Best Places To Visit In Summer In South India With Family

June 3, 2024

Table of Contents

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.