Best monsoon photography spots in India

Imagine fog-covered verdant valleys, waterfalls surged down historic mountains, and rainfall dancing across mirror-like lakes. this is not a scene from a fantasy movie as this is the monsoon season in India, which is a photographer’s dream come true.

I’ll tell you the truth. I was afraid about damaging the gear the first time I went outside with my camera in the rain. however, I became completely caught up when I saw how the rain turns everyday landscapes into remarkable paintings. India’s monsoon season offers photographic opportunities that are surpassing at any other time of year, from the foggy mountain ranges of the Northeast to the lush Western Ghats.

Why Monsoon Photography in India is absolutely magical

You’re missing out on one of nature’s most amazing changes if you’ve only visited India in the summer or the winter. the entire landscape changes character as soon as the first monsoon clouds arrive, which is often around June.

The monsoon gives life in addition to rain. Suddenly, the dry brown hillsides turned into fifty colors of green. At one point, rivers turn into booming torrents. By July, waterfalls that were barely visible in May have grown into beautiful waterfalls. And that unique smell you know, the earthy dust that fills the air when rain falls on thirsty ground? That’s only the start.

The monsoon season provides elements for photographers that are just unavailable at other times. The cloudy sky provide you with gorgeously lighting without sharp shadows, much like a massive natural softbox. In landscape photos, those dramatic, deep clouds provide depth and emotion. The little wonders that make monsoon photography so fulfilling include raindrops on plants, water-colored spider webs, and reflections in pools.

Best breathtaking places for photography in india during monsoon

You can really arrange a monsoon photography vacation that track the rains across India because various parts of the nation receive peak rainfall at times from June to September.

The Western Ghats

The Western Ghats are one area of India that perfectly describes monsoon photography. This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers more than 1,600 kilometers along the western coast of India, passing through Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu like a diamond necklace.

Why are the Western Ghats unique? These ancient mountains provide as a huge wall that catches the wet southwest monsoon winds, and they are older than the Himalayas. The final result? When it rains, some of India’s highest rainfall occurs, and the country’s landscapes become almost supernatural.

Monsoon Photography spots in Maharashtra

Maharashtra is a state that knows how to put on a monsoon scene, so let’s begin our tour there. When it rains, Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, becomes quite different.

Marine Drive

In the evenings during the monsoon, it becomes very amazing. Locals refer to it as the “Queen’s Necklace,” and you can see why when you see the Arabian Sea rushing in the distance and those curving lighting shining off wet pavement.

I enjoy taking pictures here right after sunset, when the city lights begin to sparkle. If you’re very lucky to see a storm coming in from across the sea, the dark clouds give your compositions a great deal of depth, and the wet streets provide these amazing mirror pictures.

The Gateway of India

Although it is famous all year round, taking pictures of it under cloudy monsoon sky is particularly memorable. Boats floating on high waves bring the port to life, while raindrops overturning the water’s surface produce interesting foreground features.

What’s my advice is? you may take pictures of the monument when a fog is still hanging in the air if you arrive early in the morning when there are less people.

Monsoon Photography places in Kerala

Kerala is regarded as one of the most beautiful states in India, and during the monsoon? It more than lives up to the promises. The whole state turns into this colorful, real-life picture of a tropical heaven.

Munnar

Photographers like the incredible geometric patterns created by the many tea plants in the Western Ghats. But add the flowing rain of the monsoon over those hills covered in tea? Pure magic. Here, early mornings are your friend. so get up before the sun rises, find a viewpoint, and watch as fog dances over the valleys and the first light displays tea leaves covered in moisture.

It is impossible to achieve the almost dreamlike quality of your photos at any other time of year due to the play of light through fog.

Athirapally Waterfalls

It is known as the “Niagara of India,” it turns into something terrifying during the monsoon season. It becomes jaw-dropping instead of stunning due to the increased water flow.

This natural feeling is created by a fog created by falling water and the thick flora surrounding the falls. Arrive early to avoid crowds for the most excellent images, and try changing the shutter speed fast to freeze the water’s strength, slow to provide that smooth, silky look.

Wayanad

When I seek the perfect balance of fog-covered peaks, thick woods, and breathtaking waterfalls, I come here. Photographing the connection between rain, jungle, and traditional tribal communities is what truly sets Wayanad apart, even if Soochipara Falls and Meenmutty Falls are equally breathtaking.

You may photograph pictures that could be from a century ago or now because of the area’s timeless beauty.

Alleppey

During the monsoon, it takes a more deep faith. Even though there may be less boat traffic, the scene becomes extremely moving.

The moments that tell Kerala’s tale include palm palms waving in the rain, wooden boats floating over mirror-still rivers under dark sky, and people going about their everyday lives in vibrant rain gear. during the monsoon, the backwaters are ideal for capturing the peaceful, reflective atmosphere that the rains provide.

Fort Kochi

if you’re nearby. With its mix of Portuguese colonial buildings, Chinese fishing nets, and busy streets, this old port city is incredibly lovely when it rains.

There are several options for street photography at Fort Kochi, including narrow lanes with historic buildings whose colors are improved by rain, fisherman using the famous Chinese fishing nets against stormy sky, and rainfall making patterns on the water.

Monsoon Photography destinations in Karnataka

When it comes to monsoon photography, Karnataka may not be the first area that jumps to mind, but I can tell you that it has some fantastic beauty.

Coorg

It’s coffee plantation heaven, and those plantations are incredibly beautiful during the rains. Beautiful locations like Abbey Falls, which roars to life after the rains, are reached via the flowing woodland paths. The fog is what I like about Coorg.

It adds layers of depth to your landscape shots as it drifts across the coffee farms and continues in the valleys. For those spectacular wide-angle photos, the Mandalpatti Ridge provides expansive views of mountain ranges falling into clouds.

Agumbe

Given that it is among the wettest locations in India, it gets particular recognition as the “Cherrapunji of the South“. For photographers who like raw, rain-soaked forests, this Western Ghats wildlife hotspot is a dream come true.

The music is created by the frogs’ continual croaking, and early mornings frequently bring golden rain. yes, that is rain lighted by sunrise. This area has dense woods, powerful streams, and amazing macro photography chances, particularly for insects and frogs.

Jog Falls

It is the second-highest waterfall in India, and it is stunning during the monsoon. The four separate waterfalls Raja, Rani, Roarer, and Rocket as all come together to form a single, thundering stream.

You can see things from a variety of angles, and on sunny monsoon days, the fog produced by the falls frequently produces rainbows. So you can bring your wide lens so you can fully capture this natural wonder’s beauty.

Kudremukh

There are beautiful farms and beautiful woods in this area. The entire region is covered in a fog during the monsoon, and the name, which translates to “horse face” in Kannada, refers to the form of the highest point.

For photographers looking for peaceful wild photos, the remote location and gently rolling grasslands that become brilliant green are perfect.

Monsoon Photography places in Goa

Goa is well-known for its beaches, but the monsoon season presents a whole new side of this little state. And really? Goa during the monsoon season may be even more lovely than Goa during the beach season.

Dudhsagar Falls

It is, very rightly, the main attraction. The name means “Sea of Milk,” and you’ll understand why when you look at those four levels of white water falling 310 meters through thick vegetation.

During the monsoon, the hike or jeep ride to get there becomes an experience in and of itself. The forest is very lush, everything is wet, and streams run over paths.

It appears to be an event from a distant universe because of the heavy flora surrounding the falls. check the conditions before you go because it might be difficult to reach the viewpoint in heavy rain.

Old Goa churches

The Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, acquire a golden color when exposed to monsoon light. Beautiful compositions are created by the wet walks reflecting the Portuguese-era building, and the lighting that diffuses highlights the textures of the oldest limestone stone.

These structures tell stories of Goa’s colonial history, and taking pictures of them under dark sky gives your photos more emotional effect.

Mayem Lake

It offers beautiful views of a man-made lake surrounded by coconut palms and hills. The lake fills up entirely during the monsoon, and its calm waters provide perfect mirror images.

It’s perfect for relaxing landscape photography because it’s less busy than most Goa locations. To control reflections and increase the colors of the plants, you can carry a polarizing filter.

Monsoon Photography Destinations in North India

Now let’s move north because, although the monsoon in North India may not be as powerful as that in the Western Ghats, it still has a unique monsoon character.

Lodhi Gardens

It’s my favorite place in Delhi to take rain photos. With its 15th-century monuments, relaxing walks, and plenty of plants, this ancient park transforms into a peaceful escape.

When it rains, flowers open up, water droplets remain attached to leaves, and the old buildings covered in fungus take on a timeless, lovely appearance.

You may see a variety of designs within walking distance thanks to the Mughal architecture and beautiful gardens.

Humayun’s Tomb

It is a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site that appears amazing against cloudy skies with its red sandstone colored by rain. During the monsoon, the grounds around the tomb turn vibrant green, and the architecture is photographed more clearly since there are less visitors.

The dramatic lighting produced by monsoon clouds fits the balance of Mughal architecture very well.

Jal Mahal

When the lake rises with rains during the monsoon, the water palace, which is situated in Man Sagar Lake, almost floats.

This is one of those sites that appears lovely during monsoon with the palace surrounded by water, lotus flowers blooming, birds on their way coming, everything under cloudy skies. This place is especially lovely at sunset and sunrise, when the castle and surrounding hills are softly lighted.

Nahargarh Fort

It provides you with breathtaking views of Jaipur, which is covered in green during the monsoon season when clouds form unique designs over the city’s roofs.

Rainwater fills the geometric patterns of the Panna Meena Ka Kund stepwell within the fort complex, making it particularly beautiful.

Monsoon Photography spots in Eastern India

The monsoon rains of the Northeast, especially Meghalaya (“home of clouds“), are legendary. The “Scotland of the East,” Shillong, becomes wonderfully lovely when it rains.

Umiam Lake

This charming lake is good for boating and taking photos, especially when the surrounding hills and the lake are covered in mist. Because of the lake’s large size, you may experiment with different locations for a variety of compositions, from expansive views with cloud-covered mountains to close-ups of rain-disturbed water.

Elephant Falls

It is easily accessible from Shillong, this 3-tiered waterfall becomes more attractive during the monsoon. The falls themselves are still stunning, but the name comes from an elephant-shaped stone that was damaged in an earthquake. You may approach near enough to feel moisture drip from the surrounding trees, but be careful with your camera!

Nohkalikai Falls

It is one of India’s tallest waterfalls, is found near Cherrapunji (Sohra), one of the wettest places on Earth. During peak monsoon, the falls are a powerful torrent plunging into a turquoise pool far below, framed by thick forests and cliff faces. The viewpoint offers dramatic shots with clouds rolling through the valley.

Living Root Bridges

During the monsoon, this well-known location in Meghalaya becomes even more beautiful. Locals use these bridges, which were built over generations by the Khasi people using the roots of guiding rubber trees, to cross flooded rivers during the rainy season.

Fog floats across the roof; the surrounding rainforest is very green, and these bridges’ organic, age-old design makes them incredibly beautiful.

Monsoon Photography places in South India

Coimbatore

There are a lot of spots for monsoon photography are easily reached in Tamil Nadu. About 45 kilometers far, Siruvani Waterfalls rises greatly during rainy seasons, forming a breathtaking water curtain that cuts across the woods of the Western Ghats. For landscape photography, the mix of flowing water and thick forest creates fantastic scenes.

Valparai

It can be found away in the Anamalai Hills, with tea plants and winding lanes that take on a supernatural effect when it rains. The vibrant, fresh green of the plantations is highlighted by the cold, foggy weather. The area’s Aliyar Dam, Sholayar woodland Range, and Monkey Falls provide chances for wildlife, woodland photography, and water reflections.

Velliangiri Mountains

It is known as the “Southern Kailash,” these ancient peaks take on an aerial look during the monsoon when fog covers them. For photographers looking for something spiritual, the fog produces unique light and shadow interactions that create weird compositions.

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Best Monsoon Photography Tips and Techniques

Now that I’ve filled your mind with all these fantastic spots, let’s discuss how to actually take pictures in the rain without damaging your costly gear or returning home with poor images.

Protecting your Equipment (This is Critical!)

Water and electronics should not be combined, to start. Purchase appropriate rain gear for your camera. If you’re serious about monsoon photography, you’ll need a high-quality rain cover or underwater housing. After having my camera get wet near a waterfall, I learnt this the hard way (spoiler alert: the camera survived, but my pulse rate did not).

When you’re not shooting, you should store your equipment in a waterproof camera case. Regular bags may absorb even a little drizzle. To absorb moisture, have a few silica gel packets in your luggage.

Use a microfiber cloth to completely clean your equipment after a rainy photography session, then let it air dry before storing it.

During the monsoon, a lens hood is more necessary than ever. If there are cloud breaks, it helps prevent lens flare and prevents rain off your front element. If your lens has a UV or clear protection filter. you may change or clean it without worrying about your costly lens in the event that water spots get on it.

Camera Settings for Monsoon Photography

Let’s discuss settings. monsoon photography frequently deals with low light, flowing water, and weather conditions that might cause your camera’s meter to get confused.

Shutter Speed

This is important and depends on your goals. do you want to freeze individual raindrops in the middle of autumn? A quick shutter speed is required which start at 1/250 second or more. Slow it down to 1/2 second or more for that dreamy, silky smooth water look on waterfalls. Naturally, a tripod is required for slow shutter use. A suitable starting point for broad monsoon landscapes is 1/125 to 1/250 second.

Aperture

In order to maintain a clear view of both foreground and background features, monsoon sceneries frequently benefit from a deeper depth of focus. For example, consider rainfall on flowers in the foreground with fog mountains in the distance. Aperture should be set to f/8 or higher (f/11 or f/16 for landscapes). You may need to use ND (neutral density) filters or go even higher if you’re using a slow shutter to capture waterfalls.

ISO

You’ll frequently need to increase your ISO because the monsoon’s cloudy skies result in less light. Go to ISO 800, 1600, or even higher if necessary; modern cameras can handle higher ISO rather well. Just pay attention to noise levels, particularly in regions of your image that are darker.

White Balance

Monsoon light may be challenging. Cool, bluish light is produced by the cloud cover, which is good for moody photos but may need to be adjusted for more natural colors. Try using the “Cloudy” or “Shade” white balance settings, or take RAW photos so you can carefully change the white balance while editing.

Composition Techniques for Monsoon Photography

You get special compositional factors during the monsoon that aren’t possible during dry times. make use of them!

Reflections

During the monsoon, there are pools, wet roads, and reflections of lakes everywhere. To photograph buildings, people, or landscapes reflected in water, go extremely low. as a result, balance and visual appeal are created. you can regulate the amount of reflection you record as opposed to looking through the water’s surface by using a polarizing filter.

Leading Lines

The viewer’s eye is guided through your image by natural leading lines such as tracks through clouds, wet roads, and streams filled with rain. Keep an eye out for turns, particularly on mountain routes that pass through fog.

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Creative Ideas to Try

Macro Photography

There are amazing little features highlight by the monsoon. The details of water droplets on spider webs, wet flowers, and tiny frogs on leaves are all amazing. Use a macro lens or the macro mode on your phone, and keep in mind that this task is best done in even light, such as that which is provided by clouds.

Long Exposures

Try long exposures of rain falling over cityscapes, clouds passing over mountains, or waves breaking on monsoon beaches in addition to waterfalls. here, ND filters and a solid tripod will be the tools you need.

Street Photography

During the monsoon, cities are filled with visual stories, such as children jumping in water, shops selling rain gear, people sprinting with colorful umbrellas, and reflections of neon signs on wet streets. The energy and passion of people’s interactions with the rain are captured in monsoon street photography.

Motion Blur

Try enjoying motion blur rather than always stopping action. Impressive beautiful pictures may be made by people moving through rain, blowing leaves, and flowing water.

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Gear Checklist for Monsoon Photography

Based on years of doing it properly (and badly), here is what I bring on a monsoon photography trip:

Essential Camera Protection:

• Underwater housing or a waterproof rain cover
• Weather-sealed camera case that is waterproof rather than purely water-resistant
• Every lens has a lens hood.
• UV or transparent protection filters
• Several cleaning cloths made of microfibre
• Blower and lens cleaning solution
• Packets of silica gel (purchase extra)
• Ziplock bags made of plastic as a backup

Recommended Lenses:

• Wide-angle zoom (16-35mm or similar) for landscapes and waterfalls
• Standard zoom (24-70mm or similar) for versatility
• Telephoto zoom (70-200mm or similar) for distant waterfalls or wildlife
• Macro lens for close-up rain details

Must-Have Accessories:

• Strong tripod with solid feet (surfaces become slick)
• Circular polarizing filter (improves color and reduces light)
• Neutral density (ND) filters for extended daylight exposure
• Use the timer on your camera or a remote shutter release.
• Additional batteries (wet and cold decrease them more quickly)
• Several memory cards (bring more than you plan on need)
• LED portable light for areas with dim lighting
• For early morning or evening shots, use a headlamp or flashlight.

Personal Gear:

• Quality rain jacket and pants
• Waterproof hiking boots with good traction
• Quick-dry clothing
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Small towel for drying off
• Waterproof phone pouch
• First aid kit
• Insect repellent (mosquitoes love monsoon)

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