Rain or shine

At the time of printing, OT staffers had just got through the year’s hottest day in the monsoon-starved northern plains. So, of course we’re going to romanticise the monsoon: the smell of wet earth, the gusts of wind blowing the gulmohar flowers off the trees, the rain lashing at our windows… But you know what, the monsoon is even more romantic when it’s in a place that’s more romantic than the cities we live in — when you’re on holiday. Our suggestions for the season: for an unfailing surprise, head to that lovely home of the clouds, Meghalaya. For endless delights, revisit Kochi, where heritage and chicness are stirring quietly to life. For inevitable comfort, take your pick of discounted holidays at Goa’s top resorts. And because some of us just can’t help being contrary, the driest holiday you can have these months: a long walk in arid Ladakh’s fabulous Zanskar.