May is the peak month of summer across India. Hot and humid weather prevails across most parts of the country, from the northern plains to the south. It does not mean you cannot visit South India in May and June.
South India has many hill stations. Visiting these places helps you get relief from scorching, humid weather. Some of you may not know where to go. Here are some of the best places to visit in South India in May:
1. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty lies in the Nilgiri Hills. It is highly acknowledged for its cool weather, tea plantations, and ancient colonial buildings. For scenic views, board the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. After that, visit the Botanical Gardens to see rare plants and orchids.
As per your wish, enjoy cycling or boating at Ooty Lake. In addition, you can take a short drive to Emerald Dam and Pykara Falls. To know about tea cultivation and processing, visit tea plantations and adjoining tea factories. Opt for the South India Tour Package that includes Ooty, or ask your tour operator for a customised trip.
Ooty at a Glance
- Best time to visit Ooty: October to June
- Ideal time to explore Ooty: 2 to 3 days
- Ideal for: Families, groups, mountain lovers, and honeymooners
- Why visit Ooty: For colonial charm, cool & misty hills, and serene lakes
Places to Visit in Ooty
- Ooty Lake: For cycling or boating amid scenic hillside views
- Botanical Gardens: For witnessing rare plants and orchids
- Tea Plantations: For exploring tea cultivation and processing
- Rose Garden: For nature closeness and a peaceful walk
- Doddabetta Peak: For the Nilgiri Hills’ panoramic views
- St. Stephen’s Church: For old colonial architecture and historic charm
Things to Do in Ooty
- Explore Toda Village to be familiar with traditional huts and tribal culture
- Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway for scenic natural views
- Trek to Avalanche Lake
2. Munnar, Kerala
Munnar, located high in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is one of the best places to visit in South India. It is an integral part of most Kerala tour packages. Munnar is highly famous for its sharp bends, quiet valleys, and tea plantations across the hills.
Based on your choice, explore the Tea Museum, spot the Nilgiri Tahr at the Eravikulam National Park, or learn about Munnar’s colonial past. Further, you can ride a jeep via rugged terrain, boat at Mattupetty Dam, and walk through the bustling markets.
Munnar at a Glance
- Best time to visit Munnar: September to May for pleasant weather and clear skies
- Ideal required time to explore Munnar: 2 to 3 days
- Why visit Munnar: For peaceful natural beauty, escape from scorching heat, misty hills, and tea plantations
- Ideal for: Couples, nature lovers, and families
Places to Visit in Munnar
- Eravikulam National Park (Rajamalai): For spotting rare Nilgiri Tahr and diverse wildlife
- Tea Gardens: For exploring tea cultivation
- Echo Point: For photography
- Mattupetty Dam: For boating amid natural surroundings
- Top Station: For the valley’s stunning views
Things to Do in Munnar
- Taste tea at Kannan Devan Hills Plantation
- Trek to Meesapulimala
- Camp at Suryanelli
- Enjoy a jeep ride to Kolukkumalai
- Watch a Kathakali Show
3. Wayanad, Kerala
Wayanad attracts travellers from all over India and the world for its forest treks, waterfalls, wildlife reserves, and caves. A trip to Wayanad, particularly from Bangalore (Bengaluru), sets the tone of what you are going to explore or what is to come.
From ziplining through tall trees to bamboo rafting and spice plantation walks, Wayanad has lots to offer visitors. Based on your choice, you can witness wildlife at the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, taste appam or Malabar Biryani with stew, or enjoy jeep safaris.
Wayanad at a Glance
- Best time to visit Wayanad: June to September for exploring monsoon beauty and October to May for sightseeing and trekking
- Ideal required time to explore Wayanad: 3 to 4 days
- Why visit Wayanad: For waterfalls, cool and pleasant weather, and spice plantation walks
- Ideal for: Trekkers, couples looking for a peaceful escape, photographers, and nature lovers
Places to Visit in Wayanad
- Soochipara Falls: For witnessing fresh waters
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary: For sightings of elephants, deer, and allied animals
- Edakkal Caves: For exploring Stone Age carvings
- Pookode Lake: For nature trails and boating
- Banasura Sagar Dam: For viewpoints and boating
Things to Do in Wayanad
- Boat at Pookode Lake
- Enjoy jungle safaris at Muthanga
- Explore Edakkal Caves
- Experience ziplining near Bansura Dam
- Camp amid misty hills or waterfalls
Explore Wayanad Tour Packages with Cholan Tours.
4. Coorg, Karnataka
Many domestic and international visitors prefer Coorg as one of the best places to visit in South India in the summer. This hill station is highly popular for its cool weather and scenic beauty. It lies in Karnataka’s Western Ghats and offers opportunities for trekking, wildlife spotting, tea plantation walks, and tasting local dishes.
Visit Dubare Elephant Camp, witness Abbey Falls, enjoy guided coffee and spice plantation walks, and explore Mandalpatti viewpoints, all at your convenience. You can shop for local coffee, pickles, honey, and spices during your Coorg visit.
Coorg at a Glance
- Best time to visit Coorg: October to May for comfortable outdoor activities
- Ideal required time to explore Coorg: 2 to 3 days
- Why visit Coorg: For hilly and cool weather, lush coffee plantations, and Kodava culture
- Ideal for: Coffee lovers, adventure seekers, and nature lovers
Places to Visit in Coorg
- Namdroling Monastery: For exploring Tibetan monasteries
- Dubare Elephant Camp: For getting closer to and having fun with elephants
- Abbey Falls: For witnessing a waterfall amid natural surroundings and exploring coffee and spice plantations
- Madikeri Fort: For knowing its glorious past
- Raja’s Seat: For experiencing stunning sunset views
Things to Do in Coorg
- Enjoy a spice or coffee plantation walk
- Trek to Tadiandamol Peak
- Watch a Kodava Cultural Show
- Take a jeep ride to Mandalpatti
- Enjoy river rafting on the Barapole River
5. Alleppey, Kerala
Locally known as Alappuzha, Alleppey is one of the best places to visit in May in South India. It is well-known for its quiet backwaters and a wide network of waterways. Cruising or enjoying houseboat rides through the backwaters is one of the most favourite things to do in Alleppey.
As per your convenience and time availability, watch a snake boat race or stroll through contemporary markets. You can pick up spices, visit holy places like Chettikulangara Devi Temple, and watch the coir-making process live. For healing, unwind at an Ayurvedic spa in Alappuzha.
Alleppey at a Glance
- Best time to visit Alleppey: June to September for lush scenery and October to May for pleasant weather
- Ideal required time to explore Alappuzha: 2 to 3 days
- Why visit Alleppey: For traditional houseboats, backwaters, and the scenic way of life
- Ideal for: Families, nature lovers, couples, people looking for a slow travel experience, and honeymooners
Places to Visit in Alleppey
- Vembanand Lake: For boating and birdwatching
- Marari Beach: For experiencing soft sands and coconut palms
- Krishnapuram Palace: For knowing about antiques and mural art
- Alleppey Beach: For stunning sunset views and golden sands
Things to Do in Alleppey
- Watch birds at Vembanad Lake
- Enjoy a houseboat cruise on the backwaters
- Kayaking in canals
- Watch the Nehru Trophy Boat Race
- Cycle through villages
Explore Kerala Tour Packages with Cholan Tours.
6. Varkala, Kerala
Some hill stations in India calm you down instantly as you arrive there. Varkala in Kerala is that place. In Varkala, practice yoga poses by the sea in the mornings, enjoy the seashore atmosphere at Papanasam Beach, and taste prawn curry or grilled snapper.
You can visit the Varkala Cliff to buy yoga gear, cotton clothes, and oxidised jewellery. Enjoy paragliding off the cliff, take surfing lessons, or swim at Papansam Beach if you are an adventure lover.
Varkal at a Glance
- Best time to visit Varkala: March to May for peaceful stays and November to February for beach activities
- Ideal required time to explore Varkala: 2 to 3 days
- Why visit Varkala: For exploring the golden beaches, natural springs
- Ideal for: Solo travellers, couples, yoga enthusiasts, and backpackers
Places to Visit in Varkala
- Papanasam Beach: For enjoying the seashore and watching local rituals
- Varkala Cliff: For shopping, dining, and enjoying varied beverages
- Varkala Beach: For watching ocean views and sunsets
- Janardanaswamy Temple: For exploring the rich and sacred culture
- Sivagiri Mutt: For a peaceful atmosphere
Things to Do in Varkala
- Perform yoga poses at the beach in the morning
- Enjoy Ayurvedic massages
- Swim, parasail, or surf at beaches
- Boat or try fishing
- Enjoy leisure time at the beaches
7. Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Chikmagalur, a picturesque hill station, is the right place to visit in South India in May. If you choose to stay around a plantation, you can wake up, smell coffee, and sip a fresh cup of coffee from estate cafes.
In Chikmagalur, you can visit Kalhatti Falls, Ayyanakere Lake, and Hirekolale Lake. Trek to Baba Budangiri, Kemmanagudi, or Mullayangiri for stunning views. To feed your spiritual hunger, you can visit the old temples at Amruteshwar and Belavadi.
Chikmagalur at a Glance
- Best time to visit Chikmagalur in Karnataka: September to May for comfortable outdoor activities and pleasant weather
- Ideal required time to explore Chikmagalur: 2 to 3 days
- Why visit Chikmagalur: For exploring cool & misty peaks, lush coffee plantations, and stunning natural beauty
- Ideal for: Weekend travellers, nature lovers, and couples
Places to Visit in Chikmagalur
- Hebbe Falls: For witnessing a two-tiered waterfall
- Kudremukh National Park: For rich biodiversity and trekking routes
- Mullayanagiri Peak: For trekking trails and stunning natural views
- Baba Budangiri: For exploring the holy mountain range with scenic viewpoints and caves
- Hirekolale Lake: For peaceful surroundings and coffee estates
Things to Do in Chikmagalur
- Enjoy jeep safaris to Hebbe Falls
- Watch sunrises and sunsets at Baba Budangiri
- Have a coffee plantation walk to know about coffee cultivation and sip fresh brews
8. Gokarna, Karnataka
Want to watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea? Opt for the South India tour packages that include a stay in Gokarna, Karnataka. Gokarna is rising as an alternative to Goa.
Gokarna at a Glance
- Best time to visit Gokarna: July to September for monsoon views and October to March for water sports and pleasant beach weather
- Ideal required time to explore Gokarna: 2 to 3 days
- Why visit Gokarna: For exploring coastal towns, experiencing backpacker vibes, and visiting ancient temples
- Ideal for: Backpackers, solo travellers, spiritual seekers, and beach lovers
Places to Visit in Gokarna
- Om Beach
- Kulde Beach
- Half Moon Beach
- Paradise Beach
- Mahabaleshwar Temple
Things to Do in Gokarna
- Trek at Gokarna Beach
- Enjoy kayaking at Om Beach
- Perform yoga poses at Kudle Beach
- Enjoy a bonfire at Paradise Beach
9. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Feel a cool breeze as you arrive in Kodaikanal. Its cool and pleasant weather makes Kodaikanal one of the best places to visit in May in South India. This serene hill station lies at 7,200 feet in the Palani Hills.
By including Kodaikanal in your Tamil Nadu tour package, you can cycle around Kodai Lake, explore Guna Caves, and trek to Dolphin’s Nose. Further, you can visit Coaker’s Walk. Here, you can experience the misty views of the hill.
Kodaikanal at a Glance
- Best time to visit Kodaikanal: Visit it in May and June for pleasant summer escapes. The best time to visit Kodaikanal is from October to March
- Ideal required time to explore Kodaikanal: 2 to 3 days
- Why visit Kodaikanal: Tamil Nadu’s serene hill station, known for pristine lakes, misty valleys, and pine forests
- Ideal for: Nature lovers, families with children, couples, trekkers, and honeymooners
Places to Visit in Kodaikanal
- Silver Cascade Falls: For picturesque views
- Kodaikanal Lake: For cycling and boating
- Pillar Rocks: For misty views or massive natural rocks
- Bryant Park: For seasonal flower blooms
- Coaker’s Walk: For scenic walks and stunning valley views
Things to Do in Kodaikanal
- Trek to Dolphin’s Nose
- Camp at Mannavanur
- Stroll through Coaker’s Walk
- Enjoy boating on or cycling around Kodaikanal Lake
- Visit Vattakanal
Conclusion
South India, from tranquil backwaters to hill stations and beaches, offers pleasant escapes even in May, the peak of summer. Whether you select the cool hill stations of Munnar and Ooty or the seashores of Varkala, each destination offers a unique and comfortable summer experience. Plan your travel wisely and enjoy your summer holiday in South India.
At Cholan Tours, we can help you select the best South India tour package for your summer holiday. Call, chat, fill the online form or email us. We will get back to you and help you get a customised holiday package for your South India trip.
FAQs
1. What are the best places to visit in May in South India?
Hill stations like Munnar, Ooty, Coorg, Kodaikanal, and Chikmagalur are the best places to visit in May in South India.
2. Is visiting South India in May a good idea?
Yes, it is. South India’s hill stations, coastal towns, and backwaters provide respite from scorching heat in May.
3. What are the best hill stations in South India I should visit in summer (May and June)?
Munnar, Chikmagalur, Coorg, Ooty, and Kodaikanal are the hill stations you should visit in May in South India.
4. Which South Indian destination is best for a houseboat experience in May?
Alleppey (Alappuzha) is the best South Indian destination for a houseboat experience in May. As a traveller, you can enjoy local cuisine, sail through serene backwaters, and experience unique village life in Kerala.
5. Are there any good beach destinations in South India to visit in May?
Yes, Varkala and Gokarna are popular beach destinations in South India to visit in May. In the early morning or late evening, you can enjoy beach walks, yoga sessions, sunset views, and water activities.
