GUWAHATI TO CHERRAPUNJEE

A road trip from Guwahati in Assam to Cherrapunjee in Meghalaya offers views of undulating uplands, deep valleys ribboned with waterfalls, and greenery, not to mention the forever looming promise of rain. The four-hour-long drive to one of the wettest places on earth is no less than a slideshow of picture-perfect landscapes. Though tourists flock to the region during monsoon, the last few months of the year see smaller crowds. Spend a day or two here and visit Nohkalikai Falls, the living root bridges of Nongriat, Mawsmai Cave, and Mawsynram (81 kilometres away), which is now regarded as the wettest place on earth. Stay at Jiva Resort Cherrapunjee. Starts from 3,000/USD40; jivaresortcherrapunjee.com

Driving to Malshej Ghat through the Western Ghats range that runs along the Konkan coast, and lingering in this sylvan valley might just be the holiday you need after months of isolation. Around three hours from Pune in Maharashtra, this mountain pass has an abundance of wildlife and waterfalls. Come monsoon, moderate showers make the valley and the journey from Pune even more alluring. Spend the day visiting Malshej Falls, climbing up to the sixth-century hill fort of Harishchandragad, trekking to Darkoba Peak, or simply trying to identify the myriad bird calls. Stay at Saj By The Lake. Starts from 13,000/USD174; sajresort.com