India, being a tropical country, experiences high temperatures during the summer season. The best part about summers in India is that this holiday season calls for the much-awaited family vacation. While most people prefer the hill stations of the North for a respite from the scorching sun in the Southern part of the country that is closer to the equator, there are quite a few summer retreats in South India that cannot be overlooked. If you are planning your summer vacation, then have a look at these best tourist places in South India during summer for a memorable holiday.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu:
Udhagamandalam, better known as Ooty, is a beautiful resort town nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. The place is blessed with pleasant weather and mesmerizing natural beauty, and hence, it attracts summer vacationers in large numbers. Referred to as the 'Queen of the Hills' by the locals, Ooty is filled with picturesque valleys, botanical gardens, meadows, waterfalls, lakes, and tea estates. This hill station also served as the summer capital of the Madras Presidency.
Popular tourist attractions in Ooty:
- Ooty Lake
- Emerald Lake
- Ooty Botanical Gardens
- Kalhatty Waterfalls
- Ooty Rose Garden
- Doddabetta Peak
- Ooty Toy Train
- Deer Park
- Stone House
- St. Stephen’s Church
Munnar, Kerala:
Tucked amidst the lush Western Ghats in God’s Own Country, Munnar is a popular tourist place in South India during summer. Dubbed the ‘Kashmir of South India’, Munnar’s dreamy landscape features misty hills, rolling tea gardens, verdant valleys, rushing streams, and they never fail nature lovers.
Touring the tea/ coffee/ spice estates, catching the panoramic views of Munnar from Anamudi Peak (the highest peak in South India), high-altitude trekking, rock climbing, boating, camping, and tasting locally-made chocolates are some of the must-have experiences when you are here. What’s the wait for? We are halfway through the summer already, book your flights to Cochin now and visit Munnar!
Popular tourist attractions in Munnar:
- Echo Point
- Eravikulam National Park
- Kundala Lake
- Tata Tea Museum
- Top Station
- Pothamedu View Point
- Carmelagiri Elephant Park
- Mattupetty Dam
- Devikulam
- Attukal Waterfalls
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh:
Situated at an altitude of 910 m above sea level in the Eastern Ghats, the Araku Valley is an idyllic hill station known for its breathtaking scenery, coffee plantations, and tribal culture. It is among the least-explored tourist places in South India, but no less beautiful than any other well-known hill station in South India. A three-hour drive from Visakhapatnam gets you to this unspoiled paradise. This scenic route is extremely popular among road trip lovers as it offers stunning views of the lush hills trailing alongside the roads.
Popular tourist attractions in Araku Valley:
- Borra Guhalu (Caves)
- Ananthagiri Hills
- Tyda Nature Camp
- Chaparai falls
- Tadimada Waterfalls
- Katika Waterfalls
- Matsyagundam
- Padmapuram Gardens
- Tatipudi Reservoir
- Tribal Museum
Gokarna, Karnataka:
Does your idea of a perfect summer vacation revolve around beaches and beach activities? How about a beach vacation minus crowds? Perfect, isn't it? Head to Gokarna. The palm-lined beaches of Gokarna are beautiful, less crowded, and serene. You can spend hours here, soaking in its laid-back atmosphere and enjoying the cool sea breeze lying in the shade. But if you prefer some activity, there are several water sports to choose from, including snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and parasailing. Apart from its beaches, Gokarna is also known for its ancient temples that are popular pilgrim places among Hindus.
Popular tourist attractions in Gokarna:
- Om beach
- Paradise beach
- Gokarna Beach
- Kudle Beach
- Half-moon Beach
- Mahabaleshwar Temple
- Bhadrakali Temple
- Koti Tirtha
- Mirjan Fort
- Yana Caves
Alleppey, Kerala:
Alleppey or Alappuzha, nicknamed 'Venice of the East', is one of the most popular tourist places in South India during summer. After all, who doesn't love to cool off by cruising along the serene backwaters of Kerala in a traditional houseboat? The pristine beauty and peaceful ambiance of this lovely place make it a favorite holiday spot among families as well as honeymooners. Palm-fringed beaches, colonial heritage buildings, paddy fields, and calm lakes and lagoons welcome you for an unforgettable experience in Alleppey.
Popular tourist attractions in Alleppey:
- Alappuzha Beach
- Marari Beach
- Vembanad Lake
- Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
- Alleppey Lighthouse
- Kuttanad Backwaters
- Krishnapuram Palace
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- St. Mary Forane Church
- Pathiramanal
