The summer heat dies down, and the petrichor mingles with the air in August. It brings relief to the travellers who are on their journey to relish the monsoons in South India. From the refreshing green landscapes to the cascading waterfalls and mist-covered mountains to the breezy hill stations, here’s a list of astounding places to visit in South India in August that will blow your mind away.
20 Places To Visit In South India In August
This extensive list includes the best places to visit in South India. Make plans to experience a holiday like none other. Choose the destination that best suits your mood and style, and prepare for a wonderful holiday.
1. Mysore
As a history buff and cultural enthusiast, you will have a great time in Mysore. Nestled in Karnataka, the place boasts grand palaces, vibrant markets, and unique festivities. Also known as the ‘City of Palaces’, Mysore has a rich historical legacy. Some of the must-visit palaces include Mysore Palace and Lalitha Mahal Palace. The place is world-famous for its royal splendour and architectural beauty. Hence, remember to visit Mysore on your next trip with loved ones.
Major Attractions: Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill, Mysore Zoo
Things To Do: Wildlife spotting, Boating, Bird watching
How To Reach: Mysore Airport (Mandakalli Airport) is the nearest, 12 km from the city centre. The nearest railway station is Mysore Junction Railway Station.
Must Read: Bangalore To Coorg Road Trip
2. Kudremukh
Located in Karnataka, Kudremukh is famous for its panoramic natural vistas, adventurous attractions, and, most notably, challenging trekking trails. Trekking enthusiasts often visit this place to have an adrenaline-pumped experience. While passing lakes, waterfalls, and dense forests, a trekker feels a roller coaster of emotions with the constant thought of encountering wildlife anytime and anywhere. Furthermore, trekkers can camp under starlit skies and add a whole new dimension to their trip to South India.
Major Attractions: Kudremukh Peak, Kudremukh National Park, Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls, Kadambi Falls
Things To Do: Wildlife encounters, Trekking, Camping, Mountain biking
How To Reach: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport (Bajpe Airport), 100 km from Kudremukh. Mangalore Central Railway Station is the nearest railway station, 100 km from Kudremukh.
3. Hampi
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka is a city steeped in history and architectural wonders. Today, it is a sprawling archaeological complex dotted with the ruins of ancient palaces, monuments, and temples. It is considered the best place to visit in August in South India for a historical getaway. So, if you are a history buff, add this place to your itinerary.
Major Attractions: Virupaksha Temple, Lotus Mahal, Queen’s Bath, Nandi
Things To Do: Coracle rides, Climb Matanga Hill, Trek to the Anjaneya Hill
How To Reach: Hubli Airport (144km)/Kempegowda International Airport (350 km). The nearest railway station is Hospet Junction (Hosapete), i.e., 13 km from Hampi.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Coorg Within 100 Kms
4. Periyar Tiger Reserve
Image Credit: Nikhil j for Wikimedia Commons
Are you a wildlife enthusiast and adventurer looking for an amalgamation of trekking, wildlife encounters, and jungle patrols? Periyar Tiger Reserve is among the thrilling places to visit in South India. From guided safaris to treks, you can embark on an exciting journey. The reserve has diverse wildlife, including elephants, sambar deer, and the Bengal Tiger. You can have a mind-blowing experience here. Furthermore, the Periyar Lake adds more fun to your journey, where boat cruises offer opportunities for wildlife spotting amidst surreal surroundings.
Major Attractions: Periyar Lake, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
Things To Do: Wildlife safari, Jungle patrol, Boating, Nature walks
How To Reach: Take a taxi/car from Kochi (Cochin) Aiport, Reach Kottayam Railway Station and hire a taxi/cab.
5. Varkala
Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Varkala is a fantastic coastal destination in Kerala. Papanasam Beach is believed to wash away one’s sins, attracting pilgrims and tourists worldwide. Additionally, Varkala is home to many captivating temples, like Janardanaswamy Temple. Lastly, Varkala is famous for its Ayurvedic treatments and rejuvenation therapies.
Major Attractions: Varkala Beach, Anjengo Fort, Ponnumthuruthu Island
Things To Do: Sunset watching, Yoga and meditation, Surfing, Boating
How To Reach: Hire a taxi or rent a car from Trivandrum Airport. Reach Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station and take a taxi/cab.
Suggested Read: Coimbatore To Ooty Road Trip
6. Chikmagalur
Located in the western region of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is a district that owes much of its popularity to the Baba Budan Giri ranges, the coffee plantations, and the weather. Encompassing vast and refreshingly green landscapes, Chikmagalur is, by far, one of the best places to visit in South India during August, which is yet to be explored by travellers.
Major Attractions: Baba Budan Giri, Hebbe Falls, Kodandarama Temple
Things To Do: Backpacking, Wildlife safari, Rafting, Trekking
How to Reach: Mangalore Airport is the nearest airport to Chikmagalur, 170 kilometres away. The nearest railway head is Kadur railway station, 40 kilometres away.
South Weekend Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
A trip to South India has a lot to offer – from the tranquillity of forests to the charm of sizzling beaches and from lost kingdoms to the chills of a hill station. Visit Kerala, Coorg, Ooty, Mysore, or Kodaikanal. Book holiday packages inclusive of airport transfers, cab, resort, sightseeing, and meals.
7. Alleppey
Undoubtedly, Alleppey is one of the best places to visit in South India in August, and it needs no introduction to those who call themselves nature lovers. Blessed with pristine backwaters and greenery, Alleppey is famous for its backwater cruising in a houseboat, offering an exhilarating experience in Kerala.
Major Attractions: Alappuzha Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Pathiramanal, Vembanad, Alleppey Beach, and more.
Things To Do: Backwater cruising in a houseboat, birdwatching, ayurvedic massages, snake boat racing, and more.
How To Reach: The Cochin International Airport is the nearest airstrip, just 75 kilometres away. Alleppey has a railway station, which is only 4 kilometres from the city centre.
Suggested Read: Hotels Near Alleppey
8. Yercaud
Located in the district of Salem, Yercaud is one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu in August but is often overshadowed by the popularity of Ooty and Kodaikanal. Being one of the most fascinating places to visit in August in South India, the hill station of Yercaud forms the core of the Shevaroy range located in the Eastern Ghats.
Major Attractions: Shevaroy Hills, Shevaroy Temple, Kiliyur Falls, Anna Park, Lady’s Seat, Gents Seat, and more.
Things To Do In Yercaud: Boating in Emerald Lake, exploring the Botanical Garden, watching the sunset from Pagoda Point and more.
How to Reach: Salem Junction railway station is the nearest railway station, 35 kilometers away, and Salem Airport is the nearest airport, 38 kilometers away.
9. Poovar
Set in the heart of Trivandrum district, Poovar is one of the naturally blessed places to visit in July in South India. It is the second last place, marking the end of the coastal state of Kerala. Poovar is an exquisite local town that serves as a perfect getaway for those who seek to escape to a natural retreat.
Major Attractions: Poovar Beach, Aazhimala Siva Temple, Elephant Rock, Kuzhipallam Botanical Garden, and more.
Things To Do: Cruise the Neyyar River, explore the Vizhinjam seaport, enjoy a boat cruise, indulge in the goodness of Ayurveda, and more.
How To Reach: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the closest airstrip to Poovar, which is just 28 kilometres away. Dhanuvachapuram is the nearest railway station at a distance of just 9 kilometres.
Suggested Read: Monsoon In Kerala
10. Sirsi
Chances are high that most of you didn’t know such a place existed in India until now. Located in the northern region of Karnataka, Sirsi is one of the best monsoon destinations in South India. It is famed for its peaceful vibe and dense forests, encompassed by many cascading waterfalls.
Major Attractions: Unchalli Falls, Sahasralinga, Benne Hole Falls, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, Shivaganga Falls, and more.
Things To Do: Visit the Banavasi Temple, explore the Gudnapur Lake, go birdwatching in Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, trek to Muregar Falls, and more.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Hubli Airport, which is 113 kilometres from Sirsi. Talguppa is the nearest railhead, which is just 54 kilometres away.
11. Munnar
Munnar is one hill station which is renowned for its rejuvenating environs and its tea plantations. Located in the Idukki district of Kerala, Munnar happens to be one of the best honeymoon places to visit in August in South India as well due to its natural charm and stunning attractions.
Major Attractions: Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak, Munnar Tea Museum, Hydel Park, Fun Forest, and more.
Things To Do: Wildlife watching at Eravikulam National Park, trek to the Echo Point, boating in Kundala Lake, safari at Elephant Park, and more.
How to Reach: The nearest Cochin International Airport and the Aluva railway station are located just 110 kilometres apart from Munnar.
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In August In India
12. Ooty
Popularly known as Udhagamandalam or Udhagai, Ooty remains one of the top romantic places to visit in South India in August. Much famed for hosting the annual flower show in the Botanical Gardens and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty is one of the most celebrated hill stations in the heart of Tamil Nadu.
Major Attractions: Pykara Lake, Doddabetta Peak, Botanical Garden, Stone House, Kamraj Dam, and more.
Things To Do In Ooty: Boating in Ooty Lake, riding the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, enjoying backpacking and camping in Avalanche Lake, and more.
How to Reach: Coimbatore Airport is the nearest airport, located just 88 kilometres away, and Mettupalayam is the nearest railway station, located 40 kilometres from Ooty.
13. Kodaikanal
An immediate rival of Ooty and located in the district of Dindigul, Kodaikanal is a hill station famous for being surrounded by hills on all sides. The most popular attraction, a manmade lake built in the shape of a star, literally translates into the’ Gift of the Forest’.
Major Attractions: Kodai Lake, Palni Hills, Berijam Lake, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Bryant Park, and more.
Things To Do: Trek to the Pillar rocks, hike the Dolphin’s Nose, cycle on Coakers Walk, boat in Kodai Lake, and more.
How to Reach: Madurai Airport is the nearest airport, located 120 kilometres away. In contrast, Kodai Road Railway Station is the nearest railhead, located just 80 kilometres away.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In South India
14. Devikulam
Not too far from the famous Munnar lies another hidden gem: the hill station of Devikulam. Set in the heart of the Idukki district, Devikulam offers a rare mountain experience that surrounds one with never-ending green landscapes, cool breezes, and unspoilt environs, which are rich flora and fauna.
Major Attractions: Devi Lake, Pallivasal Falls, Thoovanam Falls, Mangalam Devi Temple, Idukki National Park, and more.
Things To Do: Tour the tea plantations, elephant watching at Carmelagiri Elephant Park, trek to the Pothamedu View Point, and more.
How to Reach: Kochi Airport is the nearest airstrip, about 95 kilometres away. The nearest Kottayam Railway station is 136 kilometres away.
15. Coonoor
Nestled amidst the Nilgiri mountain ranges, Coonoor is one of the three hill stations of the Nilgiris, along with Ooty and Kotagiri. Set at an altitude of about 6,000 ft., Coonoor is one of the best attractions in Tamil Nadu, which gained much of its fame due to the Nilgiri tea production.
Major Attractions: Sim’s Park, Thanthi Mariamman Temple, Dolphin Nose View Point, Lamb’s Rock, Katary Falls, and more.
Things To Do: Explore the Tantea tea museum, enjoy golfing at Wellington Golf Course, trek to the Hidden Valley, and more.
How to Reach: Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest airstrip, located just 54 kilometres from the city. One can also board private and state-run buses from the nearby cities of Bangalore, Chennai, Salem, Kochi, and more.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Monsoon In Maharashtra
16. Gavi
Located deep within the interiors of the Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, Gavi is one of the most offbeat places to visit in South India in August. Set within the Ranni reserve forest premises, Gavi forms an integral part of the Periyar National Park.
Major Attractions: Paradise Cove at Ninnumulli, Chenthamara Kokka, Valley View, Kullur, Kochu Pampa, Pullumedu, Pachakanam, and more.
Things To Do: Night camping in forests, trek to Pullumedu Peak, hike to Meenar, explore the spice gardens en route to Gavi, and more.
How To Reach: Nedumbassery Airport in Ernakulam is the closest airport at 160 kilometres. Kottayam Railway station is 128 kilometres away; by road, Gavi is just 51 kilometres from Thekkady.
17. Lambasingi
Set in the district of Visakhapatnam, Lambasingi is one of the lesser-known places to visit in South India in August, and it offers scintillating experiences. Much famed as the Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh, Lambasingi is probably the only place in the entire state where snowfall can be witnessed.
Nearby Attractions: Araku Valley, Kothapally Waterfalls, Ghat Road, and more.
Things to Do: Trekking, Camping, Hiking, Nature walking
How to Reach: The closest airstrip is Vishakhapatnam Airport, which is about 107 kilometres away from Lambasingi. From the airport, one can drive and reach Lambasingi within just 2 hours.
Suggested Read: Romantic Budget Resorts In India
18. Coorg
Often called Kodagu, Coorg is a hill station that is much loved by nature lovers and honeymooners. Offering stunning views of the encircling mountains covered with mist and clouds, Coorg is probably the only place where one can find every shade of green that blends perfectly with earthy brown.
Major Attractions: Abbey Falls, Nisargadhama Island, Irupu Falls, Omkareshwara Temple, Madikeri Fort, and more.
Things To Do: Trek to Mandalpatti, go on a Jungle safari at Nagarhole National Park, backpack through Tadiandamol, trek to Pushpagiri peak, and more.
How to Reach: Mangalore International Airport is just 160 kilometres away. Regular state-run buses run from Bangalore, Chennai, and Mysore to Coorg.
19. Kanyakumari
Located at the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari is famous for its colourful shoreline, which offers scenic views of the Indian Ocean. With a perfect mix of mountains, cliffs, plains, valleys, and the sea, Kanyakumari is one of the best places to visit in South India in August.
Major Attractions: Padmanabhapuram Palace, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Vattakottai Fort, and more.
Things To Do: Watch the sunset from the Viewing Tower, trek to Marunthuvazh Malai, visit the Government Museum, explore Baywatch amusement park and more.
How to Reach: The nearest airstrip is Trivandrum International Airport, located 67 kilometres away. Kanyakumari railway station is also connected to the major cities in India.
Suggested Read: Monsoon In Kerala
20. Lakshadweep
Located off the coastline of Kerala, Lakshadweep is a tropical paradise set in the heart of the Laccadive Sea. A famous archipelago that comprises 36 rich coral reefs and atolls, Lakshadweep is one of the most romantic places in India and is famous for its quixotic beaches and smooth white sands.
Major Attractions: Kavaratti Islands, Minicoy, Kadmat Island, Agatti, and more.
Things To Do: Scuba diving in Bangaram Atoll, snorkelling in Kavaratti, watch the sunset from Minicoy’s lighthouses, and more.
How to Reach: Take a flight from Kochi International Airport to Agatti Airport in Lakshadweep. You can also choose to sail from Kochi to Lakshadweep,, about 321 kilometres.
Further Read: Best Beaches In Lakshadweep
All these places have a unique charm that attracts travellers, especially during August, when summer settles and the monsoon arrives. Hence, to relish the essence of the monsoon, head out to one of these most extraordinary destinations in India and enjoy a rejuvenating vacation. So, plan your trip to South India today.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In South India In August
Which is the best place to visit in August in South India?
South India beckons travellers worldwide with its extraordinary and surreal destinations. Some of the best places to visit in August include Mysore, Ooty, and Coorg. Which is the best monsoon destination in South India?
Many places can be visited in South India in monsoon, including Lakshadweep, Kanyakumari, and Lambasingi. Which is the most beautiful place in South India?
There is not one but many beautiful places in South India. Yercaud, Munnar, Ooty, Coorg, Alleppey, and Kovalam are just a few of the gems in South India. Visit these places to experience the enthralling beauty and greenery. What are the best places to visit in Karnataka in August?
The best places to visit in Karnataka aka monsoon month are Chikmagalur and Sirsi. Which is the coolest place in South India?
Coorg, Ooty, Munnar, Wayanad, Kodaikanal are some of the most incredible places in South India.
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