South India offers exceptional destinations for summer travelers seeking relief from the heat while enjoying diverse experiences. From cool hill stations nestled in the Western Ghats to serene backwaters and lush forests, the southern peninsula provides ideal settings for memorable vacations.
Why Visit South India in Summer?
- Pleasant Weather: While much of India experiences extreme heat, many South Indian destinations maintain comfortable temperatures
- Diverse Landscapes: Explore hill stations, backwaters, beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and ancient temples
- Less Crowded: Many locations offer a more peaceful experience compared to peak tourist seasons
- Natural Beauty: Experience lush greenery, misty mountains, and pristine waters at their best
Jump to Destinations
- 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
The Best Summer Destinations in South India
1. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Known as the “Queen of Hill Stations,” Ooty (Udhagamandalam) sits at an elevation of 2,240 meters in the Nilgiri Hills.
Why Visit: Ooty’s pleasant climate (15-20°C in summer) provides perfect relief from the heat while offering colonial charm and natural beauty.
Top Attractions:
- Botanical Gardens with over 650 species of plants and a 20-million-year-old fossilized tree
- Ooty Lake for boating and picnics
- Rose Garden featuring over 3,600 varieties of roses
- Tea plantations with factory tours and tasting sessions
- Doddabetta Peak offering panoramic views of the Nilgiri Hills
Getting There: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (UNESCO World Heritage Site) offers a scenic journey from Mettupalayam. The nearest airport is Coimbatore (95 km).
2. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Nicknamed the “Jewel of the South,” Yercaud is a serene hill station situated in the Shevaroy Hills of the Eastern Ghats.
Why Visit: Less crowded than other hill stations, Yercaud offers pristine natural beauty with average summer temperatures of 16-25°C.
Top Attractions:
- Emerald Lake (Yercaud Lake) surrounded by verdant forests
- Lady’s Seat viewpoint offering spectacular sunrise and sunset views
- Shevaroy Temple with cultural significance
- Kiliyur Falls dropping from a height of 300 feet
- Silk Farm and Bear’s Cave for unique experiences
Getting There: Salem (38 km) is the nearest railway station, while Tiruchirapalli (165 km) has the closest airport.
3. Munnar, Kerala
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Munnar is renowned for its expansive tea plantations and cool climate.
Why Visit: With summer temperatures ranging from 15-25°C, Munnar offers a refreshing retreat with breathtaking landscapes and biodiversity.
Top Attractions:
- Tea Garden photo point for iconic views and photography
- Tata Tea Museum showcasing the history and processing of tea
- Eravikulam National Park, home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr
- Mattupetty Dam and reservoir for boating
- Anamudi Peak, the highest in South India (2,695 meters)
Getting There: Cochin International Airport (125 km) is the nearest airport, while Aluva (110 km) is the closest railway station.
4. Periyar National Park, Kerala
One of India’s most biodiverse tiger reserves, Periyar offers unique wildlife experiences in summer.
Why Visit: Wildlife is more easily spotted during summer as animals congregate around water sources. The park maintains moderate temperatures of 20-30°C even in the warmest months.
Top Attractions:
- Periyar Lake boat safaris for wildlife viewing
- Tiger and elephant tracking with trained guides
- Spice plantations tours in nearby Kumily
- Border hiking and bamboo rafting for adventure enthusiasts
- Tribal village visits for cultural experiences
Getting There: The park is accessible by road, with Madurai (140 km) having the nearest airport and Kottayam the closest railway station.
How to Plan Your Trip to Periyar National Park
5. Coorg, Karnataka
Known as the “Scotland of India,” Coorg (Kodagu) is famous for its coffee plantations, misty hills, and distinctive culture.
Why Visit: Summer temperatures of 15-28°C make it ideal for outdoor activities, while the pre-monsoon period offers excellent visibility.
Top Attractions:
- Abbey Falls cascading through coffee and spice plantations
- Dubare Elephant Camp for interactive elephant experiences
- Brahmagiri Peak offering challenging treks
- Nagarhole National Park for wildlife safaris
- Talacauvery, the source of the River Cauvery
Getting There: Mangalore Airport (160 km) and Mysore Railway Station (106 km) are the closest major transportation hubs.
6. Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kerala
Alleppey Beach
Known as the “Venice of the East,” Alleppey is the hub of Kerala’s famous backwaters.
Why Visit: Summer offers better houseboat rates and fewer tourists. Though warm (25-32°C), the proximity to water creates a cooling effect.
Top Attractions:
- Overnight stays on traditional houseboats (kettuvallams)
- Alappuzha Beach with a 150-year-old pier
- Krishnapuram Palace showcasing Kerala architecture
- Punnamada Lake, venue of the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race
- Traditional coir manufacturing villages
Getting There: Cochin International Airport (53 km) and Alleppey Railway Station within the city provide convenient access.
7. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
The second largest hill station in the Nilgiris, Coonoor offers a quieter alternative to nearby Ooty.
Why Visit: Slightly lower elevation than Ooty means warmer temperatures (18-25°C in summer) while still providing relief from the heat.
Top Attractions:
- Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint overlooking the Catherine Falls
- Sim’s Park botanical garden with over 1,000 plant species
- Droog Fort ruins from Tipu Sultan’s era
- Highfield Tea Factory tours and tea tasting
- Hidden Valley for trekking enthusiasts
Getting There: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway connects Coonoor to Mettupalayam. The nearest airport is in Coimbatore (70 km).
8. Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu
A cluster of 14 villages spread across four hills, Yelagiri is an emerging hill station with authentic charm.
Why Visit: Less commercialized than other destinations, Yelagiri’s summer festival (late May) showcases local culture, crafts, and cuisine.
Top Attractions:
- Swamimalai Hill (4,338 ft) with trekking trails
- Punganoor Lake for boating and recreation
- Jalagamparai Waterfalls at their best in early summer
- Nature Park with exotic flora and mini-zoo
- Adventure activities including paragliding and rock climbing
Getting There: Jolarpettai Junction (19 km) is the nearest railway station, while Bangalore (192 km) has the closest airport.
9. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Known as the “Princess of Hill Stations,” Kodaikanal sits in the Palani Hills at 2,133 meters above sea level.
Why Visit: Summer temperatures of 13-20°C, star-shaped lake, and eucalyptus-scented air make it an ideal summer retreat.
Top Attractions:
- Kodai Lake for boating and cycling along its perimeter
- Coaker’s Walk promenade with views of the plains
- Silver Cascade Falls formed by the lake’s outflow
- Bryant Park botanical garden with annual flower shows
- Pillar Rocks, three vertically standing rock pillars
Getting There: Madurai (120 km) offers the nearest airport and railway connection.
10. Wayanad, Kerala
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Wayanad features lush forests, spice plantations, and wildlife.
Why Visit: Summer (20-30°C) is ideal for exploring waterfalls and wildlife, with pre-monsoon months offering clear weather for trekking.
Top Attractions:
- Chembra Peak and heart-shaped lake (permit required)
- Edakkal Caves with prehistoric petroglyphs
- Pookode Lake surrounded by evergreen forests
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary with elephant, deer, and tiger populations
- Soochipara and Meenmutty waterfalls
Getting There: Kozhikode (Calicut) has the nearest airport and railway station, approximately 85 km away.
11. Ponmudi, Kerala
A lesser-known hill station near Thiruvananthapuram with golden mist-covered peaks.
Why Visit: Off the mainstream tourist circuit, Ponmudi offers solitude, biodiversity, and cooler temperatures (15-30°C) even in summer.
Top Attractions:
- Agasthyakoodam Peak, the second highest in Kerala (1,868 meters)
- Golden Valley with opportunities for river bathing
- Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary with endangered lion-tailed macaques
- Echo Point with remarkable acoustics
- Meenmutty Falls accessible through dense forests
Getting There: Thiruvananthapuram (58 km) provides the nearest airport and railway connections.
12. Kumarakom, Kerala
A cluster of islands on Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom offers a tranquil backwater experience.
Why Visit: Summer brings better rates for luxury resorts and houseboats, with bird sanctuary visits being most rewarding.
Top Attractions:
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary housing migratory birds and local species
- Vembanad Lake, India’s longest lake
- Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall for picnics and nature walks
- Bay Island Driftwood Museum with unique sculptures
- Authentic Ayurvedic wellness treatments
Getting There: Kottayam Railway Station (16 km) and Cochin International Airport (85 km) offer convenient access.
13. Idukki, Kerala
A mountainous region known for its wildlife sanctuaries, forests, and spice plantations.
Why Visit: Summer temperatures of 15-30°C are ideal for exploring reservoirs and forests when water levels are lower.
Top Attractions:
- Idukki Arch Dam, Asia’s first arch dam
- Hill View Park for panoramic views of the reservoir
- Nadukani and Kalvari Mount viewpoints
- Thommankuthu Waterfalls with seven steps and natural pools
- Elephant training center at Munnar division
Getting There: Theni (83 km) has the nearest railway station, while Cochin (99 km) offers the closest airport.
14. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
A hill station known for its coffee plantations, caves, and tribal culture.
Why Visit: Summer temperatures of 20-30°C make it pleasant, while the valley’s cultural festivals and tribal markets offer unique experiences.
Top Attractions:
- Araku Tribal Museum showcasing indigenous heritage
- Borra Caves with million-year-old stalactite and stalagmite formations
- Chaparai Waterfalls (Dumbriguda) with natural water pools
- Padmapuram Botanical Gardens with tree houses
- Coffee plantations producing award-winning Araku Emerald coffee
Getting There: Visakhapatnam offers the nearest airport and major railway station (100 km), though Araku has its own small railway station.
15. Nandi Hills, Karnataka
An ancient hill fortress near Bangalore offering weekend getaways and historical sites.
Why Visit: At 1,478 meters elevation, it provides respite from Bangalore’s heat with morning temperatures of 15-25°C even in summer.
Top Attractions:
- Yoga Nandeeshwara Temple dating back to the Chola period
- Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace and fortress
- Sunrise views from Tipu’s Drop (cliff viewpoint)
- Amrita Sarovar, a pristine lake
- Paragliding opportunities for adventure seekers
Getting There: Located just 65 km from Bangalore, it’s accessible by road with Bangalore providing the nearest airport and railway station.
Planning Your South India Summer Trip
Best Time to Visit
While these destinations are ideal for summer (March-June), specific timing can enhance your experience:
Early Summer (March-April): Perfect for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities
Peak Summer (May-June): Best for hill stations when they’re at their coolest
Pre-Monsoon (Late June): Lush greenery begins to emerge with occasional refreshing showers
Travel Tips
- Book accommodations in advance, especially for popular hill stations
- Pack layers as temperatures can vary significantly between day and night
- Carry rain protection for unexpected pre-monsoon showers
- Stay hydrated and use sun protection even in cooler destinations
- Respect ecological sensitivity of these destinations by practicing responsible tourism
South India offers the perfect antidote to summer heat with its diverse destinations that combine natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, family vacation, or solo retreat, these 15 destinations promise memorable experiences in comfortable weather.
Explore South India Tour Packages
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.
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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.