Monsoons are here and as the entire country breathes a sigh of relief from the scorching heat of the summers, it is time to witness a delightful downpour from the balcony over chai and pakoras. But let it not keep you indoors the entire season as India turns even better at certain places during monsoons. As the monsoon pours with all its vivacity, and withdraws the traveler within you to the indoors, here are top 5 reasons you must consider traveling to Shillong this monsoon.

1. Misty Clouds:

If the clouds held along the edges of the hills intrigues you, then Shillong will leave you jaw-dropped. ‘Meghalaya'(The Abode of the Clouds) as the state is called, is at its best during the monsoons as from far off, you can see the clouds gently moving towards you from a distance. Come winters and you can see the water under the clouds. The best part is the view after the rainfall settles down for a moment and allows the sunshine to peep through, as you can witness some giant size rainbows (sometimes doubles) across the horizon. The valley of “Mawkdok” defines why Shillong, Meghalaya, India is known as the Scotland of the East.

2. Spectacular Waterfalls:

Your cameras will go click, click, click as the drapery of the waterfalls sway in the greenery of the hills. A view so enchanting that you will not feel like cranking your car engines to head back home I am sure. What adds to the beauty is the sparkling of the showers as they fall from the heights that create a magical stream of hue across the landscape.

3. Picturesque Valleys:

Shillong is a splendid destination for nature lovers, photographers and adventurers. The gradual mountain slopes and lush green valleys with an enthralling flora and fauna will surely entice the adventurer inside you. The valleys in Shillong offer a firm ground due to the grasslands and makes it easier to trek and hike on this side of the Himalayas in comparison to the North.

4. Captivating Wild Life:

Also called as the land of butterflies, there are more than 250 species of butterflies found in this region. Come monsoons, and as the valleys fill up with colorful flowers, the region fills up with some of the most intriguing patterns of butterflies from across the globe. The most exquisite varieties of butterflies which are admired all over the world are -Blue Peacock, the Kaiser-E-Hind, Leafs-Butterfly, the Dipper, the Bhutan Glory, the Yellow Orange Tip, Vagrant, the Common Blue Bottle, the Red-Breast Jazebel.

5. Riveting Landscapes

When it comes to the natural beauty, nothing can beat the enthralling and scenic landscapes of picturesque Shillong. In monsoons, the rain water fills up the pockets of the valleys, forming a blue carpet across the valleys. The green tropics and the alluring flora and fauna will make you come for more, and get you in love with this countryside.