Planning a trip to South India this April 2024? You’re in for a treat! From breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cultures.
South India offers a plethora of experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking tranquil beaches, lush hill stations, or historical monuments.South India has it all.
Embark on a journey to explore the best places this region has to offer and create memories that will last a lifetime.
1. Murdeshwar
Seek blessings at the colossal 123-foot-high Shiva statue perched atop Kanduka Hill, enveloped by water on all three sides. In addition to this ethereal sight, Murdeshwar enchants visitors with Statue Park, marine adventures, exciting hiking expeditions, and spiritual bliss.
Key attractions: Murdeshwar Beach, Eco Beach, Apsarakonda Falls, Mirjan Fort, Netrani Island, Idagunji Ganapathi Temple, Yana Hike, and the shore temple of Kethappa Narayana Temple.
Average temperature in April: Maximum 34°C/Minimum 25°C
Where to stay: Airbnbs like Private Cottage With Sit-Out in Honavar and Coastal Pearl Home Stay present decent options.
Where to eat: Netrani Cafe, Nayak Fishland
How to reach
By air: Mangalore International Airport is the nearest, 161 km away.
By train: Murdeshwar Railway Station is the busiest railway station.
2. Idukki
Idukki, the hill station equivalent of jack of all trades, promises spice plantation tours, a tryst with wildlife, spell-binding mountain treks, and laidback nature trails. It is also home to South India’s highest peak, Anamudi, gracing the high skies at 2,695 m.
Refer to our Idukki travel guide for tips and tricks on planning the perfect South Indian getaway.
Key attractions: Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Thommankuthu Waterfalls, Painavu, Ilaveezha Poonchira, and Vandanmedu (among the world’s largest auction centres of cardamon).
Average temperature in April: Maximum 30°C/Minimum 18°C
Where to stay: Igloo Heritage Hotels & Resorts, Blanket Hotel & Spa, Elixir Hills
Where to eat: Ambady Restaurant, Athidhi
How to reach
By air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest, 100 km away.
By train: Kottayam Railway Station is the nearest, 103.4 km away.
3. Coorg and Madikeri
Flanked by the lush Western Ghats, Coorg and Madikeri (roughly 24 km apart) offer the best of nature, hospitality, spirituality and culture. The destinations are also a rage among coffee aficionados, owing to their sprawling coffee estates.
Key attractions: Namdroling Monastery, Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Gaddige Raja’s Tomb, Dubare Elephant Camp, Talacauvery, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwara Temple, coffee and spice plantation walks at Tata Coffee, Orange County, Old Kent Estates, and Tamara Resorts.
Average temperature in April: Maximum 27.5°C/Minimum 16°C
Where to stay: Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, Coorg, The Ibnii, The Tamara Coorg. Coorg also boasts a string of comely Airbnbs and Homestays for those seeking a closer-to-local experience.
Where to eat: Raintree Restaurants, Belli’s Restaurant, Green Cardamom, Coffee Blossom Restaurant, Nellaki.
How to reach
By air: Mangalore International Airport is the nearest, 143.9 km away.
By train: Mysuru Junction Railway Station, 116.9 km away.
4. Periyar National Park
Stand a chance to see the majestic Bengal tigers, Indian elephants and Nilgiri langurs (among other fauna) at Kerala’s Periyar National Park. Spread across 925 sq km, the sprawling park offers a two-hour boat ride and a jungle jeep safari that manoeuvres through cardamon plantations, waterfalls, grasslands, and botanical gardens.
Key attractions: Jungle Patrol, Clouds Walk, Bamboo Rafting, Periyar Tiger Trail, Elephant Rides.
Average temperature in April: Maximum 27°C/Minimum 18°C
Where to stay: Spice Village – CGH Earth, Niraamaya Retreats Cardamom Club, Thekkady, Greenwoods Resort
Where to eat: Ebony’s Cafe Restaurant, Peppermint Restaurant, Kitchen Utopia
How to reach
By air: Madurai International Airport is the nearest, 153.8 km away.
By train: Kottayam Railway Station is the nearest, 101.4 km away.
5. Vagamon
When it comes to magical sunsets, misty meadows, and fickle drizzles, Vagamon takes the cake. During a breathtaking road trip from Kochi to Vagamon (roughly 102 km) in 2021, I was welcomed by tufts of clouds knocking at the hotel window, perpetual drizzles, and more shades of green than I could name. From pine forests and tea farms to waterfall trekking, there’s much to keep the curious traveller engrossed in Vagamon.
Key attractions: Paragliding, Ulipooni Wildlife Sanctuary, MASCO Tea Farms, Vagamon Lake, and Murugan Mala Temple.
Average temperature in April: Maximum 33°C/Minimum 23°C
Where to stay: The Palette Hill View Resort, Vagamon, Foggy Knolls Resort, Vagamon Vagashore
Where to eat: The Green House Restaurant
How to reach
By air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest, 94.4 km away.
By train: Kottayam Railway Station is the nearest, 64.3 km away.
6. Araku Valley
When in Araku Valley, explore the vibrant culture of Andhra Pradesh, tiptoe through aromatic coffee plantations, and admire gushing waterfalls.
Key attractions: Dumbriguda Waterfalls, Tribal Museum, Chaparai Waterfalls, Ananthagiri Hills, Padmapuram Botanical Gardens, Borra Caves, and Katiki Waterfalls. To learn more about Araku Valley’s coffee culture, explore our account of how the coffee haven is brewing change.
Average temperature in April: Maximum 31°C/Minimum 20°C
Where to stay: Airbnbs like Zen-niwa – WabiSabi Farmstay and River-view Wooden House with Private Pool present decent options.
Where to eat: Royal Darbar Restaurant
How to reach
By air: Visakhapatnam Airport is the nearest, 107.1 km away.
By train: Araku Railway Station is the busiest railway station.
7. Badami
For a getaway steeped in history and culture, consider Badami, a town in Karnataka boasting caves and scriptures carved over 1200 years ago. The town’s striking cave temples are a testament to Indian architecture.
Key attractions: Badami Fort, Malegitti Shivalaya Fort and Temple, Badami Cave Temples, Mallikarjuna Group of Temples, and Bhutanatha Group of Temples.
Average temperature in April: Maximum 39°C/Minimum 23°C
Where to stay: Clarks Inn, Morpho Banashree Resort.
Where to eat: The Bridge, Morpho Restaurant
How to reach
By air: Hubballi Airport is the nearest, 109.4 km away.
By train: Badami Railway Station is the busiest railway station.
7. Meghamalai
Popularly known as the High Wavy Mountains, Meghamalai is a mountain range sprinkled with tea and cardamom plantations. At 1,500 m above sea level, it is an off-the-grid destination ideal for nature walks, bird-watching, and getting your hands on fresh coffee, tea, and cardamom produce.
Key attractions: Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Vellamalai, Chinna Suruli Falls, Maharajamettu View Point, Manalar Dam.
Average temperature in April: Maximum 33°C/Minimum 20°C
Where to stay: The Elephant Court, Thekkady, Spice Village: A CGH Earth Experience, Thekkady
Where to eat: Ebony’s Cafe Restaurant, Peppermint Restaurant, Kitchen Utopia
How to reach
By air: Madurai International Airport is the nearest, 142 km away.
By train: Theni Railway Station is the nearest, 62.3 km away.
8. Kodaikanal
A mélange of expansive wilderness, spirituality, adventure trails, and romantic rendezvous, Kodaikanal promises a cosy yet activity-packed getaway.
Key attractions: Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Guna Caves, Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Kukkal Caves, Kurinji Temple, La Salette Church.
Average temperature in April: Maximum 36°C/ Minimum 23°C
Where to stay: The Tamara Kodai, Kodai Resort Hotel, Sterling Kodai-Lake, The Carlton, Kodaikanal.
Where to eat: Muncheez, Whistler Cafe, Woody’s Cafe, Aromas of Kodai, Lakeview, End of the Road.
How to reach
By air: Madurai International Airport is the nearest, 133 km away.
By train: Palani Railway Station is the nearest, 65.3 km away.
Please note that while we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we encourage you to verify details such as opening hours, ticket prices, and travel advisories before planning your visit. Traveling responsibly and respecting local customs and regulations ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.
For more information on tourist places to visit, historical insights, and cultural heritage, visit Bharat Scope.