India's monsoon is a bit of a legend. It has featured in many books, films, and songs. Everyone in this tropical country looks forward to a much-needed respite from the summer heat when everything looks wet, lush, and rejuvenated. And we all have our favourite monsoon pastimes, don't we? While some may cosy up with books and a strong latte, others sip on a cup of kadak chai and pakoras. 

Here is a glimpse of the beauty of the Indian monsoon in 7 pictures:

The hill town of Darjeeling is a gateway to paradise during monsoon, as the clouds touch the ground (quite literally). Whenever you find yourself here during monsoon, don’t forget to hit up the famous Glenary's bakery and get your hands on their English breakfast. 

 

 

 

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A post shared by 𝐀𝐭𝐫𝐢 𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚ðÂÂÂÂÂœ𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐲𝐚 (@atri.thestoryteller) on Jun 26, 2020 at 10:21am PDT

The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand gets a whole new look after a fresh spell of rains. 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Travel (@theuniquegirl_) on Jul 13, 2020 at 9:33am PDT

The hilly roads of Uttarakhand with dense forests are not for the faint-hearted, especially during the monsoon. 

 

 

 

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A post shared by SATYAM BHUYAN | INDIA🇮🇳 (@i.satyam5) on Mar 28, 2020 at 7:15am PDT

Who doesn’t love Mumbai’s cutting chai on a rainy day? 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Vani Santhosh (@wotzcukin) on Jul 13, 2020 at 3:40am PDT

During the monsoon, a variety of fauna can be spotted. 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Dr. Mahesh Gujar (@vaidyagujar) on Jul 13, 2020 at 11:25pm PDT

 

 

 

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A post shared by Ashok Reddy (@ashokreddyc) on Jul 13, 2020 at 11:58pm PDT

The clouds turn dramatic and the earth smells different. What better way than a photograph like this to hold on to the drama of the monsoon?  

 

 

 

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A post shared by bunnie_photography (@bunnie_photography03) on Jul 7, 2019 at 10:38pm PDT

The Western Ghats are among the most preferred destinations in the country to witness the many moods of the monsoon. 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Outlook Traveller (@outlooktraveller) on Jul 5, 2020 at 12:13am PDT