Immerse yourself in music festivals, participate in regional and spiritual celebrations, or soak in the beauty of rain-washed landscapes – August in India promises enriching experiences and some of the best places for tourists to visit.
Before the monsoon season fades, let us guide you to some of India’s best places to visit in August! From Alleppey’s iconic Nehru Trophy Boat Race to Krishna Janmashtami celebrations in Mathura-Vrindavan, our selection caters to all travellers – spiritual seekers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure lovers.
Also, read our copy on the best places to visit in India in July.
The best tourist places to visit in India this August
Alleppey, Kerala
Alleppey (or Alappuzha), a jewel in Kerala’s crown, is one of the best places in India for an August visit for its post-monsoon serene landscapes and tranquil backwaters. The vibrant Nehru Trophy Boat Race, named after India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, adds another layer of excitement for tourists. Held on the second Saturday of August every year at Punnamada Lake, roughly 3 km from Alleppey, this iconic event is a thrilling spectacle in ‘God’s Own Country’. An August visit also unlocks cultural immersion opportunities, with the Athachamayam Festival and Onam celebrations offering a glimpse into Kerala’s rich traditions.
Plan your perfect August visit with our 10-day Kerala itinerary.
Key attractions: Alappuzha Beach, St. Andrew’s Basilica Arthunkal, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, and Alleppey Backwaters
Average temperature in August: Maximum 28°C/Minimum 23°C
Where to stay: Sterling Lake Palace Alleppey and Ameya Kerala
Where to eat: Bayroute Bistro and Cassia
How to reach
By air: Cochin International Airport in Kochi is approximately 82 km away
By train: Alleppey has its own railway station
By road: Alleppey is approximately 152 km from Trivandrum
Book your stay at Sterling Lake Palace Alleppey on Booking.com
Book your stay at Sterling Lake Palace Alleppey on Agoda
Kalimpong, West Bengal
Nestled in West Bengal, Kalimpong boasts a rich history as a crucial trade hub with Tibet due to its geographical proximity. Today, it’s one of the most beautiful hill stations north of Bengal and one of India’s best places to visit in August for those seeking respite from the heat. While occasional bouts of humidity might occur, Kalimpong remains refreshingly cool throughout the month. Visit Icchey Gaon, approximately 18 km away, for moments of peace and solitude away from the commercial humdrum of Kalimpong. With only a handful of homestays, Icchey Gaon offers a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.
Also, read our story on exploring West Bengal by boat.
Key attractions: Loleygaon, Durpin Dara, Doctor Graham’s Home, Nimbong and Rikisum
Average temperature in August: Maximum 25°C/Minimum 19°C
Where to stay: Fortune Resort Kalimpong and Sterling Park Kalimpong
Where to eat: Lin Restaurant and Zakhang Bhutanese Restaurant
How to reach
By air: Bagdogra International Airport in Siliguri is approximately 106 km away
By train: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is approximately 98 km away
By road: Kalimpong is approximately 68 km from Darjeeling
Book your stay at Fortune Resort Kalimpong on Booking.com
Book your stay at Fortune Resort Kalimpong on Agoda
Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Nestled in the picturesque Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, Kasol is a quaint village where Indian and Israeli cultures converge, offering a unique experience year-round. But August holds a special charm for Kasol as the vibrant Kasol Old School Festival takes over Chojh Village, transforming it into a haven for psytrance enthusiasts. Scheduled to take place from August 24 to 27, 2024, this year’s festival themed ‘A State of Goa Trance’ features an exciting lineup of popular Israeli artists and other bands like Atomic Pulse, Planet 604, Fixmix and Avari. Book your tickets here.
Explore more with our selection of the best cafes in Kasol.
Key attractions: Gurudwara Manikaran Sahib, Parvati River, Tosh, Nature Park and Malana
Average temperature in August: Maximum 16°C/Minimum 10°C
Where to stay: The Hillside and ArtBuzz Kasol
Where to eat: Sanjha Chulha and Bunker Cafe Kasol
How to reach
By air: Bhuntar Airport in Kullu-Manali is approximately 30 km away
By train: Joginder Nagar Railway Station is approximately 144 km away
By road: Kasol is approximately 250 km from Chandigarh
Book your stay at The Hillside on Booking.com
Book your stay at The Hillside on Agoda
Mohali, Punjab
With August offering pleasant and welcoming weather, Mohali is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in India with its array of tourist attractions and nearby hill stations. Officially known as Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (SAS Nagar), Mohali is a planned city in Punjab that promises a satisfying culinary experience with its many restaurants, breweries and cafes. An August visit allows you to witness the electrifying Alpha Music Festival, scheduled for August 17 at the Forest Hill Resort, 16 km from Mohali. While ticket sales haven’t begun yet, keep an eye out for updates! In the meantime, you can call 7018505259 for inquiries or click here for more insights.
Also, explore our selection of the best hill stations near Mohali.
Key attractions: Siswan Dam, The Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur War Memorial and Gurdwara Amb Sahib
Average temperature in August: Maximum 32°C/Minimum 24°C
Where to stay: Regenta Place Chandigarh Mohali and Best Western Plus Chandigarh Mohali
Where to eat: The BrewMaster and Hops n Grains Mohali
How to reach
By air: Chandigarh Airport is approximately 14 km away
By train: Mohali has its own railway station
By road: Mohali is approximately 245 km from Delhi
Book your stay at Regenta Place Chandigarh Mohali on Booking.com
Book your stay at Regenta Place Chandigarh Mohali on Agoda
Mulshi, Maharashtra
The monsoon season breathes new life into most destinations, but Maharashtra’s landscapes come alive with a special kind of magic in August. Mulshi, a gorgeous place for an August visit in India, becomes even more alluring due to its proximity to the captivating Tamhini Ghat, just 10 km away. Additionally, the majestic Devkund Waterfall, approximately 55 km from Mulshi, is a trekker’s paradise. Witnessing the Sahyadris shrouded in monsoon mist is a sight that will stay with you forever.
Also, explore more with our selection of the best hill stations near Mumbai.
Key attractions: Ghangad Fort, Mulshi Dam, Temghar Dam and Shri Satya Sai Pandurang Kshetra
Average temperature in August: Maximum 27°C/Minimum 21°C
Where to stay: Malhar Machi Mountain Resorts and SaffronStays SATORI
Where to eat: Quick Bite and Dining Cliff Cafe
How to reach
By air: Pune International Airport is approximately 52 km away
By train: Pune Junction Railway Station is approximately 46 km away
By road: Mulshi is approximately 146 km from Mumbai
Book your stay at Malhar Machi Mountain Resorts on Booking.com
Book your stay at Malhar Machi Mountain Resorts on Agoda
Thangadh, Gujarat
A comparatively lesser-known destination in Gujarat, the industrial town of Thangadh is known for its massive earthenware and silverware production and a temple dedicated to the snake God Vasuki. However, the vibrant Tarnetar Fair attracts tourists to Thangadh in August. Organised in the village of Tarnetar, the fair features Gujarati folk dances, regional music, colourful traditional attires and the state’s sumptuous delicacies. The fair’s origins lie in the legend of Draupadi’s swayamvara, a ceremony where she chose her husband. While the fair traditionally facilitated matchmaking, it has evolved into a celebration enjoyed by all. Even if you’re not seeking a partner, the festive atmosphere, brimming with a hint of romance, is an experience not to be missed.
Explore more with our guide to Palitana in Gujarat.
Key attractions: Shree Trinetreshwar Mahadev Temple, Hava Mahel, Madha Vav, Shree and Vasukidada Temple
Average temperature in August: Maximum 34°C/Minimum 25°C
Where to stay: Clubhouse Hotel Morbi and Oaktree Hotel
Where to eat: Gokul Park and Boston Hotel
How to reach
By air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad is approximately 208 km away
By train: Thangadh has its own railway station
By road: Thangadh is approximately 196 km from Bhavnagar
Book your stay at Clubhouse Hotel Morbi on Booking.com
Book your stay at Clubhouse Hotel Morbi on Agoda
Mathura-Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
One of the best places in India for spiritual seekers to visit in August or September is Uttar Pradesh’s Vrindavan, which, along with its twin city Mathura, transforms into a vibrant spectacle of devotion during Krishna Janmashtami celebrations. The sacred festival, falling on August 26 this year, promises vibrant festivities in Mathura-Vrindavan, both beautifully decked up to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere as chants of ‘Radhe Radhe’ resonate through the sacred spaces, especially at the Banke Bihari Temple, which comes alive with devotees engaged in joyous darshan.
Key attractions: Banke Bihari Temple, Prem Mandir, Nidhivan, ISKCON Vrindavan, Govind DEvji Temple and Nandgaon
Average temperature in August: Maximum 32°C/Minimum 25°C
Where to stay: Nidhivan Sarovar Portico Vrindavan and Best Western Vrindavan
Where to eat: Dasaprakash and MVT Restaurant
How to reach
By air: Kheria Airport in Agra is approximately 70 km away
By train: Vrindavan has its own railway station
By road: Vrindavan is approximately 398 km from Lucknow
Book your stay at Nidhivan Sarovar Portico Vrindavan on Booking.com
Book your stay at Nidhivan Sarovar Portico Vrindavan on Agoda
Travel advisory: The monsoon season brings increased risks of landslides and flash floods, particularly in hilly areas. For your safety, please exercise caution while travelling during this time.
(Feature image credit: Neelkanth Kadam/Shutterstock)
Related | Rainy Retreats: Unveiling India’s Best Monsoon Getaways
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Answer: With the monsoon receding in many parts of India, August is the best time to explore the beauty of its beaches. Some of the best beach destinations include the ones in Maharashtra and Kerala.
Answer: Various hill stations in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh can be explored in August.
Answer: Some of the best South Indian destinations to visit in August include Alleppey, Munnar, Kodaikanal, Coorg and Ooty.
Answer: Adventure enthusiasts can go on popular monsoon treks in August in India while exercising caution.
Answer: You can explore Meghalaya, Sikkim and Assam in August.
Answer: Most places in Kerala, including Vagamon and Kovalam, are ideal for honeymooning in August.
Answer: Many states, including Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, are perfect for a solo trip in August.
Written By
Pyusha Chatterjee
Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express ..Read More
