The sun is shining brightly upon us and in no time, it will be making our lives dreadful with its scorching sunrays and unbearable heat. Thus, it is time you say goodbye to the blazing sun and gallivant away to these heavenly and soothing places in South India, known for their picturesque hill stations, blissful weather, tranquil beaches, cultural heritage, architectural masterpieces, spectacular backwaters and much more.
1. Munnar, Kerala
Known as one of the most romantic hill stations, Munnar is a dreamland, tucked away amidst the Western Ghats, with deep valleys, majestic hills, and beautiful tea plantations. The tea plantations where you can find women hand-picking tea leaves is a sight to the eyes, you can also witness the process of tea harvesting. Anamudi Peak is the highest peak in South India and with some grand waterfalls, scenic lookouts and misty pathways you can go around trekking, camping, bird watching, mountain biking. The handmade chocolates are the local delicacies you will swear by.
2. Coorg, Karnataka
With the backdrop of the scenic Western Ghats is known as Scotland of the East. With the small hamlets scattered amidst nature, Coorg is much more than just scenic beauty. Reach your way up the Brahmagiri Peak for mountaineering in a place surrounded by heavy clouds. Dubare Elephant Camp offers you to explore the wildlife in the dense jungles where you can chase the sunrays. The aroma of coffee from the verdure of coffee plantations and picnics by the scenic waterfalls lets you stay cool and have your own time. You can keep cool and have a wonderful family holiday at the same time.
3. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
One of the best hill stations popular for its amazing scenic vistas, Kodaikanal means the Gift of the Forests. Beautiful waterfalls, lakes for boating activities, beautiful-hilly trails to hike, walks through the tree plantations along with lush greenery is an experience that will give you a holiday of your lifetime. You can book your own bicycles and cycle your way around Berijam Lake. The place is especially known for the amazing phenomena, Brachem Spectre that takes place at the scenic Coaker’s Walk and is utterly magical. Kodaikanal is often the preferred choice for a summer getaway for the people of Tamil Nadu. Set among the hills, the weather is much cooler and offers many adventure sports.
4. Gokarna, Karnataka
The laid-back version of Goa, Gokarna is an ideal summer destination for its quieter and less crowded beaches. Just want to chill out by the sea and witness the most spectacular sunsets right from your shacks or take a dip in the sea with their low currents and tides. The hippie islands and beaches of Gokarna present you the best living experience in shacks where you will see many foreigners soaking into the lifestyle. Not just for relaxing, Gokarna is filled with many adventure activities like trekking from one beach to another, boating, dolphin points and much more. Beautiful sunsets, vast beaches, rough cliffs and its solitude makes Gokarna a perfect get-away in summers.
5. Alleppey, Kerala
With the laid-back atmosphere and unique experience of backwaters, Kerala is known as India’s very own Venice. There is so much do in this heavenly place on your vacation. From cruising on the houseboats around the unique ecology of the land surrounded by water to indulge in the best Ayurveda treatments and soothing spas, from gorging on the flavourful delicacies to interacting with locals to soak into their rich heritage the God’s own country has got it all. You can soak in the pristine waters of Vembanad Lake, Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach around Alleppey.
