August and September are one of the most underestimated months for travel. As monsoons begin to recede and make way for clear blue skies and some brisk air, these two turn into a delight of months to make travel plans. But, most people tend to wait till the Diwali holidays to travel, thus, completely overlooking the perks of August-September travel.

We give you reasons why rather than waiting for the holidays to start, pack your bags right away and make August-September your official travel months.

Here’s why –

Fewer Crowd

It is off-season in most tourist places, so the crowd will surprisingly be thin. This becomes a major attraction for travelers who prefer less congestion and loves to enjoy places in their serene quietude. We have all experienced that hullabaloo of the Mall Roads of every hill station ever, haven’t we? It feels like every person on planet earth decided to spend their vacation at the same exact place! Off-seasons thus makes for a perfect time to enjoy some popular travel destination without their usual rush of tourists.

Price Drop

Due to its unpopularity among travelers, the subsequent effect it has is that the prices automatically drop. This is good news for budget travelers as plenty of great deals are available on hotel bookings and flight tickets.

Weather

Overall, weather circumstances the world over is quite favorable. In India especially, as the monsoon beats a retreat, it leaves behind balmy days and cooler nights, thus marking a happy convergence of both sunny days and cool evenings.

Now comes the places worth traveling to in August-September –

Valley of Flowers

Valley of Flowers has to be one of the most exquisite places in the world. Situated high in the Himalayas of the Uttaranchal, the valley was for the most part unknown to the world. Only the locals who knew of its existence worshipped the land as they believed it to be inhabited by fairies. Later discovered by three Mountaineers in 1931, the site is now a World Heritage Site. The serene valley is famous for its endemic flowers and unparalleled beauty. Surrounded by snowy mountains, it is truly a magical place, and a trek to the valley in September is going to present you with views that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Nainital

The stunning Naini Lake gives Nainital its name and the temples and steep forested valley surrounding it adds to its beauty. Nainital is a popular destination in Uttarakhand and is often crowded with holidaying families and honeymooners. August-September sees the number of tourists dwindle which of course makes accommodation and travel less expensive.

The lakes in Nainital make for an arresting sight that one will never be bored of. A trip to Nainital is a wonderful escape to a cozy, beautiful land of lakes and towering mountains which doesn’t stop mesmerizing anyone.

Ziro

A magical green beauty encapsulates the valley of Ziro in September. Undoubtedly, September is the best month to visit Ziro as the weather becomes glorious and there is abundant beauty. Apart from just soaking in the beauty as it is, one can also explore the Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Pine Grove, Meghna Cave Temple, Bamboo grove, Kile Pakho to name a few at Ziro.

Another bonus attraction is the Ziro Music Festival which takes place at the end of September. It is a wonderful confluence of independent artists from all over that makes for an exceptional treat for music lovers. 

Lakshadweep Islands

It is one of the finest tropical islands in India. Located at about 300 km off the coast of Kerala, this picturesque island comprises of 36 coral islands, 12 atolls, 5 submerged banks, and 3 reefs. The islands offer a unique mix of ecology and culture. Although the island is quite popular as a romantic getaway for couples and honeymooners, thrill seekers to come here as there are a galore of adventure sports and fun water activities like wind-surfing, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, etc.

Srinagar

It is touted as one of the best hill stations in India, and we definitely agree. Srinagar has impressive lakes and gardens and is truly majestic beauty. Although the month of September sees traces of rain, the weather remains mostly pleasant and the hills turn a lush shade of green only enhancing its beauty. September makes for a good month to travel to Srinagar, as the crowd will be much lesser and you can just take in the delirious beauty of the place in all solitude.  

Goa

Goa needs no description. It is one of India’s ultimate travel destinations. Just before the official holiday season starts in October, September throws in some low-key perks for the early travelers before the October rush. The hotels and restaurants are prepping up their business. The prices are still low, but the perks start rolling out earlier. Like restaurants provides a sneak peek of their latest menu before the official opening and with near-optimum traffic levels on the Goan roads, this could be the perfect time to rent vehicles hassle-free. The weather could be a bit tricky, with sudden downpours and the sun shining brightly right after; which only adds to the charm of Goa. Just a pro tip – Carry a jacket and an umbrella.

Wayanad 

Adorning the northern hills of Kerala is the beautiful district of Wayanad, which is famous for its large amount of camping and trekking trails, breathtaking waterfalls, caves, bird-watching sites, flora, fauna, and an overall plethora of magnificent sights. Kanthanpara Waterfalls is one hotspot in Wayanad that allures tourists from all over the world. Apart from these magnificent falls, Wayanad calls you to experience the stunning beauty of Karapuzha Dam, Pookode & Karlad Lake as well. If you are an adventure seeker, then Cheengari Rock Adventure Center is a must-visit place for you. Another must-visit place in Wayanad is the Edakkal Caves.

Andamans

Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been recognized as eco-friendly tourist destinations. As a tourist paradise, these islands have something very special to offer like Cellular Jail, Ross Island, and Havelock Island. The Andaman tropical evergreen rain forests, beautiful silver sandy beaches, serpentine mangrove-lines creeks, marine life abounding in rare species of plants, animals, corals, etc., provide a memorable experience to the tourists. There is tremendous scope for enjoying nature in the beach resorts, water sports, adventure water sports, and adventure tourism like trekking, Island camping, Nature trail, Scuba Diving, etc.

These are some of the few destinations in India that one can explore anytime; however, you never know you can find your own gem of a destination if you have the travel bug in your closet.