Summer in India comes with many pleasures of traveling. The warm sunshine, long days, happy high and more tempt you. South India is highly sought during the warm season as it is dotted with many popular tourist places for family or couples.
History, architecture, beautiful scenery, blissful weather, adventures and incredible experiences add to the charm.
The peninsular region is guarded by the Bay of Bengal in the East and Arabian Sea in the West, along with the stretch of Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats dotted with many picturesque hill stations.
adding to the thrill is that be it family vacation, romantic honeymoon, escape from cities, there are many options of the most popular tourist places in South India during summer.
Enjoy beaches, backwaters, hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, ancient temples, historical towns and so much more. This summer 2023, pack your bags for South India, there is so much to explore.
Best Tourist Places in South India in Summer
- Ooty, Tamil Nadu
- Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
- Munnar, Kerala
- Periyar National Park, Kerala
- Coorg, Karnataka
- Alleppey
- Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
- Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu
- Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
- Wayanad, Kerala
- Ponmudi, Kerala
- Kumarakom, Kerala
- Idukki, Kerala
- Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
- Nandi Hills, Karnataka
Here is the list of 15 most popular summer tourist places in South India.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
The Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty is definitely one of the most popular tourist places in South India. Blessed with pleasant weather, it is an ideal choice for summer holidays.
Located in the Nilgiri range of Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, Ooty enjoys spectacular scenery. Explore the beautiful trekking trails, gardens, and lookouts.
Boating and picnics by the lakes are equally amazing. Also, heck out the colonial relics of the British Raj. Do not miss to indulge in home-made chocolates, it’s a local pleasure. Ooty is a rejuvenating getaway from the crazy urban hustle bustle.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, tea plantations, coffee plantations, lakes, various waterfalls, Doddabetta peak, Tiger Hill, etc.
How to reach
Take the Nilgiri toy train to arrive to the city. The nearest airport is Coimbatore Airport 95 km away.
Also Read:
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Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Yercaud, located in Tamil Nadu, is a popular hill station. It is one of best summer destinations in South India. Known as the land of seven forests, here you can enjoy verdant greenery.
Comparatively unexplored, which serves as a blessing, the scenic beauty of the town remains uncompromised. The town has a number of waterfalls to explore.
The Colonial Era survives in the architectural masterpieces. Explore the caves, the mysterious underbelly of the hills is exciting. Roam the coffee estates. Lastly, do miss to visit the silk farm, to learn the secrets of sericulture.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Yercaud Lake, Botanical Garden, Lady’s seat, Shevaroy Temple, Pagoda Point, Anna Farm, Kiliyur Falls, Silk Farm, Bear’s Cave
How to reach
Yercaud is easily accessible by road. Salem city, at a distance of 38 km. is the nearest railway station. The closest operational airport is in Tiruchirapalli. 165 km away.
Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is one of the most beautiful and popular hill stations in South India, above all one of the most romantic places in the world. Settled in the Western Ghats, the hill town overlooks lush tea estates, scenic waterfalls, misty hills and dizzying lookouts.
Walk through the tea gardens, where you can also enjoy the opportunity to see the tea being picked and processed. Besides, go exploring to the Eravikulam National Park and Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India. Try out trekking, camping and other adventures. Do have a taste of chocolate made locally.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Tea Garden photo point, Tata Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Carmelagiri Elephant Park, Eravikulam National Park, Echo Point, Anamudi Peak, etc.
How to reach
The best way to get to Munnar is a road trip. The nearest airport is Cochin, 125 km. away and the nearest railway station is Aluva, which is at a distance of 110 km.
Also Read:
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Periyar National Park, Kerala
Periyar National Park is one of the most beautiful as well as exciting wildlife sanctuaries in India. The Elephant and Tiger Reserve is among the most popular tourist places in South India during summer.
In the warm temperatures it is easy to spot wildlife as they come in search of water and food. It is home to tigers and a significant elephant population, as well as rare lion-tailed macaques, sambar deer, leopards and Indian bison.
You can go for boat safaris, jungle safaris, deep jungle patrolling, night walks and more. Escape the cities and pay a visit to a natural haven.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Periyar lake boating, wildlife safaris, spice plantations in Kumily, enjoy Ayurvedic massages.
How to reach
The Periyar National Park is only accessible by road. The nearest airport is in Madurai, 140 km away. The closet railway station is in Kottayam.
Also Read:
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Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg is a beautiful hill town of Karnataka, settled in the Western Ghats. Clouds rest on the mountain peaks. The roaring waterfalls coupled with the call of nature creates a soothing melody.
Go exploring the trails leading to the mountains up to the Brahmagiri peak. Dubare Elephant Camp is an exciting place to visit these adorable beasts.
Coffee plantations, pristine jungles, and scenic hamlets add to the charm. Picnic by the waterfalls or go on wildlife explorations, options never end in Coorg. It is a deserving name among the best summer vacation destinations in India.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Brahmagiri peak, Nagarhole National Park, Iruppu Falls, Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp
How to reach
Coorg is easily accessible by road. The nearest airport at Mangalore Airport is 160 km. away. Mysore Junction Railway Station at a distance of 106 km is nearest railway station.
Also Read:
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Alleppey
Alleppey Beach
India’s Own Venice, Alleppey, the land of backwaters in Kerala is a popular tourist place in South India. It is blissful throughout the year, but it’s amazing in summer. Surrounded by waters in a unique ecology, enjoy a relaxing vacation.
There are six beaches in Alleppey, but Alappuzha Beach is one of the best beaches in South India. You should visit this beach if you’re in Kerala.
Enjoy cruising on the backwaters on a houseboat. Spend time being pampered with Ayurvedic therapies and treatments. Savor the mouthwatering cuisine.
Go bird watching, visit hamlets on the backwater, or explore the incredible architectural marvels by the backwaters. Heal your weary spirits in the blessed environs of Alleppey.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Marari Beach, Revi Karunakaran Museum, Marari Beach, Punnamada Lake, Pathiramanal, and Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha.
How to reach
Kochi Airport, which is 53 km away from the city. Alleppey Railway Station; it is well within the city limits.
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Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Perched amid the verdant greenery of Nilgiris, Coonoor is a picturesque hill town in Tamil Nadu. The popular tourist hotspot offers breathtaking views. Summer makes the town all the more pleasing.
Go trekking to Dolphin’s Nose, Droog Fort, Hidden Valley and Ketty etc. The Wellington Golf Course offers golf therapy. St. Georges Church and Sim’s Park are the two remarkable destinations where tourists should step in.
Spend time here and you will return with fond memories of the popular summer destination in South India.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Dolphin’s Nose, St. Georges Church, Sim’s Park, Droog Fort, Highfield Tea Factory, Hidden Valley and Ketty
How to reach
Coonoor railway station, a part of the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a World Heritage Site, serves Coonoor. The nearest airport from Coonoor is located approximately a distance of 70 km.
Also Read:
Top 10 Tourist Attractions In Tamil Nadu
Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu
Yelagiri is a cluster of 14 hamlets snuggled between four mountains in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the famous places for trekkers.
The highest point is the Swamimalai Hill, the manmade Punganur Lake, The Velavan Temple, Jalagamparai Waterfalls and Nature Park are popular tourist attractions in the town.
Why Yelagiri is named among the best summer holiday destinations in South India is, a summer festival is celebrated in May end.
Organized by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development, the festival has a number of stalls from different departments, flower show, various cultural programs and Dog Show.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Swamimalai Hills, Punganur Lake, Palamathi Hills, Velavan Temples, Jalagamparai Waterfalls, Nature Park, etc.
How to reach
The nearest railway station is in Jolarpettai, 19 km away. The closest airport is in Bengaluru, at a distance of 192 km.
Also Read:
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Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
One of the most beautiful places in India, Kodaikanal is a scenic hill town in Tamil Nadu. Its name translates to ‘the Gift of the Forests’. Blessed with exquisite greenery, the hill town is among the best places to spend your summer.
There are waterfalls to explore, lakes to enjoy boating and beautiful trails. The temples and museums are quite interesting to visit.
An amazing phenomena, Brachem Spectre nothing short of magic happens on the scenic Coaker’s Walk. Imagine yourself with a rainbow halo if the light falls at the right angle.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Coaker’s Walk, Kodai Lake, Silver Cascade Waterfalls, Pillar Rocks, Dolmen Circle, Kurunji Andavar Temple, Berijam Lake, Sacred Heart Science Museum.
How to reach
Kodaikanal is easily reachable by road as Tamil Nadu State buses, luxury coaches, private taxis ply on the route. Madurai, 120 km. away is the nearest airport and railway connection.
Wayanad, Kerala
The ideal place to escape summer, Wayanad in Kerala is one of the best places for vacations in South India. A part of Nilgiri Biosphere reserve, it is blessed with waterfalls, lookouts, and scenic nature.
Fulfil your childhood dream of staying in a treehouse. Nature walks, trekking, hiking, bird watching, etc. are some of the pleasures. Stay at an eco-friendly lodging and learn to cohabit with nature.
Trek to the Chembra Peak with a stop at the heart-shaped lake. Do learn about the tribal communities, Wayanad has a rich tribal heritage.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Chembra peak, Edakkal Cave, Wayanad Heritage museum, Pookode Lake, Wayanad wildlife sanctuary, Banasura Sagar Dam, Lakkidi view point, Meenmutty waterfalls, etc.
How to reach
Arrive to Wayanad by road as KSRTC buses, taxis and private vehicles ply on the route. The nearest airport and railway station is at Kozhikode.
Ponmudi, Kerala
An unexplored beauty, Ponmudi, settled in the Western Ghats mountain ranges is one of the best places to visit in summer in South India. It is blessed with spice and tea plantations, viewpoints, springs and rivulets. Ponmudi serves as a trekkers’ paradise.
There are many beautiful trails, especially Agasthyakoodam, one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats.
The Peppara wildlife sanctuary is amazing to explore, there is amazing diversity of fauna, avi-fauna, mammals, reptiles and other species of the ecosystem. Escape the hustle bustle of life here, you can also opt for Ayurveda treatments.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Agasthyakoodam, Golden Valley, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Mini zoo, etc.
How to reach
Ponmudi is just 58 km from Trivandrum. The closet airport and railways station is in Trivandrum. KSRTC buses, taxis and private vehicles offer easy access to the hill town.
Kumarakom, Kerala
The backwater hub of India, Kumarakom is a popular tourist destination in South India. Imagine spending your summer surrounded by waters, enjoying a cruises on a houseboat. Turn your thoughts into reality in Kumarakom.
Settled on the banks of Vembanad Lake, shaded by lush palms the town offers amazing vacations. We suggest a visit in summer as Kumarakom will be crowd free and you can grab amazing deals. Go bird watching in the bird sanctuary.
Opt for relaxing Ayurveda massages, try yoga or meditation. Pay a visit to the local hamlets for an authentic experience of Kerala.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Kumarakom bird sanctuary, Bay Island Driftwood museum, Kumarakom beach, St Mary’s Church, Juma Masjid
How to reach
Kottayam is the nearest railway station, 19 km away while Cochin Airport is the closest airport, 91 km away.
Also Read:
Top 5 Backwater Destinations in Kerala
Idukki, Kerala
Idukki is the perfect summer tourist destination in South India. Snuggled in the hills of the Western Ghats, the town enjoys a salubrious weather. How many places can actually boast of forests, lakes, waterfalls, treks, picnic spots at one place?
Trekking, backpacking, and camping are some of the things to do in Idukki. The Mattupetty Dam Reservoir, Malankara Dam Reservoir and Mullaperiyar Dam make interesting outings.
Idukki also has many beautiful waterfalls, a naturally formed sandalwood forest, and India’s first arch-dam. Go exploring on foot or relax in you lavish accommodation. The hill town has a way to soothe your weary souls.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Periyar National Park, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi, Mattupetty Dam, Malankara Dam, Mullaperiyar Dam, Thekkady, Parunthumpara, Meesapulimala, etc.
How to reach
Theni is the nearest railway station, 83 km away while Cochin Airport is the closest airport, 99 km away.
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Beautiful and unexplored, the Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh is one of best places to visit in South India in summer. It is a Mecca for coffee lovers, as the valley is famous for its coffee plantations.
Do not miss to relish India’s first tribal grown organic coffee brand, the premium “Araku Emerald”. The valley inhabited by different tribes; you can visit the communities and spend some days in the rustic hinterlands of South India.
A perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of the city, this valley is surrounded by exciting trekking options.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Araku Tribal Museum, Chaaparai Waterfalls, Anantagiri, Paadmapuram Botanical Gardens, Talimada Waterfalls, etc.
How to reach
Araku is the nearest railway station, while Visakhapatnam airport is the closet air connection.
Nandi Hills, Karnataka
The perfect getaway on weekends, Nandi Hills in Karnataka is one of the best tourist destinations in South India. This place can be visited anytime in the year, but summer season is the best time. The weather remains quite pleasant.
Breathe in the fresh mountain air, explore the coffee and pepper plantations. Pay a visit to the famous statue of mythological bull ‘Nandi’ guarding the Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple.
Pay a visit to the other temples and historical sites. Go for walks in the scenic environs. Cycling, paragliding, and bird watching are popular activities.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Bhoga Nandeeshwar Temple, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, Tipu’s Drop, Amrita Sarovar, Gandhi house, Muddenahalli, Nehru Nilaya
How to reach
Located at a distance of 65 km. from Bangalore, Nandi Hills can be easily reached by road. The nearest airport and railway station is in Bangalore, capital city of Karnataka.
Plan your visit to South India with our customized packages, and discover the countless wonders of India with summer theme packages.
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Kerala TourSouth India has everything you need to beat the heat this summer, from hill stations to beaches and unexplored places.
So, when you know all the tourist places in South India during the summer, what will you visit in this beautiful part of the country?
Book your customized and tailor-made trip to South India with Indian Holiday, and let us know in the comments below. So, fill out our form now!
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Debashree Chakraborty
A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature and travelling. Go through her penned down travel experiences on indianholiday.com
Hey!
Its amazing. Thanks for sharing this list of beautiful places. The pictures are really mind blowing.
Thanks for this beautiful information. Now i am willing to go to some of these places and enjoy their beauty.
Hi ! You have given really good experience to have a good summer destination in South India .
Really Thanks a lot for this informative post with images. South India is a place and I have no any idea about these places but after reading this post and see images I feel wow its amazing place. You Explained everything what is the best place to visit, How to go, and more things and really I will go there to these places.
Hey Kimi,
Thank you so much for your kind words. We are so glad to be of help. Keep following our blog more such posts.
Hi,
Thanks for sharing your information. It is very useful for us.