Eight Monsoon Road Trips

India Is At Its Most Verdant In The Rainy Season. These Routes, Recommended By Rishad Saam Mehta, Will Introduce You To Vistas You Have Never Seen Before. Don't Forget To Refer To Our Safety Checklist Before You Set Out

Grass pushes through from cracks in the tarmac, dust and debris accumulated over months gets washed away from sculptures carved by ancient artists many millennia ago, waterfalls turn from tired trickles to tempestuous torrents and the countryside, drab and dreary, turns verdant and vibrant. When the monsoons arrive in this exquisite land called India, the entire country celebrates because the rains bring hope and joy and the promise of bloom and bounty.

Then there is that fragrance of wet earth that wafts through the air-the distinct scent of this sublime season complemented by the refreshing taste of hot masala tea and fritters at roadside dhabas.

Monsoon road trips stand apart as exciting adventures that enthral drivers and passengers alike with the views coming in through the windshield.

The deserted monument city of Mandu is the main attraction of this road trip during the monsoons, but you can take in a few sights along the way too.

Also, spend a day or two in Indore. It is known for its street food if that is something that excites you.

Instead of driving straight to Mandu, first drive to Omkareshwar, which is 80 km south of Indore. Here the draw is the temple with a jyotirlinga that is on an island in the Narmada River, accessible via boat and bridge.

From Omkareshwar, head 103 km west to Mandu, known as Mandavgarh in the 10th century. The ruins of the ancient city are everywhere and they are especially resplendent during the monsoon season. The Jahaz Mahal or ship palace was built between two lakes to give it the appearance of floating on water.