Travelling with your family is a core memory. It’s one of those experiences that stay with you for the entirety of your life. With May being the month of summer vacation in India, planning a family vacation is a cliched task. Hence, planning a vacation with the places to visit in India in May with family requires a lot of planning. However, finding an escape from the scorching summers for a week or two is the need of the hour. With the rush of summer vacation and peak tourist season in some places, planning things ahead of time is essential.
Top Places To Visit In India In May With Family For An Enchanting Holiday
From the greenery of Kodaikanal to the spirituality of Kedarnath, there are various unique places to visit in India in May with family, including :
1. Kodaikanal
Photo: Sanskrati / Shutterstock
Located in the lap of the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station that transforms into green and vibrant coloured wildflowers during May. With slightly lower temperatures than the plains, a family trip to Kodaikanal during May offers respite from the heat. From boat rides on the Kodai Lake to exploring the depths of nature caves like Guna Caves, there are various activities to do. You can explore the pine forests and nature trails or go for a leisurely walk through Coaker’s Walk.
Weather In May: Temperature ranges from 11°C to 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Kodaikanal Lake, Bryant Park, Guna Caves, Coaker’s Walk, and Silver Cascade Falls.
Top Experiences: Boating on Kodaikanal Lake, Trekking to Dolphin’s Nose, Cycling around the lake, and Visiting the Pine Forest.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kodaikanal
2. Rishikesh
Photo: Sudhanshu / Wikimedia Commons
Known for its spiritual aura and charm, Rishikesh serves as a perfect spot for a family getaway. Located in Uttarakhand, Rishikesh boasts its location along the banks of the Ganga River, which serves as a perfect spot to find peace and tranquillity, away from city life. From white-water rafting to serene evening aarti at Triveni Ghat, Rishikesh has something for everyone. The Kunjapuri Camps are a highlight that’s perfect for families with children.
Weather In May: Temperature ranges from 15°C to 35°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Laxman Jhula, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Triveni Ghat, and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
Top Experiences: White-water rafting, Attending the Ganga Aarti, Yoga and meditation sessions, and Camping by the Ganges.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
3. Mount Abu
Photo: Tejaspatel1 / Wikimedia Commons
Being the only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is a popular tourist destination among the state’s residents who want a quick weekend getaway. When travelling with your family, several experiences in Mount Abu cater to the interests of people of different age groups. There are temples like Dilwara Jain Temples, which the older people in the family would love to witness. You have Nakki Lake and Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, which are hits among children. Honeymoon Point and Achalgarh Fort are popular among history buffs and nature lovers.
Weather In May: Temperature ranges from 17°C to 27°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Nakki Lake, Dilwara Temples, Guru Shikhar, and Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary.
Top Experiences: Boating in Nakki Lake, Exploring Dilwara Temples, Trekking to viewpoints, and Wildlife spotting.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Mount Abu For A Scenic Getaway
4. Shillong
Photo: Ishan Jyoti Bora / Wikimedia Commons
Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, is more commonly termed “Scotland of the East” . As you plan your next family vacation in May, Shillong is one of those hill stations that doesn’t disappoint. From Umiam Lakes to Laitlum Canyons, it is an adventure-loving family’s dream trip. You can explore the untapped Mawphlang Sacred Forest and soak in the peace. For a quick hiking adventure, make your way to Elephant Falls or step out to Police Bazar with your family to shop and eat street food.
Weather In May: Temperature ranges from 15°C to 24°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Ward’s Lake, and Don Bosco Museum
Top Experiences: Boating in Umiam Lake, Adventure at Elephant Waterfalls, Walking around Ward’s Lake, and Exploring the local markets.
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 Days
5. Srinagar
Among all the places to visit in May in India with family, Srinagar happens to be the best option. It offers activities that everyone in the family can enjoy, making it a fun vacation. From riding shikaras in Dal Lake to visiting the stunning Mughal Gardens, you can explore together in the family. Srinagar is a haven for shopaholics who like buying handmade and one-of-a-kind items like shawls, crafts, etc. You also can’t miss out on trying the local Wazwan meal there.
Weather In May: Temperature ranges from 14°C to 30°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, and Hazratbal Shrine.
Top Experiences: Shikara ride on Dal Lake, Staying in a houseboat, Visiting Mughal Gardens, and Shopping in local markets.
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 Days
Suggested Read: Amazing Places To Visit In Srinagar To Discover The Best Of Nature
6. McLeod Ganj
Photo: Prashant Bhati / Unsplash
McLeodganj, also known as Little Lhasa, is a suburb of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Like a lot of places in Himachal, Mcleodganj has a heavy Tibetan influence and settlement. Home to the Dalai Lama, this hill station is perfect for families looking for a retreat from their monotonous life. You can explore the local monasteries, including the Namgyal Monastery. If your family loves adventure, the Triund trek offers a rewarding experience. Exploring Kareri Lake, Dharamkot, Minkiani pass and Naddi View point add to the vacation feel.
Weather In May: Temperature ranges from 17°C to 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Tsuglagkhang Complex, Bhagsu Waterfall, Namgyal Monastery, and Triund
Top Experiences: Attending teachings at Tsuglagkhang Complex, Trekking to Triund, Exploring Bhagsu Waterfall, and Visiting local cafes.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
7. Darjeeling
Photo: Ankan Ghosh Dastider / Wikimedia Commons
Another popular hill station that you can visit with your family in May is Darjeeling. The weather is perfectly pleasant and with clear skies and lush greenery, the sightseeing spots and the offbeat places become even more enchanting. Beyond the tea plantations, and view of the mighty Himalayan, a few of the must-visit spots include Tiger Hill, Lamahatta and Batasia Loop. For children, consider making a detour to Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park to set out on safaris and nature walks.
Weather In May: Temperature ranges from 11°C to 19°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Tiger Hill, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Batasia Loop, and Happy Valley Tea Estate.
Top Experiences: Riding the Darjeeling Toy Train, Watching the sunrise at Tiger Hill, Exploring tea estates, and Visiting the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Darjeeling For Your Next Summer Vacations
8. Alleppey
Photo: Divyacskn1289 / Wikimedia Commons
Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is famous for its backwaters, houseboats, and beautiful beaches. Located in Kerala, this serene town offers a unique experience of cruising through the tranquil backwaters, surrounded by lush greenery and traditional villages. It’s one of the most family-inclusive vacation destinations since all the activities like houseboat stay, exploring the backwaters, visiting temples like Subrahmanya Temple or beaches like Alappuzha Beach and Marari Beach are well within everyone despite their ages.
Weather In May: Temperature ranges from 26°C to 34°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Alleppey Backwaters, Alappuzha Beach, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, and Vembanad Lake.
Top Experiences: Houseboat cruise, Beach activities, Bird watching at Kumarakom, and Canoe rides.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
9. Kedarnath
Getting to visit pilgrimage sites as a family is probably one of the most rewarding experiences. If you are planning one in May, Kedarnath is one of the best spots to visit. Located in the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand, the trek to the Kedarnath Temple is one of the most fulfilling experiences for Hindu individuals. Thousands of devotees embark on this trek to the Kedarnath Temple to seek blessings, have an adventurous exploration and witness the beauty of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Weather In May: Temperature ranges from 5°C to 18°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Kedarnath Temple, Vasuki Tal, Bhairav Temple, and Chorabari Glacier
Top Experiences: Trekking to Kedarnath, Exploring the sacred lake, Visiting Bhairav Temple, and Meditating by Chorabari Glacier.
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 Days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kedarnath For A Divine & Adventurous Experience
10. Coorg
From coffee estates to viewpoints, visiting Coorg with your family creates one of the most memorable vacations. You can start your sightseeing with Raja’s seat, the most alluring viewpoint in the hill station. Another popular sightseeing spot is Abbey Falls and the Tibetan Monastery aka Golden Temple or Coorg. You can leave early in the morning to visit the Talacauvery temple to witness the site from where the Cauvery River originates. On the way back, stop at one of the local eateries to taste some staple dishes like Akki roti with curry.
Weather In May: Temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Raja’s Seat, Talacauvery Temple, Abbey Falls, and Iruppu Falls
Top Experiences: Sightseeing, Coffee estate tours, Trekking, Camping, and Trying local cuisine.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
11. Gangtok
Photo: Subhrajyoti07 / Wikimedia Commons
Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is one of the tourist places in India for family in May. Nestled amidst the Eastern Himalayas, Gangtok offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. Explore the enchanting MG Marg, a bustling pedestrian-only street filled with shops and eateries. Don’t miss the serene Tsomgo Lake, where families can enjoy yak rides and breathtaking scenery. The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology provides a fascinating insight into Tibetan culture and history. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities, Gangtok is an ideal destination to create lasting memories with your loved ones.
Weather In May: 20°C to 27°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, and Rumtek Monastery
Top Experiences: Cable car rides and trekking
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 days
Suggested Read: Incredible Places To Visit In Gangtok For A Fun Trip
12. Ooty
Photo: Hemant Meena / Wikimedia Commons
Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a picturesque hill station in Tamil Nadu, perfect for a family vacation in May. Nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty offers a cool escape from the summer heat. Take a ride on the famous Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a scenic journey through lush tea gardens and rolling hills. The Botanical Gardens are a must-see, showcasing a diverse collection of exotic plants and flowers. The mesmerising Doddabetta Peak provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Owing to its pleasant climate and natural beauty, Ooty is one of the best places to visit in India in May with family.
Weather In May: 15°C to 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, and Doddabetta Peak
Top Experiences: Toy train rides, and exploring tea plantations
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
13. Ladakh
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Ladakh, a mesmerising destination in the northernmost region of India, is one of the best family outing places in India in May. Known for its stunning landscapes, Ladakh offers breathtaking views of rugged mountains, serene lakes, and vast valleys. Visit the serene Pangong Lake, where the crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks. The Nubra Valley, with its sand dunes and double-humped camels, offers a unique desert experience. Explore the ancient Thiksey Monastery, perched on a hilltop, providing panoramic views and a glimpse into Buddhist culture. With its unparalleled natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure opportunities, Ladakh promises a memorable family vacation.
Weather In May: 5°C to 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and Leh Palace
Top Experiences: Monastery visits and high-altitude treks
Ideal Duration: 7 – 10 days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Ladakh
14. Munnar
Photo: Aruna / Wikimedia Commons
Munnar, a stunning hill station in Kerala, is perfect for a family getaway in May. Surrounded by the Western Ghats, this place is a haven of lush tea plantations that create a serene backdrop. At the Eravikulam National Park, you can spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr, making it a delightful experience for wildlife enthusiasts. The Mattupetty Dam with its scenic lake is great for a leisurely boat ride and an ideal picnic spot in India for family in May. The tranquil Kundala Lake, set amidst verdant hills, offers a peaceful retreat for those who love nature.
Weather In May: 15°C to 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, and Anamudi Peak
Top Experiences: Tea estate tours and wildlife spotting
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 days
As you plan your next family vacation, choosing from the list of places to visit in India in May with your family can be challenging. However, try and settle on a place that everyone in the family will enjoy visiting. To further simplify your next vacation planning, let TripXL be your travel partner. Secure all your bookings in a minute, all while getting access to the best discounts and deals.
Cover Photo: Manivannan T / Shutterstock