India is currently grappling with an extended monsoon season, which has brought about severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, and road blockages. These extreme conditions not only make travel risky and unpredictable but also inconvenient. Here’s a look at eight tourist destinations where the monsoon has created particularly hazardous conditions for travelers.
Kerala
Frequent Flooding and Landslides
Kerala is notorious for its intense monsoon rains, which often lead to frequent flooding and landslides, especially in its hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad. The heavy downpours frequently block roads, making travel highly unpredictable and challenging.
Maharashtra
Severe Waterlogging and Flooding
During the monsoon season, coastal Maharashtra, including Mumbai and the Western Ghats regions, experiences very heavy rainfall. This results in severe waterlogging, flooding, and frequent landslides. Urban areas are particularly affected by long traffic jams and obstructed roads.
Assam
Annual Flooding Issues
Assam faces annual flooding concerns during the monsoon, particularly around the Brahmaputra River. Many areas are submerged, making road and rail travel risky and challenging. Popular tourist attractions like Kaziranga and Manas often remain closed due to heavy rainfall.
Meghalaya
Dangerous Rainfall Levels
Meghalaya, known for some of the highest rainfall in the world, experiences extreme conditions during the monsoon. Destinations such as Cherrapunji and Mawsynram become extremely dangerous to visit due to heavy rainfall. Transportation becomes difficult, and the risk of getting stranded in isolated areas increases.
Bihar
Devastating Floods
In Bihar, particularly in the northern regions, floods cause widespread damage. Rivers overflow, submerging vast areas and making travel nearly impossible. Villages and roads are often underwater, exacerbating the difficulty of safe travel.
Uttarakhand
Landslides and Flash Floods
Uttarakhand’s mountainous terrain is prone to landslides and flash floods during the monsoon. Pilgrimage routes like Kedarnath and Badrinath frequently face closures due to dangerous landslides. Swollen rivers also pose risks for adventure activities.
West Bengal
Landslides and Flooding
The northern hills of West Bengal, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, are known for landslides during the monsoon season. The Teesta River swells, making activities near it dangerous. The plains, including Kolkata, experience regular flooding and waterlogging.
Nagaland
Recurring Landslide Risks
Nagaland’s hilly regions face increased risks during the monsoon, with landslides often cutting off vital routes between towns such as Dimapur and Kohima. This recurrent problem isolates several nearby areas, making travel extremely difficult.
Conclusion
Traveling to these destinations during the monsoon season poses significant risks due to severe weather conditions, including flooding, landslides, and transportation disruptions. Travelers should exercise caution and stay informed about local conditions before planning trips to these areas.