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South India is a well-liked travel destination all year round thanks to its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural variety. And suffice it to say, there are several locations in South India that provide travellers with a welcome break from the oppressive heat throughout the summer. Here are the top 7 tourist destinations in South India to visit in the summer:
1. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
The lovely hill town of Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is situated in Tamil Nadu's Nilgiri Hills. With a cool and pleasant environment all year long, it is one of South India's most loved summer holiday spots. The town's rich vegetation, undulating hills, and colonial-era beauty are well-known.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, is one of Ooty's major attractions. You travel by train through the beautiful countryside as it passes through tunnels, bridges, and waterfalls. The Botanical Gardens, another well-liked destination, has a wide selection of exotic plants, including rare orchids, ferns, and bonsai.
Also, the picturesque Ooty Lake, which is encircled by tall eucalyptus trees and offers boating and fishing opportunities, is open to tourists. Trekking, camping, and horseback riding in the highlands are some well-liked pastimes. Every tourist must try the handcrafted chocolates from Ooty, which are another local speciality.
Best Time To Visit: Between the months of October and June, when the weather is mild and great for sightseeing, is the perfect time to visit Ooty
How To Get To Ooty: The closest airport to Ooty is in Coimbatore, while the closest train station is in Mettupalayam.
2. Coorg, Karnataka
The beautiful hill town of Coorg, often referred to as Kodagu is situated in Karnataka. It is renowned for its waterfalls, misty mountains, and coffee plantations. The Kodava people live in the area, which has a rich cultural legacy and is noted for its unique traditions and customs.
Abbey Falls, a picturesque waterfall encircled by thick vegetation, is one of Coorg's major attractions. Tourists can also go through coffee estates, where they can sample freshly roasted coffee and discover how it is grown. Another well-liked destination is the Dubare Elephant Camp, where guests may interact with elephants and learn about their conservation.
Moreover, Coorg is well-known for its regional cuisine, which features items like akki roti, pandi curry, and hog curry. Adventure activities including hiking, camping, and river rafting are also available to visitors.
Best Time To Visit: October to May is the best time to travel to Coorg.
How To Get To Coorg: The closest airport is in Mangalore, and the closest train station is in Mysore. You have to take a bus or road to Coorg.
3. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal is yet another well-known hill resort in that state. It is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, undulating hills, and serene lakes. The town has pleasant weather all year round and is located at a height of 2,133 metres.
Kodaikanal Lake, a man-made lake surrounded by tall trees and offering boating and fishing sports, is one of Kodaikanal's major attractions. Tourists may also stroll along the Coaker's Walk, a picturesque walkway that provides sweeping views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Another well-liked destination is Berijam Lake, which offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere and is a pristine lake surrounded by thick trees. On the route to Kodaikanal, there is a magnificent waterfall called Silver Cascade Falls that visitors can also check out.
Best Time To Visit: Between the months of October and June is the ideal time to visit Kodaikanal.
How To Get To Kodaikanal: The closest airport is in Madurai, while the closest train station is in Kodai Road.
4. Munnar, Kerala
Kerala is home to the picturesque hill town of Munnar. It is renowned for its flora and fauna, gorgeous scenery, and tea plantations. The area has a mild, pleasant environment all year long, and is located at a height of 1,600 metres.
The Eravikulam National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the threatened Nilgiri Tahr are one of Munnar's main tourist destinations. The Tea Museum, which provides details on the history and production of tea in the area, is another attraction open to visitors.
Another well-liked destination is the Mattupetty Dam, a picturesque dam encircled by tea plantations that offer boating and fishing opportunities. Also, visitors can go hiking in the hills and visit Munnar's Top Station, which is the city's highest point and gives sweeping views of the Western Ghats.
Best Time To Visit: When the weather is mild and pleasant, between September and November and from January to May are the best times to visit Munnar.
How To Get To Munnar: The closest airport is in Kochi, while the closest train station is in Kochi and Ernakulam.
5. Wayanad, Kerala
Wayanad is a peaceful hill town in the state of Kerala. It is renowned for its animals, natural splendour, and distinctive cultural history. The area has a beautiful environment all year round and is located at a height of 700 to 2,100 metres.
The Banasura Sagar Dam, the largest earthen dam in India and a popular destination for boating and fishing is one of Wayanad's top attractions. The Edakkal Caves, which are ancient caves with sculptures and inscriptions on the rock, are another attraction open to visitors.
A well-liked destination is the Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to many species like tigers, leopards, and elephants. Furthermore open to visitors is the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to numerous endangered plant and animal species.
Best Time To Visit: Best time to visit Wayanad is between the months of October to May when the weather is extremely pleasant.
How To Get To Wayanad: Kozhikode Railway Station, which is located about 110 kilometres from Wayanad, is the closest train station. Calicut International Airport, which is about 90 kilometres from Wayanad, is the closest airport. You can take a car or a bus from either of these destinations.
6. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
A lovely hill station in Tamil Nadu called Yercaud is well known for its coffee farms, orange groves and scenic beauty. The area has a mild, pleasant environment all year long and is located at a height of 1,500 metres.
Yercaud Lake, a man-made lake surrounded by thick trees and offering boating and fishing sports, is one of the city's major attractions. Shevaroy Hills, which provides breathtaking views of the hills and valleys, is another attraction open to visitors.
One ‘gram-worthy destination is Killiyur Falls, a lovely waterfall that can be found on the road to Yercaud. The Pagoda Point, which provides sweeping views of the town and the hills beyond, is another location open to visitors.
Best Time To Visit: The months of October through June are the best time to visit Yercaud.
How To Get To Yercaud: The closest airport is in Salem, and the closest train station is Salem Junction.
7. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Coonoor is a stunning hill town, renowned for its tea plantations, beautiful scenery, and quaint colonial architecture. The area has lovely weather all year long and is located at a height of 1,850 metres.
Sim's Park, a botanical park with a variety of exotic plants, including rare types of cacti and orchids, is one of Coonoor's main tourist destinations. The Highfield Tea Factory, which provides details on the region's tea farming and processing, is another attraction open to visitors. If you love quiet places where nature takes over, you will find Coonoor to be one of the best tourist places to visit!
Another well-liked site is the Dolphin's Nose, a vantage point with expansive views of the valleys and hills. Lamb's Rock, a picturesque cliff with amazing views of the surrounding hills, is another place that visitors can go to.
How To Get To Coonoor: The closest airport is in Coimbatore, while the hill station also has a railway station, which is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Niligiri Mountain Railways.
There are many places to visit in South India during the summer. South India offers something for everyone, whether you're searching for an adventurous holiday or a peaceful escape to the hills. Pack your bags and get ready to stay amidst the hills and valleys and have a memorable vacation.
If you have already been to most of the places in this list, the northeast is one of the most underrated places in India and it’s a definite must-visit during summer!
Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead.