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Tourism in South India has much to offer in terms of history, culture, and natural beauty. The south, comprising Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, is dotted with ancient temples, peaceful backwaters, green and cool hill stations, and colourful festivals. The best places to visit in August in South India also offer a wide variety of local food, classical art forms, and hospitable people to entice visitors. South India is an entire journey, from the serene beaches of Goa to the picturesque landscapes of Coorg; hence, it has captured the attention of local and international travellers.
Top 14 Places To Visit In August In South India
The top 14 places to visit in August in South India offer a paradise of lush greenery, misty hill stations, and vibrant cultural experiences.
1. Munnar, Kerala
Photo: gaurav kumar / Unsplash
Munnar belongs to the Idukki district of Kerala, and it is one fantastically beautiful hill station in Kerala with its picture-perfect tea gardens, misty hills, and flora and fauna on showcase. Set high on a steep hill, about 1,600 meters above sea level, it was once used for the summer holiday homes of British officials. The months of August convert Munnar into this green paradise with waterfalls that are cascading and landscapes that are shrouded in mist. Eravikulam National Park, which shelters the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, is located in this area, as well as Mattupetty Dam with its calm reservoir and boating activities.
Nearby Attractions: Kundala Lake, Top Station, Tea Museum, Attukal Waterfalls
Suggested Read: Top Incredible Places To Visit In Munnar On Your Next Southern Voyage
2. Coorg, Karnataka
Photo: Paras Hazare / Unsplash
Coorg, otherwise known as Kodagu, is a beautiful hill station in Karnataka, famed for its coffee plantations, mist-driven hills, and dense forests. It is located at an altitude of 900–1,750 meters along the Western Ghats, enjoying cool refreshing weather where the month of August witnesses green carpets, flowing waterfalls, and mist-covered aesthetics. Known as the “Scotland of India,” Coorg houses Abbey Falls and Madikeri Fort, which are wonders in themselves. Visitors can book a special package at Dubare Elephant Camp to interact with elephants.
Nearby Attractions: Talakaveri, Mandalpatti, Omkareshwara Temple, Iruppu Falls
3. Alleppey, Kerala
Photo: Abhishek Prasad / Unsplash
Kerala is blessed with a lovely town called Alleppey famous for its backwaters, houseboats, and green scenery. Known as “Venice of the East,” Alleppey has canals and lagoons that offer postcard-perfect views that are amplified with the monsoon clouds in August. Relax amidst the backwaters, and let the houseboat cruise bring you into the very lifeline of Kerala’s traditional village life. The boat race in August is the crowning glory when all the attention is on the Nehru Trophy Boat Race, where snake boats engage in thrilling contests on Punnamada Lake.
Nearby Attractions: Kumarakom, Pathiramanal Island, Krishnapuram Palace
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Alleppey
4. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Photo: sudheer meduri / Unsplash
Udhagamandalam or Ooty is one of the beautiful hill stations situated in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, famous for its cool climate, rolling tea gardens, and colonial charm. Ooty, sitting at an elevation of 2,240 meters, was a summer resort for the British; till today it retains the elegance of that bygone era. The month of August brings a misty climate, with showers that bring alive every shade of lushness, effectively rendering it an ideal picture-perfect monsoon getaway. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a scenic toy train ride through tunnels and tea estates.
Nearby Attractions: Doddabetta Peak, Avalanche Lake, Tea Museum, Pykara Falls
5. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Abhishek Prasad / Unsplash
Kodaikanal, also termed the “Princess of Hill Stations,” is a picture-perfect hideout in the Tamil Nadu end of the Palani Hills and is located at an altitude of 2,133 metres. Known for its misty landscapes, dense forests, and cool climate, Kodaikanal appears to take on a special charm during the month of August when the monsoon renders it into an emerald paradise. The major attraction here is the star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake where boating activities generally take place amid mist-covered hills. The splendour of the town’s biodiversity is on display in Bryant Park, which has a plethora of exotic floras.
Nearby Attractions: Dolphin’s Nose, Berijam Lake, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Green Valley View
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit Near Kodaikanal
6. Wayanad, Kerala
Photo: FSD – Foundation for Sustainable Development / Unsplash
Wayanad is a quiet hill district in Kerala that offers lush forests, waterfalls, and spice plantations. Located in the Western Ghats, it rises to an elevation of 700-2,100 m and symbolizes the best of nature and adventure. It brings with it the much-awaited refreshing monsoon in August, making this place so completely green to behold by every nature lover. Edakkal Caves, with prehistoric petroglyphs, intrigue the visitors with a taste of the ancient past, and during the rains, cascading waters of the Meenmutty and Soochipara waterfalls present a breathtaking sight.
Nearby Attractions: Banasura Sagar Dam, Thirunelli Temple, Chembra Peak
7. Hampi, Karnataka
Photo: Dey.sandip / Wikimedia Commons
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka, Hampi is an ethereal city that was once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi is widely known for its extensive ruins, huge temples, and beautiful boulder-strewn landscape alongside the Tungabhadra River. August brings light showers which refresh the otherwise hot weather and present a nice contrast to the beauty of the ancient monuments. The Virupaksha Temple, which is one of the oldest operating temples in India, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Vittala Temple, with its stone chariot and musical columns, is the finest representation of Dravidian architecture.
Nearby Attractions: Achyutaraya Temple, Lotus Mahal, Elephant Stables, Anegundi
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit Near Hampi
8. Gokarna, Karnataka
Photo: Raman Choudhary / Unsplash
Gokarna, being a coastal town in Karnataka, has pretty beaches to check out, temples to offer and nonchalant moods. Located opposite the Arabian Sea, it is generally perceived to be a quieter alternative to Goa concerning spirituality and nature. In August, occasional showers seem to accentuate the scenic beauty of its beaches and the tremendously green cliffs. Kudle Beach is quite good for being with oneself, and Half Moon Beach is a private getaway. The ragged terrain and rocky cliffs of the town give an opportunity to see the delightful view, especially at Paradise Beach.
Nearby Attractions: Mirjan Fort, Yana Caves, Vibhooti Falls, Honnavar
9. Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Known for its coffee plantations, the misty hills, and breathtaking landscapes, Chikmagalur is a tranquil hill town in Karnataka. Located in the Western Ghats at an elevation of 1,090 meters, the place enjoys a cool climate throughout the year; in August, the region is adorned with lush greenery and rejuvenated waterfalls because of the monsoon. Whether the trekking trail alongside the Mullayanagiri Peak – the highest peak in Karnataka – offers you spectacular views of the misty valleys; or the mountain ranges of Baba Budangiri that rule the religious significance, both attract hordes of tourists all year round.
Nearby Attractions: Kemmangundi, Kudremukh National Park, Hirekolale Lake
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Chikmagalur
10. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Chandan Chaurasia / Unsplash
Yercaud, this beautiful hill station in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, has coffee plantations, lush forests, and very peaceful lakes. It rises at an altitude of 1,515 meters above sea level and is cool; during August, it gets fairly misty, making green fresh because of the monsoon rains. Yercaud Lake, widely surrounded by beautiful green hills, has beautiful boat rides, while Lady’s Seat gives excellent views of the valley down below. The highest point in Yercaud Devotionally Lord Shevaroyan, this Shevaroy Temple is dedicated to him and is thus an important pilgrimage site.
Nearby Attractions: Pagoda Point, Bear’s Cave, Anna Park, Silk Farm
11. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Photo: Maina Tudu / Wikimedia Commons
In August, Araku Valley blooms with emerald forests and mist-kissed hills, offering respite from coastal humidity and opportunities for trekking in South India. The valley’s winding roads reveal tribal villages and endless coffee plantations where early mornings brim with the scent of fresh beans. You can explore the mossy Borra Caves, chase Chaparai Falls along jungle paths or wander through the Tribal Museum to learn local customs. Accommodations range from cosy homestays to eco-friendly lodges. August’s lush greenery and quieter trails make Araku Valley a perfect South India retreat for nature and culture lovers alike.
Nearby Attractions: Borra Caves, Katiki Waterfalls, Padmapuram Gardens, Ananthagiri Hills
Suggested Read: Araku Valley In Summer
12. Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Deepak TL / Wikimedia Commons
Pondicherry in August greets travellers with lush greenery and cooler sea breezes as the monsoon eases. You can wander the pastel-coloured lanes of the French Quarter, pausing at shady cafés for filter coffee or homemade pastries. Along with some of the best beaches in South India, misty mornings are perfect for a gentle stroll beside the Bay of Bengal, while afternoons invite visits to the tranquil Sri Aurobindo Ashram or the gleaming Matrimandir in nearby Auroville. Botanical Gardens and local markets brim with fresh produce and flowers, and evenings come alive with lantern-lit seaside dining, making it an ideal South India monsoon retreat.
Nearby Attractions: Auroville, Paradise Beach, Promenade Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram
13. Kudremukh
Photo: Dhruvaraj S / Wikimedia Commons
In August, Kudremukh in the Western Ghats turns into a mist-wreathed wonder of emerald hills and thundering streams. Dawn mist drifts over Tata’s Lakya Dam, while the surrounding grasslands and shola forests gleam with fresh monsoon growth. Adventurous souls can tackle the 1,894-metre Kudremukh Peak trek through verdant trails, spotting deer or vibrant birds along the way. Nearby, Hanuman Gundi Falls cascades into natural pools perfect for a refreshing dip. Gentle rain softens the air, making National Park drives and guided walks among ancient trees especially inviting. With its lush scenery and cool temperatures, Kudremukh is one of the best offbeat places in South India for a scenic August retreat.
Nearby Attractions: Kudremukh Peak, Hanuman Gundi Falls, Lakya Dam, Gangamoola
Suggested Read: Ultimate Places To Visit In Kudremukh For An Incredible Trip
14. Mysore
Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim / Wikimedia Commons
Mysore in August opens in a gentle monsoon glow, when the air cools and rain-kissed gardens burst with emerald hues. With the summer crowds gone, you can admire the ornate domes and terraces of Mysore Palace under soft grey skies, then wander up Chamundi Hill through misty forest to spot wild deer. Evenings come alive at Brindavan Gardens, where illuminated fountains shimmer against damp lawns. Local bazaars brim with silk sarees and sandalwood, while the zoo’s greenery looks especially fresh. Quiet streets and cool drizzle make Mysore a charming South Indian retreat in August.
Nearby Attractions: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, St. Philomena’s Church, Brindavan Gardens
August in South India means a magical panorama of misty hill stations, gushing waterfalls, calm beaches, and ancient marvels. Whether you want solace, adventure, or cultural immersion, the monsoons prove all the more rewarding for any destination, making it special and soothing for travel. Experience the green extravaganza, discover the hidden gems, and delve into the rich historical background by planning a trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Abhishek Prasad / Unsplash
