South India in August is a magical time, characterized by the splendid hues of monsoon, cultural richness, and diverse landscapes. This period reveals the finest aspects of destinations like the pristine beaches of Pondicherry, the ethereal backwaters of Kerala, the historic temples of Hampi, and the serene coffee plantations in Coorg.
Each location, soaked in monsoon rains, offers unique experiences and unparalleled beauty. From the misty hills of Munnar to the ornate Dravidian temples in Tamil Nadu, South India presents an enchanting canvas for every traveler. Immerse yourself in its captivating beauty, diverse traditions, and rich history for an unforgettable journey.
10 Places To Visit In South India This August:
1. Munnar
Munnar is a magnificent hill station situated in the High Ranges of the Idukki District in Kerala. This beautiful piece of paradise is about 5,200 feet high from sea level and adorned with lush green tea plantations. Munnar is famed as one of the excellent honeymoon locations in Kerala. Read Also: Most Popular Places to Visit in Munnar
It is lovely to visit Munnar in August as the monsoon is receding and the hills are rejuvenated with greenery everywhere. The temperature may remain in the lower range with a maximum of 25 degrees Celsius. Anamudy Peak, Mattupetty Dam, Hydel Park, Munnar Tea Museum, etc. are some locations to visit in the beautiful paradise of Munnar. Also, read Munnar Famous Hotels and Resorts.
Things to Do in Munnar:
- Visit the lush green tea plantations of Munnar.
- Explore Eravikulam National Park, known for the Nilgiri Tahr.
- Walk around the scenic Mattupetty Dam.
- Visit the beautiful Rose Garden.
How to Reach: Munnar doesn’t have its own airport or railway station. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport (about 110 km away), and the nearest railway station is Aluva (110 km away). From there, taxis and buses are available.
2. Ooty
Ooty is actually a short term for the actual place name Udhagamandalam in the Tamil Nadu state. This lovely location is a sight to behold in the month of August. Read More: 10 Best Places to Visit and See in Ooty
Ooty is the venue of the Botanical Gardens Annual flower show. Nilgiri Mountain Railway is another major attraction along with Pykara Lake, Stone House, Kamraj Dam, and Doddabetta Peak. Also, read Top 10 Hotels in Ooty for Family.
Things to Do in Ooty:
- Take a ride on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
- Visit the Government Botanical Gardens.
- Explore Ooty Lake and take a boat ride.
- Visit Doddabetta Peak for stunning panoramic views.
How to Reach: Coimbatore is the nearest domestic airport from Ooty which is approximately 88 kilometers away. Ooty has its own railway station, but the major railhead is in Mettupalayam, 40 km from Ooty.
3. Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is another beautiful hill station in the state of Tamil Nadu. The surrounding hills of Kodaikanal from all sides are very beautiful and this peculiarity provided the name, Gift of the Forest to Kodaikanal.
Kodai Lake, Berijam Lake, Solar Observatory, Bryant Park, and Palani Hills are a few of the attractions in Kodaikanal. The temperature in August may range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. Read Also: Best Hill Stations Near Kodaikanal that one must visit this summer.
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Things to Do in Kodaikanal:
- Visit Kodaikanal Lake and enjoy boating.
- Explore the Pillar Rocks.
- Take a walk through the Coakers Walk.
- Visit the Pine Forest and Bryant Park.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, about 120 km away. Kodai Road at a distance of 100 km is the nearest railway station.
Check out the Package for Kodaikanal: 3 Nights 4 Days Kodaikanal Tour Itinerary
4. Devikulam
Devikulam is near the idyllic location of Munnar in the state of Kerala. This place is having a rare and unbroken beauty of nature with high hills, lush green areas, a cool breeze, and a treasure of rare varieties of flora and fauna.
In August, the temperature of Devikulam will be about 25 to 27 Degrees Celsius. Pallivasal waterfalls, Tea plantations, Devi Lake, Carmelagiri Elephant Park, and Pothamedu Trekking are some of the attractions of Devikulam.
Read also: Top Destinations to Visit in South India in November
Things to Do in Devikulam:
- Visit the picturesque Devikulam Lake.
- Explore the lush green tea estates.
- Enjoy the views from Pallivasal Waterfalls.
- Visit the rare flora and fauna at Eravikulam National Park.
How to Reach: The nearest railway station is Aluva and the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport. You can take a taxi or bus from these places to reach Devikulam.
5. Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is one of the best venues to visit in August. This place is in the state of Karnataka and is known for the Baba Budan Giri Ranges, coffee plantations, good weather, and breathtaking landscapes. Normally the temperature in Chikmagalur in August will remain between 21 to 35 degrees Celsius.
Hebbe Falls, Baba Budan Giri, Kodandarama Temple, Kudremukh Trekking, Wildlife Safari, and Rafting in Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary are some of the famous attractions of Chikmagalur. Read Also: Top 10 Most Famous Temples of Karnataka.
Things to Do in Chikmagalur:
- Visit Coffee Plantations for a unique experience.
- Trek to the Mullayanagiri Peak.
- Visit the Baba Budangiri Range.
- Explore Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport. The city has its own railway station, and regular buses run from major cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, and Hubli.
6. Alleppey
Alleppey is the most sought-after location in South India to visit in August. This small paradise for nature lovers has filled with pristine backwater bodies and lovely greenery all around. Backwater cruising in a houseboat in and around Alleppey is a dream of many. Read More: Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Alleppey.
Alappuzha Beach, Pathiramanal, Vembanadu Lake, etc. are some of the attractions of Alleppey along with many boat races common in the Monsoon month of August. The temperature of Alleppey at this time may vary from 17 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. Read Also: Top Amazing Reasons to Visit Alleppey Kerala.
Things to Do in Alleppey:
- Go on a houseboat ride in the backwaters of Alleppey.
- Visit Alleppey Beach.
- Explore the Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple.
- Enjoy bird-watching at Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport. Alleppey has its own railway station and is well connected by Kerala state-run buses from major cities.
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7. Yercaud
Yercaud is another beautiful location near Salem in the state of Tamil Nadu to visit in the month of August. This hill station is an ideal place to relax and refresh your mind and body. Yercaud is also the center of the Shevaroy range, a part of the Western Ghats.
Emerald Lake, Kiliyur Falls, Anna Park, Gents, Ladies Seats, Shevaroy Hills, Temple, etc. are the major attractions around Yercaud. The temperature remains in the moderate range during August.
Things to Do in Yercaud:
- Visit the picturesque Emerald Lake.
- Explore Yercaud Botanical Garden.
- Go on a hike to Pagoda Point.
- Visit Kiliyur Waterfalls.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Salem (about 38 km away) and the nearest major railway station is Salem Junction, which is connected to many cities in India.
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Tamil Nadu Read More Information:
- Top 20 Places Tamil Nadu to See
- Hill Stations in Tamil Nadu
- Tamil Nadu Amazing Architecture
- Famous Temples of Tamil Nadu
- Tamil Nadu Famous Folk Dances
- International Airport in India
8. Poovar
Poovar is the second last spot at the end of Kerala and a lovely place to visit in the month of August. It is a typical local town and a beautiful getaway location for those who wish to enjoy the soothing glory of nature.
Poovar Beach, Elephant Rock, Kuzhipallam Botanical Garden, Aazhimala Siva Temple, etc. are some of the locations around Poovar to Visit. Here you can expect moderate temperatures and frequent rain in the month of August.
Things to Do in Poovar:
- Enjoy a boat ride at Poovar Backwater Cruise.
- Visit the beautiful Poovar Beach.
- Explore the nearby Golden Beach.
- Visit the Fishing Village for a unique experience.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, about 30 km away. The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central, around 27 km away.
Also, read articles on Kerala:
- Best Places to Visit Kerala
- Kerala’s Famous Places to Visit in March
- Top Places Kerala to Visit in April
- Kerala Popular Hill Stations
9. Sirsi
Sirsi is located in Northern Karnataka and is one of the best and lesser-known places to visit in the month of August in South India. Sirsi is adorned with dense forests and many waterfalls. Also, read 10 Most Famous 5-Star Hotels in Karnataka.
Unchalli Falls, Benne Hole Falls, Sahasralinga, Gudavi Bird Sanctuary, and Muregar Falls are the destinations in and around Sirsi during your monsoon visit. The temperature range will be from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. Read Also: Top 10 facts about Hampi, Karnataka.
Things to Do in Sirsi:
- Visit the ancient Marikamba Temple.
- Explore the stunning Sahasralinga, known for its numerous Shiva Lingas.
- Visit the beautiful Banavasi Temple.
- Take a trek to Yana Rocks.
How to Reach: Hubli Airport is the nearest airport. Sirsi doesn’t have a railway station, but the nearest one is in Talaguppa.
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10. Lambasingi
Lambasingi is famed as the Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh and is an ideal destination to visit in August. This place is not yet uncovered by many and remains an ideal place as a monsoon getaway and the only place in Andhra Pradesh where snowfall is visible once in a while.
The temperature range of Lambasingi may remain below 25 degrees Celsius in August. Araku Valley, Ghat Road, Kothapally waterfalls, etc. are some of the places to enjoy around here. Read Also: Top 10 Most Famous Temples of Andhra Pradesh.
Things to Do in Lambasingi:
- Explore the Coffee and Pepper Plantations.
- Visit the beautiful Kothapally Waterfalls.
- Take a trip to the Thajangi Reservoir.
- Visit the Nantana Gardens.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Visakhapatnam Airport. The nearest railway station is in Chintapalle, from where buses and taxis are available.
Besides the above-mentioned ten locations, there many fascinating locations are available for you to visit and rewind in South India. Some of them are Coonoor in Tamil Nadu, Gavi in Kerala, Coorg in Karnataka, Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, and Lakshadweep in the coastline of Kerala. Each place has its own uniqueness and beauty. An August getaway will be a wonderful experience for all visitors who plan to stop over at one or more destinations and enjoy their magnificence and marvels.
South India Weather in August
The best time to visit South India is between October and March when the weather is cool and dry. However, if you’re looking to avoid crowds, August is a good time to visit as well. In August, the rains subside and temperatures are still pleasant in most parts of South India.
However, there are some areas which do not receive rainfall during this month. These include the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The reason for this is that the southwest monsoon starts to withdraw from these states in August, if you don’t mind a little humidity, August can be a great time to explore this beautiful region.
Popular Festival Celebrated South India in August
The month of August is a special time in South India as it is when some of the most popular festivals are celebrated. Among these are Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Krishna Janmashtami.
Onam is a harvest festival that is celebrated in the state of Kerala. It is a time when people come together to give thanks for the bountiful harvest and to enjoy feasting and festivities. The highlight of Onam is the grand feast known as the Onasadya, which consists of over 25 dishes served on banana leaves. Read more details: Onam Festival Kerala 2023: Date, Traditions, Activities, Story, and How to Celebrate?
Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day festival that is celebrated all over India to mark the birthday of Lord Ganesh. In South India, it is especially popular in the state of Tamil Nadu where huge processions and celebrations are held in honor of the deity. Check out more information on All about Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in India.
Krishna Janmashtami is another important festival that is celebrated across India. It commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna and is observed with fasting, feasting, and devotional singing and dancing. In South India, this festival is particularly special in the state of Andhra Pradesh where Lord Krishna is believed to have appeared on earth.
More Information on South India:
- Places to Visit South India in October
- South India Destination Visit in September
- Best Places to visit during Monsoon in South India
- South India’s Famous Romantic Places
- Best Places to Visit South India in February
- 20 Best Places To Visit In South India In January
- Top 20 Most Famous Temples of South India
- South India’s 20 Best Tourist Places
- Winter Packing List: 10 Travel Essentials for South India Trip
- Best Places to Visit in South India in Winter
- South Indian Food: Top 10 Must-Eat Local Dishes
- 20 Best Places to Visit in Chennai
- 100 Best Places to Visit in India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting South India in August:
Q1: Is August a good time to visit South India?
A1: August falls during the monsoon season in South India, which typically runs from June to September. Some people avoid travel during this time due to the heavy rainfall, but it's actually a great time to visit if you enjoy lush green landscapes and fewer crowds. However, outdoor activities might be affected due to the rain.
Q2: What is the weather like in South India in August?
A2: August is part of the monsoon season, so you can expect moderate to heavy rainfall throughout South India. Temperatures are generally cooler, ranging from 25°C to 30°C.
Q3: Can I visit the beaches in South India in August?
A3: While the beaches remain open, the sea might be rough due to the monsoons and swimming is generally not advised. However, the beaches will be less crowded, and you can enjoy peaceful walks and beautiful sunsets.
Q4: What should I pack for a trip to South India in August?
A4: As August is during the rainy season, pack a good quality raincoat, waterproof bags for electronics and important documents, and quick-drying clothes. Also, include an umbrella and waterproof shoes in your packing list.
Q5: Are the hill stations in South India accessible in August?
A5: Hill stations like Ooty, Kodaikanal, Coorg, and Munnar can be visited in August. However, the level of rainfall varies and can sometimes lead to temporary road blocks. It's best to check the local weather and road conditions before planning your visit.
Q6: Will the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks be open in August?
A6: Most wildlife sanctuaries and national parks remain open, but the safaris might be affected due to the rain. Some parks might be closed due to heavy rainfall, so it's recommended to check their operating status before you plan your visit.
Q7: Is it safe to visit South India during the monsoon season?
A7: It's generally safe to visit South India during the monsoon, but visitors should be cautious about potential flooding in low-lying areas. Always check the local weather forecast and heed any travel advisories or warnings.
Q8: Are there any festivals or events in South India in August?
A8: Yes, depending on the lunar calendar, the Onam festival in Kerala often falls in August or September. It's a harvest festival celebrated with grand feasts, snake boat races, and traditional dance performances.
Q9: What precautions should I take while traveling South India in August?
A9: Be prepared for sudden weather changes. Always check the weather forecast before heading out for the day. Carry necessary rain gear and keep a close eye on weather advisories and news updates. Avoid swimming in the sea due to potential rough waters. If you're planning to drive, be aware that roads might be slippery.
Q10: Will I be able to enjoy the backwaters of Kerala in August?
A10: Absolutely! In fact, cruising through the backwaters during the monsoons is a unique experience as the surroundings are greener and more serene. However, due to heavy rains, sometimes the services might be affected. It's recommended to check with the service provider beforehand.
