Best Places to Visit in India in May: Cool Escapes for the Summer Heat
May actually signifies the starting of the summer season and it becomes crucial to seek refuge from the increasing heat. Depending on whether you crave a break from the heat in the mountains, at the coast, or planning to explore arts and culture, there are many places to travel to in India. This post lists some of the ideal tourist destinations in India for the month of May with unique beauty that makes them ideal for travelers away from heat. Okay then, let us take a virtual tour of these wonderful summer vacation destinations that offer a splendid and refreshing touch.
- Goa
- Ooty, Tamil Nadu
- Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
- Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Munnar, Kerala
- Manali, Himachal Pradesh
- Mount Abu, Rajasthan
- Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Nainital, Uttarakhand
- Coorg, Karnataka
- Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
- Gangtok, Sikkim
- Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
- Auli, Uttarakhand
- Shillong, Meghalaya
- Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
- Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
- Kalimpong, West Bengal
- Almora, Uttarakhand
Goa
Goa is well-known as a leading tourist place in India and traveling in May is quite different from other seasons. The climate is tropical and hot, however, this state is a beach lover’s dream with its stunning coastline. Goa – stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and the unique cultural heritage of the Portuguese and Indian colonies. May is when they start to leave and so you get a better opportunity to marvel at its majesty. Many tourists love drinking cocktails at Palolem beach while others prefer to take part in water sports at Baga beach or visit historical site such as Fort Aguada. Panaji, the city of Goa is an example of Indo-colonial architecture and vibrant street markets. At this time you can also plan to attend some of the local festivals and the high-energy beach parties which make up an exciting stay.
- Location: Goa
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Goa International Airport (GOI) is well-connected to major cities across India and abroad.
- By Rail: The two major railway stations are Madgaon and Vasco da Gama, both well-linked to various parts of the country.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty is known as the “Queen of Hill Stations” and the ideal place to be in May as a summer destination, situated in the Nilgiri Hills, it has a cool, misty climate away from the sultry plains ofIndia. This beautiful town is famous for tea estates, beautiful gardens and calm water bodies. Dating back to explorations, one of the interesting things to do is to take a boat tour on the Ooty Lake with tall Eucalyptus trees and hills around it. The Botanical Gardens is another popular attraction area because of the collection of various unique plants and beautiful flowers. A railway journey on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway that is enlisted as a world heritage site presents exquisite sights of the green sprawling valleys and cloudy mountain terrains. May is also the time for the flower show and people come here to watch beautiful flowers.
- Location: Ooty, Tamil Nadu
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, located 88 km away.
- By Rail: Ooty is well connected via the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, with Mettupalayam being the closest railhead about 40 km away.
Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir
Ladakh is relatively easy to reach during the month of May as the hilly areas are thrown open for tourists after the winter season. Famous for its proximity to what one can only describe as a lunar surface, Ladakh provides a fascinating blend of mountain ranges, pristine lakes, and immense bare plains. The high-altitude desert is dotted with colorful Buddhist monasteries like Hemis and Thiksey, which provide spiritual calm amidst the rugged beauty. A trip to the stunning Pangong Lake, with its changing hues of blue, is a must, as is an adventurous drive through the Nubra Valley. May is also the start of trekking season, with popular routes like the Markha Valley Trek attracting adventurers from around the world. Ladakh’s isolated beauty and peaceful vibe make it a top choice for those looking to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature.
- Location: Udaipur, Rajasthan
- Open/Close Times: May to September
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the closest airport.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi, approximately 700 km away, and taxis or buses can be taken from there to Ladakh.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
May is a perfect time to visit Darjeeling as the climate by then is cooler with magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga snow-capped mountains. This town also boasts huge tea gardens, some of which tourists can arrange to be taken on a tour and learn how tea is processed and prepared and taste Darjeeling tea right from the scene. Officially known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train and giving you a delightful ride on the hills shrouded in mist and the virgin green landscape. Visiting Tiger Hill to have darshans of Kanchenjunga at dawn is a must that should not be forgotten as well as the local markets. Darjeeling is a famous hill station with strong colonial roots and stunning scenery, which makes for a rather leisurely but highly educational visit.
- Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest, located about 70 km from Darjeeling.
- By Rail: The closest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is well connected to the rest of India.
Munnar, Kerala
Munnar, situated in the south western region of Kerala in the Western Ghats, is a beautiful place and ideal to visit in the month of May because of its greenery, hills, grasslands and pleasant climate, making it ideal for both nature as well as honeymoon travellers. Take a tour of the Eravikulam National Park, which houses the rare species of Nilgiri Tahr and trek through the beautiful Anamudi Peak, the highest in South India. The tea gardens are a marvel and one can take a leisurely walk or a guided tour around the estates. Munnar has favorable weather conditions and scenic views; therefore, May is an ideal time to visit Munnar.
- Location: Munnar, Kerala
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Cochin International Airport, about 110 km away, is the nearest.
- By Rail: Aluva and Ernakulam are the closest railway stations, located approximately 110 km away.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
May is one of the hot months and people look forward to travelling to Manali, which sits amidst the snow-capped Himalayas and provides a scenic beauty and relaxing atmosphere along with a number of adventure activities. May boasts comparatively cool and pleasant climate, which is perfect for sightseeing of its green valleys, snowy mountains, and fast-flowing rivers. Solang slope is the best spot that appeals to the adventurous ones as these activities include paragliding, zorbing, and skiing. Rohtang Pass, which opens up in May, allows visitors to witness stunning vistas of snow even in summer. Don’t miss the charm of Old Manali, with its quaint cafes and shops, perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure. Key attractions such as the Hadimba Temple and Vashisht Hot Springs add cultural and spiritual dimensions to your visit, making it a wholesome experience.
- Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Bhuntar Airport, approximately 50 km from Manali, is the nearest airport.
- By Rail: The nearest major railway station is Chandigarh, located around 310 km away, from where buses or taxis are readily available.
Mount Abu, Rajasthan
The only hill station in Rajasthan is Mount Abu an ideal place to escape the heat of the plains in May, situated amidst the Aravalli range it offers pleasant climate, fresh green surroundings and picturesque landscapes. Explore the popular tourist attraction site Nakki Lake through a boat ride or take a walk around the Toad Rock which provides a vantage point of the entire town. The fine architectural work in the Dilwara Temples of Sirohi are a major tourist attraction; another attractive tourist landmark is Guru Shikhar, the highest peak of Rajasthan. It is particularly ideal for the summer vacation because of the calm surroundings and good weather.
- Location: Mount Abu, Rajasthan
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, around 165 km away.
- By Rail: Abu Road Railway Station is the closest, about 28 km from the town.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh is a spiritual and adventure center, thus a wonderful place to be in May. The town is situated at the bank of river Ganges and is famous for yoga centers, temples, and adventure activities. The weather in May is suitable for such activities as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and trekking in hills around the area. Take a stroll on the famous Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula suspension bridges to get a good view of the surroundings. Rishikesh is also known as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” so don’t miss the chance to attend yoga and meditation sessions at the various ashrams.
- Location: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 20 km away.
- By Rail: The closest railway station is in Haridwar, approximately 25 km from Rishikesh.
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Nainital, also known as the “Lake District of India”, is perfect to be explored in May as the town is nested around Naini Lake and the boat riding there is very peaceful with beautiful scenery of the hills. Due to favorable climate in May it is fine to visit other attractions like Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point, and bustling Mall Road. For those who want a little more thrill, one can take a cable car to Tiffin Top and enjoy the breathtaking view of the entire area. Nainital also offers excellent opportunities for nature walks and trekking, thus providing a splendid blend of the leisure option and the adventurous spirit.
- Location: Nainital, Uttarakhand
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport, located about 70 km away.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, approximately 34 km away, well-connected to major cities.
Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg also called the “Scotland of India” is a perfect place to tour in May as it is a hill station with cooler climate and beautiful locales, forests of coffee plantations and mist shrouded hills. This place is ideal for a trip at Abbey Falls, the coffee plantation and the Madikeri Fort. Wildlife is another popular attraction in the region, and there are several wildlife sanctuaries here; one of the most famous of which is the Nagarhole National Park which has many animals. The best things to do in Coorg are trekking, bird watching, river rafting at Barapole River.
- Location: Coorg, Karnataka
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport, located about 95 km away.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Mysore, around 120 km from Coorg.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
The best place to be in May is Kodaikanal, a beautiful hill station located in the southern state of Tamil Nadu; this place is famous for its marvelous hills, clear lakes, and dense pine forests. One can take a boat ride on the beautiful Kodaikanal Lake while on foot one can trek to the Coaker’s Walk or Bryant Park. The Pillar Rocks and the Dolphin’s Nose are two vantage points that tourists can use to look at the valleys beneath them. The beautiful scenery and the favourable climate, especially during summer make Kodaikanal a popular tourist attraction.
- Location: Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, about 120 km away.
- By Rail: Kodai Road is the nearest railway station, approximately 80 km from the hill station.
Gangtok, Sikkim
Gangtok is particularly beautiful during the month of May, and this is the best time to visit because the climate is cool and you will be able to see the Kanchenjunga mountains in all their glory. The capital of Sikkim is an energetic hill station, famous for its monasteries, legends, treks and bazaars. The Rumtek Monastery gives one an insight into the spiritual aspect, while the Tsomgo Lake offers beauty with the water body, clear as blue jade, surrounded by mountains of snow. It is also the perfect time to go trekking in the region with such famous treks as Goecha La.
- Location: Gangtok, Sikkim
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra, located about 124 km away.
- By Rail: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the closest major railway station, about 120 km away.
Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
The valley, especially Srinagar in May becomes a complete natural beauty with Mughal gardens, houseboats and Dal Lake. It is a favorable season to travel the scenic country, go on shikara rides on the Dal Lake, see the beautiful gardens of tulips and visit Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Garden. The surrounding snow-capped peaks enhance the beauty of the valley and a trip to the old city of Srinagar provides an insight into the local way of life. May also signals the start of trekking season in the region of the Kashmir Valley, which makes tourism favorable in this area.
- Location: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Sheikh Ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar is well-connected to major cities in India.
- By Rail: Jammu Tawi is the nearest railway station, located 250 km away.
Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli is a relatively unknown beauty of Uttarakhand that offers splendid views of snow-capped peaks and lush meadows. While Auli is more famous for its snow, it was great to be there in the month of May with the really cool weather and beautiful scenery. This is the best time for trekking as the Valley of Flowers and the Gurso Bugyal have off-beat treks amidst green and scenic beauty. Auli Ropeway that is one of the largest of its kind in Asia takes tourists around the valleys offering them wonderful aerial views. Well, if you are an outdoor enthusiast, this statement is true for Auli visited in May.
- Location: Auli, Uttarakhand
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest, located about 286 km away.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, around 260 km from Auli.
Shillong, Meghalaya
The climate of Meghalaya doesn’t restrict travel in May; in fact, the capital city of Shillong will be an enjoyable place to visit all through. Popularly referred to as the ‘Scotland of the East,’ Shillong is renowned for its beautiful hills, waterfalls, and colorful culture. It is recommended that you do not leave without visiting Elephant Falls which is one of the most astonishing waterfalls in the area. Tourist spots that can be visited within it include Shillong Peak which offers a picturesque view of the city and Ward’s Lake which is ideal for a boat ride. During summer the climate is cool and the scenery is spectacular making it an excellent summer resort town.
- Location: Shillong, Meghalaya
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Shillong Airport is the nearest, located about 30 km away.
- By Rail: The closest railway station is in Guwahati, about 100 km from Shillong.
Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
One of the most favoured hill stations of Maharashtra is Mahabaleshwar, situated in the Western Ghats region, which gives a pleasant climate in the month of May. The attractions include the green valley, strawberry garden, Arthur’s seat, and Wilson point. A boat ride on Venna Lake or a visit to one of the most historically significant places of Maharashtra, the Pratapgad Fort. Located in the Sahayadri mountain range, Mahabaleshwar is one of the favourite summer vacation spots due to tropical weather in the month of May suitable for trekking and sightseeing.
- Location: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Pune International Airport is the nearest, around 120 km away.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Wathar, about 60 km away.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang, which is located in the Arunachal Pradesh state of India is one of the most beautiful places that has a lot of beauty and cultural importance. The best time to visit Tawang is in May when there is a gradual melting of snow and the region becomes amazing for the growth of rhododendrons and other wild flowers. Visit the Tawang Monastery, the largest in India, for a spiritual experience. The stunning lakes of Madhuri and Pankang Teng Tso are must-visits for their serene beauty. The weather is cool and perfect for sightseeing and trekking.
- Location: Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Tezpur Airport, about 317 km away.
- By Rail: Tezpur Railway Station is the nearest, around 320 km from Tawang.
Kalimpong, West Bengal
Kalimpong near Darjeeling: It is a serene place with temperatures that are considerably lower than the plains making it ideal to visit in May. Explore the beautiful destinations of Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, Durpin Dara Hill for the bird’s eye view, and Deolo Hill which is the highest point in Kalimpong. May is one of the best months to take a leisurely stroll in the park, go sightseeing or visit the local nurseries where the exotic plants and specially the orchids are sourced.
- Location: Kalimpong, West Bengal
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: Bagdogra Airport is the nearest, about 75 km away.
- By Rail: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the closest major railway station, located around 70 km from Kalimpong.
Almora, Uttarakhand
Almora is a beautiful hill station in the Kumaon region of the state of Uttarakhand, India. Some of the many attractions of Almora include the Himalayan views and the cultural flavor of the town. The town is particularly beautiful in May with relatively cool temperatures for temple tours in Almora including the Nanda Devi and Kasar Devi temples. It is also an ideal place to do trekking as there are many tracks starting from Almora to beautiful places such as Binsar or Jageshwar. Almora is an ideal place for summer tourists as the place is extremely calm and the surrounding geography is breathtaking.
- Location: Almora, Uttarakhand
- Open/Close Times: Accessible year-round
- How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, around 115 km away.
- By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, approximately 80 km away./li>
May is a good time to travel across the geographic regions of India where temperatures are quite moderate and there are numerous specialties to discover. If you want to experience the freezing temperatures of the hill stations in Manali, Nainital, or Mount Abu, or you are looking for the tranquility of Goa and Andaman beaches or the spiritual retreat of Rishikesh or Varanasi, India has a lot to offer. Starting from the adventurous places in Leh-Ladakh to royalty feeling in Rajasthan – Jaipur to the calm coffee plantation in Karnataka – Coorg, each among these 20 places has set something special to amuse all types of visitors. By traveling in May, you can avoid the scorching heat of the Indian summer, explore off the beaten path destinations, and make lasting memories while exploring the beauty of Nature and history, art, and culture. Choose one of these incredible destinations for your holiday or studying during the summer period and enjoy your time.
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