Do you want to enjoy the rain at your leisure? A vacation built around the monsoon, in a getaway that offers rock-bottom rates, might be just what you’re looking for. There’s time still to soak in rain-drenched landscapes at India’s hottest tourist spots. Goa and Kerala remain the preferred monsoon destinations, while Karnataka and Rajasthan are worth rediscovering this season. As monsoon tourism becomes the buzzword, hoteliers and resort owners are working overtime to make irresistible offers. Check them out!

RAJASTHAN

Tourists flock here in the rainy season since the weather is pleasant. You can go back in time in any of Rajasthan’s cities. There’s the Amber Fort and Sheesh Mahal in Jaipur, the City Palace in Udaipur and more. Luxury hotels are offering hefty discounts in the off-season. Or stay in havelis that come with all the luxe trappings.

» Hot ticket!

The Oberoi Group has a 2-night, 3-day monsoon spa vacation package at its Vilas hotels, valid till September 30. Priced at Rs 35,000 for two at The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur and The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur, the package includes accommodation for two in a premier room, yoga sessions as per itinerary, breakfast, and all airport/ railway station transfers. Go to www.oberoihotels.com.

KERALA

Think of rain-drenched views, lush vegetation and the backwaters — the monsoon has a special charm in God’s own country. Book yourself into a backwater resort or even a houseboat for a glimpse of local village life. You can visit the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary near the Vembanad Lake while foodies can dig into sumptuous local fare. Though homestays in typical Kerala cottages offer a unique experience, some luxury hotels are also offering great deals.

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The Taj Group’s ‘Best of Kerala’ 4-night and 5-day package, priced at Rs 6,160 per night on double occupancy (in a Superior Room at Taj Malabar Cochin, in a Cottage Lagoon View Room at Taj Garden Retreat, Kumarakom and in a Superior Garden View Room at Taj Green Cove Resort, Kovalam) includes accommodation with breakfast and one meal. Transportation and air/rail fares excluded. The package is valid till September 30. Go to www.tajhotels.com.

GOA

Rains in Goa are the stuff of memorable holidays. Though the beaches may be off-limits in the monsoons, you don’t have to be cooped up indoors either. You could go fishing, and trekking or just walk around, taking in the landscape. The best news is that you can expect huge discounts from most luxury hotels.

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A 3-night and 4-day monsoon package at the Leela Kempinski costs Rs 28,500 for two in the Pavilion Room, while a Premier Room costs Rs 31,500. The Lagoon Suite comes for Rs 36,000. It includes all airport/railway station transfers and meals and is valid till September 30, 2010. Go to www.theleela.com.

KARNATAKA

If you love adventure, head for Coorg in Karnataka. The rains in this hill-station, at 4,000ft, are fairly heavy. Coorg is the land of coffee, cardamom and River Cauvery and is also a bird-watcher’s paradise. The best way to explore Coorg is to opt for nature walks down its mist-laden trekking routes or visit a soaked coffee plantation.

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A 3-night and 4-day ‘Fresh and Green Coorg’ package from the Orange County Resort is priced at Rs 29,999 for two in a country cottage. Or go for the ‘Colours of Kabini’ package at the Orange County Kabini Resort at Rs 32,999 for 2-nights and 3-days in a pool hut. Both packages are valid till September 30, and include all meals, guided bird-watching and plantation tours. Air/rail fares excluded. Go to www.orangecounty.in.