India Tourism Statistics 2023, released by the Ministry of Tourism, stated that over 270 million domestic tourists visited the southern states in 2022 alone. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala ranked among the top five most visited states, with hill stations like Ooty, Munnar, and Coorg witnessing a 30% spike in footfall during the summer and winter months, and the reasons are... the misty tea gardens of Munnar to the colonial charm of Coonoor of southern part of India, and these tourist places in the hills are becoming a sensory delight.
Top Hill Escapes You Can’t Miss
Let’s have a look at the best tourist places in South India, you can’t miss-
- Ooty in Tamil Nadu is often dubbed as the “Queen of Hill Stations”, with toy train rides through the Nilgiris. There are a few traditional Toda dogles (huts) on the hills above the Government Botanical Garden, laid out in 1842.
- Munnar, located in Kerala, is famous for its rolling tea estates, Eravikulam National Park, and Neelakurinji blooms, which appear once every 12 years, making this place a must-visit destination for visitors.
- Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, with its star-shaped lake and pine forests, is one of the best tourist destinations in South India during December, providing a cozy winter retreat.
- Also known as Kodagu, Coorg in Karnataka, is a paradise for coffee lovers. It’s one of the best tourist attractions in South India for trekking, river rafting, and bird watching.
Must-Have South Kerala Tour Packages
Munnar, Thekkady, Wayanad, and Vagamon are remarkable destinations in the south Kerala tour packages. Plantation life, boat through backwaters, and unwind at Ayurvedic retreats often blend the cultural experiences, making this ideal for travelers seeking relaxation and amusement together.
Startup Brands Promoting the Travel and Tourism Industry of Southern India
The new startup brands are reshaping South India tour packages, improving connectivity, information flow, and personalized experiences Pan India.
- PickYourTrail, of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, offers customizable itineraries with a strong focus on South Indian getaways.
- WanderOn offers group travel experiences to Coorg, Gokarna, and many other destinations.
- Thrillophilia.com, with adventure-packed activities, offers travel arrangements in Kerala, and other states like Rajasthan Kashmir and also in International trips.
- TripHobo, based in Pune, Maharashtra, is a travel planning platform that enables users to create personalized hotel bookings, attractions, activities, and local experiences, making trip planning seamless and efficient.
- GoMowgli offers hop-on-hop-off bus tours across Karnataka and Kerala, making travel accessible and affordable.
Quick Reader Q&A’s
Q: What’s the best time for hill-station travel?
A: April–June for cool breezes; December for festive charm.
Q: Are child-friendly options available?
A: An Absolute Yes… Many packages offer easy trails, boating, and wildlife safaris ideal for families.
Q: How risky is the over-tourism issue?
A: Areas like Wayanad have experienced landslide concerns amid excessive development.
The hill stations of South India stand out as top vacation spots in the region, giving visitors a mix of peace, excitement, deep-rooted traditions, and stunning views. You can find South India travel packages to suit any time of year. Add to this the energy from new businesses and the Indian government's programs like the PRASHAD scheme, turns your ease of travel to the perfect moment to explore and soak in the experience...