Places to Visit in May in South India
As the summer heat sets in, May is a great time to explore the beauty of South India. With its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine, South India offers a plethora of budget-friendly travel destinations. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a food enthusiast, South India has something to offer for everyone. Here are five budget-friendly places to visit in South India in May 2024.
1. Munnar, Kerala
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Munnar is a serene hill station known for its sprawling tea gardens and misty mountains. Explore the Eravikulam National Park to spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr or take a leisurely boat ride at the Mattupetty Dam. Visit the Tea Museum to learn about the region’s tea-making process. Don’t miss the breathtaking views from the Anamudi Peak, the highest peak in South India.
Location: Munnar is a picturesque hill station located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, known for its tea gardens, lush greenery, and cool climate.
Places to Visit: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak, Tea Museum, Attukal Waterfalls.
Things to Do: Trekking, nature walks, tea plantation tours, boating, wildlife spotting.
Trip Duration: 2-3 days.
Budget: INR 5000-8000 per person.
Nearby Cities: Kochi (130 km), Coimbatore (160 km).
Must Try Foods: Kerala cuisine including appam with stew, puttu and kadala curry, banana fritters.
How to Reach Munnar
- By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, located 110 km away.
- By Train: Aluva is the nearest major railway station, located 110 km away.
- By Bus: Regular buses ply from cities like Kochi, Coimbatore, and Bangalore.
Top Bus Routes to Munnar
Here are some of the most traveled bus routes by people to reach Munnar and you can easily book Munnar bus tickets on AbhiBus.
2. Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi’s mesmerizing ruins take you back in time to the Vijayanagara Empire. Explore the Virupaksha Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at its intricate architecture. Wander through the Hampi Bazaar and witness the local lifestyle. For panoramic views, climb the Matanga Hill at sunrise or sunset. Hampi’s boulder-strewn landscapes offer a unique setting for bouldering enthusiasts.
Location: Hampi is an ancient village in northern Karnataka, known for its captivating ruins, temples, and boulder-strewn landscapes.
Places to Visit: Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Vittala Temple, Elephant Stables, Matanga Hill.
Things to Do: Explore the ruins, watch the sunset from Hemakuta Hill, go bouldering, visit the local markets.
Trip Duration: 2-3 days.
Budget: INR 4000-6000 per person.
Nearby Cities: Hospet (13 km), Bangalore (350 km).
Must Try Foods: South Indian meals, masala dosa, bisi bele bath, filter coffee.
How to Reach Hampi
- By Air: Hubli Airport is the nearest airport, located 160 km away.
- By Train: Hospet Junction is the nearest railway station, well-connected to major cities.
- By Bus: Regular buses ply from cities like Bangalore, Goa, and Hyderabad.
Top Bus Routes to Hampi
Here are some of the most traveled bus routes by people to reach Hampi and you can easily book Hampi bus tickets on AbhiBus.
3. Coorg, Karnataka
Known for its scenic coffee plantations, Coorg offers a tranquil retreat. Visit the Abbey Falls for a refreshing dip in the natural pool or take a walk through the Raja’s Seat garden for panoramic views of the valley. The Namdroling Monastery offers a glimpse into Tibetan culture. Don’t miss the adrenaline rush of river rafting in the Barapole River.
Location: Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a stunning hill station in Karnataka, famous for its coffee plantations, lush forests, and misty hills.
Places to Visit: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Namdroling Monastery, Dubare Elephant Camp, Madikeri Fort.
Things to Do: Coffee plantation tours, trekking, river rafting, visit to Tibetan settlements, wildlife safari.
Trip Duration: 2-3 days.
Budget: INR 5000-8000 per person.
Nearby Cities: Mysore (120 km), Mangalore (140 km).
Must Try Foods: Pandi curry (pork curry), akki roti, bamboo shoot curry, Coorgi coffee.
How to Reach Coorg
- By Air: Mangalore International Airport is the nearest airport, located 160 km away.
- By Train: Mysore Junction is the nearest railway station, located 120 km away.
- By Bus: Regular buses ply from cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, and Mysore.
Top Bus Routes to Coorg
Here are some of the most traveled bus routes by people to reach Coorg and you can easily book Coorg bus tickets on AbhiBus.
4. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty’s charm lies in its colonial architecture and picturesque landscapes. Enjoy a boat ride on the Ooty Lake or explore the Botanical Gardens with a variety of flora. For a scenic view, trek to the Doddabetta Peak, the highest peak in the Nilgiris. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a memorable journey through the lush hills.
Location: Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a charming hill station in Tamil Nadu, known for its scenic beauty, colonial architecture, and tea gardens.
Places to Visit: Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Rose Garden, Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
Things to Do: Boat ride in Ooty Lake, trekking, toy train ride, visit to tea estates, botanical garden exploration.
Trip Duration: 2-3 days.
Budget: INR 5000-8000 per person.
Nearby Cities: Coimbatore (86 km), Mysore (160 km).
Must Try Foods: Ooty chocolates, varkey (local snack), mushroom soup, kebabs.
How to Reach Ooty
- By Air: Coimbatore International Airport is the nearest airport, located 88 km away.
- By Train: Mettupalayam is the nearest railway station, located 47 km away.
- By Bus: Regular buses ply from cities like Bangalore, Coimbatore, and Mysore.
Top Bus Routes to Ooty
Here are some of the most traveled bus routes by people to reach Ooty and you can easily book Ooty bus tickets on AbhiBus.
5. Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna’s pristine beaches and laid-back vibe make it a perfect beach destination. Visit the Om Beach, shaped like the auspicious ‘Om’ symbol, for its tranquil waters and water sports. The Mahabaleshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a must-visit for its architectural beauty. Enjoy a peaceful evening at the Kudle Beach, known for its golden sands and stunning sunsets.
Location: Gokarna is a laid-back coastal town in Karnataka, known for its pristine beaches, temples, and serene atmosphere.
Places to Visit: Om Beach, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Kudle Beach, Half Moon Beach, Mirjan Fort.
Things to Do: Beach hopping, water sports, trekking, temple visits, yoga and meditation.
Trip Duration: 2-3 days.
Budget: INR 4000-6000 per person.
Nearby Cities: Karwar (59 km), Mangalore (230 km).
Must Try Foods: Seafood, especially fish curry, banana pancakes, coconut water.
How to Reach Gokarna
- By Air: Goa International Airport is the nearest airport, located 140 km away.
- By Train: Ankola is the nearest railway station, located 20 km away.
- By Bus: Regular buses ply from cities like Bangalore, Mangalore, and Goa.
Top Bus Routes to Gokarna
Here are some of the most traveled bus routes by people to reach Gokarna and you can easily book Gokarna bus tickets on AbhiBus.
South India, with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers a plethora of budget-friendly travel destinations. Whether you’re exploring the lush greenery of Munnar, the ancient ruins of Hampi, or the serene beaches of Gokarna, you’re sure to have a memorable and affordable trip. So pack your bags, embark on a budget-friendly adventure, and create lasting memories in South India this May 2024.
