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11 Best Places to Visit in Summer in South India: How to Reach & Where to Stay

As the scorching summer heat descends, the idea of a cool and refreshing getaway becomes more and more enticing. While South India may be known for its sweltering temperatures, it is also home to some of the most picturesque and captivating destinations, offering respite from the blazing sun. With its verdant hills, tranquil backwaters, and rich cultural heritage, South India boasts a plethora of options for a perfect summer vacation in India. Keep reading to know more about the best places to visit in summer in South India. 

As you embark on a journey to explore the best places to visit in summer in India, you’ll find yourself amidst a delightful blend of nature, history, and culture. Be it the majestic Ooty in May or the charming French town of Pondicherry, the serene backwaters of Alleppey in June or the ancient temples of Mahabalipuram, each place has its own unique charm that is sure to leave you spellbound.

The beauty of South India lies not only in its diverse and stunning landscapes, but also in the warmth and hospitality of its people. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to embark upon a journey to the best places to visit in India in May with family. For those of you asking where should you go for summer vacation in India – an unforgettable experience to the land of the Southern Sun awaits you!

South India during the summer months offers a distinct experience, more so as this region prepares for the onset of the monsoon showers. Here are some of the most popularly loved places to visit during your summer vacation in South India.

Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Among the most popular summer vacation places in Tamil Nadu, Ooty is a charming hill station known for its scenic landscapes and tea plantations. Kodaikanal and Ooty, are both famous hill stations for honeymoon in Tamil Nadu, however, those who enjoy higher altitudes must opt for Ooty’s verdant hills. 

greenery hill view in ooty

How to reach Ooty

By Road: The nearest major city is Coimbatore, which is approximately 85 km away from Ooty. There are regular bus services from Coimbatore to Ooty, and you can also hire a taxi or a self-drive car to reach Ooty. The journey from Coimbatore to Ooty takes around 3-4 hours, and the best way to enjoy Ooty weather in May.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Ooty is Mettupalayam, which is approximately 47 km away. There are regular trains from Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bangalore to Mettupalayam. From Mettupalayam, you can take a toy train to Ooty, which is a popular tourist attraction and offers stunning views of the hills. The toy train journey takes around 5 hours.

By Air: The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore International Airport, which is approximately 100 km away. There are regular flights from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai to Coimbatore. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Ooty.

Bonus: Ooty homestays – Here are some of the best places to stay in Ooty

Coorg & Madikeri, Karnataka

Among the most popular summer vacation places in India, Coorg is a common favourite. This hill station offers stunning views of the Western Ghats, widely known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and wildlife. Once here, make sure to visit its largest and most beautiful town, Madikeri. 

coffee plantation in coorg with hill view

How to reach Coorg

By Road: The nearest major city is Mysore, which is approximately 118 km away from Coorg. There are regular bus services from Mysore to Coorg, and you can also hire a taxi or a self-drive car to reach Coorg. The journey from Mysore to Coorg takes around 3-4 hours.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Coorg is Mysore Railway Station, which is approximately 110 km away. There are regular trains from major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai to Mysore. From Mysore, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Coorg.

By Air: The nearest airport to Coorg is Kannur International Airport, which is approximately 91 km away. There are regular flights from major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai to Kannur. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Coorg.

By Taxi: You can also hire a taxi directly from Bangalore or Mysore to Coorg. It takes around 6-7 hours from Bangalore to Coorg and around 3-4 hours from Mysore to reach your Coorg homestay.

Bonus: Coorg villas – Here are some of the best places to stay in Coorg

Munnar, Kerala 

Munnar is a popular hill station located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, famous for its tea plantations, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries. Munnar weather and breathtaking views make it a popular summer destination in India. The pleasant Kerala weather in May makes for another excuse to visit this hill station.

munnar tea garden

How to reach Munnar

By Road: The nearest major city is Cochin, which is approximately 130 km away from Munnar. There are regular bus services from Cochin to Munnar, and you can also hire a taxi or a self-drive car to reach Munnar. The journey from Cochin to Munnar takes around 4-5 hours.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Munnar is Aluva Railway Station, which is approximately 110 km away. There are regular trains from major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai to Aluva. From Aluva, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Munnar.

By Air: The nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport, which is approximately 110 km away. There are regular flights from major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai to Cochin. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Munnar.

By Taxi: You can also hire a taxi directly from Cochin to Munnar. It takes around 4-5 hours from Cochin to Munnar.

Bonus: Munnar homestays – Here are some of the best places to stay in Munnar.

Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Another underrated beautiful summer vacation spot in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is one of the most famous places in India to visit in May.  The cool and pleasant weather, trekking trails, and boating in the serene lake makes it an irresistible summer holiday destination in South India.

Poombarai Village near Kodaikanal greenery

How to reach Kodaikanal

By Road: Kodaikanal is well-connected by road to nearby cities and towns. The nearest major city is Madurai, which is approximately 120 km away from Kodaikanal. There are regular bus services from Madurai to Kodaikanal, and you can also hire a taxi or a self-drive car to reach Kodaikanal. The journey from Madurai to Kodaikanal takes around 3-4 hours.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Kodaikanal is Kodai Road Railway Station, which is approximately 80 km away. There are regular trains from major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Bangalore to Kodai Road Railway Station. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Kodaikanal.

By Air: The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai International Airport, which is approximately 120 km away. There are regular flights from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai to Madurai. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kodaikanal.

By Taxi: You can also hire a taxi directly from Madurai to Kodaikanal. It takes around 3-4 hours from Madurai to Kodaikanal.

Bonus: Kodaikanal homestays – Here are some of the best places to stay in Kodaikanal

Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi, located in the northern part of the Indian state of Karnataka, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination, known for its ancient temples and ruins. It’s a great place to explore the rich history and architecture of South India.

stone chariot in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi 50 rupees note

How to reach Hampi

By Road: Hampi is well-connected by road to nearby cities and towns. The nearest major city is Hospet, which is approximately 13 km away from Hampi. There are regular bus services from Hospet to Hampi, and you can also hire a taxi or a self-drive car to reach Hampi. The journey from Hospet to Hampi takes around 30 minutes.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Hampi is Hospet Railway Station, which is approximately 13 km away. There are regular trains from major cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Mumbai to Hospet Railway Station. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Hampi.

By Air: The nearest airport to Hampi is Jindal Vijaynagar Airport, which is approximately 37 km away. However, this airport is currently not operational, and the nearest major airport is the Hubli Airport, which is approximately 160 km away. There are regular flights from major cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Hyderabad to Hubli Airport. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Hampi.

By Taxi: You can also hire a taxi directly from Hospet or Hubli to reach Hampi. It takes around 30 minutes from Hospet and around 4 hours from Hubli to reach Hampi.

Bonus: Hampi homestays – Here are some of the best places to stay in Hampi.

Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu

Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is a charming coastal town located in the southern part of India, famous for its beaches, cafes, and unique architecture. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy the sea breeze and Pondicherry weather.

French beach town of india pondicherry

How to reach Pondicherry

By Road: Pondicherry is well-connected to nearby cities and towns through a network of well-maintained roads. You can hire a taxi or a self-drive car from cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Trichy to reach Pondicherry. There are also regular bus services from cities like Chennai and Bangalore to Pondicherry.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Pondicherry is Villupuram Railway Station, which is approximately 37 km away. There are regular trains from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Delhi to Villupuram Railway Station. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Pondicherry.

By Air: The nearest airport to Pondicherry is the Chennai International Airport, which is approximately 135 km away. There are regular flights from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore to Chennai International Airport. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pondicherry.

By Taxi: You can also hire a taxi directly from Chennai or Bangalore to reach Pondicherry. It takes around 3-4 hours from Chennai and around 6-7 hours from Bangalore to reach Pondicherry.

Bonus: Pondicherry homestays – Here are some of the best places to stay in Pondicherry

Alleppey, Kerala

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a coastal town located in the southern part of Kerala, popularly known for its backwaters and houseboats. It’s a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the tranquil beauty of southern hills. 

Houseboats floating over Alleyppey Alapphuzha Backwater

How to reach Alleppey

By Road: Alleppey is well-connected to nearby cities and towns through a network of well-maintained roads. You can hire a taxi or a self-drive car from cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kozhikode to reach Alleppey. There are also regular bus services from cities like Kochi and Trivandrum to Alleppey.

By Train: Alleppey has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Kozhikode. There are also direct trains from cities like Chennai and Bangalore to Alleppey Railway Station.

By Air: The nearest airport to Alleppey is the Cochin International Airport, which is approximately 75 km away. There are regular flights from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore to Cochin International Airport. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Alleppey.

By Water: Alleppey is also famous for its backwaters, and you can reach here by taking a boat or a houseboat from nearby towns like Kumarakom or Kollam. It is a unique and picturesque way to reach Alleppey.

Bonus: Alleppey homestays – Here are some of the best places to stay in Alleppey.

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a historic town known for its ancient temples and rock-cut sculptures. It’s a great place to explore the rich cultural heritage of South India.

stone temples and monuments of mahabalipuram

How to reach Mahabalipuram

By Road: Mahabalipuram is well-connected to nearby cities and towns through a network of well-maintained roads. You can hire a taxi or a self-drive car from cities like Chennai, Pondicherry, and Kanchipuram to reach Mahabalipuram. There are also regular bus services from cities like Chennai and Pondicherry to Mahabalipuram.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Mahabalipuram is Chengalpattu Railway Station, which is approximately 30 km away. There are regular trains from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Coimbatore to Chengalpattu Railway Station. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Mahabalipuram.

By Air: The nearest airport to Mahabalipuram is the Chennai International Airport, which is approximately 60 km away. There are regular flights from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore to Chennai International Airport. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mahabalipuram.

Bonus: Here are some of the best places to stay in Mahabalipuram.

Wayanad, Kerala

The misty mountains of Wayanad offer a perfect getaway for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and peace seekers. Among the best places for summer vacation in India, Wayanad is home to several indigenous tribes, biodiversity, cultural heritage, and spice plantations, making it a must-visit destination in India during summers. 

wildlife and spice plantations of wayanad kerala

How to reach Wayanad

By Road: Wayanad is well-connected to nearby cities and towns through a network of well-maintained roads. To make the most of the Wayanad weather, you can hire a taxi or a self-drive car from cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, and Bangalore to reach Wayanad. There are also regular bus services from cities like Kochi, Kozhikode, and Bangalore to Wayanad.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Wayanad is Kozhikode Railway Station, which is approximately 110 km away. There are regular trains from major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, and Chennai to Kozhikode Railway Station. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Wayanad.

By Air: The nearest airport to Wayanad is the Calicut International Airport, which is approximately 95 km away. There are regular flights from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore to Calicut International Airport. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Wayanad’s tourist places.

Bonus: Wayanad homestays – Here are some of the best places to stay in Wayanad.

Coonoor, Tamil Nadu

Nestled in the Nilgiris Hills, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys, Coonoor is among the best hill stations in South India, popularly renowned for its desirous tea and among the best places for family vacation in India. 

working on vacation from coonoor tea plantations and hills

How to reach Coonoor

By Road: Coonoor is well-connected to nearby cities and towns through a network of well-maintained roads. To enjoy Coonoor temperatures at its best, you can hire a taxi or a self-drive car from cities like Coimbatore, Ooty, and Bangalore to reach Coonoor. There are also regular bus services from cities like Coimbatore and Ooty to Coonoor.

By Train: Coonoor has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore, and Mysore. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also runs through Coonoor, offering a scenic and memorable train journey through the hills.

By Air: The nearest airport to Coonoor is the Coimbatore International Airport, which is approximately 80 km away. There are regular flights from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore to Coimbatore International Airport. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Coonoor.

Bonus: Conoor homestays – Here are some of the best places to stay in Coonoor

Kumarakom, Kerala

Kumarakom is a picturesque village located in the Kottayam district of Kerala, famous for its serene backwaters, bird sanctuary, and traditional houseboats. The backwaters of Kumarakom are a network of lagoons, canals, and lakes that offer a unique and tranquil experience to tourists.

backwaters of kumarakom kerala tourist place

How to reach Kumarakom

By Air: The nearest airport to Kumarakom is the Cochin International Airport, which is approximately 75 km away. There are regular flights from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore to Cochin International Airport. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kumarakom.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Kumarakom is the Kottayam Railway Station, which is approximately 16 km away. There are regular trains from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Delhi to Kottayam Railway Station. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kumarakom.

By Road: Kumarakom is well-connected to nearby cities and towns through a network of well-maintained roads. You can hire a taxi or a self-drive car from cities like Cochin, Kottayam, and Trivandrum to reach Kumarakom. There are also regular bus services from cities like Cochin and Kottayam to Kumarakom.

While South India continues to be a must-visit destination round the year, it is a popular favourite between April to September. As the heat dwindles closer to June, it is time to welcome monsoons in South India region. The monsoons bring life to the arid plains and transform South India into a verdant paradise. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are particularly enchanting during this time, with mist-covered mountains, gushing waterfalls, and emerald valleys.

5 Compelling Reasons to Visit South India During Monsoons

Here’s a quick look at why you must visit South India during the monsoon months this year:

  1. Unbelievably beautiful lush green landscapes – Places like Munnar and Wayanad in Kerala, Coorg in Karnataka, and Ooty in Tamil Nadu make for the best places to visit in monsoons in South India, offering breathtaking vistas and ample opportunities to connect with nature’s splendour.
  2. Majestic waterfalls – Among the most popular waterfalls to visit in South India during monsoons, Jog Falls in Karnataka, Athirapally Falls in Kerala, and Courtallam Falls in Tamil Nadu are just a few of the cascades that showcase nature’s raw power and create awe-inspiring spectacles.
  3. Backwaters and Houseboats: Kerala’s famous backwaters, including Alleppey and Kumarakom, become even more captivating during the monsoons. The interconnected network of canals and lakes is replenished with rainwater, offering a tranquil and serene ambiance.
  4. Ayurvedic rejuvenation – Destinations like Kerala’s Ayurvedic resorts, such as Kovalam and Varkala, offer a true blend of ayurvedic treatments and wellness retreats that South India is most famous for.
  5. Wildlife encounters: The monsoon season presents an excellent opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to explore South India’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala, Bandipur National Park in Karnataka, and Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu are teeming with life during this time. Witnessing elephants, tigers, deer, and an array of bird species thriving in their natural habitats is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

If these reasons aren’t compelling enough, we’re sure our homestays in South India will lure you in. Take a quick look at the places to visit in South India during monsoons.

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