Rains are beautiful, lethargic, liberating and romantic. It means differently to each of us though it is unanimously welcomed.
Every year India awaits the Monsoons even more desperately than the last. Apart from our economy depending largely on it, most of us are just looking for excuses to get away from our routine. It seems to be the one escape for chai and conversations, for book in bed, for music in the living room or for exploring the different textures of nature.
If I had it my way, I would revisit some of my favourite Monsoon memories.
On the road in Shillong
Shillong is the quintessential hill station with green hills bordering every view, with roads packed with Maruti 800, with cute houses and coloured winter wear in each corner. Undoubtably, my favourite season in my hometown is Winter; though I have lovely memories of witnessing the rains from my window.
As Shillong acquires different tones of green after the first showers, the roads open up to limitless drives. Most popular drives from Shillong head towards Cherrapunjee, Shillong Peak, Dainthlen Falls or Mawlynnong. I always miss stopping the car in the middle of nowhere for some visual respite or taking an unknown detour.
Nostalgic about: A goodnight’s sleep
Feeling the wind in Marine Drive
Yes, the rains in Bombay disrupt life and bring along ailments. But that moment when you’re sitting on the Marine Drive promenade, soaked by the rain, with the wind touching your face as you recall the lyrics of your favourite song- that moment is priceless.
The rains in this megacity bring a certain vulnerability to it. Even though every day gets tougher, I have seen people spend more time in reflecting and desiring to be outdoors. With chai or bhutta in everyone’s hand, I felt like walking in the rain is a natural practice.
Nostalgic about: Singing aloud with friends
The warm yellow light in Delhi
It doesn’t rain much in Delhi. It pours for a few hours, halts traffic, irks its residents and moves on to the neighbouring states. Why would I still be nostalgic about it? Because being at home with Begum Akhtar on the background and savouring deliciously warm chaats doesn’t visit me every day. It is a time of melancholic completeness.
Nostalgic about: The yellow lights from home reflecting on each drizzle
~How are you revisiting Monsoon this year?
Amrita Das
I have been a travel and culture independent journalist. My bylines have appeared in many publications worldwide including National Geographic Traveller India, Lonely Planet Magazine India, The Indian Express and World Travel Magazine. A fellow of Media Ambassadors India-Germany 2019 program by Robert Bosch Stiftung and Centre for Media Competence, University of Tübingen. Currently, I am the photo editor for RoundGlass Sustain, a wildlife and conservation e-publication. I live in India.
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In Mumbai…i just love going for a run in the early morning raina.
the best monsoon getaway..has to be Amraban before Chiplun…the hills there are amazingly beautiful and waterfalls everywhere!!!
i love heavy rain. although i understand it brings dangers with it. You’ve certainly made the monsoon look a little ‘magical’ here today. Nice work!
Have you had a chance to travel to India during Monsoons? Its a resilient beauty :) Thank you for your kind words :)
I love the rains. Pune is blessed with abundant greenery and proximity to the Sahyadri range makes it even more better. I fav part is the numerous treks I take with family and friends.
Pune is one of my favourite places during the rains too! Maharashtra and the Ghats are rich with life. Makes those rain soaked, post-trek moments extra-special :)
Oh they do! Goa is super awesome too. Try going upwards to Konkan
Yup, though now I think kayaking on the inlands would be suitable as opposed to trekking. Too much water everywhere :p
It is raining here in Pune as I read this. And you made me listen to Begum Akhtar with the beautiful imagery. :)
I go back there often, to live it as closely. Pleasure :)
Chanced upon your blog. Nice to read about your experiences. Tx for sharing :)
Thanks for stopping by and glad you liked it.