South India is truly a heaven on earth!!! Full of breathtaking natural beauties covered by the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean on three sides. Starting from Waterfalls to Plain Lands, Temples to Churches, Romantic Beaches to Nightclubs, South India is a blend of everything. The best time to visit this region is during the winter season. With pleasant weather, South India blooms with tourism through Monsoon and Winter. Here are a few of my favorite places in South India. You can enjoy all kinds of vacation on your budget.
8 best places to visit in south india - Add them to your bucket list
1. 8 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN SOUTH INDIA | ADD THEM TO
YOUR BUCKET LIST
South India is truly a heaven on earth!!! Full of breathtaking natural beauties
covered by the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean on three sides.
Starting from Waterfalls to Plain Lands, Temples to Churches, Romantic Beaches
to Nightclubs, South India is a blend of everything. The best time to visit this
region is during the winter season. With pleasant weather, South India blooms
with tourism through Monsoon and Winter. Here are a few of my favorite places in
South India. You can enjoy all kinds of vacation on your budget.
2. 1. Coorg: The Scotland of India
One of the most beautiful hill stations in Karnataka settled in the Western Ghats and it is
just 20km far from the Madikeri hill town. If you are a nature lover and looking for a
place filled with the breathtaking beauty of nature then Coorg is the place where you
need to plan your trip. You can feel the roaring waterfalls with the call of nature creates
a soothing melody and the clouds rest on the mountain peaks. Coorg is very famous for
its coffee production, it is the leading producer of coffee in the country and because of
that, it is known as The Coffee Capital of India. Apart from Kannada, the other two main
languages of this hill station are Kodagu and Kodava.
Major Attractions:
• Brahmagiri peak
• Nisargadhama Island
• Abbey Falls
• Irupu Falls
• Nagarhole National Park
• Madikeri Fort
• Omkareshwara Temple
• Dubare Elephant Camp
3. How To Reach:
By Air – The nearest airport is Mangalore Airport, which is 160km away from Coorg.
By Rail – The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction Railway Station at a distance
of 106km from Coorg.
By Road – Coorg is easily accessible by road, travelers can board the state-run buses
from the nearby cities of Bangalore, Mysore, and Chennai.
Best Time to Visit:
If you’re planning for a trip, you should know the best time to travel to your desired
location. The ideal time to visit Coorg is right after the monsoon season i.e., between
October and March which is the best time for adventurous activities.
2. Ooty: The Queen of Hills
One of the most popular tourist places in South India, located in the Nilgiri range of the
Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu. Blessed with pleasant weather, the chilled weather of
Ooty is perfect to refresh your stressed mind and body. While the famous Ooty Lake is
perfect for a charming boat ride, the boathouse of the Pykara Lake is an abode for
comfort seekers. While the aroma of red roses beckons you to the Rose Garden. Ooty
4. is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in South India because of it’s
romantic ambiance. If you are planning for Ooty, don’t miss Coonoor Hill Town which is
just 20km away from Ooty. Why to travel separately?
Major Attractions:
• Botanical Gardens
• Ooty Lake
• Upper Bhavani Lake
• Waterfalls
• Pine Tree Forest
• Tiger Hill
• Doddabetta peak
• Dolphin’s Nose View Point
• Toy Train Ride in Nilgiri Mountain Railways
• Trekking and Camping at Avalanche Lake
• Trek to Kotagiri, Glenmorgan
• Tea and Coffee plantations and Museums
How to reach:
By Air – The nearest airport from Ooty is Coimbatore Airport which is 95km away.
By Rail – Take the Nilgiri toy train to arrive in the city. The nearest railway station is
Mettupalayam which is 40km away from Ooty. There are trains from Chennai,
Coimbatore, Mysore, and Bangalore connecting Mettupalyam
By Road – You will get both government and private buses from Bangalore, Mysore,
and Chennai. If you wish to drive from Bangalore to Ooty there are 2 routes you can
take, via Chamarajanagar or via Mysore.
Best Time to Visit:
Although Ooty is a year-round destination but the ideal time to visit Ooty is between
April and June or between September and November.
5. 3. Kodaikanal: The Princess of Hills
One of the most beautiful places in South India, located in Tamil Nadu. The meaning of
its name is ‘the Gift of the Forests’. Have you ever dreamt of getting lost in the
mesmerizing beauty of the rolling hills and dense forest? If yes, then head towards
Kodaikanal, it will offer all that you have thought of. You will see beautiful waterfalls,
lakes, the lush greenery and the magnificent views of the Palani Hills, you will love
everything about Kodaikanal. You can trek to the Green Valley View or the Dolphin’s
Nose to get yourself immersed in the serenity of the Berjarim and Kodai Lake. If you are
a chocolate lover, then you will find many wholesale markets of chocolates where you
can buy a variety of flavors at reasonable prices.
Major Attractions:
• Coakers’ Walk
• Kodai Lake
• Berijam Lake
• Silver Cascade Waterfalls
• Pillar Rocks Viewpoint
• Pine Tree Forest
• Bryant Park
• Guna Caves
• Kurunji Andavar Temple
• Sacred Heart Science Museum
6. How to reach:
By Air – Madurai is the nearest airport and it is 120km away from Kodaikanal
By Rail – Kodaikanal Road (KQN) is the nearest railway station. It is 80km away from
the hill station and you can get plenty of vehicles to go up the hill station.
By Road – Kodaikanal is easily reachable by road as Tamil Nadu State buses, luxury
coaches, private taxis are available anytime.
Best Time to Visit:
Going during the monsoon season could be tricky due to heavy rainfall, so better you
avoid your trip during the monsoon. Plan your trip between September and May when
the weather is at it’s best.
4. Munnar: The Kashmir of South India
One of the most beautiful and popular hill stations in South India and one of the most
romantic places in the world. Settled in the Western Ghats, in the state of Kerala. If you
are looking for the best monsoon getaway where you can be yourself and can chill out
then Munnar is the most ideal place for you. It is famous for its tea estates, it is the
biggest tea-plantation area in South India. Munnar is also blessed with natural view-
7. points apart from the tea-plantations. Munnar is divided into Old Munnar and Munnar. It
overlooks lush tea estates, scenic waterfalls, misty hills, and dizzying lookouts.
Walkthrough the tea gardens, where you will see the tea being picked and processed.
Try out trekking, camping, and other adventures. Do have a taste of chocolate made
locally.
Major attractions:
• Pothamedu View Point
• Tea Garden photo point, Tea plantations
• Tata Tea Museum
• Mattupetty Dam
• Carmelagiri Elephant Park
• Eravikulam National Park
• Echo Point
• Anamudi Peak
• Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
How to reach:
By Air – The nearest airport is Cochin, 125km away from Munnar.
By Rail – The nearest railway station is Aluva, which is at a distance of 110km. Another
major junction is Ernakulam, from where you can get trains for major cities like Delhi,
Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, and Mangalore. It is 130km away from Munnar.
By Road – The best way to go to Munnar is a road trip. If you are an expert in driving at
high altitude roads, then you can drive yourself. If not then book an expert driver for it.
Best Time to Visit:
Plan your trip between June and September to make the most out of your monsoon
holidays. Monsoon in Munnar has a charm of its own, you will enjoy the fullest during
the monsoon in Munnar.
8. 5. Wayanad: The Green Paradise
Located in the hills of the Western Ghats in Kerala. Wayanad is one of the best places
for vacations in South India. A Part of the massive Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve, this
charming place is blessed with beautiful waterfalls, historical caves, vast and beautiful
plantations, beautiful tea gardens, exotic wildlife, etc. Nature walks, trekking, hiking,
cycling, etc. are some of the things which may give you pleasure. Wayanad has a rich
tribal heritage. You will see many tribal communities over there, do learn about them.
Most of the population are engaged in agricultural activities.
Major Attractions:
• Chembra peak
• Edakkal Cave
• Pookode Lake
• Soochipara Waterfalls
• Kanthanpara Waterfalls
• Meenmutty waterfalls
• Wayanad wildlife sanctuary
• Wayanad Heritage museum
• Banasura Sagar Dam
• Lakkidi viewpoint
9. How to reach:
By Air – The nearest airport is Karipur international airport at Kozhikode and about
100km away from Wayanad.
By Rail – Kozhikode railway station is the nearest railway station to Wayanad which is
110km away.
By Road – Wayanad is easily reachable by road as state buses, luxury coaches, private
taxis are easily available.
Best Time to Visit:
When the south-west monsoon ends, the north-west monsoon begins and lasts up to
November. Post-November, winter starts and the nature bloom fully. Though Wayanad
has a good atmosphere all through the year, the best time to visit Wayanad is between
September to April, during the months of winter.
6. Gokarna: Kasi of the South
Gokarna is a small Hindu Pilgrim town situated on the Western Ghat of India. Gokarna
is famous for its temples and clean beaches. It is a tough decision for tourists when it
comes to choosing between Goa and Gokarna. Goa is too busy and congested these
10. days, Gokarna still provides an option for what Goa used to be liked. The destination
offers everything that makes it the best tourist place for the people of all age groups.
Whether you are looking for a simple relaxed holiday or for pilgrimage purposes, you
are going to love all at Gokarna. There are coconut and palm trees shades, blue ocean
and clean sand, peaceful surroundings, for your relaxation. Remember to take your
beach hat, sunscreen lotion, and a volleyball for a great time at the clean beaches of
Gokarna.
Major Attractions:
• Mahabaleshwar Temple
• Gokarna Beach
• Om Beach
• Kudle Beach
• Paradise Beach
• Half Moon Beach
• Shiva Cave
How To Reach:
By Air – Dabolim airport in Goa is the nearest airport to Gokarna at a distance of
140km, well-connected with all the major cities of India.
By Rail – Ankola is the nearest railway station, which is just 20km away from Gokarna.
By Road – There are many beautiful roads towards Gokarna. Its an overnight journey
from Bangalore. There are many normal and luxury buses available.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Gokarna is during winters, between October and March. That time
the weather is pleasant with an average temperature of 32°C.
11. 7. Pondicherry, Union Territory
Pondicherry also known as Puducherry, located on the east coast of Tamil Nadu is one
of the 9 union territories of India. You will feel a positive vibe when you will enter in
Pondy, you will see colorful painted houses with French architecture all around you
which is really amazing. It is a popular tourist destination in South India where you will
see many churches and temples and of course a relaxed holiday at the beaches. There
are many beautiful beaches in Pondicherry. Plan your Pondy trip with your beloved
ones or with your friends. You can rent bikes at a very cheap price from the main town,
to explore maximum places within a short period of time. Make sure you visit Auroville
Village, on the way to Auroville Village you can have your breakfast at Auroville Bakery,
the moment you enter the bakery the smell of freshly baked breads and cakes will make
you more hungry. This place is a paradise for breakfast. If you visit the marketplace at
Auroville you will see the unique collection of many handcrafted products made in
Auroville.
Major Attractions:
• Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
• Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple
• Sri Aurobindo Ashram
• Matrimandir
12. • Rock Beach
• Paradise Beach
• Auroville Beach
• Bharathi Park
• Pondicherry Museum
• Le Pondy Beach Resort
How To Reach:
By Air – Chennai International airport is the nearest airport located just 135km away
from Pondy.
By Rail – The nearest railhead is Villupuram railway station which is 35km away from
Pondicherry.
By Road – The shortest route from Bangalore to Pondicherry is Tiruvannamalai Route
which is around 320km and takes roughly 7 hours. The best way to reach Pondicherry
from Chennai is via ECR road which is around 160km.
Best Time to Visit:
Pondicherry has a warm climate, better if you plan your Pondy Trip in between October
and March when the weather became cooler. The monsoon season occurs from July to
September in Pondicherry.
8. Chikmagalur: The Land of Coffee
Chikmaglur also known as Chikkamagaluru is a haven for adventure lovers.
Chikamagalur district of Karnataka lies on the Baba Budan Range of the Western Ghats
of India. Baba Budangiri is a famous pilgrim site for both Hindus and Muslims and is
often flocked by travelers. Chikamagalur is well-known for its coffee estates, beautiful
13. hill stations, waterfalls, forests, and wildlife. The highest peak of Karnataka,
Mullayanagiri with a height of 6316ft is located in Chikamagalur. Kemmanagundi is
another most popular hill station in Chikkamagalur. The trek to the top of the hill is very
thrilling. Take packed foods and water with you during trekking, because the high
altitude climbing and climate will make you very hungry. Also, carry your jacket and cap
because it is so cold up there at the hill stations.
Major Attractions:
• Mullayanagiri
• Baba Budangiri
• Kudremukh Peak
• Z point, Kemmanagundi
• Hebbe Falls
• Jhari Waterfalls
• Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
How To Reach:
By Air – Mangalore airport, at a distance of 113km, is the nearest airport to
Chikmagalur.
By Rail – Kadur is the nearest railway station. It is 40km away from Chikmagalur.
By Road – There are many government and private buses that ply from Bangalore to
Chikmagalur. However, if you are an expert in driving at high altitude roads, then you
can drive yourself. If not then book an expert driver for it. The driving distance from
Bangalore to Chikmagalur is approximately 250km.
Best Time To Visit:
Chikmagalur has a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year but the best time to
visit Chikmagalur is from September to April. Winter occurs from December to February
in Chikmagalur and the temperature ranges between 14°C and 32°C.