6 Places in India Where You Literally Stand Above the Clouds
Watching the sea of clouds pass below one's feet is a truly surreal experience. Mountains vanish and resurface, valleys fade into oblivion under a veil of mist, and at that particular instant, it feels as if one has left the confines of the earth to float between heaven and earth. India offers several destinations where this kind of surrealism awaits visitors, especially during the monsoons and early winters. For tourists seeking experiences beyond typical sightseeing, these destinations present unique opportunities to witness the stunning diversity of India's landscapes. Here are six places where you can truly stand above the clouds.
Sandakphu, West Bengal
Standing tall at 3,636 meters, Sandakphu is not only the highest peak in West Bengal but also one of the best trekking experiences in India. Located at an elevation of about 10 meters on the Singalila Ridge along the border of India and Nepal, Sandakphu is renowned for its 'Sleeping Buddha' view of the Himalayan range. At times, you will wake up to find dense clouds surrounding the valleys below, while mountains such as Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu emerge towering above the clouds. This place offers a glimpse of four out of the five tallest peaks in the world.
Nandi Hills, Karnataka
Nandi Hills is a very famous weekend destination that offers people living in Bengaluru a chance to relax. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,478 meters above sea level, it may not be as tall as some viewpoints in the Himalayas, but its climate and topography often create beautiful cloud inversions, especially during and just after the monsoons. Early morning visitors are rewarded with a wonderful sight: a blanket of clouds covering the terrain below.
Mullayanagiri, Karnataka
At a height of 1,930 meters, Mullayanagiri is the highest mountain peak in Karnataka. It is one of the easiest locations in Southern India where one can view clouds moving beneath. During the monsoon season, the entire Western Ghats become shrouded in dense fog, while the summit provides an enchanting view that looks as though taken out of a fantasy movie. These factors make this place extremely popular among tourists.
Deomali, Odisha
Deomali is situated in the Eastern Ghats and is the highest mountain peak in Odisha at around 1,672 meters in height. Though not very famous, it offers exceptional sunrise views in the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. The peaks are generally surrounded by clouds early in the morning, making one feel as if hanging over them. The best time to visit is from August to December.
Meesapulimala, Kerala
Second only to Anamudi in height, with an elevation of 2,640 meters, the trek to Meesapulimala is one of the most picturesque treks in Kerala. From beautiful grasslands and misty ridges to cloud inversions, the trek offers memorable sights. Early mornings usually see clouds swirling through the valleys like rivers. The best time to visit is from September to February. During your trek to Meesapulimala, take a moment to admire the view of the Western Ghats.
Tiger Hill, West Bengal
While Tiger Hill is famous for the beautiful sunrise view of Kanchenjunga, it offers another attraction equally captivating. Located near Darjeeling at a height of 2,590 meters, the spot often provides a view of valleys shrouded in dense clouds, particularly after monsoons. The best time to visit Tiger Hill is from October to December.
