Travel tips to savour the magic of monsoon

The ruthless heat of summer has been defeated by the pleasant showers that are slowly making their way across the country.

While for the metropolitans, it can turn the buzzing city into a slightly humid squib with puddle filled potholes, the same rains can bring some destinations a refreshing lush green look.

Spread across all the regions, India is home to some of the best monsoon destinations like Kodaikanal, Munnar, Andamans, Coorg, Mahabaleshwar, Kerala, Orchcha and Shillong.

To have no hiccups/jerks on your vacations, Yatra.com has some expert tips to share that will come in handy while you are on the move this monsoon season:

-Expect interruptions -The unpredictable weather monsoon is, it can spell delays due to poor visibility. Landslide, road block, waiting for the road to get cleared can be a nightmare.

Be prepared for delayed or cancelled flights and trains. If you're planning to travel to Leh-Ladakh or any north eastern destination, make sure you keep your hotels/airport transfers well prepared for the delays. Don't forget to leave some extra time to reach wherever you're headed.

-Carry your essentials -The key is packing light. It is imperative that you carry your umbrellas and raincoats. Skip all whites and pastels while packing.

To protect your stuff, first get yourself a good nylon backpack with waterproofing.With monsoon also come the creepy crawling insects so it is essential that you carry insect/mosquito repellents. Also, don't forget to lock your leather shoes and bags in the closet to avoid any damage.

-Avoid road less traveled - There is no place beautiful than rain washed forests & lush green landscapes, however, there are a couple of dangers that loiter. Likewise, planning a beach holiday won't be wise either, rains cause high tides and it will not be safe to be around the coastal areas then.

It gets difficult to get help or assistance at lesser known destinations, especially if you're travelling with kids or a pregnant woman. You can instead go visit Shillong, North Bengal or unseen Northern Himalayas, a veritable feast for the eyes, as the variety of changing landscapes and scenes is parallel to a main course meal - green rice paddies merging into hilly outcrops, rolling hills, many with tea-gardens, alpine greenery and steep mountains.

-Carry your first aid - While the monsoons usher in cooler, rain-drenched days, it also increases the capacity for bacterial infection in one's body.

Always carry the complete first aid box with disinfectant scrubs, antiseptic cream and bandages along while you are on the move.Make sure that you have all the basic medicines in the box to avoid any panic situation.

-Eat healthy - You may love to get drenched in the rain and enjoy roadside samosas and pakoras. It is advisable to refrain from unhealthy food and drink only boiled water to keep yourself hydrated.

-Travel smart - Carry compact cameras which are perfect for both traveling light and make incredible memories. Make sure that you keep your GoPro and phones from moisture to avoid any damage.

While GPS is good modern technology, it is essential to carry location maps while travelling by roadasthere may be times with no network reception.

-This monsoon, try Ayurveda - Monsoon is considered to be a best time to have Ayurvedic treatment. If you are planning to rejuvenate your body and recharge your mind, then visit destinations like Kerala, Uttarakhand, Goa, Pune want to experience the spiritual side of an otherwise indulgent vacation.

-ANI