Best summer vacation spots in south india
Every year millions of Indians plan their next vacation. This is the season when most of the travelers are disappointed by the results due to lack of research. They end up spending money on activities and accommodations they were not comfortable with. This article will help you find the best spots for a summer vacation in south india so that you do not regret your vacations next summer.
South India is known for its beautiful beaches and greenery. There are many beautiful beaches in south India and all of them are great tourist spots. However, there are some best vacation spots in south india which are also a part of historical significance.
Not everyone is able to take a summer vacation trip this year. And even if they are, they can’t afford it. Fortunately, there are a few popular and affordable south indian holiday spots that would cost you less on a 2-week summer vacation than other summer vacation destinations. The perfect alternative to your once in a lifetime vacation you might want to go for anyway but are broke for.
Here are the top five spots to visit for your next trip:
- Chennai: This city is home to some of the most beautiful temples and monuments in the world, including the Brihadeeswara Temple and Fort St. George. The weather here is mild throughout most of the year, making it a great place to relax or go sightseeing!
- Bangalore: Bangalore is India’s third-largest city and one of its most modern cities as well. It’s known for its bustling business district and also has a variety of parks and gardens that are perfect for taking a stroll through during lunchtime or after work.
- Hyderabad: Hyderabad is known for its incredible cuisine, which includes everything from traditional Indian favorites like pappadums (a type of savory cracker) to American favorites like pizza! It’s also home to many famous landmarks such as Golconda Fort and Charminar Bridge—which was built by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah over 400 years ago!
The summer is a great time to get out of the city and spend some time on vacation. Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation or something more adventurous, there are plenty of places in South India that will suit any taste.
If you’re looking for a beach vacation, you can’t go wrong with Goa. The beaches here are some of the most beautiful in all of India, and you can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on how much luxury you want. If you’re interested in culture, Goa also has plenty to offer—the city has many museums and galleries as well as music festivals throughout the year.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, Karnataka has a lot to offer. You can hike through scenic forests or mountain ranges or take an adventure tour through one of its many state parks or reserves. It’s also home to some great historical sites like Hampi Bazaar which was once an ancient capital city built by Hindu kings during their rule over India until it fell into ruin when invaders took over power around 14th century CE (Common Era).
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.
Read More : 10 Favorites Tourist Places in Tamil Nadu
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.
Read More : Things To Do In Alleppey – 10 Interesting Activities
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.
Read More : Beginners’ Indian Travel Guide – Wildlife Safari
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.
Read More : Experience Coonoor – A Complete Travel Guide
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.
Suggested Tour : 6 Days – Mysore Ooty Kodaikanal Karnataka Tour