The words “winter” and “hill stations,” especially those located in northern India, are often the first things that spring to our minds when we think about the season known as “winter.” The hill stations of the north are without a doubt the ideal locations to spend a holiday, but during the winter months, they are inaccessible due to the severely cold weather and the snowfall. The question now is, what kind of solution can we expect? I was wondering whether India doesn’t have any other hill locations that we may visit during the winter.
We certainly have in the past. The good news is that south India is home to a plethora of stunning hill stations, each of which has its own individual character and deserves a place on our list of potential destinations for a vacation during the winter. There is something for everyone to do throughout the winter in South India, from taking a relaxing winter vacation to basking in the sun on a beach holiday trip, from adventuring during the winter holidays to celebrating Christmas with friends from a variety of nations.
Therefore, in order to help you plan your trip to South India during the winter months, we have compiled a list of some of the best spots to see in the region. In addition, we have conducted research on a few locations throughout the world where you may have an experience as as spectacular as that which you can have in Northern India during the winter.
Continue reading the article until you reach the conclusion to find out what kind of experience we are talking about and where you will be able to enjoy it.
An Overview of the 10 Most Popular Winter Vacation Spots in Southern India
Kodaikanal, Munnar, Ooty, and Kochi are Some of the Best Places in South India to Take Your Family on a Winter Vacation.
The cities of Alleppey, Munnar, Ooty, Coorg, Kochi, and Andaman are among the best places in South India to spend a winter honeymoon.
Coorg, Araku Valley, Munnar, and Lambasingi are some of the best places in South India to go trekking during the winter months.
South India’s Best Beaches in the Wintertime and Where Beach Lovers Should Go
-Kochi, Pondicherry, Andaman
Lovers of Snowfall will enjoy Lambasingi and Munnar, two of South India’s most popular tourist destinations.
Activities that may be enjoyed during the winter in South India include trekking, photography, unwinding on beaches, residing on houseboats, seeing snowfall, partying, touring coffee and tea plantations, and shopping.
November through February is the time of year that offers the most pleasant weather.
Table of Contents
Andaman
Andaman, For Those Planning to Have Their Honeymoon in the South during the Winter!
Andaman is an archipelago that is part of India and is found in the Bay of Bengal. It is situated in the southeast direction of the Indian mainland. It is widely regarded as one of the most popular tourist destinations in southern India. Andaman and Nicobar are the two most significant islands that make up the whole archipelago.
Andaman is a great place to go on vacation during the winter since it has many different attractions, like beaches with unspoiled sand, cliffs that can be climbed, blue sea, and a night sky that is filled with stars. In addition to that, it is one of the locations in India that is home to more than 500 different kinds of coral. You will be astounded by the variety of colors that the corals have to offer, which is the primary reason why there are so many visitors visiting from different parts of the globe.
Why should you visit the Andaman Islands during the colder months?
It is common knowledge that the Andaman is a popular tourist destination throughout the whole year. However, taking a winter holiday in the Andaman Islands has a distinct atmosphere, which is something that only a small number of people are aware of.
The climate in the Andaman Islands during the winter is mild throughout the day, and the many colors of blue in the sky provide for an excellent contrast in photographs. Not to mention the fact that Andaman is one of the top holiday destinations in South India during the winter season.
Additionally, winter is the ideal season to participate in any and all sorts of water-based activities in this region. The Andaman is a wonderful place for newlyweds to spend their honeymoon since it offers a wide variety of exciting activities, from sunbathing and snorkeling to sailing from island to island and dining on seafood.
Kochi
For a beach vacation in the winter, Kochi is the place to go!
Kochi, which has been an important port since the 19th century and is now also a city around it, is a well-known tourist destination in South India that brings in a large number of visitors throughout the year. During the colonial period, it was referred to as Cochin, and now it is a great starting point for an adventure throughout Kerala. Kochi has been ranked as one of the top three tourist destinations in the world by the World Travel & Tourism Council due to the high quality of its beaches, its historical sites, its green hills, and its extensive range of flora and fauna.
Why should you go to Kochi when it’s cold outside?
After the monsoon, the winter season in Kochi is another of the city’s greatest times to visit since the climate is more agreeable. Because the temperature is anywhere from 17 to 30 degrees, it is an ideal time to go sightseeing in Kochi, particularly at the city’s beaches and other popular tourist destinations. In addition, Kochi’s natural beauty seems to be improved and much more alluring throughout the winter, making it one of the top destinations in South India for families to visit during the winter season.
Visitable tourist spots in Kochi that are open throughout the wintertime
Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, the Kodanand Elephant Training Centre, Marine Drive, the Hill Palace Museum, St. Francis Church, the Jewish Synagogue, and Jew Town are some of the places that you may visit in Kochi.
Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is the hill station in southern India with the lowest average temperature.
Kodaikanal, sometimes known as the “princess of the Indian hill stations,” is South India’s most popular tourist destination during the winter months. The picturesque hill town of Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu is home to a number of natural attractions, including lakes, waterfalls, valleys, and hills covered with grass. The Kodaikanal Lake, the most well-known attraction in the neighborhood, serves as the focal point of the institution. It is a lake in the form of a star that is raised to a height of 2,000 meters and is surrounded by evergreen trees. In the winter, Kodaikanal is a fantastic spot to go sightseeing since there is so much to see and do there, such as trekking to waterfalls and learning about the diverse plant life.
Why should you go to Kodaikanal when it’s freezing outside?
First and foremost, one of the finest reasons to visit this winter vacation is to take in the otherworldly vista of Kodaikanal Lake when it is raining. At the winter, the weather in Kodaikanal may become very frigid, and the temperature might drop below five degrees Fahrenheit on occasion. The second reason is that the fog turns into ice crystals and falls on leaves and other locations, giving the appearance of snowfall having just occurred. The last point is that winter is the season in which gaur sightings in the forests are most likely to occur. The animals are being enticed to return to Kodaikanal as it gets less congested with people.
Visitable tourist sites in Kodaikanal during the winter are as follows:
Kodaikanal Lake, Dolphin’s Nose, Vattakanal Waterfall, Berijam Lake, Pambar Falls, Coaker’s Walk, Kurinji Andavar Temple
Coorg
Coorg is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the southern region of India due to its abundance of flowing waterfalls, old structures, evergreen woods, as well as its diverse flora and fauna, and many tea and coffee plantations.
This mountain community is also known by its alternative name, Madikeri, and is located in the Western Ghats. The area, which is sometimes referred to as Kodagu, is recognized as “The Scotland of India” due to the stunning natural beauty and amazing vistas that can be seen there. This picturesque hill town is home to some of the world’s most fragrant tea, coffee, and spice farms, which are among its greatest assets.
Why should you go to Coorg while it’s cold outside?
The weather in Coorg during the winter makes it a nice and cool area to visit, making it one of the greatest destinations to visit in South India during the wintertime. The verdant vegetation, the picturesque waterfalls, and the plantations that run down the slopes of the hills all give off an endearing appearance, and it is now much simpler to go to all of these locations.
In addition, since the forests are still green despite being dry, winter is the ideal season for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping in the woods. Jeep safaris in the Nishani Hills and Kabbe Hills are particularly enjoyable at this time of year for those who have a passion for animals.
Araku Valley
The Araku Valley Is Where You Should Go For The Finest Winter Photos!
Andhra Pradesh is home to a plethora of religious landmarks, but if you go farther into the state, you’ll find a verdant valley that is sure to captivate you with its breathtaking natural beauty. That’s the Araku Valley, if you were wondering. It is situated around 111 kilometers away from Visakhapatnam, which is another well-known tourist attraction in the southern region of India. The hill station may be found at the foot of the Eastern Ghats Hills and is encompassed on all sides by densely forested mountain ranges. The picturesque coffee gardens, waterfalls, rivers, and valleys filled with paddy fields contribute to the visual appeal of the valley.
Why should you go to Araku Valley while it’s freezing outside?
Araku Valley takes on the appearance of a mystical setting during the winter months when the golden light of the afternoon sun shines down over the expansive plain of paddy fields and peeks through the passageways between the hills.
The tranquil valley soon transforms into an ideal location for winter photography, creating a gorgeous blend of many colors such as blue, green, and golden. In addition, to give even more vivid hues to the scene, a variety of exotic birds are seen flitting from one location to another before landing on a limb of a nearby tree. The picture-perfect view of the Araku Valley may now be seen on this postcard.
Apart from this, there is also another prevalent reason for selecting South India for Winter Break, and that reason is definitely the lovely weather of the Araku Valley in the wintertime. In addition to that, there is something more about the location that contributes to its popularity as a tourist destination in the winter. Only once in the region’s history has it been cold enough to produce snowfall in Araku Valley when temperatures dropped below zero.
Lambasingi
Lambasingi is the best place in southern India to see snow fall.
A tiny hamlet in the state of Andhra Pradesh, Lambasingi can be found around 100 kilometers distant from the city of Visakhapatnam. Because of its elevation one thousand meters above sea level, the climate there is much more pleasant than in the neighboring places. This quirky winter hideaway used to be covered in thick woods and was a shelter for tigers and birds in the past.
Many nature lovers are drawn here by the diverse assortment of wild creatures because they want to learn more about them. In addition to pine, coffee, and eucalyptus plantations, the community also has eucalyptus plantations. This location is made even more enjoyable by the presence of its stunning lush valleys and tranquil waterways.
Why should you go to Lambasingi while it’s freezing outside?
This next section of the story has one of the most shocking revelations. Lambasingi, sometimes known as the “Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh,” is a region that regularly experiences snowfall throughout the winter. At other times, the temperature drops below zero degrees Fahrenheit throughout the night, transforming the overcast scene into a snowy one. Another name for the location is Korra Bayalu, which derives from a colonial expression that translates to “if someone remains out in the open, they will freeze like a stick!”
Because of this, the months of November through January constitute the winter season, which is the greatest time to visit this little community. In addition, the hours between four and nine in the morning are perfect for taking in the beauty of the snowfall. In recent years, because to this fantastical occurrence, Lambasingi has become more popular as a tourist destination throughout the whole of the country.
Ooty
Ooty, For a Rejuvenating Holiday in the Winter!
Ooty is a mountain resort town that is nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats and is widely regarded as one of the finest winter resorts in all of South India. It has been given the name Udhagamandalam by the government of Tamil Nadu, and it may be found in the Nilgiris District of that state. Ooty is well-renowned for many things, including its lakes and dams, gardens and parks, tea factories, tribal museums and historical structures, and the heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Ooty was once regarded as the summer capital of Madras Presidency during the British rule.
Why should you go to Ooty when it’s cold outside?
Ooty is well-known across India as a resort during the winter season. The majesty of Ooty’s landscape in the wintertime inspires feelings of tranquility and soothes the senses. As winter progresses and the surrounding hills grow more foggy and misty, the whole scenery, including the neighboring hills, becomes extraordinarily lovely. When clouds of a white tint glide over the lush tea plantations on the slopes of the hills, the scene seems like it was taken from a post card. In addition, because of the cool temperature, the location is ideal for doing some sightseeing in a relaxed manner.
Alleppey
Houseboat travel is a wonderful way to spend the colder months of the year.
A city located in southern Kerala, Alleppey is often referred to by its former name, Alappuzha. Lord Curzon, who regarded the natural beauty of Alleppey to be comparable to that of Venice, Italy, coined the phrase “Venice of the East” to describe this location. Alleppey has established itself as a leading destination for those interested in backwater tourism and is also known as the houseboat capital of Kerala. One of the primary draws to the area is its network of interconnected canals, known as the backwaters of Alleppey. These waterways allow residents to travel to the surrounding countryside. In addition to this, it is a tourist-worthy location in South India because to its untouched beaches, lagoons, and beautiful paddy fields.
Why should you go to Alleppey while it’s cold outside?
One of the most popular tourist destinations in South India during the winter is Alleppey. In a state like Kerala, which is famous for its backwater tourism, this location is regarded as the “Houseboat Capital of Kerala.” The reopening of the canals after the devastation caused by the monsoon is the primary advantage of coming to this location during the winter months. People will once again have the opportunity to take pleasure in staying on floating houseboats and traveling through the backwaters to see inland settlements. The climate is also another factor to consider. People are able to stroll about Alleppey without being very hot or cold when the weather improves.
Munnar
For Such A Chilly Vacation, There’s Nothing Like Munnar!
If this is going to be your first time traveling to South India, Munnar should absolutely be on your itinerary. During the time of the British, the picturesque hill station that is located in the Western Ghats was used as a vacation town. The picturesque landscapes of Munnar, which have rolling hills covered with tea plantations that like checkboxes and which are set against a clear blue sky, help visitors feel refreshed.
In addition, the raging waterfalls that cascade down the slopes encourage people to go hiking and seek refuge in the natural surroundings. An encounter with the critically endangered Nilgiri tahr, which can be seen roaming the valleys of Munnar, is sure to be one of the highlights of any trip there.
Why should you go to Munnar when the weather is cold?
It is common to refer to Munnar as the “Kashmir of southern India” due to the fact that it is one of the coldest hill stations in the world and is a well-known tourist destination in South India during the winter months. When the young leaves of the tea gardens are covered in a covering of white snow that melts into ice crystals, they have a more invigorating appearance.
Since of Munnar’s mild climate in the winter, it’s a great area to go bird watching and trekking because you won’t have to exert as much effort getting to the top of the mountain. In the winter, if you are fortunate, you will be able to experience the enchantment of Munnar during a snowstorm. For example, in the year 2021, it snowed in February despite the temperature reaching negative two degrees.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry, Where You Can Enjoy A Very Merry Christmas Vacation!
The vast majority of tourists see Tamil Nadu by going on one of the state’s famous sightseeing tours. Pondicherry is a Union Territory of India that can be found around 165 kilometers to the south of Chennai, the state capital of Tamil Nadu. When Pondicherry was still regarded as a French town up until 1954, it was considered to be one of the cleanest cities in India. Every nook and cranny of this location seems like it was plucked straight from a picture postcard, thanks to the pristine white architecture of the former French colonies and the fashionable stores that line the tree-lined streets. Pondicherry’s rural landscapes of green and brown colonies, along with the clear blue sky and brilliant sunshine, make it one of the most popular destinations in India for tourists.
Why should you go to Pondicherry if it’s during the winter?
The months of November through February are, due to the weather’s improvement, the ideal time to go to and visit Pondicherry. It is the ideal time to participate in the many water sports activities, take a leisurely walk along the beaches, and spend quality time in the various cafés. In addition, as the winter is the best season to stay in the water for long periods of time, a lot of businesses provide lessons in scuba diving and surfing at this time of year. If taking one of these classes has been on your to-do list for quite some time, the winter months in Pondicherry are the best time to do it because of the low cost involved.
The International Yoga Festival is held in Pondicherry every year in January, making it one of the most noteworthy events of the winter season. Attending this festival, where you may study different styles of yoga and art, might be one of the most significant events of your life.
What are some of the most well-liked things for travelers to do when they visit South India in the wintertime?
In South India, some of the most well-liked ways for visitors to spend their vacation time during the winter months include the following:
houseboats for our accommodations in Alleppey.
Kochi’s beaches are waiting to be discovered.
Having fun during a trip on the toy train in Ooty
Having a nice, hot cup of tea in Munnar, Scotland.
Having fun on our tour of the coffee plantations in Coorg.
Which hill location in South India has the coolest temperatures?
Kodaikanal is a hill station in South India that is known for its waterfalls, meadows, valleys, and grasslands. It is also the hill station with the lowest average temperature.
Really hope that our South India Winter Travelogue will be of use to you in deciding which location in South India would be most suitable for your vacation during the forthcoming winter season. However, if you are aware of any other location in the south at where it is possible to have a fantastic winter vacation, then do not forget to share this information with us. Please feel free to share your experiences with us if you have already been to South India during the winter to have a holiday.