23 Best Places to Visit in Summer in South India

South India is a complete package of beauty guarded by the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean on three sides and encircled by stretches of Eastern Ghats and Western Ghats. The architecture, weather and backwaters further add to its charms.

Here is a list of the best places to visit in summer in South India for your next trip!

1. Ooty

Snuggled in the Nilgiri Range of the Western Ghats, Ooty is one of the best places to visit in South India in the summer. It records pleasant temperatures even during the summer. In fact, its temperature during the period does not cross 23 degrees. The place attracts people from worldwide by offering a plethora of gardens, tea plantations, lakes and trekking trails.

Moreover, here you will also find colonial relics of the British Raj.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 12,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Riding Toy Train, Trekking, Boating, Picnicking
• Top Tourist Attractions: Ooty Lake, Ooty Rose Garden, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Kalhatti Falls, Tiger Hills, Emerald Lake, Doddabetta Peak

2. Yercaud

Also known as the land of seven forests, Yercaud is another top summer spot to visit. The place has pristine water, several natural waterfalls, and verdant scenery. However, what attracts tourists is the chance to explore caves and mysterious underbellies of the hill station.

In addition, its architectural masterpieces have a colonial vibe to them. Lastly, there are numerous coffee estates to discover.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 5,000 to ₹ 8000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Sightseeing, Shopping, Boating
• Top Tourist Attractions: Botanical Garden, Yercaud Lake, Shevaroy Temple, Lady’s Seat, Anna Farm, pagoda Point, Kiliyur Falls

3. Munnar

Tucked away in the vast stretches of the Western Ghats, Munnar is a famous hill station in Kerala. It attracts tourists through its scenic waterfalls, tea estates, misty hills and other charms. Another unique thing about this place is you witness the process of tea harvesting by visiting tea plantation areas. Besides this, ensure to taste the locally made chocolates for a unique experience.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 9,000 to ₹ 13,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Camping, Trekking, Bird Watching, Mountain Biking
• Top Tourist Attractions: Tata Tea Museum, Tea Garden Photo Point, Mattupetty Dam, Eravikulum National Park, Echo point, etc.

4. Coorg

Nestled in the Western Ghats, Coorg is a charming hill station in Karnataka. Many call it the Scotland of the East because of its beautiful suburban setting. However, a major highlight of this place is its rich culture and the famous local clan, Kodavas. They specialise in martial arts and are known for their excellent hospitality.

Lastly, when visiting this place, explore exceptional coffee and spice plantations.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 7,000 to ₹ 9000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Camping, Boating, Trekking, Rafting
• Top Tourist Attractions: Nisargadhama, Abbey Falls, Naharhole National Park, Raja’s Seat, Iruppu Falls, etc.

5. Alleppey

Alleppey is a famous hill station in Kerala, also known as Alappuzha or ‘Venice of the East.’ The place eliminates summer fatigue by maintaining a pleasant temperature and offering a houseboat ride experience. Besides this, you can spend time enjoying the ayurvedic treatment and trying different delicacies.

Also, it houses many indoor spice gardens which you can explore.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 8,000 to ₹ 10,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Boat Cruising, Kayaking, Bird Watching, Trying Authentic Cuisine and Taking Ayurvedic Spa
• Top Tourist Attractions: Punnamada Lake, Marari Beach, Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace and Vembanad Lake

6. Coonoor

Lying amidst the verdant greenery of Nilgiris, Coonoor is a top place you can visit while taking summer trips in South India. This hill station records subtropical highland climate, so you can expect the temperature to be cool in summer.

Apart from this, there are enough adventure activities to quench the thirst of thrill-seekers, like trekking and hiking.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 10,000 to ₹ 11,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Take a Joy Ride, Trekking, Go on a Road Trip, Hiking, Learning How to Make Cheese
• Top Tourist Attractions: Droog Fort, St. John Church, Sim’s Park, Ketty & Hidden Valley

7. Yelagiri

Forming a cluster of 14 hamlets, Yelagiri is a beautiful hill station snuggled amidst four mountains of Tamil Nadu. It lies at an altitude of 1110m. Moreover, the highest point of Yelagiri is Swamimalai Hill.

What more? If you plan to visit this town in summer, attend the great summer festival organised by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development. It hosts numerous stalls, cultural programs, flower shows, and dog shows.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 6,000 to ₹ 9000 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Camping, Attending Summer Festival, Taking Evening Walks, Paragliding, Mountain Biking
• Top Tourist Attractions: Punganur Lake, Swamimalai, Velavan Temples, Palamathi Hills, Nature Park, Jalagamparai Waterfalls

8. Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal, meaning the ‘Gift of the Forests’, is a popular hill station among tourists. It is situated in the districts of Dindigul of Tamil Nadu and contains dense forests with various trees. Besides this, you will also find exotic flora, stunning trails, a gorgeous lake, gushing waterfalls and more.

Moreover, there are plenty of temples and museums to explore.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Day
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 8,000 to ₹ 12,000 for 2 Nights/ 3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Trekking, Boating, Night Safari, Biking, Picnicking, Hiking
• Top Tourist Attractions: Pillar Rocks, Coaker’s Walk, Kodai Lake, Thalaiyar Falls, Devil’s Kitchen, Dolphin’s Nose, Pillar Rocks

9. Wayanad

If you are looking for top summer vacation places in South India, you can consider Wayanad situated in Kerala, among the several choices. It is a land of paddy fields and lies in the stretches of the Western Ghats. People come here from different parts of the world to enjoy its beautiful culture and heritage.

In addition, it houses a plethora of flora and fauna along with dense wood and gushing waterfalls.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 11,000 to ₹ 14,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Rafting, Exploring Caves, Zip Lining, Mountain Hiking, Cycling, Visiting Sanctuary
• Top Tourist Attractions: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Caves, Tiger Reserve, Nagarhole National Park, Embukuthi Hills

10. Ponmudi

Perched in the lap of the Western Ghats, Ponmudi is a beautiful place enveloped with tea plantations. It is a quaint little town of Trivandrum blessed with lush valleys, streams, and waterfalls. People also call this hill trekker’s paradise because of the presence of a beautiful trekking trail in Agasthyakoodam.

Another highlight of this hill is it is also the highest peak in the Western Ghats.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 11,000 to ₹ 15,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Participate in Aaranmula Boat Race, Trek the Natural Trail, Visit the Wildlife Sanctuary, Go on a Jungle Safari
• Top Tourist Attractions: Golden Valley, Agasthyakoodam, Mini Zoo, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary

11. Kumarakom

Kumarakom is a popular village situated in the backwaters of Kerala and a top place to consider while visiting places in South India in summer. It is made of a cluster of small artificial islands and lies on the banks of Vembanad Lake. What more? This place contains Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary spread across a 14-acre land and houses plenty of migratory birds.

Also, here you will find Cuckoos and Siberian Storks.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 9,000 to ₹ 11,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Fishing, Angling, Staying in a Houseboat, Offering Prayers in Church, etc
• Top Tourist Attractions: Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Pathiramanal Lake, Toddy Shops, St. Mary’s Church

12. Idukki

Idukki is a landlocked district of Kerala and is rightly called the Spice Garden of Kerala. It boasts its dense forest, pristine waterfalls, and natural trekking trails. What more? It stands tall at 1828m and was previously considered a summer resort during the colonial period.

Lastly, you will find rich wildlife, tea factories, rubber plantations and scenic hills here.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 6,000 to ₹ 8,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Taking Elephant Rides, Going on a Wildlife Safari, Exploring Rose Gardens, Visiting Tea Gardens, etc.
• Top Tourist Attractions: Idukki Arch Dam, Hill View park, Nandukani, Painavu, Anakkara, Kulamavu Dam

13. Araku Valley

Around 120 km away from Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley attracts tourists from its vast expanses of coffee plantations. It is a relatively unexplored hill station, so you can expect peace and tranquillity from this place. Moreover, it also houses plenty of tribes, tribal caves and the Museum of Tribal Arts.

Besides this, the presence of a coffee plantation gives out a subtle aroma of coffee throughout the valley.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 9,000 to ₹ 10,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Visiting Museum, Sightseeing, Witnessing Waterfalls, Discovering Caves
• Top Tourist Attractions: Borra Caves, Chaparai Waterfalls, Bheemili Beach, Matsyagundam, Katiki Waterfalls

14. Nandi Hills

Located 60 kilometres from Bangalore, Nandi Hills is a popular summer destination in South India. Its name is derived from the word Nandi meaning Bull God, whose statue you will get to see at the entrance of the renowned temple, Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple. Furthermore, this hill perches at 1478m above sea level.

Another highlight is visitors will find a unique aroma of coffee and spices in the air.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 9,000 to ₹ 10,000 for 1 Night/2 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Paragliding, Cycling, Shopping, Biking, Trekking, Camping, Offering Prayer at Temples
• Top Tourist Attractions: Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Tipu’s Drop, Amrita Sarovar, Brahmashram

15. Gokarna

• Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage town and one of the best places to visit in summer in South India. It is located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, and its name is translated to ‘cow’s ear.’ This place holds great importance among Hindu devotees because it is where Lord Shiva emerged from the incarnation of Mother Earth to a 'form of a cow.'
• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 4,000 to ₹ 8,000 for 1 Night/2 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Shopping at Flea Markets, Boating, Trekking, Riding Banana Boats, Beach Camping, Scuba Diving, Surfing
• Top Tourist Attractions: Mahabaleshwaram Temple, Kudle Beach, Om Beach, Gokarna Beach, Yana, Paradise Beach

16. Pondicherry

Pondicherry, formerly known as Puducherry, offers a perfect mix of French and Indian cultures. It is located in Tamil Nadu and was previously a French settlement until 1954. The attractive things about the place are bougainvillaea-dappled street walls, French-styled churches, houses and shops.

In addition, the town is painted yellow to bring out a colonial vibe.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 4 to 5 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 6,000 to ₹ 9000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Boating, Jet Skiing, Bird-Watching, Kayaking, Yachting, Surfing
• Top Tourist Attractions: Aurobindo Ashram, Paradise Beach, Auroville, Arikamedu, promenade Beach, Sita Cultural Centre

17. Andaman and Nicobar Island

Andaman and Nicobar Island is a little slice of haven tucked 1400 km away from the east coast of mainland India. It is a union territory whose capital is Port Blair. People come here from around the world to witness its turquoise water and explore its rich history. This archipelago consists of 572 islands. However, only 37 of them are inhabited.

Moreover, you can try different water activities like snorkelling, sea walk, etc.

• How to Reach: Air, Ferry
• Ideal Duration: 4 to 6 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 20,000 to ₹ 30,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Scuba Diving, Experiencing bioluminescence Water, Snorkeling, Sea Kart, Parasailing, Bird Watching, Island Hopping
• Top Tourist Attractions: Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, Ross Island, Neil Island, Cellular Jail, Elephant Beach, Baratang Island

18. Thekkady

Home to the largest tiger reserve, Thekkady is a popular place you can visit during summer trips in South India. The offbeat setting of this place attracts many people. Moreover, the vast stretches of spice plantation and lush greens are cherry on top. Other highlights include spotting bison, wild boars, wild elephants, different birds, etc.

Also, the place houses a Mangala Devi Temple perched at an altitude of 1337m.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 8,000 to ₹ 12,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Bamboo Rafting, Boating, Hiking, Riding Bullock Kart, jungle Night Patrolling, Nature Walking
• Top Tourist Attractions: Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Periyar Lake, Mangla Devi Temple, Elephant Junction Thekkady, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, etc.

19. Hampi

Hampi, also known as the city of ruins, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can see around 500 ancient monuments, bustling streets, peaceful temples, treasury buildings and intriguing remains of the Vijayanagar Empire.

Besides this, you can also explore canals, military barracks, old aqueducts, stables and more. This place also contains museums with 100+ locations open to be explored.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 11,000 to ₹ 12,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Cycling, Visiting Temples, Rock Climbing, Coracle Riding, Fishing, Boat Riding, Cliff Jumping, Hill Climbing
• Top Tourist Attractions: Lotus Palace, Hampi Bazar, Hippie Island, Vithala Temple, Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple, Virupaksha Temple

20. Pollachi

Pollachi, the coconut capital of Tamil Nadu, is a charming town located south of Coimbatore. The town boasts of its vast stretches of coconut, vegetable and jaggery fields. Adding to this beauty, visitors can explore the place by riding on the back of elephants or a van.

What more? The Western Ghats envelop it so that you can find an unfiltered setting of nature. Not only this, but the place also has adventurous activities to offer, like jungle trekking.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 2,000 to ₹ 3,000 for 1 Night/2 Days (Include Hotel)
• Things to Do: Wildlife Safari, Picnicking, Trekking, Offering prayer at Temples, Exploring Sanctuary
• Top Tourist Attractions: Palani Temple, Crocodile Park, Aliyar Park and Dam, Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Valparai

21. Kanyakumari

Bordered by seas on three sides – Indian, Arabian and Bay of Bengal, Kanyakumari is a beautiful coastal town of Tamil Nadu. One unique thing you get to experience here is even though the place marks the confluence of three seas; its water does not mix. You can distinguish them with sea green, deep blue, and turquoise blue.

Lastly, the scenery of paddy fields lined by coconut trees is a sight for sore eyes.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 9,000 to ₹ 12,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Trying Local Cuisine, Discovering the Falls, Bathing at Triveni Sangam, Seeking Blessings at Temples
• Top Tourist Attractions: Kanyakumari Beach, Thirparappu Falls, Kumari Amman Temple, Vivekananda Rock Memorial

22. Marina Beach

Located in the eastern part of Chennai, Marina Beach is India’s longest beach adjoining the Bay of Bengal. The beach is 13 km long, starting from Fort St. George and stretching to Mallapuram. It forms the city’s east coast and includes main attractions like the Ice House and the aquarium.

Apart from this, it is also easily accessible. Individuals can reach by taxis, buses, two / four-wheelers, or whatever they prefer.

• How to Reach: Air, Road
• Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 7,000 to ₹ 10,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Strolling Through the Beach, Buying Artefacts, Riding Pony, Flying Kites, Trying Different Food Items, etc.
• Top Tourist Attractions: Vivekananda House, Connemara Library, Santhome Cathedral Basilica, GU Pope Statue, Valluvar Kottayam, MGR Memorial, etc.

23. Goa

Goa, the smallest state of India, is famous for its beaches and temples. It comes among the best places to visit in South India in summer because of the presence of nightlife, eclectic seafood, endless beaches and world-heritage architecture. Furthermore, it hosts festivals like Goa Carnival and the New Year.

Apart from this, you will find a Portuguese vibe in its architecture.

• How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
• Ideal Duration: 3 to 7 Days
• Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 15,000 to ₹ 20,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
• Things to Do: Snorkelling, Beach Hopping, Seafood Tour, Dolphin Watching, White Water Rafting, Kayaking, Hot Air Ballooning
• Top Tourist Attractions: Fort Aguada, Calangute Beach, Dudhsagar Falls, Anjuna Beach