South India is full of cold places to go during the hot summer. The region has beautiful hill stations, waterfalls, green forests, and calm valleys where the weather remains cold and pleasant. To enjoy nature, relax, or learn about new places, there is something for everyone in South India.
In this article, we share the best summer tourist places in South India. You can escape the heat and enjoy a relaxing holiday.
1. Munnar, Kerala – A Land of Tea Gardens
Munnar is a famous hill station in Kerala. You can find it in the Western Ghats, surrounded by green tea gardens and misty hills. The weather here is also cold in summer, which makes it an ideal place to relax.
Must Visit Places in Munnar Things to do:
- Go to Eravikulam National Park to see the rare Nilagiri Tahr.
- Walk in the tea gardens and go to the tea museum.
- The highest point in South India, Anamudi Peak.
Best for: Nature lovers, couples, and people who enjoy peaceful scenes.
2. Ooty, Tamil Nadu – The Queen of Hills
Ooty is one of the most popular hill stations in India. Located in Nilagiri Hills, Ooty has a cool climate, a beautiful garden, and old colonial buildings. This is a great place to defeat the heat.
Things to do in Ooty:
- Ride a UNESCO World Heritage Train, the Nilagiri Mountain Railway.
- Enjoy a boat ride on Ooty Lake.
- For the amazing scenes of the hills, go to Doddabeta Peak.
Best for: family, honeymoon, and nature lovers.
3. Coorg, Karnataka – The Scotland of India
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a green and peaceful hill station in Karnataka. People know this coffee for its plantation, waterfalls, and cool weather.
Places to Visit in Coorg:
- Abbey Falls, visit a beautiful waterfall.
- See the sunset from the Raja’s seat.
- Spend time with elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp.
Best for: coffee lovers, nature fans, and adventurous fans.
4. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu – The Gift of the Forest
Kodikanal is a cool and comfortable hill station surrounded by forests, waterfalls, and lakes. Quiet wind and natural beauty make it an ideal summer.
Things to do:
- Get boating on Kodai Lake.
- See colored flowers in Bryant Park.
- For magnificent views of the valley, go to the pillar rocks.
Best for: couples, families, and single travelers.
5. Wayanad, Kerala – A Nature Lover’s Dream
Wayanad is a beautiful and green district in Kerala. It has forests, wildlife, waterfalls, and ancient caves. The weather remains pleasant in summer, making it a great place to travel.
Things to do:
- Explore Edakkal caves with old carvings.
- Relax in Pookode Lake.
- Go to the Banasura Sagar Dam for the ideas of boating and nature.
Best for: Trekkers, History Lovers, and those who enjoy peace.
6. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu – A Budget Hill Station
Yercaud is a small and cool hill station in Shevoy Hills. Less crowded than Ooty or Kodaikanal, this destination offers a good option for a low-cost summer vacation.
Things to do:
- Enjoy boating on Yercaud Lake.
- Go to the attitude of the lady’s seat for a magnificent view of the hills.
- Explore the botanical garden to see orchids and rare plants.
Best for: Budget passengers and weekend getaways.
7. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh – A Hidden Gem
Araku Valley is a low-colored hill station in Andhra Pradesh near Visakhapatnam. Green hills, waterfalls, and tribal villages surround it.
Things to do:
- Explore Borra caves filled with natural rock structures.
- Learn about the local culture in the tribal museum.
- Visit the coffee museum to learn how people make coffee.
Best for: Offbeat passengers and people looking for a peaceful journey.
8. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu – Calm and Green
The Coonoor is close to Ooty, but cool and less crowded. Famous for tea gardens, colonial-style homes, and calm surroundings, the area attracts many visitors.
Places to Visit in Coonoor:
- Walk around the Sim’s park, a beautiful botanical garden.
- Go to Dolphin’s Nose, an approach that ignores the waterfall.
- Ride the train on the Nilgiri Railway from Coonoor to Ooty.
Best for: People who love calm places, writers, and photographers.
9. Chikmagalur, Karnataka – Coffee Heaven
People know Chikmagalur for its coffee gardens and green hills. The climate is cool, and this place is full of beauty and adventure.
Things to do:
- The highest point in Karnataka, trek to Mullayanagiri Peak.
- Baba Budangiri goes to the hills for mountain scenes.
- Tour coffee estates and taste fresh coffee.
Best for: adventure lovers, coffee fans, and street trips.
10. Ponmudi, Kerala – A Small Hill Retreat
Ponmudi is a small and peaceful hill station near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. It has cold weather, green hills, and beautiful valleys.
Things to do:
- Relax in Golden Valley with your streams and trees.
- Go to Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary to see animals and birds.
- Enjoy the beauty of Meenmutty Falls.
Best for: pairs, bird viewers, and offbeat passengers.
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11. Kudremukh, Karnataka – A Place for Trekkers
Kudremukh is a mountain range and national park in Karnataka. People know it for its trekking routes, green valleys, and cool climate.
Things to do:
- Trek to Kudremukh Peak, a horse’s face shape.
- Explore the Kudremukh National Park and see animals like deer and leopard.
- Go to Hanuman Gundi Falls for the latest break.
Best for: Trekkers, Wildlife Lovers, and Photographers.
12. Valparai, Tamil Nadu – Green and Peaceful
Valparai is a quiet hill station in the Anamalai hills. Tea and coffee estates, waterfalls, and wildlife surround it.
Things to do:
- Enjoy the beautiful drive through the hills.
- Spot elephants and leopards at Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Go to the Nallamudi approach to valley scenes.
Best for: Wildlife lovers, photographers, and nature fans.
Conclusion: Plan Your Cool Summer Trip
South India has many quiet places to travel during summer. From green hill stations to cool valleys and beautiful waterfalls, you will get the right migration from the heat. Whether you are planning a trip with family, friends, or alone, this destination offers relaxation, fun, and natural beauty.
Start packing your bags and plan your summer vacation in one of these amazing places in South India!