The summer season has made its entry in India. The unbeatable heat will now make you want to escape to a cooler destination. And why not, after all, May is the official vacation month. But which place would be great for a vacation when the sun is heating the entire country? Well, in India, while the Northern region experiences the hottest temperatures, there are some other regions that are cooler in climate even during the peak summer season. To beat this heat, there are many places you can consider to beat the heat and enjoy comparatively cooler and calmer weather. To help you plan your holiday this summer season, we have picked some of the best places to visit in May in India. So, get along, explore, and choose the destination you find the most alluring.
Top 12 Indian Destinations to Visit in May
Kerala
Settled along the western coast of India, Kerala is nothing less than a place that replicates as heaven on earth. With some of the most beautiful views, Kerala is a place that is beautiful with a calming climate even in the heat of May. With a lot of gardens, remarkable waterfalls, and a huge variety of flora and fauna, this is definitely one of the best places to visit in May in South India. You just cannot go wrong with this destination. With an insight into the spice plantation with Wayanad, on the other hand, Munnar offers green lushes along with a clear sky for a fresh breath of air. During May, Kerala still welcomes you with a pleasant climate that helps you beat the Northern heat.
Duration of stay: 4 days
Average budget: Approx 20,000 per head for 4 days
Things to do: Go on a Wildlife safari, enjoy a boat ride at Vembanad Lake, visit waterfalls, and much more
Spiti Valley
If you’re a mountain person, Spiti is definitely one of the best places to visit in May in India. Coming out of the full bloom of winter, Spiti becomes a wonderful destination where you can have a relaxing and fun time to avoid the chaos and heat of the city. Spiti is located at a height of almost 12,500 ft above sea level. If you get lucky, you can even witness slight snowfall in Spiti near Rohtang Pass during May. Years old monasteries and snow capped mountains make this place look like heaven on earth. So if Spiti is on your travel bucket list, May is a great time to visit as the roads are easily accessible.
Duration of stay: 5 days
Average budget: Approx Rs 8,000 per head for 5 days
Things to do: Go for a bike trek near the Baralacha Pass, Stargazing, camp near the lake, and much more.
Also Read: Here are the Best Places to visit in Monsoon In India
Ladakh
Witness the layer of white sand and snow in Ladakh. We all have a road trip to Ladakh on our bucket list and you can tick that off this May. Undoubtedly, Ladakh is a great place and one of the best places to visit in May in India. This kingdom settled in the lap of the Himalayas has brought a significant boost in tourism of India. You can easily explore Ladakh while enjoying the pleasant weather and the serene environment in the mountains. You can also get a chance to explore the local culture of Spiti while enjoying a few local festivals in May.
Duration of stay: 8 – 10 days
Average budget: Approx Rs 20,000 per head for 8 days
Things to do: Go for a rafting experience, plan a camp night, go for a trek, and many other adventurous activities
Shillong
Offering a plethora of greenery, Shillong, also known as the ‘Scotland of India’ is among the best places to visit in India in May with family. You can find solace in the heat at this hill station which is beyond beautiful. Shillong is a wonderful destination if you want to explore the Northeastern part of India. There are many lakes, waterfalls, and hills covered with green lush that create a view that is worth witnessing. Shillong is a hidden gem that has not been explored much by tourists. If you’re planning to ditch the North region this holiday season, you can pick Shillong for a beautiful escape.
Duration of stay: 3 – 4 days
Average budget: Approx Rs 15,000 per head for 4 days
Things to do: Visit the Elephant Falls, take a boat ride at the Umiam Lake, and plan a picnic near the Ward’s Lake
Almora
Time to explore another hidden gem on the list of best places to visit in May in India – Almora. Settled among the many hill stations in the Himalayas, Almora happens to be in the lap of Uttarakhand. Although this destination has yet to be explored by many, there are a lot of things and places to visit here. Almora is a place with many religious temples, vibrant handicraft markets, treks and so much more. You can breathe in the clean and fresh year, enjoy the scenic views, and try on the local cuisine while exploring this holiday destination.
Duration of stay: 3 – 4 days
Average budget: Approx Rs 15,000 per head for 4 days
Things to do: Experience the best view from Zero Point, visit the plethora of temples, and trek at Jalna
Sikkim
Sikkim is another special place on this list. With many beautiful towns, Sikkim is a haven for those who want to experience natural beauty in its purest form. From greenery to snow capped towns, this northeastern destination offers tourists everything. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Sikkim is a place where you can have fun and yet have a quiet and peaceful time. You can try various adventure sports here, go for a trek, or visit the historic Tibetan monasteries. Places like Lachen village and Gangtok, which is the capital of Sikkim have some of the stunning places to visit.
Duration of stay: 5 – 6 days
Average budget: approx Rs 30,000 per head for 5 days
Things to do: Take part in various adventure activities, take a safari on the Yak, and visit the famous Buddha park
Pahalgam
Pahalgam, a small town in Kashmir is worth visiting once in a lifetime. This place has a special spot on the list of best places to visit in May in India. This place offers an experience that not only makes you feel relieved from the heat of the city but also changes your perspective toward nature. It is said that if there is heaven on earth, it is in Kashmir, and Pahalgam is just a glimpse of it. Pahalgam has been a favourite destination for many Indian movies for its mesmerising views. Lakes, rivers, and forests enhance the beauty of this tourist destination. It is the best place to visit in May in India for a holiday.
Duration of stay: 2 – 3 days
Average budget: Approx Rs 15,000 per head for 3 days
Things to do: Visit the famous Betaab Valley, enjoy a day of camping at the Sheshnag Lake, and much more
Ooty
Get ready to escape the heat and head to Ooty which is one of the best places to visit in May in South India. It is a perfect time to visit, as the weather is pleasant with sunny days and cool nights. You can stroll through the town while enjoying the view of lush green hills full of tea plantations and colourful flowers. You can also explore gushing waterfalls, and serene lakes like Ooty Lake, or even take a ride on the historical toy train. Ooty is a great holiday destination for nature and adventure lovers. So, pack your bags for a refreshing and unforgettable holiday in Ooty this summer season.
Duration of stay: 3 days
Average budget: approx Rs 15,000 per head for 3 days
Things to do: Visit The Tea Factory, experience how the tea plantation is processed, and Trek to a famous sunset point
Darjeeling
Enter the famous northeastern destination in India which is popularly known for its black tea plantation. Green bushes all around create a refreshing view while increasing the oxygen in the air. This place offers you a lot of pretty backdrops for your vacation pictures. The huge land of Darjeeling is home to more than 80 tea gardens and farms. You can also enjoy the view of Mount Kanchenjunga Peak which is known to be the third-largest peak in the world. The cool climate of Darjeeling makes it one of the best places to visit in May in India.
Duration of stay: 3 – 4 days
Average budget: approx Rs 18,000 per head for 3 days
Things to do: Visit the popular Singalila National Park, go for a trek, explore the mall road for shopping
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Gulmarg
You can never get enough of Kashmir as this one place has many precious holiday destinations and Gulmarg is another among the best places to visit in May in India. You can escape the heat and visit this dreamy destination. If you want to explore the best of Gulmarg and other parts of Kashmir, May is the best time as roads are accessible and the hills are covered with snow. Enjoy the early morning sunrise through the mountains. You can go for a day-camping near the lake, stroll the heartwarming markets, and enjoy the rich Kashmiri cuisine here. Gulmarg offers some of the most beautiful views of Kashmir.
Duration of stay: 2 Days
Average budget: approx Rs 8,000 per head for 2 days
Things to do: Enjoy the view of the town on a cable car ride at the Gulmarg Gondola, go for skiing, and other snow activities
Conclusion:
In this burning heat of summer, take a break from work and spend some quality time with your loved ones on a short or long vacation. From the top of the mountains to the charming valleys of the South, we have tried to cover all the places that will take you on an escape from the summer heat. You can check out these best places to visit in India in May with your family and enjoy a vacation filled with memories. From the minimum days of travel needed to a particular destination to the average budget you might need, we have covered everything you need to know. Do not wait for the hot climate to pass because even in May, these places offer a great time for vacationing.
