Typically when we think of holidays to India we might expect glaring sunshine and excessive heat, but the rainy season uncovers some of the country’s most appealing traits. During the monsoon, foods are beautifully ripe and culture washes through the streets at every turn, making it a great time to visit.

Of course, India is a vast place and deciding where to stay can be tough – so here are a few suggestions to help you narrow it down.

Kochi

Kochi is a relatively small city by Indian standards, but remains the most populous in the southern region of Kerala. Considered by many to be India’s most beautiful state, the locals themselves dub Kerala, ‘God’s Own Country’.

The city of Kochi gives a unique insight into traditional Indian life. A walk along the water’s edge reveals the famous Chinese fishing nets and a short chat with a friendly local could see you helping out with the nets and catching your own dinner.

With an abundance of fishing communities and rice paddies, you will soon notice the food in Kerala is among the best in India, and sites such as Dealchecker can help you obtain the best deals on flights to regions such as this.

Darjeeling

Nestled in the Himalayan region of West Bengal, in India’s north-east, Darjeeling offers a taste of India a world away from Kerala. The city is best known for its numerous tea plantations, giving visitors the chance to taste some of the finest and freshest tea leaves in the world whilst taking in the breath-taking mountain views.

The city is also very well known for its ‘Toy Train’. This historic train route cascades through the luscious hills of West Bengal and is one of the region’s most popular tourist attractions.

Delhi

The country’s capital is one of its most spectacular places to visit. With a population of over 12 million, Delhi is one of the world’s most bustling cities and a clear choice for visitors. Expect an ‘assault on the senses’ as you stroll through the streets, coming across spice and textile markets which embody the nation’s culture and creativity.