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The Top 10 Secrets of Green-Wood Cemetery In NYC

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Green-Wood Cemetery was the second most popular tourist site in New York state by 1860, with over 500,000 visitors each year — Niagara Falls was the first. Located in Brooklyn near Prospect Park, the cemetery was founded in 1838 as one of the country’s first rural cemeteries. With over 560,000 “permanent residents,” many of whom are pretty famous, Green-Wood Cemetery has developed a reputation for being one of the most prestigious burial grounds in New York City. Its rolling landscape also helped inspire the creation of public parks in the city, including Central Park and Prospect Park. Without further delay, here are our top 10 secrets of Green-Wood Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark.

The catacombs of the Green-Wood Cemetery are opened only a few times a year to the public, for guided tours of the mysterious underground and for concerts. Access is gained by using an old-fashioned dungeon-like key, which unlocks the iron gates out front. The staff of Green-Wood cemetery calls the space “30 Vaults,” a reference to the number of vaults inside.

Located underneath a hill stretching about 150 feet, the catacombs date to the early 1850s, built as a series of family vaults in an area that was once excavated for gravel. The most famous person buried in the catacombs part of Green-Wood cemetery is Ward McAllister, the Gilded Age high society tastemaker who coined the term “The 400” to refer to the exclusive set in New York City that could fit in Mrs. Astor’s ballroom. He was not as wealthy as those he advised, so burial in the Green-Wood catacombs was a fitting endeavor for someone of his stature. Richman says McAllister would have been “quite chagrined to know that the catacombs are now locked up and access is very limited.”

On December 16, 1960, Trans World Airlines Flight 266 and United Airlines Flight 826 collided over Staten Island. While the TWA flight crashed on Staten Island, the United Airlines plane unsuccessfully attempted to reach LaGuardia Airport only to crash in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The Park Slope plane crash set fire to 10 brownstones at the intersection of Sterling Place and Seventh Avenue, along with three other stores, and a church (ironically named the Pillar of Fire Church).

In Park Slope, 84 people on the flight were killed, along with six people on the ground. The TWA crash on Staten Island killed 44 passengers and crew members. In an effort to figure out why the crash occurred, this investigation was the first to use a plane’s black box data recorder. Since DNA identification was not yet possible, the remains at the Park Slope crash were placed into three caskets labeled “Fragmentary Human Remains” and buried in unmarked grave lot number 38325, purchased by United Airlines. On December 16, 2010, on the 50th anniversary of this gruesome event, Green-Wood Cemetery dedicated a proper memorial for the victims who perished.

Until 1848, Green-Wood Cemetery was the fourth most popular place to be buried in the United States. Among the many immigrants and ordinary citizens interred there are members of prominent New York families like the Roosevelts, Pierreponts, Jeromes, and Schermerhorns.

There are also many famous residents buried there including William Meager “Boss” Tweed, the infamous corrupt politician; Henry Chadwick, the “Father of Baseball”; Horace Greeley, founder and editor of the New York Tribune; Leonard Bernstein, notable American composer and conductor; artist Jean-Michel Basquiat; Frank Morgan Wupperman, the actor who played the wizard in The Wizard Of Oz: and Samuel Morse, the inventor of the telegraph. Among these famous individuals also lie 5,000 Civil War soldiers, a large percentage of who were laid to rest in unmarked graves.

In January 2013, while a construction worker was working on an expansion of the Crematory and Columbarium, he discovered a small metal box buried in a wall. It turned out to be a time capsule from 1954 containing six, 19th-century published books on the Green-Wood Cemetery. Some titles include “A Handbook for Green-Wood” (1867) and “Green-Wood Illustrated” (1847), both written by Nehemiah Cleaveland, the cemetery’s first historian.

Despite being wrapped in plastic, the books suffered severe water damage, leaving the pages to turn into pulp. Retired Professor Anthony Cucchiara of Brooklyn College, an expert in dealing with water-damaged artifacts, was involved in the restoration process, ordering the books to be frozen to prevent any further damage. After freezing, the titles became visible, but the overall conditions were beyond salvaging. The good news is though, those same titles are not entirely out of print as copies are part of Green-Woods’ collection.

Image from Brooklyn Parrots

Since the 1970s, Green-Wood Cemetery has had a group of interesting (though quite possibly illegal) tenants, Argentinian Monk parrots (Myiopsitta monachus). Details behind how exactly the parrots got there are a bit fuzzy, but there are some interesting theories. The most popular version claims that in 1967, an unmarked crate made its way to JFK Airport where a curious worker opened it, letting free a small flock of monk parrots. A similar version of the story claims that the “curious airport employee” was actually an individual with ties to the mafia looking to profit from the crate’s contents.

While many exotic parrots have escaped into the city, the monk parrots seem to be the only ones able to survive the harsh winters. The birds made their way into residential areas, where they naturally started to annoy residents, who then naturally reported it to the authorities. Authorities not knowing what to do were told by the Argentinian government that killing them would be the easiest way to get rid of them. In 1973, a group of bird hunters hired by the US government chased the flock, killing only about half. The rest flew off to Rikers Island. The bird hunters chased them there but had to wait a day for permits to enter the premises. By the time they got there, the parrots had flown away, seeking refuge in Green-Wood Cemetery where they continue to live. Steve Baldwin of Brooklyn Parrots hosts “safaris” bringing interested visitors to the cemetery to see and learn more about New York City’s colorful, and loud residents.

Although the cemetery was never affiliated with a specific church, it strives to remain non-sectarian. The cemetery was generally seen as a Christian burial place for white Anglo-Saxon Protestants of higher social standing although the cemetery was never affiliated with a specific church. With the large number of people buried here, you wouldn’t think there would be certain criteria a dead person would have to meet in order to be allowed to rest there. One of its main regulations is that nobody who was executed for a crime, or died while incarcerated was allowed to be buried here.

Boss Tweed, however, was an exception. After he died at the Ludlow Street Prison, he was able to get around this rule. While Boss Tweed was buried in Green-Wood Cemetery, the mayor of the time, Mayor Smith Ely, refused to fly the flag at half-staff, not considering Boss Tweed worthy of the honor. As The New York Times reported in 1866, “It is the ambition of the New Yorker to live upon Fifth Avenue, take his airings in the [Central] Park and to sleep with his fathers in Green-Wood.”

In the days of the Revolutionary War, the area that Green-Wood Cemetery now occupies was the site of a major battle in 1776: The Battle of Brooklyn, also known as the Battle of Long Island. The first major battle fought after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this area was strategically important in defending New York.

After a successful attempt to drive the Continental Army out of Manhattan, the British forced the Patriots to retreat to Brooklyn Heights. On August 27, 1776, in an attempt to capture Brooklyn Heights, the British attacked American pickets defending the local Red Lion Inn, commencing the Battle of Brooklyn. However, not to be defeated or slaughtered on the battlefield, Brigadier General Williams Alexander Sterling and the Delaware Regiment made a fighting retreat, and against all odds made it safely across Gowanus Creek with only 2 men killed and 24 missing. The Altar to Liberty in Green-Wood, located at the highest point in Brooklyn, the top of Battle Hill, is dedicated to the Battle of Brooklyn. The monument is the Roman goddess Minerva laying a wreath on top of an altar. Additionally, each year, Green-Wood holds a reenactment of the Battle Brooklyn, honoring the cemetery’s historic past.

Designed in the late Revival Gothic style by Richard Upjohn and his son Richard M. Upjohn, the Brownstone Gate’s arches were built between 1861 and 1863 during the Civil War. Richard Senior is remembered for designing Trinity Church on Wall Street, as well as being the first president of the American Institution of Architects. Richard Junior is interred at Green-Wood.

Made of Brownstone, this gate combines three pinnacle towers and two pointed-arch entrances. Decorated with Gothic tracery and sandstone reliefs depicting biblical and allegorical scenes, the entrance to the cemetery stands tall and strong. Finally, on either side of the arches are two pavilions for a visitors center and cemetery office.

Given the sheer amount of individuals interned at Green-Wood Cemetery and its almost 200-year history, the monuments, mausoleums, sculptures, and tombstones at Green-Wood represent a wide variety of architectural and artistic styles. Most mausoleums on site are built in the Classical style, featuring columns, but there is also a large number of Gothic-inspired mausoleums as well. Others resemble ornate, medieval chapels, and there are even Egyptian-inspired monuments, especially obelisks.

There are also many sculptures across the entire 478 acres, some part of specific tombs, others more decorative. One statue, in particular, sparked a controversy: Civic Virtue. Originally unveiled as part of a monumental fountain in City Hall Park in 1922, the sculpture group was intended to be an allegorical representation of Virtue triumphing over Treachery and Corruption. The problem was that Virtue (a man) was standing over and defeating Vice in the form of female mermaids, coming off as oppressive to women. The statue moved to Queens in 1941 only to be met with a new wave of feminists who took issue with it as well, ultimately leading the sculpture to be “banned” to Green-Wood on December 15, 2012.

The architectural firm of Warren & Wetmore has left its mark across the city, designing some of the city’s most prominent buildings in the early 20th century, including Grand Central Terminal and Chelsea Piers. The Green-Wood Chapel stands alongside those famed buildings.

This Gothic Revival-style chapel was built in 1911 and designed by Warren & Wetmore. The chapel was inspired by the Tom Tower, a famous bell tower in Oxford, England characterized by an octagonal lantern and notable dorm. Inside, Green-Wood Cemetery’s chapel, there is a beautiful, large stained glass window, and a chandelier suspended under a rib-vaulted ceiling.

Next, check out 10 famous people buried in cemeteries across New York City!



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Day 75: The Heat Dome Brakes

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  • Hightower Top Parking Lot (908.8) to Bearfence Mountain Hut (919.1)
  • 2438 feet ascent 1955 feet descent 

The Heat Dome is officially over. The differnce in the air temperature and the humidity is profound.  The last few days, taking in air was hard. The high humidity left us gasping for oxygen among the H2O laden air. 

Both of us were awful at chemistry but it didn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that the ratio of hydrogen (H) to oxygen (0) was off kilter. 

Early Shuttle 

Wayne, our amazing shuttle driver said he was up at 5 am and would take us to the trail as early as we liked. We decided on 7 am, just on case we wanted to sleep in. 

We were up early and ready at 6:30 am. Wayne was early too so it was an unintended meeting of the minds. 

We returned his free bottle of scentfree laundry soap and added to the shuttle hiker box my leftover 1/2 shaker of bottle medicated powder. 

Another Fast Start

After low temperatures in the 80s, the mid 70 temperature of early morning was refreshing. We zoomed through the mile and a half we had skipped ahead in just 25 minutes. Had we done it two days before, I expect it would have been two or three times longer. 

We were encouraged and happy. It felt like a different life than the heavy drudgery of just 36 hours prior. 

First Blackberries

At 8:36 am, we encountered a patch of ripe wild  blackberries the Shennandoah are famed for. They were so delicious. 

Many trail snacks are berry flavored. Nothing compares to fresh picked, wild berries. Even our organic home dehydrated berries paled by comparison. 

We remembered together the fun we had last summer Huckleberry picking. Huckleberries are to Glacier National Park what blackberries are to the Shennandoah. Tourists come to eat Huckleberry foods and go pick some. 

Last summer was a particularly good year for berries and tourists. Visitors go on organized berry excursions where they are given buckets and a brief lesson in berry picking. No one ever tells them the BIG berries are up the steep hillsides on bushes that are hue from accumulated snow melt. Thwy stick to the sides of the trail where the bushes are short and the berries tasty, but small. 

Passers by notice us deep in the bushes and turn their heads away in modesty. They all assume we are on cathole patrol, not picking berries. 

This summer, we enjoyed our berries trailside, tourist style. We were focused on hiking, not berry picking. Also, we were concerned not to eat too many berries and accidentally increase our cathole patrol. 

More Food

We brought out sandwiches .adequate from vegetables, sour dough bread and pimento cheese.  We burried them in our packs to keep them cool. They were a great post berry repast.

For dinner, we ate apples. They were a crisp and refreshing dinner after a long, still hot hike. Carrying them was well worth the extra weight. 

Bouncing on Blowdowns

The afternoon threatened thunder and lightening. We paid close attention to where the rumbles issued forth. We did not want to be on an open, rocky sections with no cover. 

After a couple of hours of vigilance, along with temperatures in the low 90s, we were wearing down. The day was a rocking success, but it was getting time to rest and sleep. 

Our speed gradually increased in a fit of “horse to the barn” syndrome. I stepped tall and wode to clear a 2 foot high blowdown. My trailing right foot almost cleared the blowdown but not quite. 

I found myself hanging a couple of feet above the ground, face down over a blowdown,  balanced precariously on my left hiking pole, eyeball to eyeball with a patch of poison ivy. 

So much for hurrying. Never works. We extracted me successfully without engaging the poisen ivy. We hoped. 

Limping into Home Plate

The fall was relatively inconsequential but having jammed my fist and hiking pole into my rib I did notice. As we rounded the bend to the shelter, I spotted the first of the summer eccanacia.

It is well known for its healing power. Tonight, its golden rays made me feel better just by looking at it. 

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CDT Day 66: Halfway Somewhere

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I’ve made it about halfway! And for now that’s my signal to take a pause from blogging here. My main reason for sharing my blood, sweat, and tears on the trail here was in support of my fundraiser, but it hasn’t gained me the support needed to reach my goal. It’s been my incredible friends and family who have mostly been cheering me on, and so for now I will just be doing limited posting on my social media. Thank you so much for the support from those who have been following along here– some days it was just what I needed to brighten my day, and I hope it added to yours as well. Perhaps I will post here again in the future if things shift.

Thruhikes are hard even without sharing the experience with the world, even “rest days” often being carefully crafted to be efficient and almost militant just to get stuff done: gear repair, food resupply, laundry, paying the bills, calling friends and family, post office, hiker box, getting to and around the towns you end up in, stretching and relaxing and maybe getting some dang lotion on those terrible looking but strong feet– you get the point. I have to use my time wisely. Like I said, I will still be posting on social media and am also trying to brainstorm right now on how to create some LNT material for the CDTC while out here!

As I’ve hiked further and further north into Colorado I’ve also begun to feel as if I’m hiking deeper and deeper into the trail and being consumed by my emotions. There’s a lot to deal with, both personally and with big picture systems (and they are ultimately intertwined) and at times it can feel overwhelming.

When I hiked the PCT in 2017, it was a strange time but I felt able to fully disconnect from the world, I was only on the trail. But now I feel the elsewhere on the trail too– I see the pain occurring in the world right now and the consumption of nature rather than the stewarding of it and I want to implode. The chaos is exhausting.

I should be able to enjoy a quiet, beautiful trail without being worried for people in my home community disappearing or friends who may lose their healthcare or jobs. Without worrying about the defunding of our public lands. And more than that. But I can’t. But I have to, or they win.

Cheers from Steamboat 🖤

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Places To Visit In India In August 2025: Plan Your Mid-Monsoon Vacation

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Kovalam Beach | Image credit: Mehul Antani/Flickr

August is a time when nearly all of India experiences monsoon showers, although some regions are already seeing the rains retreat, revealing beautiful, lush landscapes. The monsoon season is an excellent time to travel in India if you don’t mind getting wet. You’ll encounter fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and the opportunity to witness various cultural festivals, including Janmashtami and Onam. You can explore trekking routes that connect you to nature, enjoy enchanting waterfalls perfect for an afternoon picnic, or opt to stay indoors and listen to the soothing sound of rain on the roof. If you are considering a mid-monsoon trip, here is our selection of some of the best places to visit in India in August, ranging from deserts to mountains and beaches, and everything in between.

For additional inspiration, check out our story on some of the best places to visit in India, as shared by travel experts.

Places to visit in India in August 2025

Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari | Image credit: Utsav Verma/Flickr

Kanyakumari is one of the best places to visit in India during August, particularly if you are seeking a tranquil retreat. This destination offers something for everyone, from spiritual spots and historical buildings to breathtaking coastlines, boat rides, and stunning views all around. If you’re seeking a place to explore over the long weekend of Independence Day and Janmashtami, particularly in South India or Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari is an ideal choice for a three-day getaway where you can return feeling completely relaxed. Visitors can expect occasional light rain, which enhances the lush beauty of the surroundings. Furthermore, Kanyakumari is a food lover’s paradise, offering a variety of local dishes that feature the freshest seafood, as well as delicious sweets made from coconut, dry fruit, and milk products.

Here’s our travel guide to Kanyakumari to help you plan an immersive experience.

Places to visit: Vattakottai Fort, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Beach, Kanyakumari Fish Aquarium, and Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

How to reach
By air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is approximately 90 km away.
By train: Kanniyakumari Railway Station is located within the city.

Kovalam, Kerala

Vellayani Lake, Kerala | Image credit: Arun Kannan/Pixahive

Kovalam, in Kerala, is famed for its exceptional Ayurvedic treatments and therapies, set against a stunning, lush backdrop. If you don’t mind the rain and enjoy cloudy skies and a tranquil atmosphere, August is a perfect time to visit this beautiful place in India. You can spend your days indulging in relaxing Ayurvedic treatments. However, Kovalam has much more to offer than just wellness! Visitors can explore its lighthouses, beaches, temples, castles, and various attractions. If you’re looking for a short, rejuvenating getaway, Kovalam is an ideal retreat. Additionally, its beach shacks and local markets offer shopping enthusiasts the opportunity to hone their bargaining skills and find the perfect souvenirs to take home.

Places to visit: Vizhinjam Light House, Samudra Beach Park, Vellayani Lake, Azhimala Cliff, and Hawa Beach

How to reach
By air: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is approximately 14 km away.
By train: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is approximately 11 km away.

Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Orchha Cenotaphs | Image credit: Amit Rawat/Flickr

Warm days and cool nights, combined with occasional rainfall that helps lower temperatures, create the raw and rugged beauty of Orchha. Known as one of the most popular destinations in Madhya Pradesh, Orchha is rich in ornate palaces, temples, cenotaphs, and forts. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of adventure sports, weather permitting. The Betwa River is an excellent spot for rafting, especially when water levels rise and the rapids become easier to navigate. You can also experience the captivating Light and Sound Show at Orchha Fort or visit the Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary to spot some elusive wildlife. For a short getaway during the Independence Day and Janmashtami long weekend, Orchha serves as a perfect retreat, surrounded by nature and steeped in historical significance.

Our story on Orchha will offer all the insights you need about this historical city in Madhya Pradesh.

Places to visit: Orchha Fort, Jahangir Mahal, Chaturbhuj Temple, Kanchan Ghat, and Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary.

How to reach
By air: Rajmata Vijaya Raje Scindia Airport (Gwalior Airport) is approximately 138 km away.
By train: Jhansi Railway Station is approximately 19 km away.

Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur | Image credit: Icekrish, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The monsoon season is a wonderful time to visit Rajasthan, as the occasional showers and cloudy weather help lower the temperatures. Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City, is no exception to this. The rain offers some relief from the heat, making outdoor sightseeing and activities much more comfortable. August is particularly great for enjoying desert safaris, whether on camelback or in 4-wheel drive vehicles. Not only can you witness a stunning sunset from the dunes, but you may also encounter a variety of wildlife, including many native bird species, during your safari. In addition to the desert experiences, you can explore palaces that have been converted into museums, showcasing royal palanquins and weaponry. Don’t miss the breathtaking view of the sea of blue houses below from vantage points at Mehrangarh Fort.

Additionally, discover the best spots to capture stunning images in Jodhpur.

Places to visit: Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, Ghanta Ghar, Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, and Mandore Garden.

How to reach
By air: Jodhpur Airport is located within the city.
By train: Jodhpur Junction is located within the city.

Also read | A Monsoon Adventure In Rajasthan Is What Rain Lovers Need

Mandarmani, West Bengal

Shankarpur Beach, Mandarmani | Image credit: Pinakpani, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

West Bengal is known for its tranquil beaches and charming resort towns, offering an abundance of seafood options, lush greenery, and a variety of beach activities. Mandarmani is a favourite getaway for many residents, who enjoy spending their long weekends and holidays there to soak up the relaxed beach atmosphere before returning to their busy daily lives. Mandarmani is often chosen over other beach destinations in West Bengal because it is relatively less crowded. In addition to the beach, visitors can explore nearby attractions, including temples, parks, and viewpoints that provide stunning views of rivers and the sea. As you stroll along the beach, you might spot numerous little crabs scurrying away, build large sandcastles with the help of family or friends, and savour delicious seafood from local beach shacks.

Planning to explore more of West Bengal? Our story on day trips from Kolkata will help you plan your itinerary.

Places to visit: Tajpur Beach, Shankarpur Beach, Mandarmani Beach, and Amrabati Park.

How to reach
By air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata is approximately 180 km away.
By train: Contai (Kanthi) Railway Station in Medinipur is approximately 24 km away.

Agumbe, Karnataka

Agumbe, Karnataka | Image credit: Shyam siddarth, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Nestled in the verdant forests of Karnataka’s Shivamogga district is Agumbe, a high-altitude village that is still off most travel itineraries. If you are looking to spend time surrounded by rainforests, waterfalls, rolling meadows laden with wildflowers, and plenty of nature trails to explore, this is the place for you. You can enjoy a scenic drive from Someshwara to Agumbe, featuring a series of hairpin bends that showcase the beauty of the Western Ghats, or embark on treks that allow you to explore the rainforests. There are plenty of natural wonders to keep you busy exploring, but it’s also a great place to stay and enjoy the rain, if that’s what you had in mind for a relaxing vacation.

There’s plenty more to see in Karnataka for mountain lovers. Here’s our story on hill stations in Karnataka to help you navigate your way.

Places to visit: Barkana Falls, Jogigundi Falls, Agumbe Ghat Road, Onake Abbi Falls, and Agumbe Sunset Viewpoint.

How to reach
By air: Mangaluru International Airport is approximately 97 km away.
By train: Udupi Railway Station is approximately 52 km away.

The Golden Triangle Circuit

Taj Mahal, Agra | Image credit: Nishant Vyas/Pexels

If you’re looking for options to explore near Delhi in August, the Golden Triangle Circuit is the perfect choice. With the Independence Day and Janmashtami long weekend approaching, you can visit Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi within three days or take a couple more days off to truly explore the cities. For a 3-day itinerary, consider covering only the Taj Mahal in Agra, and hop over to Jaipur for one and a half days of sightseeing, followed by another day in the national capital, exploring parts of Old Delhi and iconic monuments in Central Delhi. Go ahead and make the most of your Independence Day and Janmashtami long weekend!

Places to visit: the Taj Mahal in Agra, Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar in Jaipur, and the India Gate, Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, and Lotus Temple in Delhi.

How to reach
By air: Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra have airports within the cities.
By train: Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra have multiple railway stations within the cities.


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Khandala, Maharashtra

Khandala Ghat, Maharashtra | Image credit: Gayatri Priyadarshini, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The name itself is enough to evoke visions of lush, misty hills with winding roads and a cool breeze flowing across the meadows. Khandala in August is all that and more! Even though the chances of rain are higher in this month compared to other months, which holds true for almost all of India, Khandala is a great place for a short romantic break or a solo mid-monsoon trip to rejuvenate yourself. One of the best places to visit in India in August, Khandala is an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts, offering numerous walking trails, scenic viewpoints, mild trekking opportunities, and numerous historical spots to explore. From waterfalls and dams to caves and forts, Khandala seems to have it all, with a vibrant landscape as its backdrop.

Explore more of Maharashtra and its attractions with our guide.

Places to visit: Kune Falls, Bhaja Caves, Lohagad Fort, Pavana Lake, and Rajmachi Fort.

How to reach
By air: Pune International Airport is approximately 73 km away.
By train: Lonavala Railway Station is approximately 5 km away.

Insider tips for exploring India in August

Jodhpur, Rajasthan | Image credit: Daniel Mennerich/Flickr
  • Pack waterproof gear for your trip, including rain covers for bags and valuables.
  • Light, breathable apparel is preferred. Bring an umbrella or raincoat along.
  • Take some insect repellent along in case you plan to take evening walks.
  • Avoid eating pre-cut fruits and vegetables.
  • Try to stick to bottled water while travelling.
  • Plan and book your stay and packages in advance if planning to travel during the Independence Day and Janmashtami weekend in August.
  • Be respectful towards local customs and traditions when visiting religious spots.
  • Make sure to pack sturdy, waterproof footwear.
  • With August right in the heart of India’s monsoon season, it is imperative to plan for delays and disruptions to your plans.
  • Before planning your day, be sure to check the weather so you’re prepared to handle any rain.

(Feature image credit: Mehul Antani/Flickr)

Related | Nature Uninterrupted! The Dreamiest Glasshouse Airbnbs In India To Book Now





Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is August a good time to visit India?

August is a good time to visit certain parts of India, including Kerala, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Which hill stations are ideal to visit in India in August?

Hill stations in Southern India are ideal for a visit in August.

Are there any offbeat destinations worth exploring in India in August?

Places such as Agumbe in Karnataka and Orchha in Madhya Pradesh are some of the best offbeat destinations to explore in India in August.

What are the top monsoon destinations in India for August travel?

Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, and Rajasthan are some of the top monsoon destinations In India for August travel.

Can I visit Goa in August?

Yes, Goa is an ideal place to visit in August, thanks to the monsoon turning it into a lush paradise.

Which places in North India are best to visit in August?

Jodhpur, Amritsar, Agra, Jaipur, Spiti Valley, and Ladakh are some of the best places to visit in North India in August.

Are there any cultural festivals in India during August?

Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, and Onam, are a few of the cultural festivals celebrated in India in August.

Is Ladakh accessible and safe in August?

Yes, Ladakh is accessible and safe to visit in August.

What precautions should I take while traveling during the monsoon season?

Remember to pack waterproof covers for your gear, along with insect repellent. Keep an eye on the weather before you begin a day of sightseeing.

Are there any romantic getaways in India suitable for August?

Yes, there are plenty of romantic getaways in India suitable for August, from the Ayurvedic retreats of Kerala to the misty hills of southern India.

Can I go trekking in India in August?

Yes, although in August trekking trails are best navigated across parts of south India.

What are the best family-friendly destinations in India in August?

Rajasthan, Kerala, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh, among others, are some of the best family-friendly destinations in India in August.


Written By

Esha Dasgupta

Senior Digital Writer – Growth, Travel

Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read More





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