Best places to visit in May in India
India is a land of diverse cultures, religions, and landscapes, and May is one of the best months to explore this incredible country. The scorching summers have not yet taken over the entire country, and many places are still pleasant to visit. From scenic hill stations to vibrant cities, there are numerous places in India that are worth visiting in May. In this article, we have compiled a list of 20 best places to visit in May in India.
Best Places Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir: Ladakh is a land of high passes, snow-capped mountains, and ancient monasteries. May is an excellent time to visit Ladakh, as the weather is pleasant, and the snow starts to melt, giving way to lush greenery. The Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh routes typically opens in late May or early June after the winter snow has melted and the road conditions have been assessed and deemed safe by the authorities. It’s best to check with the local transportation authorities or travel agencies for the latest updates and information on the opening of the route. Best way to visit Leh Ladakh is on a motorcycle covering Delhi, Chandigarh, Srinagar, Kargil, Leh and Manali. You can easily find a bike on rent in Delhi at very competitive prices.
Here are some of the best things to do inbest Places Leh Ladakh in May:
- Visit the Monasteries: Ladakh is known for its rich Buddhist heritage, and there are several monasteries that you can visit during your trip. Some of the popular monasteries in Ladakh include Hemis Monastery, Thiksey Monastery, and Diskit Monastery.
- Explore the Scenic Beauty: Ladakh is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, and May is the perfect time to explore the region’s natural beauty. You can take a road trip to the Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, or Tso Moriri Lake, all of which offer breathtaking views.
- Trekking: Ladakh is a paradise for trekkers, and there are several trekking routes that you can explore during your visit. May is an excellent time to trek in Ladakh as the weather is pleasant, and the trails are not too crowded.
- Attend Festivals: May is a month of festivities in Ladakh, and you can attend some of the most colorful festivals during your trip. The most famous festivals in Ladakh in May are the Sindhu Darshan Festival and the Buddha Purnima Festival.
- Experience the Culture: Ladakh has a unique culture that is a blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Central Asian influences. You can experience the local culture by visiting local villages, interacting with the locals, and trying out the local cuisine.
- Adventure Sports: Ladakh is also known for adventure sports such as rafting, mountain biking, and rock climbing. May is an excellent time to try out these activities as the weather is pleasant and the snow has melted. To explore Leh ladakh on a bike, you can hire bikes from Stoneheadbikes. Do check out our rental section!
Best Places Darjeeling, West Bengal: Known for its tea estates and stunning views of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is a must-visit place in May. The cool weather and blooming flowers add to the charm of this hill station. Here are some things to do in Darjeeling in May:
- Visit the Tea Gardens: Darjeeling is famous for its tea plantations, and a visit to one of the tea gardens is a must. Take a guided tour of the tea gardens, learn about the process of tea-making, and sample some of the finest teas in the world.
- Take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Also known as the “Toy Train,” the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Darjeeling. Take a ride on the narrow-gauge railway, which passes through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the region.
- Visit the Tiger Hill: Tiger Hill is one of the highest points in Darjeeling and offers panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga mountain range. Wake up early and trek to the top to witness the sunrise over the snow-capped mountains.
- Explore the Local Markets: Darjeeling has several bustling markets that are a delight to explore. Visit the Chowk Bazaar, Mall Road, and Nehru Road to shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local produce.
- Best Places Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute is a must-visit for adventure enthusiasts. Learn about the history of mountaineering in the Himalayas, see equipment used by mountaineers, and visit the museum dedicated to Tenzing Norgay, the first person to climb Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary.
- Indulge in Local Cuisine: Darjeeling has a vibrant food culture, and there are several local dishes that you must try. Some of the must-try dishes include momos, thukpa, churpee, and Darjeeling tea-infused sweets.
Best Places Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Ooty is a popular hill station in South India, known for its tea plantations, lush greenery, and pleasant weather. May is an excellent time to visit Ooty, as the temperature is mild, and the monsoon has not yet arrived.
Here are some of the best places to visit in Ooty in May:
- Doddabetta Peak: Doddabetta Peak is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Mountains and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and hills. Trek to the top of the peak and enjoy the breathtaking views of the landscape.
- Ooty Lake: Ooty Lake is a popular tourist destination in the town and offers boating and other recreational activities. Take a leisurely boat ride on the lake and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills.
- Botanical Gardens: The Ooty Botanical Gardens is a popular attraction in the town and is home to several rare species of plants and trees. The gardens are particularly beautiful in May as the flowers are in full bloom.
- Pykara Falls: The Pykara Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Pykara village, a few kilometers from Ooty. The falls are surrounded by lush green forests and are an ideal spot for picnics and nature walks.
- Rose Garden: The Ooty Rose Garden is one of the largest rose gardens in India and is home to several varieties of roses. The garden is particularly beautiful in May as the roses are in full bloom.
- Avalanche Lake: Avalanche Lake is a serene and picturesque lake located a few kilometers from Ooty. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests and is an ideal spot for fishing and boating.
Best Places Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra: Located in the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is a beautiful hill station known for its strawberry farms and breathtaking views. The weather in May is perfect for outdoor activities like trekking and hiking. Here are some of the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar in May:
- Arthur’s Seat: It is a popular viewpoint in Mahabaleshwar that offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and hills.
- Venna Lake: This picturesque lake is a popular spot for boating and enjoying scenic views of the surrounding hills.
- Elephant’s Head Point: This point offers a breathtaking view of the Sahyadri mountain range and is named after its shape, which resembles an elephant’s head.
- Pratapgarh Fort: This historic fort was built in the 17th century and is a popular tourist attraction in Mahabaleshwar.
- Lingmala Waterfall: This picturesque waterfall is located amidst lush greenery and is a popular spot for trekking and nature walks.
- Mapro Garden: It is a popular tourist spot in Mahabaleshwar known for its strawberry farms, delicious food, and a variety of jams and preserves.
- Panchgani: This nearby hill station is also worth visiting for its scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Make sure to add these places to your itinerary when planning a trip to Mahabaleshwar in May.
Best Places Coorg, Karnataka: Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a scenic hill station in Karnataka, known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and trekking trails. May is an ideal time to visit Coorg, as the weather is pleasant, and the flowers are in full bloom. Here are some of the best places to visit in Coorg in May:
- Abbey Falls: This stunning waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and is a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.
- Dubare Elephant Camp: This elephant training camp is located on the banks of the Kaveri River. Visitors can watch the elephants being bathed, fed and trained by the mahouts.
- Talakaveri: This is where the Kaveri River rises and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.
- Raja’s Seat: This is a popular viewpoint in Coorg, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- Namdroling Monastery: This Tibetan monastery is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful murals and tranquil atmosphere.
- Madikeri Fort: This historic fort was built by the Kodagu kings and is a popular tourist attraction in Coorg.
- Iruppu Waterfalls: This beautiful waterfall is located amidst lush greenery and is a popular place for hiking and picnics.
- Nagarhole National Park: This wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of animals and birds including tigers, elephants and leopards.
If you are planning a trip to Coorg in May, be sure to include these places in your itinerary.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh: Manali is a popular hill station in North India, known for its scenic beauty, adventure activities, and snow-capped mountains. May is an excellent time to visit Manali, as the weather is pleasant, and the snow starts to melt, making way for lush greenery.
Here are some of the best things to do in Manali in May:
- Rohtang Pass: This high-altitude mountain pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.
- Solang Valley: This valley is known for its adventurous activities, including paragliding, zorbing and skiing.
- Beas Kund Trek: This hike takes you through beautiful forests, alpine meadows and glacial lakes and is a popular activity for adventure seekers.
- Visit Hadimba Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, the wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata.
- Rafting on the Beas River: This is a popular activity for those who want to experience the thrill of white water rafting.
- Vashisht Hot Springs: These natural hot springs are known for their healing properties and are a popular place to relax and rejuvenate.
- Visit Naggar Castle: This ancient castle was built in the 15th century and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Old Manali: Known for its cafes, bars and street markets, this charming neighborhood invites you to explore and relax.
If you are planning a trip to Manali in May, be sure to include these activities in your itinerary.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: Rishikesh is a spiritual town in Uttarakhand, known for its ancient temples, yoga centers, and adventure activities like river rafting and bungee jumping. May is an excellent time to visit Rishikesh, as the weather is mild, and the Ganges is perfect for water sports.
Best Places Mount Abu, Rajasthan: Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan, known for its cool weather, serene lakes, and ancient temples. May is an ideal time to visit Mount Abu, as the temperature is mild, and the monsoon has not yet arrived.
Best Places Shillong, Meghalaya: Shillong is a beautiful hill station in Meghalaya, known for its waterfalls, lakes, and unique culture. May is an excellent time to visit Shillong, as the weather is pleasant, and the flowers are in full bloom.
Best Places Nainital, Uttarakhand: Nainital is a picturesque hill station in Uttarakhand, known for its serene lakes, charming cottages, and scenic views. May is an ideal time to visit Nainital, as the weather is mild, and the crowds are relatively low.
Munnar, Kerala: Munnar is a popular hill station in Kerala, known for its tea plantations, waterfalls, and scenic views. May is an excellent time to visit Munnar, as the weather is pleasant, and the monsoon has not yet arrived.
Best Places Gangtok, Sikkim: Gangtok is a vibrant city in Sikkim, known for its stunning views of the Himalayas, ancient monasteries, and bustling markets. May is an excellent time to visit Gangtok, as the weather is mild, and the Rhododendrons are in full bloom.
Best Places Auli, Uttarakhand: Auli is a scenic hill station in Uttarakhand, known for its snow-capped mountains, skiing slopes, and adventure activities. May is an excellent time to visit Auli, as the snow starts to melt, and the weather is pleasant.
Best Places Hampi, Karnataka: Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Karnataka, known for its ancient temples, ruins, and stunning landscapes. May is an ideal time to visit Hampi, as the weather is mild, and the crowds are relatively low.
Best Places Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu: Kodaikanal is a popular hill station in Tamil Nadu, known for its serene lakes, waterfalls, and scenic views. May is an excellent time to visit Kodaikanal, as the weather is mild, and the crowds are relatively low.
Best Places Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh: Pachmarhi is a scenic hill station in Madhya Pradesh, known for its waterfalls, caves, and dense forests. May is an ideal time to visit Pachmarhi, as the weather is mild, and the monsoon has not yet arrived.
Best Places Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh: Tawang is a beautiful town in Arunachal Pradesh, known for its ancient monasteries, stunning landscapes, and unique culture. May is an excellent time to visit Tawang, as the weather is mild, and the Rhododendrons are in full bloom.
Best Places Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: Shimla is a popular hill station in North India, known for its colonial architecture, stunning views, and pleasant weather. May is an excellent time to visit Shimla, as the weather is mild, and the crowds are relatively low.
Best Places Udaipur, Rajasthan: Udaipur is a beautiful city in Rajasthan, known for its stunning lakes, palaces, and unique culture. May is an ideal time to visit Udaipur, as the weather is mild, and the crowds are relatively low.
Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu: Kanyakumari is a scenic coastal town in Tamil Nadu, known for its stunning beaches, temples, and unique culture. May is an excellent time to visit Kanyakumari, as the weather is mild, and the crowds are relatively low.
In conclusion, India has a plethora of options to choose from when it comes to visiting places in May. From stunning hill stations to vibrant cities, from scenic landscapes to ancient temples, India has something to offer to every traveler. The above list of 20 best places to visit in May in India can help you plan your trip and make the most of your vacation. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the incredible diversity and beauty of India in May.