Scenic hill stations in Southern India you shouldn’t miss this summer

It's time to head out on your annual summer vacation, right? This is the time when families keep aside their normal routines and look to spend time together, but as the mercury rises in metro cities, it's increasingly getting difficult to spot the destination that not has a plesant weather, but has ample of options for the entire family to bond together. Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, the CNBC-TV18 Travel Desk has handpicked ssome these cool-climate destinations in southern India that offer the perfect escape from the summer heat. So, pack your bags and embark on a refreshing journey to explore the natural beauty and tranquility of these enchanting locales. Read on to know more about the best summer destinations in South India. (Image: shutterstock)
It’s time to head out on your annual summer vacation, right? This is the time when families keep aside their normal routines and look to spend time together, but as the mercury rises in metro cities, it’s increasingly getting difficult to spot the destination that not has a plesant weather, but has ample of options for the entire family to bond together. Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, the CNBC-TV18 Travel Desk has handpicked ssome these cool-climate destinations in southern India that offer the perfect escape from the summer heat. So, pack your bags and embark on a refreshing journey to explore the natural beauty and tranquility of these enchanting locales. Read on to know more about the best summer destinations in South India. (Image: shutterstock)
No 1. Ooty, Tamil Nadu | Known as the “Queen of Hill Stations,” Ooty is one of the best places to visit in the South as the maximum temperature during this season does not cross 23 Degree Celsius here. The lush greenery, tranquil lakes and pleasant weather make it a popular choice for summer vacations. Among the top tourist attractions here are Ooty Lake, Rose Garden, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Kalhatti Falls, Tiger Hills, Emerald Lake, Doddabetta Peak, and many more. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 2. Coorg, Karnataka | Nestled amid coffee plantations and mist-covered hills, Coorg offers a tranquil retreat with its cool climate and scenic beauty. This charming hill station in Karnataka is famous for exceptional coffee and spice plantations. People often call it the ‘Scotland of the East’. The top tourist attractions here include Nisargadhama, Abbey Falls, Naharhole National Park, Raja’s Seat, Iruppu Falls, etc. (Image: Shutterstock)
3. Munnar, Kerala | Snuggled in the vast stretches of the Western Ghats, Munnar is renowned for its sprawling tea estates. The famous hill station attracts tourists through its scenic waterfalls, cool climate, and breathtaking vistas, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. The top places to visit are Eravikulum National Park, Echo Point, Tata Tea Museum, Tea Garden Photo Point, Mattupetty Dam, etc.
No 3. Munnar, Kerala | Snuggled in the vast stretches of the Western Ghats, Munnar is renowned for its sprawling tea estates. The famous hill station attracts tourists through its scenic waterfalls, cool climate, and breathtaking vistas, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. The top places to visit are Eravikulum National Park, Echo Point, Tata Tea Museum, Tea Garden Photo Point, Mattupetty Dam, etc. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 4. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu | Perched atop the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal means the 'Gift of the Forest'. It is situated in Dindigul district and the cool temperature, verdant valleys, waterfalls, and shimmering lakes provide the perfect setting for a rejuvenating holiday. Must visit places here are Pillar Rocks, Coaker’s Walk, Kodai Lake, Thalaiyar Falls, Devil’s Kitchen, Dolphin’s Nose, Pillar Rocks, etc.
No 4. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu | Perched atop the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal means the ‘Gift of the Forest’. It is situated in Dindigul district and the cool temperature, verdant valleys, waterfalls, and shimmering lakes provide the perfect setting for a rejuvenating holiday. Must visit places here are Pillar Rocks, Coaker’s Walk, Kodai Lake, Thalaiyar Falls, Devil’s Kitchen, Dolphin’s Nose, Pillar Rocks, etc. (Image: Shutterstock)
5. Wayanad, Kerala | With its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and pleasant climate, Wayanad is among the several choices made by the tourists. It lies in the stretches of Western Ghats that offers a serene escape from the summer heat. People come here to explore places like Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Caves, Tiger Reserve, Nagarhole National Park, Embukuthi Hills and more.
No 5. Wayanad, Kerala | With its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and pleasant climate, Wayanad is among the several choices made by the tourists. It lies in the stretches of Western Ghats that offers a serene escape from the summer heat. People come here to explore places like Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Edakkal Caves, Tiger Reserve, Nagarhole National Park, Embukuthi Hills and more.
No 6. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu | Yercaud is another charming destination to visit during the summer season. It is known as the land of seven forests. Yercaud is surrounded by verdant forests and coffee plantations and has cool climate and scenic landscapes. The destination attracts tourists to explore Botanical Garden, Yercaud Lake, Shevaroy Temple, Pagoda Point, Kiliyur Falls, etc.
No 6. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu | Yercaud is another charming destination to visit during the summer season. It is known as the land of seven forests. Yercaud is surrounded by verdant forests and coffee plantations and has cool climate and scenic landscapes. The destination attracts tourists to explore Botanical Garden, Yercaud Lake, Shevaroy Temple, Pagoda Point, Kiliyur Falls, etc.
No 7. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu | A lesser-known gem in the Nilgiri Hills, Coonoor's cool weather, tea gardens, and colonial charm offer a peaceful retreat in the summers. It is one of the top places to visit in the South. The best tourist attractions here include Droog Fort, St. John Church, Ketty & Hidden Valley, etc.
No 7. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu | A lesser-known gem in the Nilgiri Hills, Coonoor’s cool weather, tea gardens, and colonial charm offer a peaceful retreat in the summers. It is one of the top places to visit in the South. The best tourist attractions here include Droog Fort, St. John Church, Ketty and Hidden Valley. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 8. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu | Kanyakumari, a picturesque coastal town in Tamil Nadu, is bordered by the Indian, Arabian, and Bay of Bengal seas. Despite being the meeting point of three seas, the waters remain distinct in colours of sea green, deep blue, and turquoise blue. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of paddy fields and coconut trees. Key attractions include Kanyakumari Beach, Thirparappu Falls, Kumari Amman Temple, and Vivekananda Rock Memorial.
No 8. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu | Kanyakumari, a picturesque coastal town in Tamil Nadu, is bordered by the Indian, Arabian, and Bay of Bengal seas. Despite being the meeting point of three seas, the waters remain distinct in colours of sea green, deep blue, and turquoise blue. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of paddy fields and coconut trees. Key attractions include Kanyakumari Beach, Thirparappu Falls, Kumari Amman Temple, and Vivekananda Rock Memorial. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 9. Valparai, Tamil Nadu | Tucked away in the Anaimalai Hills, Valparai's cool climate, dense forests, and abundance of wildlife make it an enchanting destination and a must visit place in the region. It is situated approximately 100 kilometers from Coimbatore. There are a few famous dams to visit here like Valparai-Sholayar Dam, Aliyar Dam and Nirar Dam. (Image: shutterstock)
No 9. Valparai, Tamil Nadu | Tucked away in the Anaimalai Hills, Valparai’s cool climate, dense forests, and abundance of wildlife make it an enchanting destination and a must visit place in the region. It is situated approximately 100 kilometers from Coimbatore. There are a few famous dams to visit here like Valparai-Sholayar Dam, Aliyar Dam and Nirar Dam. (Image: shutterstock)
No 10. Agumbe, Karnataka | Agumbe is known as the 'Cherrapunji of the South' and situated in Thirthahalli taluka of Shivamogga district. The misty forests, gushing waterfalls, and cool climate make it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The top tourist attractions here are Agumbe Sunset View Point, Agumbe Ghat and more. (Image: shutterstock)
No 10. Agumbe, Karnataka | Known as the ‘Cherrapunji of the South’ and situated in Thirthahalli taluka of Shivamogga district, the misty forests, gushing waterfalls, and cool climate make it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The top tourist attractions here are Agumbe Sunset View Point, Agumbe Ghat and more. (Image: shutterstock)