India shows a greener, brighter, and more fragrant side when the summer rains break over the subcontinent. As the clouds move out of the valleys, streams come to life and mountain trails shine with new life. Monsoon trails that run through dense woods, grasslands, and misty hills are the best way to see this change. Weekend monsoon treks near big Indian towns are great for hikers who are short on time and want to get away.
If you live in Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, or Pune, there’s a trail close by that you can head out on. These short trips offer the best monsoon walks in India because they are easy to get to and offer a full-on adventure. There are some great monsoon treks in north India and some great monsoon treks in south India in this guide, so it doesn’t matter where you live.
1. Rajmachi Fort Trek (Near Mumbai and Pune, Maharashtra)
This is one of India’s most famous summer hikes. This fort is in the Sahyadri range, which is made up of cloudy hills, lush green valleys, and rivers. People love to walk the path from Lonavala to Rajmachi in the rain because it opens up to secret streams and wildflowers in full bloom.
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Duration: 1-2 days
- Highlights: Dense forests, ancient fort ruins, fireflies (if visited early monsoon)
- Best Time: June to September
This is without a question one of the best monsoon walks in the western part of south India, and it’s easy to get to from Mumbai and Pune.
2. Tadiandamol Trek (Near Bangalore, Karnataka)
Tadiandamol is the highest hill in Karnataka. It is in Coorg and is one of the most beautiful monsoon walks in south India. The trail goes through coffee farms that have been soaked in rain, thick shola woods, and cloudy peaks.
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 1-2 days
- Highlights: Huge fields, views of valleys, and parts of forests with trees covered in fog
- Best Time: July to early September
It’s a favourite among people in Bangalore who want to find beautiful, quiet summer trails.
3. Nag Tibba Trek (Near Delhi, Uttarakhand)
Nag Tibba is a great place to get away on the weekend for people who live in or near Delhi. It’s not very well known, but it’s one of the best summer hikes in north India. The trail starts in Pantwari town and goes up through oak and rhododendron woods.
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Duration: 2 days
- Highlights: Views of Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini peaks, lush greenery
- Best Time: June to August
This monsoon walk is great for first-timers and gives you a new view of hiking in north India during the rainy season.
4. Andharban Jungle Trek (Near Pune, Maharashtra)
The name “Andharban” means “Dark Forest,” and this summer trail goes through thick, misty forests and valleys that live up to their name. When the rain comes, this is one of the best hikes in India for people who love the feel of the jungle.
- Trek Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1 day
- Highlights: waterfalls, foggy forest paths, and the close Devkund Waterfall.
- Best time: Mid-June to August.
It’s a great place to go on a rain walk in south India’s western ghats because it’s close to Pune.
5. Triund Trek (Near Delhi, Himachal Pradesh)
People often go on weekend hikes to Triund, which begins in McLeod Ganj, which is close to Dharamshala. During the monsoon, the trail is a paradise, with new grass and rolling mists. Even though it’s a little slippery when it rains, the views are amazing and the effort is well worth it.
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Duration: 2 days
- Highlights: Views of Kangra Valley and the Dhauladhar range; sleeping under the stars;
- Best Time: Mid-July to September
Triund is one of the best summer hikes in north India, and both new and experienced hikers love it.
6. Mullayanagiri Trek (Near Bangalore, Karnataka)
The walk up Mullayanagiri, Karnataka’s highest hill, is hard but worth it. It is in Chikmagalur and has a wide view of the Western Ghats covered in rain clouds.
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 1 day
- Highlights: Rocky terrain, grasslands, ancient Shiva temple at the summit
- Best Time: July to September
If you want to go on a real adventure over the weekend in south India during the monsoons, you have to go to Mullayanagiri.
7. Benog Tibba Trek (Near Delhi, Uttarakhand)
The Benog Tibba trail is a lesser-known gem for summer hiking in north India. It is close to Mussoorie. It goes through thick pine woods and finishes at a ridge with beautiful views of the Yamuna Valley.
- Trek Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 1 day
- Highlights: Colonial-era forest trails, Himalaya views, birdwatching
- Best Time: June to August
Benog Tibba is one of the best summer hikes in north India because it is easy to get to and has peaceful surroundings.
Conclusion
When you plan your monsoon hiking trips, think about the weather and the environment. Because trails can get wet, you have to wear good hiking shoes with grip. Wear clothes that dry quickly and always have a simple first-aid kit with you. If you don’t know the way, don’t go on a trip by yourself, and let someone know about your plans.
In the Sahyadris, you can walk along wet monsoon paths, and in the north, you can enjoy views of the Alps. These weekend trips will connect you with the magic of nature at different times of the year. Every trail has something different to offer, from the best summer hikes in the south to hidden gems at high elevations in the north.
Don’t wait for long holidays, your next trip might only be a few hours away with cooltrails.