8 Indian destinations that are surprisingly great in the off-season

We all know the drill: peak season means crowded hotels, overpriced cabs, and so many things more that can bother us. But travel in the so-called “off-season,” and one might get to experience how suddenly the tables turn. Prices drop, less crowds, and the weather, while not always postcard-perfect, often reveals a side of the destination you’d never see otherwise.

If anybody is willing to trade a little sunshine for fewer selfies in the background, here are some Indian destinations that shine when you least expect them to.

Goa (June–September)Everyone heads to Goa in December, but monsoon is when it feels like nature is at its best. The beaches may not be ideal for a swim, but the waterfalls turn quite dramatic, paddy fields glow neon green, and the shacks that are open give you actual peace and quiet. Plus, getting rooms at a fraction of peak-season prices is also possible.

Rajasthan (April–June)
Yes, it’s hot. Yes, sunscreen will be working overtime. But this is also when palaces and forts are blissfully empty. Visitors can wander around Amer Fort or Mehrangarh without waiting for tour groups to move aside. Also, luxury hotels drop their rates so much, you might actually afford a royal stay.

Kerala Backwaters (June–August)Houseboats drifting under sheets of rain, coconut palms swaying dramatically, and fewer tourists clogging the canals, monsoon in Kerala feels like stepping into a slow-motion movie. Ayurvedic treatments are also considered more effective during the rains, making it the perfect time for some spa-level self-care.

Read more: Tips for exploring South India during monsoon

Andaman Islands (May–July)The off-season is when Andamans get a little moody with showers, but this also means empty beaches, cheaper dives, and a more “local” feel. Havelock’s Radhanagar Beach with no one else around? That’s your off-season reward. Just keep an eye on the ferry schedules, for hassle-free travel.

Varanasi (April–June)
Yes, it’s hot. Yes, sweating will be the other cause to damper anybody’s spirit. But summer mornings in Varanasi are pure magic, when ghats are without the tourist crowds, temple bells echoing in relative quiet, and Ganga aarti that feels intimate, and refreshingly beautiful. With fewer visitors, one can get to see the city’s spiritual pulse more authentically.

Darjeeling (June–September) Darjeeling wrapped in mist is straight out of a dreamy novel. Tea estates look lush, the toy train still whistles along, and the rain makes everything feel atmospheric. Sure, one might miss a clear view of Kanchenjunga, but the town’s monsoon mood is worth the trade-off.

Read more: 10 beaches in South Goa that promise sun, sand, and serenity

Ranthambore (April–June)
This might sound counterintuitive, but summer is the time for tiger spotting. With shrinking water sources, wildlife gathers around lakes and watering holes, making sightings more frequent. You’ll just need a hat, hydration, and a tolerance for the blazing sun.

Shillong (June–September)Called the “Scotland of the East,” Shillong transforms into a waterfall wonderland in the rains. Streams gush down every hillside, and places like Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong become surreal. Carry an umbrella and some patience for rain delays , the payoff is lush landscapes you won’t forget.