When we think about ‘winter,’ the names of the hill stations, particularly from north India, always come to our mind first. The hill stations of the north are undoubtedly the best places for spending a vacation, but in winter, the extremely chilly weather and snowfall make them closed for travelling. So, what’s the solution? Don’t we have any more hill stations in India to spend winter vacation?
Yes, we have. Fortunately, we have many beautiful hill stations in south India that come with their uniqueness and mark their spots in the list of places where we should plan a winter trip. From a refreshing winter break to soaking in the sun on a beach holiday trip, from the adventurous winter holidays to celebrating Christmas with friends from different countries – winter in South India amazes every traveller with something.
So, we have made a list of places you should be visiting during the winter season in South India. We have also researched some places where you can get a breathtaking experience as you get in North India in the winter.
Read the article to the end to know which experience we are talking about and where you will have it.
Glimpse of 11 Best Winter Destination in South India
| Best Family Winter Vacation Places in South India |
Kodaikanal, Munnar, Wayanad, Ooty, Kochi |
| Top Honeymoon Places to Visit in Winter in South India |
Alleppey, Munnar, Ooty, Coorg, Kochi, Andaman |
| Best Places for Trekking-lovers in Winter in South India |
Coorg, Araku Valley, Munnar, Lambasingi |
| Top Places for Beach-lovers in Winter in South India |
Kochi, Pondicherry, Andaman |
| Best Places for Snowfall-lovers in South India |
Lambasingi, Munnar |
| Top Things to Do in South India in Winter |
Trekking, Photography, Relaxing on Beaches, Staying in houseboats, Watching snowfall, Partying, Coffee and Tea Plantation Tours, Shopping |
| Best Months to Visit |
November to February |
Popular South India Winter Destination Tour Packages
Kodaikanal, The Coldest Hill Station of South India!
The top travel destination for winter in South India is Kodaikanal, the ‘princess of the Indian hill station.’ The quaint hill town of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal offers refreshing views of its lakes, waterfalls, valleys and grassy hills. The establishment is centred around Kodaikanal Lake, the most famous tourist spot in the town. It is a star-shaped lake bordered by evergreen forests and elevated at 2,000 metres. From hiking to the waterfalls to learning about its rich flora, Kodaikanal is an amazing place to explore in winter.
Why should you visit Kodaikanal in winter?
First of all, the ethereal view of drizzling Kodaikanal Lake is one of the best reasons to visit this winter getaway. In winter, the temperature becomes a bit chilly in Kodaikanal and sometimes it falls below five degrees. The fog becomes ice crystals and falls on leaves and other places, looking like a snowfall, which is the second reason. And, the last one is, winter is the best time to spot gaur in the forests. As Kodaikanal becomes less crowded, the animals are encouraged to show up.
Tourist attractions in Kodaikanal to visit in winter:
- Kodaikanal Lake
- Dolphin’s Nose
- Vattakanal Waterfall
- Berijam Lake
- Pambar Falls
- Coaker’s Walk
- Kurinji Andavar Temple
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Ooty, For A Refreshing Winter Break!
Another best winter destinations in South India, Ooty is a resort town located in the lap of the Western Ghats mountains. It is officially known as Udhagamandalam, situated in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. Formerly known as the summer capital of Madras Presidency in the British era, Ooty is famous for several things such as lakes and dams, gardens and parks, tea factories, tribal museums and historical buildings and the heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
Why should you visit Ooty in winter?
Ooty is famous for being a winter destination in India. The natural beauty of Ooty in winter offers peace and calms the senses. The entire landscape of the surrounding hills becomes extremely beautiful as they become foggy and misty during the winter. The verdant tea plantations on the slope of the hills look more charming when white-coloured clouds float above them, making a postcard picture. Moreover, the chilly weather makes the place perfect to explorable in a comfortable way.
Tourist attractions in Ooty to visit in Winter
- Ooty Lake
- Pykara Lake
- Rose Garden
- Toy train ride
- Doddabetta Peak
- Tibetan Market
- Tea Museum
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Kochi, For A Beach Winter Vacation!
A major port since the 19th century and a city around it, Kochi is a popular tourist spot in South India, which attracts a flock of tourists every season of the year. Colonially known as Cochin, it is the perfect place to start your memorable Kerala trip. One of the top three tourist places by the World Travel & Tourism Council, Kochi is famed for its pristine beaches, historical ruins, verdant hills and a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Why should you visit Kochi in winter?
After the monsoon, the winter season is another best time to visit Kochi as the weather becomes cosy. The temperature ranges between 17 to 30 degrees, which makes it the perfect time to explore the beaches and other tourist spots in Kochi. Moreover, the scenic beauty of Kochi looks enhanced and charming during the winter and it becomes one of the best places to visit with family in winters in South India.
Tourist attractions in Kochi to visit in winter
- Fort Kochi
- Mattancherry
- Kodanand Elephant Training Centre
- Marine Drive
- Hill Palace Museum
- St Francis Church
- Jew Synagogue and Jew Town
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Alleppey, Spend Your Winter Break in Houseboats!
Alleppey, known as Alappuzha is a city of southern Kerala. It is referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’ by Lord Curzon, who found the natural beauty of Alleppey similar to Venice, Italy. Alleppey is also known as the houseboat capital of Kerala and it earned a prominent name in Backwater Tourism. The backwater of Alleppey, the interlinked waterways through which people can reach the outskirts, is one of the main attractions of the place. Apart from this, the pristine beaches, lagoons and verdant paddy fields make it a tourist-worthy place in South India.
Why should you visit Alleppey in winter?
Alleppey is one of the best winter tourist places in South India. The place is known as the Houseboat Capital of Kerala, known for its Backwater Tourism. The main reason to visit this place in winter as the waterways are reopened at this time after the rage of the monsoon. People can enjoy staying in the floating houseboats again and exploring the interior villages through the backwaters. Another reason is the weather. It becomes pleasant and mild, which makes people comfortably roam around Alleppey.
Tourist attractions in Alleppey to visit in winter
- Alappuzha Beach
- Marari Beach
- Punnapra Beach
- Alleppey Lighthouse
- Vembanad Lake
- Karumadi
- Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple
- Pathiramanal
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Coorg, For Trekking And Drinking Coffee In Winter!
Home to gushing waterfalls, ancient buildings, evergreen forests along with its rich flora and fauna and so many tea and coffee plantations, Coorg is one of the famous tourist spots in South India. Flanked by the Western Ghats Mountains, this hill town is also known as Madikeri. Also known as Kodagu, the place is referred to as ‘The Scotland of India’ for its natural beauty and breathtaking views. Moreover, the aromatic tea, coffee and spice plantations are the best part to explore this beautiful hill station.
Why should you visit Coorg in winter?
One of the best places to visit in South India in winter, Coorg becomes pleasant and cool during winter as per the weather. The lush greenery, the enchanting waterfalls and the plantations along the slope of the hills – all look charming and it becomes easier to explore all these spots. Moreover, winter is the best time to enjoy trekking and camping in forests, as the forests are dry but green. It is also an ideal time for wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy jeep safaris in Nishani Hills and Kabbe Hills.
Tourist attractions in Coorg to visit in winter
- Tadiandamol Peak
- Raja’s Seat
- Iruppu Falls
- Abbey Falls
- Tibetan Monastery or Golden Temple
- Dubare Elephant Camp
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Pondicherry, To Celebrate A Special Christmas Vacation!
Pondicherry is one of the popular destinations in South India, where most of the tourists visit on a sightseeing tour from Tamil Nadu. Located around 165 kilometres away from Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry is a Union Territory of India. Formerly known as a French settlement until 1954, Pondicherry is one of the cleanest cities in India. The white buildings of French colonies along with tree-lined streets and chic boutiques make every corner of this place a postcard picture. The rural sites of green and brown colonies with the blue sky on a bright sunny day make Pondicherry one of the favourite places to travel.
Why should you visit Pondicherry in winter?
November to February is the best time to explore Pondicherry to the fullest, as the weather becomes comfortable. It is the perfect time to experience the water sports activities, have a stroll along the beaches and spend quality time in the cafes. Moreover, as the winter is the ideal time to spend hours in water, many companies conduct classes for scuba-diving and surfing. If these courses are on your bucket list for a long time, Pondicherry is the place where you can learn them at an affordable cost in winter. Another special thing in winter is the International Yoga Festival, which happens in Pondicherry every year in January. This could be one of your life-changing experiences as you can learn various forms of art and yoga at this festival.
Tourist attractions in Pondicherry to visit in winter
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram
- Paradise Beach
- Rock Beach
- Serenity Beach
- Seaside Promenade
- Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple
- The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges
Also Read
Andaman, For Spending Honeymoon In South In Winter!
An Indian archipelago in the Bay of Bengal, located in the southeast direction of the mainland of India, Andaman is one of the best tourist spots in South India. The whole archipelago comprises two main islands: Andaman and Nicobar. Home to pristine sand beaches, climbable cliffs, blue water, star-studded night sky and many more, Andaman is the perfect spot for spending a winter vacation. Moreover, it is one such place in India, which has over 500 species of corals. The colour and diversity of the corals will leave you amazed and it is the main reason to attract a flock of tourists all over the world.
Why should you visit Andaman in winter?
Everyone knows that Andaman is an all-season tourist destination. But visiting Andaman for a winter vacation has a different kind of vibe that few people are aware of. The weather of Andaman in winter stays pleasant throughout the day and the blue shades of the sky create the perfect contrast in a picture. Not to mention that Andaman is one of the ideal winter holiday destinations in South India. Moreover, winter is the best time to experience all kinds of water activities here. From snorkelling to sunbathing to sailing from one island to another to eating sea foods, Andaman is an exotic paradise for couples to spend their honeymoon vacation.
Tourist attractions in Andaman to visit in winter:
- Ross Island
- North Bay
- Neil Island
- Havelock Island
- Cellular Jail
- Barren Island
- Wandoor Beach
- Limestone Cave (Baratang)
Also Read
Araku Valley, The Place For The Best Winter Photography!
Beyond the temples of Andhra Pradesh, there is a picturesque valley of green that will keep you intrigued with its scenic beauty and that’s Araku Valley. It is located around 111 kilometres away from Visakhapatnam, another renowned tourist destination in South India. The hill station is located in the lap of the Eastern Ghats Hills, surrounded by thick green forests all around. The aesthetics of the valley comes with its scenic coffee gardens, waterfalls, valleys and expanded land of paddy fields.
Why should you visit Araku Valley in winter?
When the yellow sunlight in a winter afternoon falls on the vast land of paddy fields peeking through the corridors between the hills – Araku Valley looks like a magical place. The quiet valley quickly turns into a perfect place for winter photography making a picturesque combination of different shades like blue, green and golden. And, to add more colours to the lens, some exotic birds are flying from here and there, taking a rest on a branch of a tree – here comes the perfect postcard of Araku Valley.
Apart from this, there is also a common reason for choosing South India for Winter Break, which is obviously the pleasant weather of Araku Valley in winter. Moreover, there is also a fact that makes it popular as a winter tourist spot. Just once in the past, Araku Valley received snowfall, when its temperature fell below zero.
Tourist attractions in Araku Valley to visit in winter
- Tribal Museum
- Coffee Museum
- Galikonda View Point
- Padmapuram Gardens
- Katiki Waterfalls
- Sangda Waterfalls
- Ananthagiri Waterfalls
Also Read
Wayanad, Place For A Family Winter Vacation!
Wayanad is a district in northeastern Kerala, located in the foothills of the Western Ghats with altitudes between 700 and 2,100 metres. The place is a popular tourist destination in Southern India for its natural beauty, spice plantations, wildlife collection and tribal population. The wild green cover of Wayanad forms a vast land and makes a shelter for a rich collection of biodiversity. Moreover, the strategic location of the place makes it a leading tourist spot because destinations like Ooty, Bangalore, Mysore and Kannur are located nearby.
Why should you visit Wayanad in winter?
Winter offers pleasant weather in Wayanad, which makes it the perfect time to tour the place. The warm days and cool nights along with less humidity make Wayanad a perfect tourist destination to visit in the months of November to January. The stunning rural landscapes with green patches of land and white floating clouds above the verdant valleys – make it a sight to behold. Apart from this, winter is the best time to have some adventure in Wayanad. From hiking to Chembra Peak to exploring flora and fauna on the Kuruva Island, Wayanad will give you the best of your winter family vacation.
Tourist attractions in Wayanad to visit in winter
- Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chembra Peak
- Soochipara Falls
- Banasura Sagar Dam
- Edakkal Caves
- Iruppu Waterfalls
- Arippara Waterfalls
- Meenmutty Waterfalls
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Munnar, For Spending A Cold Vacay!
Munnar is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit during your first South India trip. The quaint hill station in the lap of Western Ghats was formerly a resort town in the British era. The green hills with checkbox-looking tea gardens under a clean blue sky in Munnar rejuvenate the tourists with its scenic beauty. Moreover, the gushing waterfalls falling from the hills incite people to hike more and find solace amidst nature. The endangered species of Nilgiri tahr found in the valleys make a visit to Munnar more memorable.
Why should you visit Munnar in winter?
Munnar, the famous winter tourist spot in South India is one of the coldest hill stations and it is often referred to as the ‘Kashmir of southern India.’ When the fresh leaves of the tea gardens receive the white snow and form an ice-crystal layer on them, they look more refreshing. Also, the pleasant weather of Munnar during the winter makes it an ideal place for spotting birds and hiking to the highest point without much effort. If you are lucky, you can also witness a magical snowfall in Munnar in winter. For instance, in 2021, it received snowfall in February when the temperature reached minus two degrees.
Tourist attractions in Munnar to visit in winter
- Marayoor
- Echo Point
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chinnakanal Waterfalls
- Anamudi Peak
- CSI Christ Church
- Kundala Dam and Lake
- KDHP Museum
Other Interesting Blogs to Read
Lambasingi, For Watching Snowfall In South India!
Lambasingi is a small village in Andhra Pradesh, located around 100 kilometres away from Visakhapatnam. It is situated at a height of 1,000 metres from sea level and offers cooler weather than the surrounding areas. This offbeat winter retreat was previously covered by dense forests and used to be a haven for tigers and birds. The rich collection of wildlife attracts numerous enthusiasts to study the animals found here. You will also find coffee, eucalyptus and pine plantations in the village. The picturesque verdant valleys and serene rivers make this place more delightful.
Why should you visit Lambasingi in winter?
Now, the most surprising part of the article is here. Referred to as the ‘Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh,’ Lambasingi often receives snowfall during the winter. Sometimes the temperature falls below sub-zero at night and its cloudy landscape turns into a snowy one. The place is also known as Korra Bayalu, which colonially means “if someone stays out in the open they would freeze like a stick!”
Therefore, the winter season, from November to January, is the best time to visit this small village. And, also the best time to enjoy the snowfall is 4 AM to 9 AM. This dreamy phenomenon has started attracting people from all over the country to visit Lambasingi in the last few years.
Tourist attractions in Lambasingi to visit in winter
- Kondakarla Bird Sanctuary
- Thanjangi Reservoir
- Susan Garden
- Bojjannakonda
- Ghat Road
- Kothapalli Waterfalls
Other Interesting Blog to Read
Hope, this South India Winter Travel Guide will help you in selecting your ideal destination in South India to visit this upcoming winter. However, if you know any other place down south where one can spend a memorable winter holiday, don’t forget to share with us. If you already have an experience of spending winter vacation in South India, share your stories with us.
Other Interesting Winter Tourism Blogs to Read
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the popular activities for tourists to experience in winters in South India?
Some of the popular activities for tourists to enjoy their winter holidays in South India:
- Staying in houseboats in Alleppey.
- Exploring the beaches in Kochi.
- Enjoying a toy-train ride in Ooty.
- Enjoying a fresh cup of tea in Munnar.
- Enjoying a coffee plantation tour in Coorg.
- Enjoying an adrenaline rush in Wayanad.
Which is the coldest Hill station in South India?
The coldest hill station in South India is Kodaikanal, which is famous among tourists for its waterfalls, meadows, valleys and grasslands.
Which are the best places to visit in December in South India?
Top Southern India winter holiday destinations to visit in December are:
- Araku Valley
- Kochi
- Ooty
- Vizag
- Mahabalipuram
- Thiruvannamalai
- Murudeshwar
- Alleppey
- Athirapally
Which are the best places to visit in South India with family in January?
Some of the best places to visit in South India with family in January:
- Munnar
- Ooty
- Chikmagalur
- Kochi
- Kasargod
- Yercaud
- Mahabalipuram
- Ponmudi
About the author
From the ‘City of Joy,’ Kolkata, Nandini Bhattacharya is a Travel Writer by profession and traveller by passion. She loves to explore places around the world, new cultures, different cuisines and all new things that one can learn outside the home. She also loves to document her journey so that people can be inspired and travel more. Nandini is a nature lover and talks about sustainable tourism. She wants to make this world a good place where people can live healthy and happily.
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