16 Amazing Holiday Destinations In South India

It can be pretty challenging to decide which destination to pick for a holiday.  Especially if you want to explore the many fascinating offerings of South India, ranging from heritage sites, adventure sports activities, to beaches and hill stations. Whatever your travel itch, the south of India caters to all your needs.

We have put together a list of all the best holiday destinations in South India. Besides being popular, these places offer tourists with plenty of memorable experiences and are perfect getaways.

Stunning Holiday Destinations in South India: Union Territories & Islands

1. Pondicherry

Pondicherry was previously a French colony, and the Union Territory’s architecture is heavily influenced by the French. The gorgeous homes and buildings in Pondy will take you back in time to the colonial-era.

Tourists can have a great time in Pondicherry as there is so much to do. You can go sightseeing, trekking, swimming and enjoy water sports.

• Best Places to See: Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Rock Beach, Auroville, French War Memorial, Pondicherry Museum, Pondicherry Boardwalk and French Quarters
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Where to Stay :  Hotels in Pondicherry

2. Andaman & Nicobar

The Andaman & Nicobar islands are a great holiday option for a honeymoon or an adventure getaway. It’s also known for its underwater sports. Scuba diving and snorkelling is reasonably priced and certification courses are available too. The beaches are stunning and you can relax under the sun. There are plenty of islands that are worthy of exploring too.

• Best Places to See: Radhanagar Beach, Howrah Bridge, Jolly Buoy Islands
• Best Time to Visit: November to February

3. Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is great for a quiet, laid back holiday. Located close to Kerala, Lakshadweep sees many tourists, mostly foreigners, visiting during the winter. Tourists can enjoy water sports, scuba diving, snorkelling and other underwater sports. The islands in Lakshadweep are gorgeous and are flanked by palm trees all around. You might want to note that to enter Lakshadweep, you need a permit that can be obtained from Kochi.

• Best Places to See: Top islands to see in Lakshadweep are Agatti Island, Minicoy Island, Bangaram Atoll, Kavaratti Island and Kadmat Island.
• Best Time to Visit: September to May

Best Holiday Destinations: Tamil Nadu

1. Chennai

Chennai is a great place for a holiday because of its food, nightlife and beaches. The city has great bars, pubs and nightclubs, as well as good street food and shopping experiences to enjoy. Chennai also has two spectacular outdoor theatres, where watching a movie is a great experience. There’s also sightseeing to enjoy, in Chennai you can see beautiful temples. Or head to the beach where you can enjoy adventure sports or just relax.

• Best Places to See: Marina Beach, St. George Fort, Covelong Beach, Kapaleeswarar Temple
• Best Time to Visit: October to January
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Chennai

2. Ooty

Ooty is the summer getaway destination for tourists from South and West India. With a great climate and greenery all around, there is no better place for a quiet getaway. You can enjoy adventure sports, treks, tours and lovely food at great restaurants. A must experience for anyone travelling to Ooty is a ride on the celebrated miniature train that passes through scenic surroundings.

• Best Places to See: Nilgiri Toy Train, Ooty Lake, Elk Hill Murugan Temple, Botanical Garden, Doddabetta
• Best Time to Visit: October to January
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Ooty

3. Coonoor

Ideal for a honeymoon, in Coonoor you can soak in the best of nature’s offerings. Surrounded by the Blue Mountains and gorgeous tea estates, you can enjoy boat rides and long walks along tea estates or gaze at natural landscapes from stunning lookout points on the hills. There are plenty of trekking and adventure sports options for one and all to enjoy.

• Best Places to See: Sim’s Park, Hidden Valley, St- Catherine Falls
• Best Time to Visit: October to January

4. Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal is a popular getaway spot for the people of Tamil Nadu. Nestled on the hills, this place is famous for its tea estates and gorgeous, stunning views. There are many great sites to see in Kodaikanal, but you must definitely explore the lakes, parks and the tea estates.

• Best Places to See: Berijam Lake, Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park Entry, Dolmen Circle, Dolphin Nose and Pillar Rocks
• Best Time to Visit: October to January
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Kodaikanal 

5. Kanyakumari

Kanyakumari is the Southernmost tip of India. This beach town is noted for its splendid sceneries and temples. A great place for a holiday, you would want to visit Kanyakumari with family or friends. The beaches are clean and the sand is multi-coloured, a rare feature for Indian beaches. Visit Kanyakumari during the Chaitra Purnima Festival in April or Christmas in December.

• Best Places to See:  Devi Kanya Kumari Temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Vivekananda Rock Memorial
• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Kanyakumari

Best Holiday Destinations: Kerala

1. Alleppey

Alleppey attracts tourists who love laid-back and relaxed holidays. Called the Venice of the East, this place in Kerala gives you the chance to spend time on a riverboat cruise down calm lakes. Other fun things to do in Alleppey are camping, sightseeing tours to religious sites and you can enjoy comforting and relaxing Kerala massages. Alleppey has some amazing beaches too. Try the typical Kerala meals, served on banana leaves. The food is delicious.

• Best Places to See:  Backwaters, St. Mary’s Forane Church, Vembanad, Marari Beach, Pathiramanal
• Best Time to Visit: September to May
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Alleppey

2. Munnar  

Munnar gives you the chance to explore the outdoors. If you are a tourist who loves exploring and adventure sports, you’ll enjoy a holiday in Munnar. Besides hiking, trekking, going on bike trails and adventure sports, you can tour the scenic villages. There are some great tea plantations to check out in Munnar.  It is the perfect destination if you love relaxing in nature.

• Best Places to See: Tea Gardens, Keezharkuthu Falls, Muniyara Dolmens, Mattupetty Dam
• Best Time to Visit: September to May
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Munnar

3. Wayanad

Calm, quiet, green and peaceful. Wayanad is a much-loved tourist destination in South India. Surrounded by the backdrop of the Nilgiri Hills, this is the ideal getaway spot for anyone looking to escape the concrete jungle. A fun way to experience Wayanad is by exploring the town’s rich culture and heritage.

• Best Places to See:  Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Lakkidi, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, Kalpetta
• Best Time to Visit: August to April
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Wayanad

4. Varkala

Varkala is one of the finest beaches in South India. Blessed with a gorgeous seashore, staying by the beach is an experience to cherish. The laid-back vibe of this destination means that Varkala is a preferred destination for couples. Besides the beach and some great sites to see, the food here is just amazing. From seafood to popular Keralite delicacies, you can savour it all in Varkala. Adventure enthusiasts will love all the water sports during the peak tourist season.

• Best Places to See:  Varkala Beach, Ajenjo Fort
• Best Time to Visit: October to April
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Varkala

Best Holiday Destinations: Karnataka

1. Coorg

For adventure sport and outdoor enthusiasts, the best place near Bangalore for a quick getaway is Coorg, known as Scotland of India.. At this hill station, you can enjoy the best possible water and adventure sports. A popular activity in Coorg is rappelling down waterfalls, the climate during the monsoon and the stunning sight as well as the altitude of the waterfalls, adds to the fun of the experience.

• Best Places to See: Abbey Falls, Talacauvery, Nagarhole National Park
• Best Time to Visit: August to April
• Where to Stay : Hotels in Coorg

2. Gokarna

If your idea of a good holiday is doing nothing but relaxing, you will love Gokarna. This beach town in Karnataka is well known for its unexplored beaches. Since there is a lack of commercial activity in Gokarna, the beaches are less crowded compared to the ones in Goa and Chennai.

• Best Places to See: Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, Paradise Beach
• Best Time to Visit: September to March

3. Dandeli

Blessed with a dense forest and stunning rapids, Dandeli has become an adventure lover’s paradise. In Dandeli, you can experience the best water sports. From kayaking to river rafting, jet skiing, trekking and even nature trails, you can enjoy it all in Dandeli. If you are looking to explore nature and enjoy spotting wildlife, you must visit the Dandeli sanctuary.

• Best Places to See : Dandeli sanctuary.
• Best Time to Visit: September to March

4. Hampi

Known for its famous ancient group of monuments from the Vijayanagara empire, Hampi (a UNESCO heritage site) is one of the most visited, architecturally rich historical sites in India. Hampi ruins have been described by UNESCO as ‘austere, grandiose sight’.  The gorgeous 16th-century group of monuments is beautifully carved with an otherworldly charm about them. A must visit for history buffs and ancient architecture enthusiasts.

• Best Places To See: Virupaksha Temple, Matanga Hill, Vithala temple
• Best Time To Visit: October to March

Now that you know of the best holiday destinations in South India, where would be going to for your next holiday? Do let us know about your experience. We would love to hear from you.