Summer is the time for infinite fun. It is also the best time to de-clutter your brains of all the stress and head to some of the farthest corners of the country to give yourself that much-needed break. While the Himalayas are the first choice in the summers for most people, South India is equally beautiful, serene with a lot to offer. There are some amazing choices for those who like their summers quiet or by the lush green-valleys occasionally hidden by low hanging monsoon clouds. Get a map of tourist places in south India, book a Savaari cab and head out to a stunning destination of your choice! Here’s a list of some of the best places to visit in South India with family:
1. Coorg, Karnataka:
Also known as the Land of Filter Coffee, cozy homestays, hidden waterfalls and homemade kodava wine; Coorg is one of the most beautiful destinations in Southern India. Great weather, lush green valleys, windy streets and beautiful resorts will provide one with the best escape from city life. Coorg is popular for its coffee plantations and has some of the best coffee estates in the country. However, there is more to Coorg than just this. One will be flooded with choices in this region. To begin with, a safari in Nagarhole Forest, swim in the Irpu Falls, observe Titimathi’s bird life, enjoy some quiet time at Cauvery Nisarghadhama, play with the gullible elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp and experience a bit of Tibetan life in Bylakuppe would be the best way to explore Coorg. You can ditch staying at resorts and have a very different experience by opting for homestays. The warm, welcoming hosts will surely give you a first-hand experience of the Coorgi culture. Book a comfortable cab from Bangalore to Coorg here.
2. Alleppey, Kerala:
The unimaginably beautiful Alleppey has a calm and relaxed vibe to it. The houseboats in Alleppey let you cruise through the pristine backwaters and beat the heat with a stunning Amazonian view. Along with helping you shed your city fatigue, Alleppey also is known a wide variety of local mouth-watering dishes. There cannot be a better way to relax than relishing some good food whilst floating lazily on the backwaters. The breathtaking views and the play of sunlight on the water just add to the charm of the place. You can visit Marari Beach, Punnamada Lake, Krishnapuram Palace, Alappuzha Beach, Vembanad Lake for taking home the best experience this summer. Rent a car in Kochi here for a hassle-free travel experience.
3. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu:
Tamil Nadu is a gem for some of the unexplored places in South India. One such diamond in the rough, Kodaikanal, defines natural beauty in the truest sense of the term. Nestled in the folds of Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal sits at an altitude of 7,200 feet. This beautiful hill station welcomes its visitors with a beautiful mix of nature and culture. Rolling hills, scenic waterfalls, and lakes come together to infuse new life into you. The pleasant weather of Kodaikanal all throughout the year lets people enjoy the very special homemade chocolates with a panoramic view of the beautiful hilly town! When in Kodaikanal, you can visit the star-shaped Kodai Lake, Green Valley View, Pillar Rocks, Bear Shola Falls, and The Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint for making the most of your time here! You can rent a car in Coimbatore to get to Kodaikanal with much ease.
4. Ooty, Tamil Nadu:
The list destinations in South India is incomplete without mentioning Ooty. Sitting gracefully amidst the Nilgiris, Ooty welcomes all kinds of visitors. Carefully carved out hilly tracks, gardens, tea plantations, and lakes add to the beauty of this stunning hilly town. The tall pine trees here have a dewy appearance all throughout the year and fill the air with freshness hard to find anywhere else. From comfortable resorts to beautiful temples to some of the best treks, Ooty has it all. Some of the most popular attractions are Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty Lake, Ooty Rose Gardens, Kalhatti Falls, Emerald Lake, Tiger Hills, Doddabetta Peak. Book a taxi from Coimbatore to Ooty here.
5. Gokarna, Karnataka:
If beautiful sunsets make you the happiest, then Gokarna is the just the place for you. Gokarna is a perfect alternative for Goa, but without the overcrowded beaches. Previously visited frequently by the devotees of Lord Shiva, Gokarna is now becoming increasingly famous among hikers and backpackers looking for peaceful getaways. With its tranquil beauty, Gokarna is the perfect place to unwind in the lap of nature with the help of Yoga. Some of the best beaches in Gokarna are Kudle, Half Moon, Om and Paradise. Book a comfortable taxi in Bangalore from Savaari and get on a road trip to Gokarna.
6. Mysore:
Popularly known as the Royal City of Karnataka, its architecture and culture are one of the finest in the country. Chamundi Hills is exceptionally popular in Mysore. It is a must-visit site for tourists, not only for the Chamundeshwari temple but also for the panoramic views it affords. Visit the Mysore market and you will be surprised to see how well organized the place really is. It is a sight unlike anything else. One gets the best quality sandalwood, silk and perfumes here. Visit the grand Mysore Palace. Its beauty is unmatched. You will be awestruck with how beautiful and grand this sprawling complex is. Try out some Mysore Pak from the local stores. Don’t miss out on the experience of eating on a banana leaf! Get a car on rent in Mysore here.
7. Hampi:
There is absolutely no reason to miss out on Hampi. With numerous intricate rock-cut temples, fascinating history and easily scalable trek routes; Hampi is perhaps one of the best places in all of South India. One of the recent developments here has been backpacking. If you are someone who is into backpacking, Hampi will serve you with just the right amount of adventure and adrenaline. This place is easily accessible from both Goa and Bangalore. With more and more people visiting Hampi for hiking, it has surely become a backpacker’s paradise. People who do not wish to hike, can visit the Lotus Mahal, take a dip at the dam and check out the elephant stables. Savaari’s outstation cabs in Bangalore can easily help you get to Hampi.
8. Chikmagalur:
Described as a Land of Coffee, Chikmaglur boasts some of the finest attractions in the South. To begin with, the Mullayanagiri Peaks shower us with a spectacular view of the entire valley. Enjoy a walk on the grass at Baba Budangiri and finally end the trip with a visit to the Jhari Falls. The water splashes on the ground from an incredible height and is quite impressive. On your way back, grab some coffee and delicious omelette from the roadside eateries. On your way to Chikmagalur, you will also cross Jog Falls and Banavasi Temple. A two-hour ride from Gokarna, Banavasi Temple is the oldest temple in Karnataka. Located on the Varda River, this temple was constructed in the 4th century BC. The unique architecture of the temple will transport you back in time away from the hustle of the cities. The majestic Jog Falls are undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. Book your Bangalore to Chikmagalur cab here.
9. Wayanad, Kerala:
Situated in the laps of Western Ghats, Wayanad with its paddy fields, quaint rural vibe, beautiful culture and heritage is the perfect getaway from city life. A regular entrant in any south India tourist places list, Waynad is truly a beautiful destination. The wide landscape painted in shades of green makes it a perfect stop and allows one to imbibe the slow lifestyle of rural South India. Along with the richness in natural beauty and a being hub for the widest variety of flora and fauna, Wayanad has so much more to offer. One can visit the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Ambukuthi Hills, Edakkal Caves, Nagarhole National Park and Tiger Reserve. One can also enjoy vistas of the cascading Soochipara Waterfalls, enjoy rafting at Kuruvadweep. Rent a car in Kochi to easily commute to Wayanad.
10. Lakkidi, Kerala:
Known to be the coolest place in South India, Lakkidi is a perfect escape from the sun-baked cities. The picturesque landscape here along with the rugged mountain terrains provides visitors with a view so grand and beautiful that it also makes this place a perfect destination for photography. Lakkidi comes as a great alternative to the hills in the North. The scenic view and cold weather make Lakkidi an unmissable destination this summer. You can spend your days visiting Pookode Lake, Chain Tree, Chembra Peak, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Heart Lake, Thusharagiri Falls to make the most of your time. Rent a cab in Kochi and travel comfortably and more conveniently.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and it helped you plan your summer holidays to some of the best destinations in South India. Let us know your favorite destination. Happy Vacations!
Last Updated on April 21, 2021 by Hritika Singh