When the first rains of monsoon fall on the earth, nature truly shows its unique and beautiful form. If you are looking for a place of peace and natural beauty in this changing season, then the magnificent valleys of India are waiting for you. These valleys look amazing during the rainy season. The velvety greenery spread all around, the thick dark clouds touching the mountain peaks, the falling waterfalls and the sweet fragrance of the soil – it seems as if heaven has come down to earth. To experience the magic of monsoon, you must visit these selected, magical valleys of India with your family or friends.

**Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand**

If you want to see the most vibrant and complete picture of “Heaven on Earth” during monsoon, there is no better place than the ‘Valley of Flowers’ in Uttarakhand. Between July and September, the entire valley comes alive as hundreds of rare wild and local flowers come into bloom. As the rain drops fall, this UNESCO World Heritage Site magically transforms and the hills appear to be covered with a velvety, multicolored carpet of flowers. Trekking into the valley amid the mist and clouds is a lifetime experience for nature lovers and photographers.

**Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh**

If you want to set out on an exciting and unique journey amid light rain, then the cool and serene Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh is a great option for you. Since this area falls under the ‘cold desert’ category, there is less risk of heavy rains or landslides during monsoon, making it a very safe place to visit during this season. On rainy days, white clouds play hide and seek in the clear blue sky surrounded by high, dry mountains and ancient Buddhist monasteries – giving tourists a unique feeling of peace and tranquility.

**Zukou Valley, Nagaland and Manipur**

Although North-East India is famous for its natural beauty, the Dzukou Valley located on the border of Nagaland and Manipur takes on a truly magical form with the arrival of monsoon. It is often called the “Valley of Flowers of the Northeast”; The valley becomes lush green and alive during the monsoon months. The specialty of this valley is the rare ‘Zukou Lily’ flower found here, which is not found anywhere else in the world. People from every corner of the country come here to get a glimpse of it. During the rainy season, when white clouds float among the deep green mountains and small waterfalls, it feels as if one has entered a magical world.

**Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh**

Not only North-East, but the beauty of South India is also at its peak during this time. Araku Valley of Andhra Pradesh, located in the south, becomes one of the most beautiful and enchanting places in the region during monsoon. Surrounded by dense forests, coffee plantations and many ancient caves, this valley is famous for its unmatched natural peace and fresh air. With the onset of monsoon, the waterfalls here come into spate and a blanket of mist covers the valley, making the toy train ride on the Visakhapatnam-Kirandul route look like a scene from a movie.

Monsoon travel tips

Before setting out on a trip to the mountains or valleys, be sure to check the latest weather information and road conditions. For monsoon trips, always carry waterproof trekking shoes with good grip, raincoat, umbrella and a waterproof bag to keep your electronic gadgets safe. If you are going on a trekking route that is not much known or is not common, then take the help of a local guide for safety and correct information about the route.