We’ve grown up hearing that life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain, and while we hear the metaphor that this life hack brings with it, this monsoon season, we can’t help being drawn to the literal meaning of this piece of advice. By that we mean literally taking advantage of the splashing and dancing in the rain this season! Here are our favourite weekend getaways to escape to and enjoy listening to the rain.

hill stations to visit this monsoon chamund hill mysore 430x550

Chamundi Hills—Mysore

1300 feet above sea level, in the Chamundi Hills you will be privy to lush greenery encapsulating you in a world of trees, fertile hills, valleys and flowering shrubs. The Chamundi Hills are among the eight most sacred hills of South India so break out of your usual spots and give this hill a view.

Pictured here: Sale of sets to offer the goddess Chamunda close to her temple.

hill stations to visit this monsoon ratnagiri hill temple 430x550

Ratnagiri Balamurugan Temple—Vellore, Tamil Nadu

Ratnagiri Balamurugan temple is an ancient Murugan temple situated in Vellore, India. It was built around the 14th century and is is situated on top of a hill. Ancient Hindu scriptures say that where there is a hill, there is Lord Murugan (Shiva’s son). Over the passage of time, an ordinary sand structure was converted into a stone shrine, making it a historically rich and beautiful spot to explore during the monsoons.

Pictured here: Colourful peacock statue on the Gopuram of Rathinagiri Hill Temple in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. Shiva's son, Murugan is worshiped here.

hill stations to visit this monsoon mcleod ganj temple 430x550

McLeod Ganj—Dharamsala

Home to the headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile and the residence of His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, is McLeod Ganj. The little town comes with many budget hotels, trekking companies, internet cafes, restaurants and shops selling Tibetan souvenirs. It’s the perfect little town to enjoy some down time with a group of friends.

Pictured here: Kalaczakra temples in Dharamsala,McLeod Ganj.

hill stations to visit this monsoon jakhoo temple 430x550

Jakhoo Hill, Shimla—Himachal Pradesh

At the top of the Jakhoo Hill is located the famous Jakhoo Temple of Shimla. It is an uphill climb through the beautiful deodar trees. The JakhooTemple of Shimla is dedicated to Hanuman. Located at a height of 2,455 meters, it is situated on the highest peak in Shimla. The scenic view that surrounds this beautiful temple is absolutely breathtaking and splendid.

Pictured here: A Lord Hanuman statue at the Jakhoo Temple, Jakhoo Hill, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

hill stations to visit this monsoon murdeshvar 430x550

Kanduka Hill— Murudeshwar

This temple is built on the Kanduka Hill which is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Arabian Sea. It is dedicated to Shiva, and a 20-storied gopura is constructed at the temple. The temple authorities have installed a lift that provides a breathtaking view of the 123-feet Shiva idol from the top of the Raja Gopura. There is also a Rameshwar Linga at the bottom of the hill, where devotees can do seva. A Shaneswara Temple has been built next to the idol of Shiva. Two life-sized elephants in concrete stand guard at the steps leading to it.

Pictured here: The Great Shiva over Kanduka Hill

hill stations to visit this monsoon pushkar ghats 430x550

Pushkar Ghats—Rajasthan

The holy lake of Pushkar is surrounded by ghats or embankments where the various religious ceremonies are conducted by the pilgrims visiting Pushkar. Watching life as it unfurls at these ghats gives a great insight into the religious beliefs of the devout Hindus, which makes for an enriching getaway this season.

Pictured here: A hill temple at the Pushkar Ghats, Rajasthan, India.

hill stations to visit this monsoon hemakuta hill 430x550

Hemakuta Hill—Hampi

Hemakuta Hill is one among the best places in Hampi to see the sunrise and sunset; and not as tedious to reach the top as compared to the Matanga Hill nearby, which is rumoured to be the best hill to take in the sunset.

Pictured here: The view from the Virupaksha temple at Hemakuta hill during sunset in Hampi, Karnataka.

hill stations to visit this monsoon ladakh 430x550

Ladakh

Nothing quite beats the beauty of Ladakh—snow-capped mountains and lush-greenery. This is a location unlike any and one that can be enjoyed no matter what the season.

Pictured here: A beautiful scenic view of a green hill with an old white Buddhist stupa against the backdrop of a colourful mountain range in Ladakh.

hill stations to visit this rainy season

And on a closing note, nothing quite like spotting locals from the hills in vibrant hues against a scenic backdrop.