From June to September every year, India experiences monsoon season. It is the world’s most productive wet season and it is the product of four months of consistent thunder storms that provide 80% of India’s national rain fall. But if you’re not afraid of a little rain, monsoon season offers some exciting travel opportunities for the intrepid traveller.

The first benefit of travelling in India during monsoon season is the deals: airfares are lower, hotels are offering bargain rates and tourist attractions are discounted (and significantly less busy). Travellers also won’t have to contend with the high temperatures of the hotter dry months.

Where should you go during India’s rainy season? Well, you can go pretty much anywhere if you’re willing to get a little wet. For the most adventurous, check out Mumbai’s Marine Drive where crowds stroll along the edge of the Arabian Sea, but be careful of the spray! One of Mumbai’s popular tourist attractions, the Haji Ali mosque, is particularly exciting during monsoon season. It is built on the water and connected to land by a narrow pathway which becomes submerged at high tide, making it appear as though it’s floating.  During low tide, take the exhilarating walk out to Haji Ali and feel the waves lapping around your legs.

In the North, they beauty of monsoon season is most in evidence at the Valley of Flowers National Park, high in the Himalayas. The valley is home to over 300 varieties of flowers, which carpet the valley and the slopes of the mountains, approaching the snowy peaks to create outstanding scenery for hikes and nature walks. Or for more scenic beauty, head to Goa where you won’t be lying on the beach, but you’ll be able to experience some legendary luxury at off-season rates. Plan to attend a monsoon festival while you’re there!

Or spend the gloomy, rainy days indoors with a spa retreat at one of India’s beautiful spa resorts. Check into the Wildflower Hall Spa in the Himalayas and enjoy aromatherapy and Ayurveda treatments. If you’re in need of holistic relaxation, try Maya Spa on the shores of Vembanad Lake where you will find a special yoga and meditation pavilion on an island in the middle of a lagoon. Monsoon season is the perfect time for quiet reflection using India’s ancient Ayurveda and Yoga traditions.