South India is a region rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and spiritual experiences. Whether you’re planning a sun-kissed summer escape or a cozy winter retreat, there’s something here for everyone.
You will find centuries-old temples, hill stations, and coastal towns. The backwaters will take you through the slow-moving village, some with their old-world charms and some with a colonial historic background.
Here, we have separated the best places to visit in South India depending on seasons, so you can choose a destination depending on your preference and the time when you are traveling.
Best Places to Visit in South India – Summer Edition
Looking for places to visit in South India during the summer? The region offers some of the most scenic and cool hill stations to escape the heat.
1. Coorg – The Scotland of India (Karnataka)
- Why visit: Waterfalls, trekking, coffee estates
- Ideal for: Solo travelers, couples, families
- Best time: April to June
- Budget: Mid to luxury
The enchanting hill station, known as the Scotland of India, will provide you with views where the clouds come together with the greenery of the hills to give you something that will stay in your mind like a beautifully painted picture.
The beautiful landscapes, coffee plantations, and waterfalls make up for the perfect summer escape.
2. Munnar (Kerala)
- Highlights: Tea gardens, waterfalls, wildlife sanctuary
- Best time: March to June
- Budget: Moderate
Munnar is known for its greenery, tea estates, winding roads, and, of course, the picturesque landscapes. This hill station is located in the Idukki district.
Set high in the Western Ghats of Kerala, you will find various tour packages making things easier for you.
If you want, you can take a tour of these tea estates on foot and even a short tour of the factories if you are interested.
3. Ooty (Tamil Nadu)
- Highlights: Toy train, Rose Garden, Doddabetta Peak
- Best time: April to June
- Budget: Wide range of options
Situated in the heart of the Nilgiri hills, Ooty is popularly known by the name of Udagamandalam.
This is one of Tamil Nadu’s popular tourist destinations. Once this place served as the summer headquarters of the East India Company, and it is not without reason.
The Queen of Hills serves as a gateway for many. The place has it all, starting with tea gardens, winding country lanes, serene waterfalls, and charming colonial architecture. Ooty will feel like the much-needed break you are waiting for.
4. Yercaud (Tamil Nadu)
- Highlights: 32-Km Loop Road, viewpoints, lake
- Best time: March to June
- Budget: Budget-friendly
Located in the Eastern Ghats, this place is about 30 km from Salem, and it has a lot to offer. You can take a boat ride in the Big Lake or drive up to Karadiyur View Point or the Pagoda Point to enjoy the view of the valleys and hills.
Yercaud offers a wealth of sights, including several temples. You should visit the Shevariy Temples.
The temples sit at the highest points and provide an amazing view. Moreover, if you enjoy the quiet and peaceful, you should visit Sri Chakra Mahameru Temple.
5. Gokarna (Karnataka)
- Highlights: Om Beach, yoga retreats
- Best time: November to April (but manageable in early summer)
- Budget: Mid-range
Gokarna is a relatively new place and has become a hub for hippies and lovers because of the breathtaking landscapes and pristine beaches.
It is located on the coast of Karwar and welcomes numerous tourists from all over the world who seek relaxation and serenity.
If you want to get a breath of fresh air and an escape from the life you have in town, you can visit Om Beach and Kudle Beach.
6. Wayanad (Kerala)
- Highlights: Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Falls, wildlife
- Best time: March to May
- Budget: Moderate
Located in the lap of the Western Ghats, this place draws travelers who love a good forest trek, have an interest in wildlife, caves, and waterfalls.
Moreover, if you are driving here from Bangalore, you will have to cross Ngarhole, Bandipur, and Mudumalai, which will give you a subtle hint of what is coming up.
You can climb up the Edakkal Caves, trek to the Chembra Peak, or go bamboo rafting in the Kabini River, enjoy a slow morning by the coffee estate, or go ziplining for some adventure.
Best Places to Visit in South India – Winter Edition
While many flock north during winter, South India offers equally rewarding cool-weather getaways, spiritual journeys, and coastal charm.
1. Hampi (Karnataka)
- Highlights: Vittala Temple, river rides, bouldering
- Best time: October to February
- Budget: Backpacker-friendly
A winter delight for history lovers, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site with surreal ruins and ancient temples. It is among those laid-back places that will take you back in time.
Once this place was a part of Vijayanagar, an ancient south Indian kingdom, before it was declared a World Heritage site.
2. Pondicherry (Tamil Nadu)
- Highlights: Auroville, Promenade Beach, cafés
- Best time: November to February
- Budget: Mid-range
With its French architecture and beaches, Pondicherry is ideal for a cozy winter retreat. It will take you to a world far away and present you with a completely different atmosphere.
With the colorful houses, relaxed attitude, and French architecture, you will want to soak in every ounce of color and life in your bones.
3. Kanyakumari (Tamil Nadu)
- Highlights: Vivekananda Memorial, sunset point
- Best time: October to March
- Budget: Affordable
Kanyakumari is located at the southernmost tip of India and is one of the most captivating towns in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the best places to visit in South India.
It is the place where three huge water bodies—the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea—come together, and is known as the Triveni Sangam. The place is not just about beauty, but also holds spiritual significance.
The town is also known as Cape Comorin and holds a special place in Indian folklore and mythology. The Kanyakumari Temple draws in a lot of devotees, along with other visitors.
4. Mysore (Karnataka)
- Highlights: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hills
- Best time: October to March
- Budget: Mid-range
Mysore is known by the name “The City of Palaces” and is renowned for its rich heritage. When one thinks about the ancient reigns, this place automatically comes to one’s mind.
Even if you do not have much time, you can cover various places in just a day. Cover some of the famous heritage sites, enjoy the old-world charm, and experience the local life.
5. Varkala (Kerala)
- Highlights: Ayurveda, beach yoga, cliff cafés
- Best time: November to February
- Budget: Mid-range
It is one of those places that brings you calmness the moment you lay eyes on it. You can come here for a yoga retreat, have lunch in one of the shacks by the beach, and take a dip in the Papanasam Beach.
The main attraction is the Varkala Cliff, and if you enjoy shopping, this will be a treat for you. Moreover, if you are into adventure sports, you can try paragliding and take surfing lessons as well.
For a glimpse of the local tradition, visit Suvagiri Mutt and Janardanaswamy Temple.
6. Auroville (Tamil Nadu)
- Highlights: Matrimandir, community spaces, workshops
- Best time: October to March
- Budget: Economical
Auroville is 15km from Pondicherry and was founded in 1968 by Mirra Alfassa. If you are looking for tranquility, this is the place that will serve you best.
When you are in Auroville, be sure to visit The French Quarter. It is known for the mustard-yellow buildings, and you can experience the culture best when you sit in a cafe alone.
You will find seafood grills, French bakeries, and authentic Tamil eateries at every turn.
Best of South India, Any Season
These are some of the best places to visit in South India, but it will mesmerize you no matter when you visit, and what your preferences are. If you are someone who loves the seaside, then you should visit Gokarna or Goa.
However, if you enjoy cool weather and prefer calm and quiet, then Ooty and Coorg should be the places you choose.
You will encounter various festivals, classical music, traditional crafts, and dance at every turn. Also, you will find different food on your journey when you travel from one destination to another.