10 Best Places To Visit In Monsoon In South India

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Munnar, Yercaud, Gokarna, Coorg, Wayanad, and Kabini are some of the best places to visit in monsoon in South India. With fewer crowds, cheaper hotels, cooler climates, and freshly rejuvenated natural landscapes, monsoon is the perfect time to explore the country’s southern half. Read on to find more beautiful monsoon destinations you can visit!

Weather in monsoon in South India

Influenced by the Southwest and Northeast monsoons, the monsoon season in South India lasts from June to November. The region receives an average annual rainfall of 800 mm to 1,500 mm, with Kerala being the first state to welcome the rainy season in June.

The weather is cool, even chilly at times, with humid afternoons, misty mornings, and cooler nights. The temperature ranges from 16°C to 30°C. it generally stays between 16°C to 24°C in the best places to visit in monsoon in South India we have listed below.

Monsoon in Southern India transforms the region into a resplendent paradise. Hills, valleys, forests, waterfalls, rivers, backwaters, and beaches turn more beautiful in the rains, beckoning travelers and leaving them thrilled with endless scenic beauty and unique experiences!

The Western Ghats turn more lush and refreshing, waterfalls like Athirapally and Dudhsagar reach their peak flow, hill stations like Munnar and Coorg are covered in mist, and agriculture is revived.

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List of places to visit in monsoon in South India

Here’s our pick of the best monsoon destinations in South India that you can explore with your loved ones.

A particular favorite of nature lovers, photographers, couples, and adventure seekers in the monsoon season, these places are a delight to explore.

1. Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg, or the “Scotland of India,” is among the best places to visit in monsoon in South India.

The monsoon adds a refreshing coolness to this region’s atmosphere. Turning lush and tranquil, Coorg’s rolling hills, sprawling coffee plantations, and misty landscapes are a sight to behold in the rain!

The famous Abbey Falls transforms into a gushing cascade, more and more wild animals can be spotted roaming around since the heat subsides, and the intoxicating aroma of fresh coffee beans fills the air, inviting coffee lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Weather in monsoon: Cool and misty with occasional moderate to heavy rainfall
Temperature in monsoon: 15°C to 25°C
Things to do in monsoon: Abbey Falls hike, Tadiandamol Peak trek, coffee plantation tours.

Safety tip: Do not venture into forests during heavy rains as they tend to turn slippery and prone to leeches.

2. Wayanad, Kerala

The gem of the Western Ghats, Wayanad is a haven during the monsoon! Its newly refreshed green valleys, mist-enveloped hills, gray skies, and gushing waterfalls make it all the more dramatic!

You can explore the popular Edakkal Caves, hike to Meghamalai for spectacular panoramic views, and spot many exotic species of wildlife and birds in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary!

Trekking to the heart-shaped lake and Chembra Peak is all the more beautiful and pleasant during the rains. As are spice plantation tours where the blooming flora fills the air with heady fragrances!

Weather in monsoon: Cool, humid, and lush with heavy rainfall
Temperature in monsoon: 15°C to 28°C
Things to do in monsoon: Chembra Peak trek, Edakkal Caves exploration, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary safari

Safety tip: Visibility decreases on Wayanad’s winding roads and they become prone to landslides during rainfall. Drive cautiously.

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3. Munnar, Kerala

Kerala’s most picturesque hill station, Munnar turns all the more dreamy in the rain and is among the best places to visit in monsoon in South India.

Its undulating hills, rolling tea gardens, lush meadows, cool climate, and misty mornings are perfect for a monsoon getaway.

You can visit Eravikulam National Park to observe the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, hike to the famed Attukal Waterfalls flowing in full gusto, wander amid dew-draped tea and spice gardens turned vibrant green by the rain, and get to Top Station for cloudy and misty panoramas of Munnar!

Weather in monsoon: Cool and pleasant with frequent heavy rainfall
Temperature in monsoon: 10°C to 20°C
Things to do in monsoon: Attukal Waterfalls hike, Nyayamakad Waterfalls hike, Top Station trek, Eravikulam National Park wildlife watching tour, tea plantations tour

Safety tip: Keep a tab on weather updates when stepping out for activities like trekking and driving. Sudden downpours can make it tough to navigate trails and roads.

4. Gokarna, Karnataka

Often called a

, this tranquil monsoon retreat located nearby is known for its peaceful beaches, hills, laidback vibes, and undisturbed greenery.

The rains transform this region into a lush green haven, amplifying the beauty of its beaches, forests, hills, and even adding a touch of drama to its glorious sunsets!

 

You can relax on Om Beach, trek to Paradise Beach through forests and hills, explore the mysterious Mirjan Fort, spot hornbills, and witness the rare phenomenon of bioluminescence on Kudle Beach when you visit Gokarna in the monsoon. It’s a great place to bask in the cool breezy weather, greener surroundings, and peaceful atmosphere that the rains bring along!

Weather in monsoon: Warm and humid with moderate to heavy rainfall
Temperature in monsoon: 24°C to 30°C
Things to do in monsoon: Om Beach watersports, Kudle Beach yoga, Mirjan Fort trek, Paradise Beach camping, Half Moon Beach trek, cafes and beach shacks, forest hiking

Safety tip: It is not advised to go swimming in Gokarna in the monsoon as the tides can be unpredictable and dangerous.

ALSO SEE – 15 Best Beaches In India For Your Next Beach Vacay!

5. Agasthyakoodam, Kerala

Another gem tucked in the Western Ghats, Agasthyakoodam is among Kerala’s highest peaks and is considered a great destination for monsoon trekking.

The region’s thick jungles, streams, and waterfalls come alive during the rainy season. Like in other places to visit in monsoon in South India, the monsoon blesses this peak and its surrounding scenery with fresh layers of mist and resplendent greenery.

What draws trekkers and nature lovers here in the monsoon is the rich biodiversity of Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which amplifies manifold in the rainy season, bringing along refreshingly cool winds and sharper views!

Weather in monsoon: Cool with moderate to heavy rainfall
Temperature in monsoon: 15°C to 25°C
Things to do in monsoon: Agasthyakoodam trek, Agasthyakoodam Biosphere Reserve exploration

Safety tip: Prior permit is required for trekking here. But one must also get a certified guide for safety and trekking, especially in the monsoon.

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6. Thekkady, Kerala

Thekkady, the home of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, is one of the best places to visit in monsoon in South India for a thrilling monsoon adventure.

Its lush tea plantations and dense forests, home to elephants and tigers, look even more vibrant during this season. Thekkady’s waterfalls and rivers flow with full enthusiasm and boat rides on the Periyar Lake, when it’s not raining heavily, are more enjoyable!

A serene mist hangs on the lake, turning the atmosphere cool and refreshing. Animals and birds can be spotted aplenty and spice plantations too flourish in the monsoon showers, with the aroma of freshly grown spices hanging in the air!

Weather in monsoon: Cool with moderate rainfall
Temperature in monsoon: 18°C to 28°C
Things to do in monsoon: Periyar Lake boating, spice plantation tours, hiking, wildlife sighting

Safety tip: Avoid standing too close to the lake’s banks, as they can be slippery and unpredictable in the monsoon.

ALSO SEE – Top 5 Reasons To Go For a Trekking Tour In Thekkady

7. Kabini, Karnataka

Kabini, the home of the Nagarhole National Park, is among the best monsoon destinations in South India courtesy of its rejuvenated woodlands, better visibility of its rain-washed landscapes, and vibrantly blooming flora.

It’s the perfect time for jeep safaris in this wildlife reserve when it’s not raining heavily. The refreshing greenery and cool weather increase your chances of spotting animals like tigers, elephants, monkeys, deer, and wild boars. Birds like hornbills can be easily spotted here in this season.

The rain makes the Kabini River cascade at full force and turns the whole landscape into a rich tapestry of colors, inviting photographers and adventure seekers alike. Stay at Kabini’s serene lakeside resorts to experience its rain-drenched natural beauty to the fullest!

Weather in monsoon: Humid and pleasant with moderate to heavy rainfall
Temperature in monsoon: 22°C to 30°C
Things to do in monsoon: Jeep safaris, wildlife sighting, birdwatching, lakeside dining

Safety tip: Do not disturb the wildlife, make loud noises, or ignore the instructions of the forest authorities during your safari.

8. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu

Yercaud makes for the perfect monsoon getaway owing to the fact that it’s lesser-known, and thus, less crowded than other hill stations in Tamil Nadu.

With its resplendent coffee plantations, verdant forests, lively town, and fairytale views in the monsoon, it’s certainly one of the best places to visit in monsoon in South India.

Whether you go boating in the mist-shrouded Yercaud Lake, explore the rain-enhanced Kiliyur Falls, trek through its dense forests coated with dew, or enjoy the cool climate with a walk in its bustling streets, you’ll end up having the most refreshing and peaceful holiday!

Weather in monsoon: Cool and misty with occasional light to moderate rainfall
Temperature in monsoon: 15°C to 25°C
Things to do in monsoon: Kiliyur Falls hike, Yercaud Lake boating, forest treks

Safety tip: Drive over the roads of Yercaud cautiously as its hairpin bends can be treacherous to navigate and slippery during the monsoon.

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9. Valparai, Tamil Nadu

This hidden gem in the Western Ghats is a delight in the monsoon season! Its picturesque tea gardens, frothy waterfalls, and dense jungles turn even more beautiful when they’re bathed, revitalized, and covered in mist during the rains!

Some of Valparai’s most lush locales you can explore in the monsoon include the famous Anamalai Tiger Reserve, where the cool weather improves your chances of spotting a tiger or two, and the Nallamudi Viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of Valparai’s rain-drenched valleys!

The laidback town, the friendly locals, and the unparalleled scenic beauty make it one of the best places to visit in monsoon in South India for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and peace seekers!

Weather in monsoon: Cool and pleasant with occasional light to moderate rains
Temperature in monsoon: 15°C to 25°C
Things to do in monsoon: Anamalai Tiger Reserve safari, tea plantation tours, Nallamudi Viewpoint hike

Safety tip: While driving here, watch out for wildlife like elephants and deer crossing the roads, especially in the forested regions.

10. Chikmagalur, Karnataka

Located in the foothills of the Western Ghats, Chikmagalur turns magical during the monsoon which revives its natural landscapes. The coffee plantations, hills, and wilderness turn all the more refreshing, lush, and misty!

Travelers love to trek to Mullayanagiri, Karnataka’s highest peak, in the rain. The peak offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys, forests, and rivers vivid with color in the monsoon! Mullayanagiri blooming meadows add a dramatic touch to the rain-washed landscape.

Other popular monsoon attractions here include Kudremukh National Park and the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, both of which thrive with vibrant flora and diverse fauna during the monsoon showers.

Weather in monsoon: Cool with moderate to heavy showers
Temperature in monsoon: 15°C to 28°C
Things to do in monsoon: Mullayanagiri Trek, Kudremukh National Park, coffee plantations tours

Safety tip: Chikmagalur may be among the best places to visit in monsoon in South India, but the rain brings along a lot of mosquitos. Carry mosquito repellent and ointments to avoid insect bites.

ALSO SEE – Top 10 Monsoon Destinations in India to Enjoy Rains

 

Now that you have a list of the best places to visit in monsoon in South India, where do you fancy going? When the rainy season arrives, do not miss the wonderful opportunity to explore lush landscapes, cool climates, and vibrant greenery of the hills, forests, valleys, and shores of South India. Happy tripping!