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South India is a one-stop destination for witnessing natural splendours, guarded by the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. From rolling hills to a long stretch of coastline and beaches, there are several places to visit in summer in South India. Blessed with popular hill stations like Munnar and Kodaikanal and beach sides in Puducherry, there’s something to meet the travelling expectations of every tourist. If you are ready to explore the beauty and charm of South India in summer, there are a few popular destinations to consider adding to your travel list.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Summer in South India
With its hill escapes and coastal beaches there are many places to visit in summer in South India that offer respite from the sweltering heat of the sun.
1. Munnar, Kerala
Photo: Bimal K / Wikimedia Commons
When exploring mountain and hill station escapes in South India, Munnar triumphs the list to sit at the top. With its alluring beauty of the rolling hills and tea estates, Munnar remains pleasant during the summers. Known for its beautiful waterfalls like Lakkam, Thoovanam, Attukal and sprawling tea estates, spending your summers in Munnar will be the best decision you take in this lifetime. Summers are also a great time to visit the Punarjani village and enjoy the cool breeze.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Echo Point, Mattupetty Dam, Munnar Tea Museum, Kolukkamalai, Eravikulam National Park.
Top Experiences: Trekking, Wildlife Spotting, Shopping, and Ayurveda Treatments.
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 Days
2. Ooty, Karnataka
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Known for its stunning landscapes and British colonial architecture, Ooty is one of the most significant tourist attractions in South India. The highlight of your visit will be riding the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While you can start your trip with the staple spots like Ooty Lake, tea estates, botanical garden and rose garden, don’t miss out on the offbeat experiences like trekking to Doddabetta peak. To bathe elephants and witness them in their natural habitat, visit Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary during the summer times
Best Time To Visit: March to June
Top Tourist Attractions: Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak, Botanical Garden, and Toy Train.
Top Experiences: Boating on Ooty Lake, Trekking at Doddabetta Peak, Exploring the Botanical Gardens, and Heritage Train Ride.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
3. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Kreativeart / Wikimedia Commons
Located at an elevation of 2133 metres above sea level, Kodaikanal offers the perfect escape from the hot weather of the summer in the city. Apart from the extensive activities like cave exploration and trekking, simple leisure tourist activities like a scenic walk along Coaker’s Walk offer a glimpse of the misty mountains. You can charter a boat to glide through the Kodai Lake and soak in the views of the surroundings. For the daredevils, step out of the ordinary to explore the daunting Guna Caves or visit the nearby pine forests.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Kodaikanal Lake, Green Valley View, Bear Shola Falls, and Bryant Park
Top Experiences: Trekking, Walking along Coaker’s Walk, Visiting the Pillar Rocks, and Exploring Bryant Park.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
4. Wayanad, Kerala
Photo: RAJEEVrk246 / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the best tourist places in summer in South India is Wayanad. Ideal for nature and wildlife enthusiasts, Wayanad stands out with its lush green-covered rolling hills and rich biodiversity. The highlight of your trip lies in visiting the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary to spot elephants, panthers, wild boar and more. For some deep explorations, visit Edakkal Caves and closely read the prehistoric inscriptions that are on the walls of the caves.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, and Soochipara Falls,Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.
Top Experiences: Trekking, Wildlife Spotting, Wildlife Safari, and Visiting Soochipara Falls
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
5. Coorg, Karnataka
Photo: KshistizBathwal / Wikimedia Commons
Primarily known for its array of terraced coffee and spice plantations, Coorg offers relief from the scorching heat of the sun during summer months. It is a picturesque hill station in Karnataka that’s famous for its welcoming locals, homestays and sightseeing spots. From spotting elephants at the Dubare Elephant Camp to trekking to Mandalpatti Peak to get mesmerising views of the surrounding area, Coorg looks like it’s straight out of a dream. Some of the other popular sights to explore include Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat and Madikeri Fort.
Best Time To Visit: April to June
Top Tourist Attractions: Dubare Elephant Camp, Tadiandamol Peak, Iruppu Falls, and Madikeri Fort.
Top Experiences: Coffee plantation tours, River rafting, Off-roading, and Spice plantation tours.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
6. Idukki, Kerala
Photo: Pragsl / Wikimedia Commons
Don’t forget to add Idukki to your places for a South India trip. Known for having pleasant temperatures all summer long, Idukki is located at an elevation of 2695 metres. You can start your exploration with the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary to spot wildlife. For some peaceful and tranquil glances, visit Idukki Arch Dam and spend some quality time looking at the majestic mountains around. Calvary Mount offers charismatic views while Painavu is a popular hill resort worth exploring.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Idukki Arch Dam, Periyar National Park, Hill View Park, and Kalvari Mount.
Top Experiences: Boating in Idukki Dam, Boating in Idukki Dam, Trekking to Kalvari Mount, and Exploring Hill View Park.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
7. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Photo: Sunny8143536003 / Wikimedia Commons
Located near the bustling city of Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley is surrounded by picturesque landscapes and dense forests. During summer months, Araku offers its tourists access to a lot of activities, including hiking expeditions on Ananthagiri Hills or bird watching and camping experiences under the stars. You’d have to book your slots with the operators or the nature camps. For a glimpse into history, visit the Araku Valley Tribal Museum, to get a closer look into the local tribes and flora biodiversity in the valley.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Araku Valley Tribal Museum, Galikonda View Point, Borra Caves, and Tarma Kuttram Coffee Museum.
Top Experiences: Tribal village tours, Trekking, Ride the Araku Valley Railway, and Sample local cuisine.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
8. Kudremukh, Karnataka
Photo: Mike Prince / Wikimedia Commons
Specifically for mountain lovers, Kudremukh is a necessity in your list of South India’s tourist places. Ideal for the famous Kudremukh trek, this is one of those escapes that’s less crowded but equally enriching. The mountain peak is often named “Sorrowed Face,” due to its uncanny resemblance to the same. From waterfalls to religious destinations, Kudremukh has it all. The combination of the verdant valleys to the laid-back nature of the place is what contributes to its popularity.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Kudremukh National Park, Hanuman Gundi Falls, Kudremukh Peak, and Gangamoola
Top Experiences: Trekking to Kudremukh Peak, Exploring Kudremukh National Park, Seeking Blessings from the Temple and Exploring Gangamoola.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
9. Lambasingi, Andhra Pradesh
Photo: L. Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons
A fairly underrated spot in South India, Lambasingi beckons tourists with varying experiences, including the beauty of the Kothapalli Waterfalls and the diverse range of plants at Susan Garden. Getting to witness yellow-coloured flowers all around is truly a unique experience, perfect for photographers to step in and explore. For some quick pick-me-up and rejuvenation, visit Ghat Road to witness the lines of trees on both sides of the road. The pleasant weather adds to the allure of this place.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Thagapanapalem Falls. Rishi Valley, Gangotri Resorts, Thajangi Reservoir, and Susan Garden.
Top Experiences: Witnessing Sunrise at Lambasingi Viewpoint, Trekking to Kothapalli Waterfalls, and Picnicking at Thajangi Reservoir.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
10. Ponmudi, Kerala
Photo: Arunelectra / Wikimedia Commons
Ponmudi, a hill station located in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, is a must-see on your tourist places in South India list. Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,100 metres above sea level, Ponmudi is a part of the Western Ghats. Translating to “Golden Peak,” the true allure of this place stands out during the peak summer months. You can explore the popular Meenmutty Falls in the dense forests of Ponmudi or spot elephants, sambar deer, and leopards at the Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Ponmudi Peak, Golden Valley, Meenmutty Falls, and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.
Top Experiences: Trekking to Ponmudi Peak, Exploring Golden Valley, Sightseeing, and Wildlife Safari.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
With so many places to visit in the summer in South India, you have multiple options to choose from for your next summer vacation. From the misty hills of Munnar and the serene lakes of Ooty to the lush greenery of Wayanad and the unique charm of Lambasingi, each place has something special to offer. For quick travel plans and a streamlined booking experience, use TripXL. Avail the best deals in the market and plan a trip within your budget.
Cover Photo: RK PRAGADHEESH / Wikimedia Commons
