers starting usually in June - these are not a bother as they are short and things dry up fast. Dharamsala, McLeod Ganj starts to get very wet from June 21st onwards, I was in Mussoorie until June 30 last year and yes, it did rain but not to ruin your holiday. Some torrential rain from time to time then weather would fine up. From July it starts getting worse. I have heard Ladakh is probably the best place in July - also Rajasthan especially the western regions BUT it is hideously hot in the Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Barmer areas where the monsoon actually arriving is always later than anywhere else in India. Rajasthan can be very good if you keep to the eastern, southern parts - not quite so hot. Are you going to Rishikesh in July? I think I would still go but take an umbrella!

Moonflower Monk

Hello Aishah,

Thank you for the information. I'm leaving for India and Rishikesh on April 12. I will spend six months in meditation, so it would be nice if the weather would allow me to sit outside.

karnail

I am surprised who gave you this info that it is not good to go to hills during Monsoon. During Monsoon the areas in the foothills become muchmore greeener and very soothing. Aromas of the Indian mysticism flow in the air, small water channels open, falls get water, streams get cleaned up and last but not the least Mother Ganga acquires it's lost looks and glory. Its wonderful to watch the gods pouring down to quench the thirst of the land of the mystique trncedental romances. Every thing gets a thick blanket of calmness and eternal peace. Go ahead you will enjoy your meditation. We often go to Rishikesh and sleep on the river ghats nights are wonderful there. Check some pix HERE

Moonflower Monk

Dear karnail,

That looks wonderful . It is well possible to sit outside during the rainfall? Perhaps through shelter?

Nick-H

I had some quite pleasant (the rain was ok; it was too cold for me) walks and days out for a long weekend in Ooty last July.

At worst I was drenched and called off climbing one high place as I did not think the wind would leave me on my feet.

The next week there were landslides, floods, closed roads, the Nilgiris railway didn't function for months due to damage...

Monsoon can be refreshing --- it can also be devastating and dangerous.

rishabh6296

In monsoon,the only areas in north worth going wud be the transhimalayan ones,like ladakh,zanskar,lahaul-spiti etc.

Banarasi at heart

IMHO, Monsoon is the best time to travel by train in India. The sights are simply too good. If you ignore the morning smells (you know what i mean), it is the best time to travel by non-a/c class with great smells and cool air.