South India is famous for natural beauty, mountain ranges, seashores, and some exotic flora and fauna. Every summer holidayers from across India and the world come to some of the most famous summer getaways in South India such as Ooty, Coorg, Kodaikanal, or Munnar.
But if you are done visiting all these places or wish to try out some unexplored landscapes in South India check out some of the best and yet to be explored summer getaways in South India right here.
1. Idukki, Kerala
With more than 97% area covered by trees and mountains, Idukki is easily the greenest hill stations in the country. The name Idukki has been derived from the fact that three well-known rivers in South India including Periyar, Thalayar, and Thodupuzhayar flow together through a small slit.
The Idukki Arch Dam is considered as the biggest of its kind in entire Asia.
Places to Visit: Wildlife reserves, spice estates, high positioned viewpoints, temples
Things to Do: Mountain Trekking
Reaching Idukki Hill Station: Cochin airport, Kottayam railway station (114 km), taxis and buses
2. Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh
Located near Vishakhapatnam, Araku Valley is considered as the least polluted among all the South Indian hill stations. The scenic beauty replete with lush greenery, coffee estates, brooks, and waterfalls makes it a perfect getaway during summer.
Places to visit: Tribal Museum, Padmapuram Gardens, Borra Caves, waterfalls
Things To Do: Enjoying Nature camp, exploring Mastyagundam – a fish pool
Reaching Araku Valley: Nearest airport & Railway Station-Vishakapatnam
3. Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Located in Karnataka at the base of Mulliyangiri range at a height of 3,400 feet, Chikmagalur is famous for its serene atmosphere, tall mountains, and lush green foliage. You can also witness the free-flowing river Yagachi that originates from the Mulliyangiri range. It is believed that it is the place where coffee was first grown in the Indian subcontinent.
Places To Visit: Coffee estates, waterfalls
Things To Do: Kayaking, Camping under the stars, Jeep Safari, water sports and adventure
Reaching Chikmagalur: Nearest railway station Kadur, by buses from Bengaluru, Hubli, Mangalore, Hassan
4. Wayanad, Kerala
This rural district in Kerala attracts tourists for its beautiful paddy fields. Nestled among the Western Ghats, the place is also well known for its culture and heritage as well as a wide range of flora and fauna.
Places To Visit: Edakkal Caves, Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve, Ambukuthi Hills, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Things To Do: Visit Edakkal Caves, enjoying rafting at Kurvadweep and viewing cascading Soochipara waterfalls
Reaching Wayanad: Nearest Railway Station and Airport: Kozhikode
5. Kumarakom, Kerala
Located on the Vembanad Lake in the backwaters of Kerala, this quaint village is well known for a plethora of bird species making it the ideal destination for a birdwatcher. The place is also lined up with canals offering the visitors an enchanting option of staying in houseboats.
It is more famous for birds such as Siberian storks and cuckoos that visit Kumarakom during summer months.
Places To Visit: Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Pathiramanal Lake, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Things To Do: Visiting St. Thomas Church, staying in a houseboat
Reaching Kumarakom: Nearest Railway Station-Kottayam, Nearest Airport- Cochin
6. Lakkidi, Kerala
Ladkkidi is one of coldest places and hence is one of the perfect summer getaways in South India. Some of the things that will fascinate you here include high mountain peaks, quaint landscapes, luxurious vegetation, and rich wildlife.
Places To Visit: Chain Tree, Pookode Lake, Chembra Peak, Heart Lake, Thusharagiri Falls
Things To Do: watersports, boat tours, and adventure sports
Reaching Lakkidi: Kozhikode (Calicut) International Airport, Kozhikode Railway Station
7. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Mystic Hills, exciting caves and cool and pleasant weather even during summer are some of the few highlights of Yercaud hill station. The place offers you the charm of the olden golden days which tempt you to stay here for more days.
Places To Visit: Botanical Garden, Kiliyur Falls, Yercaud Lake, Anna Park, Silk Farm, Shevaroy Temple, Lady’s Seat
Things To Do: Boating, Sightseeing, shopping
Reaching Yercaud: Salem Airport and Tiruchirapalli Airport, Salem Junction
8. Alleppey, Kerala
It is an ideal place that offers you fantastic views of pristine backwaters when you are on a cruise. It is one of the most relaxing and calmest summer getaways in South India offering unbelievably scenic views. The typical traditional cuisine here is also lip-smacking.
Places To Visit: Krishnapuram Palace, Punnamada Lake, Marari Beach, Vembanad Lake, Alappuzha Beach
Things To Do: boat cruise, Kayaking, ayurvedic spa, bird-watching,
Reaching Alleppey: Cochin International Airport, Alleppey Railway Station
9. Yelagiri, Tamil Nadu
One of the most pristine places in South India, Yelagiri in Tamil Nadu is famous for purest varieties of honey. The natural panoramic views that are untouched and unexplored beckon real nature lovers who want to enjoy the surroundings in their pristine glory.
It is a place where you can rest, relax and also participate in adventures like hiking and trekking and even paragliding. The major attraction in Yelagiri is the annual summer festival held every year at the end of May.
Places To Visit: Punganur Lake, Jalagamparai Falls, Nilavoor Lake, Swamimalai Hills, Velavan Temple
Things To Do: Adventure Camp, evening walks in Nature Park, Summer Festival
Reaching Yelagiri: Bangalore International Airport, Jolarpettai Railway Station
10. Gokarna, Karnataka
The small town of Gokarna is mostly famous for its temples and beaches. But it is also one of the most unexplored summer getaways in South India. The beaches in Gokarna are secluded and have a magical feel to them.
The place is just perfect for unwinding, relaxing and beating the heat in scorching summer.
Places To Visit: Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Mahabaleshwara Temple, Gokarna Beach, Yana
Things To Do: Boating, trekking, banana boat rides, shopping at flea markets
Reaching Gokarna: Dabolim Airport, Ankola Railway Station
11. Pollachi, Tamil Nadu
Pollachi has pleasant weather during the summer and offers some splendid views. Located to the South of Coimbatore, the place also offers an option to tour on the back of an elephant or a van.
It is one of the most offbeat tourist summer getaways in South India offering a myriad variety of both flora and fauna. Large stretches of dense forests with wild animals roaming freely under the sun give you a feeling of being one with nature.
Places To Visit: Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Palani Temple, Crocodile Park, Aliyar Park, and Dam, Valparai
Things To Do: Wildlife safari, picnicking
Reaching Pollachi: Peelamedu Airport, Podanur Junction
12. Ponmudi Hills, Kerala
Ponmudi Hills in Kerala is one of the best-unexplored summer getaways in South India. Its spice and tea plantations, as well as fun and adventurous activities, promises you a lifetime experience. The absolutely beautiful place is also famous as trekker’s paradise.
Places To Visit: Golden Valley, Agasthyakoodam, Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary
Things To Do: Aranmula Temple Festival, wildlife safari, trekking
Reaching Ponmudi Hills: Thiruvananthapuram Airport, Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.
So, make time for these places and enjoy the best of South India. Happy Exploring!
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