The arrival of the monsoon season in India transforms the landscape into a verdant paradise, but it also introduces a myriad of travel challenges such as flooded roads, landslides, and disrupted travel schedules. Travellers must prepare thoroughly to navigate these obstacles and ensure a safe journey.
The northern regions of India, particularly prone to landslides, often face road blockages due to heavy rains. Flooding in various parts of the country can also cause significant delays and unexpected expenses. A Bangalore resident recounted a monsoon trek in Manali last year that was marred by landslides. “Heavy rain caused road blockages from Chandigarh to Manali, delaying our journey by 7-8 hours. By the time we reached Manali, we had missed the trek start date and incurred additional expenses on last-minute hotel bookings,” he said. For air travellers, the monsoon season can lead to flight delays and cancellations. A Vimannagar resident, who enjoys monsoon travel, emphasised the importance of booking flexible tickets. “Flexi-tickets provide a reasonable refund in case of emergencies and allow changes to flight schedules if the weather is unfavourable,” she noted.
Trekking groups and tour operators have adapted to these seasonal challenges by advising travellers to arrive earlier than the scheduled departure. The founder of Trekkers of India, which organises treks in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, explained their approach: “We constantly update participants about the weather and urge them to arrive 1-2 days earlier. This not only serves as a buffer for any delays but also gives them time to acclimatise. If someone misses the trek, we try to accommodate them in the next group.” Tour operators also recommend booking flexible tickets to manage date changes or cancellations due to bad weather. Driving during the monsoon presents its own set of hazards. Roads become slippery, requiring drivers to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. An experienced driver, who has been driving tourists to Maharashtra’s hilly regions for 15 years, shared his safety tips: “I keep an emergency kit in my car, including flashlights, emergency contact numbers, and first aid supplies. It’s also essential to have a reserve of food and water in case of road blockages that take several hours to clear.”
