Summer is the best time to leave the chaos of work behind, along with the scorching sun rays of Delhi. To wander in the offbeat & unexplored destinations are like the secrets we look for in India’s incredible country. Therefore I planned for southern India this time. However, it’s a misconception about a hot and humid affair. Instead, south India hill stations have warm sunshine, blissful weather, a tranquil setting, and beautiful scenery with a soothing climate. Above all, I have done comprehensive searches before finalizing my destination. After that, I have fantastic, offbeat hill stations in South India where you can head to chill in summer. Take a look and pick the best!
I have included a mixed bag, a few popular & some lesser-known ones.
Kudremukh
A popular trekker destination in summer, where one can enjoy the unspoilt beauty of the rolling hills thanks to no construction of resorts in the mountains. There are several stay options at homestays in Mullodi village nearby. However, permission is required to trek in the forest. Trekkers are issued limited passes per day. You will find nil crowds here. In other words, you must book early, and on time, so you don’t miss your spot.
Kudremukh is well connected by road. The nearest railway station and the international airport is in Mangalore, 100.3km via NH169.
Ponmudi
Since Ponmudi is located at 1100m above sea level, the temperature ranges from 21 to 28 degrees. The climate here is soothing throughout the year. The preferable time to visit is winter, as mist covers the landscape of emerald-green trees like a white blanket. And gurgling waterfalls gurgling flows their way through the valleys. But summer is also excellent because of the weather condition to visit this place. Also, the major tourist attractions Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Echo Point, trekking spots, and mist-laden valley Golden Valley near Kallar River, will keep you busy.
Thiruvananthapuram, with a railway station and airport, is the nearest city to Ponmudi. However, Ponmudi can be reached by road, a distance of approximately 60 km.
Gavi near Idukki
It is an Eco-Tourism spot, as the last stretch to Gavi is through thick forests of wildlife reserves, four dams and a winding hilly path. A hill station Gavi is known as a birdwatcher’s paradise. You can spot the woodpecker, great pied hornbill, kingfishes, etc. The well-preserved natural beauty will lure you in.
Gavi is easily accessed by road, 14 km from Vandiperiyar. And by rail, the nearest stations are the Ernakulam Railway station and the Kottayam Railway station. The nearest airport is the Nedumbassery (Cochin) at 176km; plenty of public and private transport from the airport.
Athirapally Falls
It is a majestic cascade of water from the Anamudi mountains of the Western Ghats. Also known as Bahubali waterfalls, owing to their grandeur. It is the largest waterfall at 80ft in height and 330ft wide. It flows through the Vazhachal Forest towards the Arabian Sea and is often referred to as the “Niagara Falls of India.” The charming sight of the green Sholayar Peaks over the waterfall is mesmerizing. And above the waterfall is a pool where you can relax and unwind in the summer.
Athirapally, waterfalls can be easily reached by roadway buses from Kochi.
Araku Valley
Located on the border of Odisha in the Eastern Ghats is this untouched Araku Valley, enchantingly beautiful with a vast expanse of coffee plantations. This place has magnificent mountains, greenery, and waterfalls, making it an ideal holiday destination. Araku Valley is the ‘Mecca of Coffee Lovers’ because of its rolling hills, undulating meadows, and pompous orchards with a pleasant climate. They are. Moreover, it is known for its exclusivity and tranquillity since it is situated on the lap of three hills, namely Galikonda, Raktakonda, and Chitamogondi. This beautiful destination offers various activities like hiking, trekking, and coffee plantation tours.
Araku Valley does not have an airport. The nearest Airlink is Vishakhapatnam which is 112 km away. The railhead in Araku Valley has one train coming to the destination every day from Visakhapatnam. The place is conveniently bridged via an efficient network of state-run buses.
Coorg
Talking about alluring summer holiday destinations in south India- Coorg flashes up. It is a beautiful hill town. It is a serene summer retreat with stunning greenery, cloud-clad mountain peaks, enthralling waterfalls, pleasing aroma of tea and spices. And also a perfect time to go for wildlife exploration. You can also enjoy trekking, boating, hiking, rock climbing, rafting, and camping in Coorg, or you can take leisure walks.
Coorg is connected well with the cities like Mysore, Bangalore and Mangalore. Taxis and state buses get to the hill station from these cities. It will take almost 3 hours and 30 minutes to reach the place from Hassan.
Kodaikanal
It is a scenic hill station in Tamil Nadu with picturesque vistas and captivating greenery. It offers a pleasant climate with cloud-capped mountains, mist-capped cliffs, perfectly manicured slopes, rolling hills, clear lakes and beautiful valleys. It’s just breathtaking! It’s a place to relax and soak in the view; taking a leisure walk or boating can be good.
The airport nearest to Kodaikanal is Madurai, about 120 kilometres away. The line includes the Trichy and Coimbatore airports, 150 kilometres and 175 kilometres away, respectively. You can quickly get a bus to Kodaikanal from the airport or book a taxi.
Munnar
Munnar is a few-and-far-between destination in the south of India. During the day, the temperature is around 26°C whilst it night 16°C from April- to May. Moreover, Munnar’s natural beauty needs no introduction. I recommend visiting Neolithic burial chambers, Attukad waterfalls and Marayur with Neolithic era dolmens, Eravikulam National Park and rock paintings. A suitable arrangement has been made by Kerela tourism.
No railway station or airport in Munnar. The last stretch of travel to Munnar has to be done by private or public transport. Kochi is the nearest railway station and airport to Munnar.
Ooty
Nestled in the lap of the Nilgiri hills and blessed with pleasant weather in Ooty. A gorgeous green paradise rewards us with blissful panoramic views of glittering emerald tea plantations, picturesque hilly tracks, breathtaking waters and beautiful lakes. An arousing ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train is necessary while planning your trip to Ooty. You must sit back and sip the hot Nilgiri tea while enjoying the sunset.
The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore, at a distance of 100 km. However, Mettupalayam is the nearest railway station, about 47 km from Ooty. Moreover, Ooty is well connected with many south Indian cities by road.
Wayanad
A picture-perfect hill station with a mix of rich culture, vibrant heritage, abundant natural beauty and thrilling adventures. The hill station is dotted with plentiful flora, fauna, serene hills, and dense forests. Enchanting pre-historic caves, sprawling spice plantations, and breathtaking waterfalls adorn Wayanad. An ideal destination to hang out with this summer.
Kozhikode is the closest railway station, 110 km away from Wayanad.
And Karipur International Airport at Kozhikode is the nearest airport. However, Wayanad has a good road network. State transport buses run from Bengaluru, Mysore, Kochi, Mangalore, Trivandrum, Chennai, etc., to Wayanad. Even private cabs are an available option.
Kotagiri
Surrounded by lush tea gardens nestled in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, Kotagiri is yet to be explored. The thick colonial era envelops this beautiful town. The exotic flora and fauna are a charm that will enhance your summer vacation experience—adding Kotagiri to no competitive edge over other hill stations. Getting lazy here is the best way to enjoy and indulge in local cuisines.
Coimbatore is the nearest airport, roughly 69km, via Mettupalayam-Kotagiri Road.
Sakleshpur
Known scenic hill stations of the Western Ghats, it is a go-to summer vacation spot for families. The Murkannu Gudda and Hadlu Waterfalls on the way an unedited scenes to remember. Above all, visit Shettihalli Rosary Church, a floating church, during sunset from Sakleshpur. After that, capture mesmerizing pictures- on my recommendation. You can also add Manjarabad Fort, cardamom and pepper gardens, and Sri Sakleshwara Temple as places to visit during the trip.
Sakleshpur is located in the Malnad region of the Western Ghats. The nearest airport is Mangalore, 162km by road.
Vagamon
NGT has listed Vagamon in the top 50 attractive places in India. Vagamon is 1100m above sea level and free from commercialised vacation clutches. Ticked away from the coastline of Kerela Lies, this misty hill station is covered with pine forest. This place has lots to offer hardcore nature lovers-perpetual greenery, waterfalls, and tea estates. And the temperature ranges from 10°C to 23°C, making the stay a pleasant destination throughout the year.
Kuttikanam is at a distance of 22 km from Vagamon, which is the nearest railway station. However, Cochin International Airport is located around 75 km away.
The roadways are well-connected, and buses, cabs and private vehicles ply Vagamon from all southern cities.
Yelagiri
A lesser-known yet pleasing hill station snuggled between four mountain ranges. It is a cluster of 14 hamlets and is famed for its natural and scenic splendours. It’s one of the few hill stations in the south that offers paragliding adventure sports apart from rappelling and rock climbing. However, you can also add Punganoor Lake Park, Nature Park, and Jalagamparai Waterfalls to the trip. In addition to Telescope Observatory, Jalagandeeswarar Temple, and Swamimalai Hills. And do not forget to pick honey since it’s made naturally by wild honey bees.
Yelagiri is well connected by road. Jarrett Junctions is the nearest railway station. And Bangalore International airport, at 192km, is the nearest airport.
Periyar
It is famed as National Park, home to elephants and tigers; it boasts a vast natural spread of lush greenery. A much-sorted place for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. And summers are the best time to explore the pristine beauty of Periyar. Plan wildlife safaris and spice plantation tours during your stay.
Madurai is the nearest airport, located at 140km. And Kottayam is the nearest railhead at a distance of 110 Km. Periyar has good connectivity through roads from all the major cities of Kerala. One can hire taxis, private cabs, and buses to reach Periyar.
Coonoor
I prefer Coonoor over Ooty, as the hill station is a beautiful mix of tea plantations and old churches. A place to be explored at a leisurely pace, as Sim’s Park and a botanical garden offers the perfect ambience to bond with nature. Coonoor is the place to be to escape the scorching summer heat. Moreover, this hill station is home to the Toda tribe. Therefore if you like interacting with locals, you can chat with them and see their craftworks.
The road connectivity of Coonoor with all major cities in South India is excellent. One of the best ways to reach Conoor is by driving through the winding roads and passing through Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
The offbeat destinations in India offer an excellent experience- a perfect escape from the hustle-bustle of cities and indulge in incredible adventures. Vacations in these lesser-known locales of the country are genuinely meaningful. In other words, explore the raw natural beauty with fewer crowds. In addition, the unique cultures and experience a plethora of new things.