Top Tourist Places to Visit in South India During Summer

The moment one thinks about south India, an image of scorching hot and humid chaos of a city comes to mind. But why that happens is a real mystery, as the southern part of India is populated with some of the most picturesque holiday destinations in the country. These places are calm, quiet, and green with friendly and welcoming natives, amazing foods and great experiences. South India like the whole country itself has an interesting mix of everything, starting from history to architecture to beautiful scenery, pleasing weather and amazing adventures.

The peninsular region of the south is guarded on one side by the Bay of Bengal and the Eastern Ghats and on the other with the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. Then again there is the vast Indian Ocean bordering the southern end of the country. The Western and Eastern Ghats form hotspots of various endemic species of wildlife and is dotted with charming hill stations.

You can enjoy everything from beautiful beaches, to peaceful backwaters to adventurous hill-stations and great urban getaways along with ancient temples, historic towns and a lot more. So, go on and pack your bags for a trip to south India this summer season, because there is a lot to explore!

1. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Rightfully known as the queen of hill stations, Ooty is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South India. It is blessed with pleasant weather and remains an ideal choice for summer holidays. Ooty is situated in the Nilgiri range of hills at the Western Ghats and enjoys the bliss of panoramic views of amazing greenery. You can spend your days exploring the amazing trekking trails, gardens and sunset points above a lookout tower. Usual activities at Ooty include boating, picnics by the numerous lakes. There are sight-seeing tours to the nearby colonial relics left from the bygone days of the Raj.

It is highly recommended that you indulge in some locally made, home-made chocolates. Ooty is a great place to take a rejuvenating holiday away from the busy-chaos of daily city-life.

Top Tourist Attractions in Ooty

Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, coffee plantations, tea plantations, lakes, Tiger Hill, Doddabetta peak, various waterfalls.

How to Reach Ooty

You can take the beautiful Nilgiri toy train ride to arrive at the city. The nearest air-terminal is at Coimbatore Airport, situated 95 km away.

Suggested Tour : 12 Days - South India Tour from Mumbai

2. Munnar, Kerala

Munnar is perhaps the most romantic hill-stations in the world. Tucked amidst the Western Ghats, this hill station overlooks lush tea plantations and rolling green hills, dotted with grand waterfalls, and misty pathways in between the peaks. Take a romantic hike on a sunny afternoon within the tea plantations where the ladies are seen picking tea leaves by hand. There are other attractive tourist spots like the Eravikulam National Park and the Anamudi Peak, which is the highest one in all of south India. Again, locally made chocolate is a highly recommended delicacy here, and you can also enjoy adventurous treks, camping trips and nature walks.

Top Tourist Attractions in Munnar

Tata tea museum, tea garden photo point, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Carmelagiri Elephant Park, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak and many more.

How to Reach Munnar

The most highly recommended way to reach the picturesque holiday town of Munnar is by a road trip! The closest airport to Munnar is Cochin, which is 125 km away. The nearest railway head is at Aluva located 110 km away.

Read More : Top Tourist Attractions in Munnar

Suggested Tour : 11 Days - Goa with Kerala Tours

3. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu

Another famed and largely left unexplored by tourists, Yercaud also popularly known as the land of seven forests is another top summer time holiday destination in south India. Known for its pristine, verdant greenery, numerous natural waterfalls, and skeletons of India’s colonial past in the remains of architectural, Yercaud has been left comparatively uncompromised! You can go explore the caves and dark and mysterious underbellies of the hills or learn deeply about the art of sericulture in this quiet little hill-town.

Top Tourist Attractions in Yercaud

Botanical Gardens, Yercaud Lake, Pagoda Point, Lady’s seat, Anna Farm, Shevaroy Temple, Silk Farm, Kiliyur Falls and Bear’s Cave. Find here Top Places to Visit in Yercaud.

How to Reach Yercaud

Another great place to take a road trip as it is very close to Salem City and is situated just 38 km away. Salem city is also the closest railway station to Yercaud. The closest air terminal being Tiruchirapalli situated 165 km away.

Suggested Tour : 11 Days - Tamilnadu and Kerala Tour

4. Alleppey

The Kerala backwaters, better known as India’s very own Venice is perhaps the most highest rated tourist spot in south India. Offering unique experiences throughout the year with pleasant weather, the unique ecology of the land being surrounded by water on all sides, cruising on houseboats and shikaras, Alleppey will never disappoint you. People indulge in ayurvedic treatments, gobble on the mouth-watering delicacies, pay peaceful visits to hamlets on the backwaters, marvel at the beautiful architecture surrounding the area and go bird watching. You can also enjoy local hospitality by staying at a homestead in Alleppey and take a tour of indoor spice gardens.

Top Tourist Attractions in Alleppey

Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Krishnapuram Palace, Marari Beach, Alappuzha Beach, Punnamada Lake, Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha and Pathiramanal.

How to Reach Alleppey

The Alleppey railway station is well within the limits of the city and the closest airport is at Kochi located 53 km away.

Suggested Tour : 5 Days - Kerala Backwater Tour Package

5. Periyar National Park, Kerala

This is vast natural spread of lush greenery and is home to elephants and tigers. The elephant and tiger reserve of Periyar is one of a kind in the whole country and remains a popular tourist attraction throughout the year. Especially during the south Indian summer the animal activity is heightened as they come near the water bodies close to human watch to hunt for food and find water. While tiger and elephant forms the major part of the population there, they also have a rare breed of lion- tailed macaques, leopards and sambar deer along with the Indian bison.

Top Tourist Attractions in Periyar National Park

Popular tourist attractions and activities include, spice plantations in Kumily Periyar lake boating, Ayurvedic massages, wildlife safaris, photography walks, camping in the wild etc.

How to Reach Periyar

The national park is only easily accessible by road, which is the most used form of reaching the park. The closest airport is near Madurai, which is 140 Km away and the nearest rail head is at Kottayam.

Suggested Tour : 14 Days - Kerala Wildlife Tour (Periyar Bandipur)

6. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu

Yet another picturesque hill station perched amidst the verdant greenery of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, Coonoor is heaven for romantic walks and soaking in the breath-taking views of the surroundings. The warm balmy summer weather makes the destination all the more so attractive with golden sunsets and cool breezes. One can go trekking to the Dolphin’s Nose or Hidden Valley or at the Droog Fort. Then again there is also Ketty.

Top Tourist Attractions in Coonoor

Sim’s Park, Highfield Tea Factory, St. Georges Church, Droog Fort, Dolphin’s Nose, Ketty and Hidden Valley.

How to Reach Coonoor

Coonoor railway station, located well within the city limits is a part of the picturesque Nilgiri Hills and is a World Heritage Site, which serves as the closest access to Coonoor. The nearest airport from Coonoor is located around a distance of 70 km.

Suggested Tour : 6 Days - South India Hill Stations Tour

7. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

This is another hill station popular amongst tourists with amazing scenic vistas. The very name of the hill station translates to mean – the Gift of the Forests. One can explore the beautiful waterfalls, lakes to indulge in some boating activities and other beautiful trails to hikes along lush greenery.

Kodaikanal is especially known for the amazing phenomena, Brachem Spectre, which is nothing short of sheer magic that takes place at the scenic Coaker’s Walk.

Top Tourist Attractions in Kodaikanal

Silver Cascade Waterfalls, Coaker’s Walk, Dolmen Circle, Kodai Lake, Pillar Rocks, Kurunji Andavar Temple, Sacred Heart Science Museum and Berijam Lake.

How to Reach Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is easily accessible to tourists by road as Tamil Nadu State buses, luxury coaches, private taxis ply frequently through the route. Madurai air terminal, 120 km away is the nearest airport as well as the closest railway connection.

8. Wayanad, Kerala

Another famous vacation spot in Kerala, south India, Wayanad is located within the Nilgiri biosphere reserve. The town is blessed with grand waterfalls, scenic look-outs and breath-taking sceneries. Here one can relive their childhood dreams of living in a real-life tree-house. One can sit back and part-take in various activities like trekking, nature walks, bird watching, hiking etc. while here. Staying at eco-friendly accommodations, trekking to the Chembra Peak with a stop at the heart-shaped lake are highly recommended.

Top Tourist Attractions in Wayanad

Chembra peak, Wayanad Heritage museum, Edakkal Cave, Pookode Lake, Meenmutty waterfalls, Banasura Sagar Dam, Lakkidi view point, Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, etc.

How to Reach Wayanad

The nearest air terminal and railway station is at Kozhikode. One can also reach Wayanad by road as KSRTC buses, taxis and private vehicles ply on the route.

Suggested Tour : 10 Nights - Kerala Village Tour

These are only handful of the most popular tourist spots in South India, there exists many more offering some of the best summertime experiences of relaxation away from busy city lives with pleasant weather and amazing scenic views.

Also Read : Top 20 Places to Visit India in Summer

Romantic Destinations for Summer Vacations in India

Thrilling Summer Destinations in India to Visit

Top 5 Summer Destination to Visit North India

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Top Tourist Places to Visit in South India During Summer