The wetter the better

CHECK IN: Why stay away from wonderful Goa and Kerala just because it's raining?

Contrary to popular perception, the monsoon is a great time to travel to many parts of India. Goa, with its sun-kissed beaches, may not seem like the obvious choice to head to when it's raining cats and dogs, but it is in fact beautiful during the rainy season. The beaches may be out of bounds when the rain gods do their thing, but there is so much more to this small state than its beaches alone.

Check out the hinterland in Goa. Go for a birdwatching camp, or to a hilltop resort, or stay in an old Portuguese house with the family as your host. You can get a three night, four day Thomas Cook holiday at the Heritage Village Club in south Goa for Rs 12,950, exclusive of airfare. Also visit Makemytrip.com for a three nights package at the Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa, starting Rs 14,999, including the airfare.

Kerala, further down the coast, is also stunning during the rains. It's green everywhere anyway in Kerala but the green looks even better with the rain falling over it. Its verdant tropical jungles and palm-fringed beaches, mighty rivers and rolling hills with aromas of coffee and cardamom will enchant you during this season.

Catch a frenzied Kathakali performance, sample some exotic sea food and get a rejuvenating ayurvedic massage. Check out Makemytrip.com for a four night, five day Kerala package for Rs 12,100, airfare included.

The monsoon at one of the most underestimated destinations in India, Orissa, is a surprise. The destination is wonderful, but unfortunately it's just not sold very well yet. You can get a three night, four day Bhubaneswar and Puri package from Thomas Cook for Rs 12,950 onwards per couple, not including the airfare.

The trip includes visits to Khandagiri, Dhaulagiri and Udaygiri in Bhubaneswar as well as many temples, including the world-famous Lingaraj and the Mukteshwar temples. You would also be taken to Kalijai island, about three hours from Bhubaneswar, and then, on the way to Puri, you can check out the applique work at Pipli village.

Puri is famous for the Jagannath Puri temple, with its fabulous annual procession. Close to Puri is an interesting artisans' village called Raghurajpur. The village is famous for Patta Chitra work (paintings on palm leaves). In Orissa you get an opportunity to view dolphins in the Chilka Lake. After you are through with the Sun Temple at Konark, don't forget to pick a few Sambhalpuri sarees.