Mahindra Homestays » Monsoon

Best Monsoon Destinations of India – Head Westward!

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 21:34:01 +0000

As the first shower of the season hits the coastal towns of India, off-beat traveller start planning a monsoon holiday. Not inhibited by clouds or even water wading moments, travelling during the Indian monsoons can be an invigorating experience. There is nothing better than a rain-washed, lush country side and of course discounted rates for many destinations. We take you through some of the best monsoon destinations in India and encourage you to head west!

Goa in monsoon season
Known for its sprawling beaches, an erstwhile legacy of hippy love and an alternative style made to fit, here’s Goa in a whole new light. There is such a distinct change in the environs of Goa between the hot summer months and the cloudy monsoons that it is even worth visiting twice in a year!

For those who want to feel the drizzle on their faces and have a different rendezvous with the sea, Goa should be on your list. While it rains ensure that you have a warm comfortable bed and some great conversation to bank on. Then take your weather beaten umbrella to the Vagator beach for a vantage view point at the Thallasa Greek Restaurant or sit at Fort Aguada to see the water from the skies and sea, mingle in a turbulent mess!

Travelling during the monsoon season is a great time to mix with the locals during some of the lesser known festivals. Bonderam is one such festival, which is specific to Divar Island, off Old Goa. To commemorate old battles fought, young boys and girls re-enact the times in costumes. Don’t miss their mock missiles made of berries and weapons of bamboos. The festival ends with a parade which has everyone joining in the merriment.

The monsoon season is also a good time to explore the wildlife of Goa. Take in the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, which is is not too far from Usgaon. Alternatively, just off Canacona, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to spot wild boar, langurs, bisons and plenty of avian life. Watch out for the leeches and be sure to carry some sturdy boots.

Kerala in monsoon season
The Western Coast remains one of greenest and freshest at this time, so Kerala should definitely be on the list. Depart from the coast onto the Northern and Western regions of the state. The Kasargod area still remains un-tread upon and of course Wayanad is an established getaway for the rains. While in Wayanad, see if you can catch the Splash Carnival, a Kerala Government endeavour where cultural programmes, indoor and outdoor games, and variety of competitions await travellers.

Maharashtra in monsoon season
Wander about on the Western Coast of the country and the delights don’t stop. For all of you who want to get out of jammed Mumbai roads in the thick of the monsoons, all you need to do is head out a short distance away. In Maharashtra take your pick from short hikes or long stays at Matheran, the Kondana and Kanheri Caves or just plunge into the frothy waters for a rafting trip.

Karnataka in monsoon season
Likewise, as you keep heading northwards, coastal Karnataka gets its fair share of monsoon magic in places like Dandeli and the Brahamgiri ranges. Apart from the fact that this time of the year is rather cooler and free of tourists the monsoon months also make many places affordable.

So pack your flip-flops and a sturdy umbrella and head out to towards the West coast of India.

If you would like to travel in India during the monsoon season contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans. There is currently 50% discount on selected homestays so curl up with a book, listen to fascinating stories from your hosts and enjoy delicious home cooked food while you wait for a break in the rain to explore the countryside at it’s lushest best!

Destination of the month: Wayanad in July

Mahindra Homestays — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:31:13 +0000

Gone are the days when travel months were etched in stone! People dusted out their suitcases, gathered their woollen caps and socks (or hats and sunscreens), charged cameras batteries and revisited the itineraries only in the designated months! The hot Indian summer was avoided like the plague and the monsoons came with a warning tag! For the real traveller, this is now absolutely irrelevant. Lands are traversed in the dry months and the monsoon showers bring with them a host of destinations which are the new stalwarts on the travel map of India.

This month, here’s a pick from the best of South India – Wayanad. We might as well call it the unofficial monsoon capital of Kerala. The rain washed Western Ghats come alive after fresh showers, transporting you to a different world of verdant hills and lush green expanses of the wild forest cover. If visiting this border region of Northern Kerala in the rains, be sure to prepare yourself to indulge in nothingness! A good book, a hot cup of coffee and the rains for company, this just might be the best time to visit this green paradise.

The Kerala government is known for its innovative ideas to promote the state and here comes another fabulous attempt – The Splash Monsoon Carnival! A dense coffee plantation area, Kalpetta, is the perfect venue for this festival, which brings a host of travel partners together to display the best of Kerala culture in the backdrop of the rolling plantations. Look at Wayanad Splash for more details and see if you can be there from 8th to 10th July, 2011. A great way to showcase the rich traditional heritage of Kerala, this is an alternative way of aiding the tourism efforts in the state. It also gives the travellers a choice of travel agents, booking facilities and discounts!

With a hypnotising landscape and a huge inclination towards cultural interaction, Wayanad brings an array of activities even in the monsoon month. Do not let the weather deter you from visiting the Wayanad Sanctuary, Chethalayam Waterfall, Sri Mahaganapathy Temple at Thiruvangoor, Pazhassi Raja Museum, Pookote Lake and Edakkal Caves.

Kerala, is one of the most popular tourist destinations, but in July the crowds fade out and regions like Wayanad are refreshingly quiet and sans tourists.

Be pampered by authentic Kerala food, unlimited coffee supply and the comfort of an easy chair to make your rain watching experience inimitable.

Kerala also brings with it the charm of authentic homestays. Wayanad, especially, has a wide range of stay options with locals. Plush heritage houses as well as those who offer options for budget travellers are available for your pick. Choose from tree houses, heritage homes, plantation homestays, river facing homestays or live right in the middle of the forest.

Have a splashing monsoon in Wayanad!

If you would like to experience Wayanad during the monsoon contact our reservations team who will be happy to help you with your plans.

50% discount on Mahindra Homestays bookings

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 04:06:28 +0000

The monsoon season has arrived in India and with that in mind we’re offering a 50% discount on Mahindra Homestays bookings.

This huge discount applies to stays between 1st July and 30th September. You’ll get a massive 50% off the usual price allowing you to experience the best of Indian hospitality! This offer applies to the select homestay properties. It’s the perfect excuse for a bargain break to experience the diversity of India.

While you can expect some rain the monsoon doesn’t mean it will be raining all day and many people even say that it is one of the best times to travel in India.

You will find nature at its best with waterfalls and lakes at their most spectacular and the landscape comes alive again with lush greenery. The rain lifts everyone’s spirits, so you can expect to see children and even adults enjoying the refreshing downpours after months of heat.

Just go over to our main site, choose a homestay that’s taking part in the offer, pick your preferred travel dates and see the discount price appear. Click and reserve your accommodation.

There has never been a better time to book a homestay experience.

So book now – this is a limited time offer and conditions apply.

Monsoon Magic! 50% off Indian homestays

Mahindra Homestays — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:39:30 +0000

The monsoon season has arrived in India and with that in mind we’re offering a monsoon magic discount on Mahindra Homestays bookings.

This huge discount applies to bookings between 1st July and 15th October, you’ll get a massive 50% off the usual price! This offer applies to the majority of our homestay properties.

It’s the perfect excuse for a bargain break to experience the diversity of India. While you can expect some rain the monsoon doesn’t mean it will be raining all day and there are plenty of activities you can enjoy even while it is wet. You will find nature at it’s best with waterfalls and lakes at their most spectacular.

Just go over to our main site, choose a homestay that’s taking part in the offer, pick your preferred travel dates and see the discount price appear. Click and reserve your accommodation.

We also have three special India tours that are on special offer as part of the monsoon magic promotion:

Explore beautiful southern India with our South India Tour: The Kerala Spice Trail.

Enjoy the mesmerizing beaches of Goa with our Goa Holiday Tour: Go Goa!

Visit Delhi, Agra and Corbett and experience some of India’s most beautiful highlights with our Indian Sojourn: A North Indian Tour.

There has never been a better time to book a homestay experience.
So book now – this is a limited time offer and conditions apply.

Monsoon Madness! 50% Off Bookings For Limited Period

Mahindra Homestays — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:50:59 +0000

The monsoon season has arrived in India.

A good monsoon has a positive effect on the economy, and with that in mind we’re offering a truly spectacular discount on Mahindra Homestays bookings.

Book your stay before 30 September 2009 and you’ll get a massive 50% off the usual price! This offer applies to the majority of our homestay properties.

Just go over to our main site, choose a homestay that’s taking part in the offer, pick your preferred travel dates and see the discount price appear. Click and reserve your accommodation.

There has never been a better time to book a homestay experience.

So book now – this is a limited time offer and conditions apply.

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