Best Places To Visit In Summer In South India With Family
South India cools your summer vacation! Explore Kerala’s Western Ghats or Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris for refreshing escapes. Beaches? Kerala’s coast beckons. Craving something unique? Cruise Kerala’s backwaters. Unforgettable memories await! . Here are some of the best places to visit in South India with family during the summer:
- Munnar, Kerala
- Coorg, Karnataka
- Ooty, Tamil Nadu
- Wayanad, Kerala
- Alleppey, Kerala
- Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
- Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu
- Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
- Idukki, Kerala
- Gokarna, Karnataka
- Pondicherry, Puducherry
- Hampi, Karnataka
- Kumarakom, Kerala
- Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
1. Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is a hill station located in the Idukki . British residents used Munnar as a resort during the summer months, leading to its development as a hill station. The nearest railway station is Aluva.
- Places to Visit in Munnar : Echo Point, Kundala Lake, Mattupetty Dam
- Things to Do in Munnar : Trekking, tea plantation visits, wildlife spotting at Eravikulam National Park
- Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
- Best Place to Stay: Variety of accommodations from budget homestays to luxury resorts
- Best Food: South Indian cuisine, especially Keralan dishes
- Average Expense: ₹ 2,500 – ₹ 5,000 per day
- How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Aluva (108 km); Nearest airport – Kochi International Airport (110 km)
- Why Best for Families: Scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and outdoor activities make it perfect for family bonding.
2. Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg, also known as “Scotland of India”. Coffee was first introduced to Coorg in 1875 by British planters, and it has since become the region’s most important crop. The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction and the nearest airport is Kannur International Airport.
- Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
- Key Attractions: Abbey Falls, Iruppu Falls, Raja’s Seat
- Activities: Jeep safari, spice plantation visits, trekking
- Best Place to Stay: Homestays, cottages, and resorts amidst coffee plantations
- Best Food: Coorg cuisine, including pork curry and kachampuli
- Average Expense: ₹ 2,000 – ₹ 4,000 per day
- How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Mysore Junction (140 km); Nearest airport – Kannur International Airport (135 km)
- Why Best for Families: Blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation.
3. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty, also known as the “Queen of Hills,” is a popular hill station in Tamil Nadu, famous for its scenic beauty, toy train ride, and colonial architecture.
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Key Attractions: Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Doddabetta Peak
- Activities: Nilgiri Mountain Railway ride, market exploration, tea factory visit
- Best Place to Stay: Budget guesthouses to luxury hotels
- Best Food: South Indian cuisine, especially Tamil Nadu dishes
- Average Expense: ₹ 1,500 – ₹ 3,500 per day
- How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Udagamandalam (Ooty); Nearest airport – Coimbatore International Airport (88 km)
- Why Best for Families: Cool climate, various activities, and historical sites
4. Wayanad, Kerala
Wayanad is a beautiful hill station in Kerala, known for its lush greenery, wildlife sanctuaries, and trekking trails. Wayanad is one of the least densely populated districts in Kerala.
- Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
- Key Attractions: Chembra Peak, Neelikaje View Point, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Activities: Trekking, wildlife safari, coffee plantation visit
- Best Place to Stay: Homestays, resorts, tree houses
- Best Food: Keralan cuisine
- Average Expense: ₹ 2,000 – ₹ 4,000 per day
- How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Thalassery (90 km); Nearest airport – Calicut International Airport (100 km)
- Why Best for Families: Blend of adventure and nature, cool climate, and beautiful scenery
5. Alleppey, Kerala
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a beautiful town in Kerala famous for its backwaters and houseboat cruises. Alleppey was a major trading port for spices in Kerala during the Middle Ages.
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Key Attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kuttanad
- Activities: Houseboat cruise, swimming, Kathakali dance performance
- Best Place to Stay: Houseboats, homestays, resorts
- Best Food: Keralan seafood dishes
- Average Expense: ₹ 2,000 – ₹ 4,000 per day
- How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Alappuzha; Nearest airport – Kochi International Airport (78 km)
- Why Best for Families: Unique houseboat experience, relaxing atmosphere, and cultural insights.
6. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Coonoor is a hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills, near Ooty. The hill station was founded by the British in 1819 as a health resort.
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Key Attractions: Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, Law’s Falls
- Activities: Trekking, tea factory visit, Nilgiri Mountain Railway ride
- Best Place to Stay: Guesthouses to luxury hotels
- Best Food: South Indian cuisine, especially Tamil Nadu dishes
- Average Expense: ₹ 1,500 – ₹ 3,500 per day
- How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Coonoor; Nearest airport – Coimbatore International Airport (70 km)
- Why Best for Families: Scenic hikes, historical sites, cool climate.
7. Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu
Yelagiri is a small hill station in Tamil Nadu, located near Tirupattur.
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 days
- Key Attractions: Swami Malai Hills, Punganoor Lake, Jalagamparai Falls
- Activities: Trekking, paragliding, visiting rose garden
- Best Place to Stay: Budget guesthouses and resorts
- Best Food: South Indian cuisine
- How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Jolarpettai (21 km); Nearest airport – Chennai International Airport (192 km)
- Why Best for Families: Quiet and peaceful getaway with adventurous activities.
8. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal, also known as the “Princess of Hills” is a beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu. Kodaikanal was developed as a hill station in the 19th century by (A.M) American missionaries.
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Activities: Trekking, chocolate factory visit, scenic rides
- Best Place to Stay: Guesthouses to luxury hotels
- Best Food: South Indian cuisine
- Average Expense: ₹ 1,500 – ₹ 3,500 per day
- How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Kodaikanal Road; Nearest airport – Madurai International Airport (120 km)
- Why Best for Families: Cool climate, scenic beauty, and diverse activities
9. Idukki, Kerala
Idukki is a district in Kerala, known for its hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries & dams. Idukki district has the highest peak in South India, Anamudi.
- Ideal Duration: 3-4 days
- Key Attractions: Idukki Arch Dam, Periyar National Park, Hill stations
- Activities: Trekking, wildlife safari, boat ride
- Best Place to Stay: Homestays, resorts, tree houses
- Best Food: Keralan cuisine
- Average Expense: ₹ 2,000 – ₹ 4,000 per day
- How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Kottayam (64 km); Nearest airport – Kochi International Airport (110 km)
- Why Best for Families: Adventure, nature, and relaxation.
10. Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna is a coastal town. Gokarna was an important religious center for centuries
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Key Attractions: Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Mahabaleshwar Temple
- Activities: Beach relaxation, swimming, temple exploration
- Best Place to Stay: Beach huts, guesthouses, resorts
- Best Food: Seafood
- Average Expense: ₹ 1,500 – ₹ 3,500 per day
- How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Gokarna Road; Nearest airport – Dabolim Airport, Goa (140 km)
- Why Best for Families: Relaxing beach vacation with cultural experiences.
11. Pondicherry, Puducherry
Pondicherry also known as ( Puducherry ) . Pondicherry is famous for its French colonial architecture, beaches, & spiritual Aurobindo Ashram
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Key Attractions: French Quarter, Promenade Beach, Aurobindo Ashram
- Activities: Explore French Quarter, relax on the beach, visit ashram
- Best Place to Stay: Hotels, guesthouses, homestays
- Best Food: French and Indian cuisine
- Average Expense: ₹ 1,500 – ₹ 3,500 per day
- How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Pondicherry; Nearest airport – Chennai International Airport (130 km)
- Why Best for Families: Unique blend of French and Indian culture.
12. Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Located In Karnataka
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Key Attractions: Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Elephant Stables
- Activities: Explore ruins, coracle ride, hike up Matanga Hill
- Best Place to Stay: Guesthouses, homestays, budget hotels
- Best Food: Local Karnataka cuisine
- How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Hospet Junction; Nearest airport – Hubli Airport (144 km)
- Why Best for Families: Historical and cultural exploration.
13. Kumarakom, Kerala
Kumarakom is a beautiful backwater town. Kumarakom famous for its 1. houseboat cruises 2. Ayurvedic treatments 3. bird watching. Many More . Kumarakom is known as the “Land of Five Lochs”.
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Key Attractions: Backwaters, Bird Sanctuary, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall
- Activities: Houseboat cruise, swimming, Ayurvedic treatment
- Best Place to Stay: Houseboats, homestays, resorts
- Best Food: Keralan seafood dishes
- Average Expense: ₹ 2,000 – ₹ 4,000 per day
- How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Kottayam (29 km); Nearest airport – Kochi International Airport (76 km)
- Why Best for Families: Relaxing houseboat experience and cultural insights.
14. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Araku Valley was discovered by the British in the early 20th century as a summer resort.
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 days
- Key Attractions: Galikonda View Point, Borra Caves, Ananthagiri Waterfalls
- Activities: Scenic train journey, coffee plantation visit, learn about tribal culture
- Best Place to Stay: Homestays, resorts, cottages
- Best Food: Andhra cuisine, local specialties
- Average Expense: ₹ 1,500 – ₹ 3,000 per day
- How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Araku; Nearest airport – Visakhapatnam Airport (140 km)
- Why Best for Families: Nature, adventure, and cultural experiences.
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