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Want some respite from the uncomfortable weather’s scorching heat and humidity? Then planning your vacation to one of the places to visit in May in India could be a wonderful idea. With its mix of pleasant weather in hill stations and cultural vibrancy in cities, the month is ideal for exploring various parts of the country. With so many hidden gems across the country, like Dalhousie in Himachal and Kotagiri in Tamil Nadu, there’s a wide range of experiences awaiting your presence.
Top 10 Places To Visit In May In India
As you plan your destination, here is a list of a handful of places in India to visit in May with their unique charm.
1. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Abdullah Alam / Unsplash
Located in the foothills of the Dhauladhar Range, Dalhousie is an underrated hill station that serves as a perfect escape from the scorching summer heat. Featuring colonial charm and lush green landscapes, Dalhousie is one of the best places to see in May in India. As you plan your trip, start the vacation by exploring Panch Pulla waterfalls or going on a boat ride in Chamera Lake. For a quick day trip, make your way to Khajjiar, where you can take up boating or paragliding, or for the adventurer in your trek to the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary.
Temperature: 25°C to 15°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Khajjiar Lake, Chamera Lake, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, and St. John’s Church
Top Experiences: Trekking to Dainkund Peak
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Monsoon In India
2. Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Prabhu Jagannathan / Unsplash
Up next on the list of places to visit in May in India is Kotagiri, a hill station in the Nilgiris. With its sprawling tea estates, mist-covered hills, and pleasant weather, Kotagiri offers a tranquil retreat. You can explore the popular sightseeing spots in the hill station, including the Kodanad View Point, to soak in the panoramic views or witness the grandeur of Catherine Falls. You can also visit the lush green Longwood Shola and the John Sullivan Memorial, which commemorates the popular curator, John Sullivan.
Temperature: 22°C to 16°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Catherine Falls, Kodanad View Point, Longwood Shola, and Elk Falls
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
3. Leh, Kashmir
Photo: Darshan Chudasama / Unsplash
The capital city of Ladakh, Leh, is one of the best places to visit in May in India. It is a dream destination for many, especially those who have wanted to explore the valleys and ranges on a bike. Start your trip to Leh by visiting the famous Pangong Lake and Khardungla Pass. Later, get mesmerised by the optical illusion at Magnetic Hill and soak in the peace and serenity around Tso Moriri Lake. To get a closer look at the local monasteries, start by visiting Lamayuru Monastery, followed by Diksit Gompa.
Temperature: 20°C to 7°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Pangong Lake, Thiksey Monastery, Leh Palace, and Magnetic Hill
Top Experiences: Visiting the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 Days
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4. Almora, Uttarakhand
Photo: Supratik Deshmukh / Unsplash
Almora, perched on a horseshoe-shaped ridge in the Kumaon region, is known for its panoramic views of the Himalayas and its rich cultural heritage. It is one of the best places to go in May in India to witness the pine and fir trees. Pair that with the charming cobbled streets and wildlife experiences at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and Deer Park and you will not want to leave. The pleasant weather also makes it perfect for a trek to Zero Point exploring the bustling markets of Thana Bazar or seeking the blessing from Nanda Devi Temple.
Temperature: 28°C to 12°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Nanda Devi Temple, Bright End Corner, Zero Point, and Katarmal Sun Temple
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
5. Nainital, Uttarakhand
Photo: Ishank Choudhary / Unsplash
If you’re already in Uttarakhand, Nainital is another good place to visit in May in India. The cool weather at the hill station offers the perfect respite from the scorching summer heat. Given its name, “Lake District in India,” your trip needs to start with visiting the famous Nainital Lake. Once done, you can then make your way to the High Altitude Zoo, followed by Eco Cave Gardens. For religious experiences, visit Mukteshwar Temple and Kainchi Dham. For some stunning panoramic views, make your way to the Tiffin Top, aka Dorothy’s Seat.
Temperature: 23°C to 11°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Naini Lake, Sariyatal, Mukteshwar Temple, and Tiffin Top
Top Experiences: Cable car ride to Snow View Point, and shopping at Mall Road
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Summer In India With Family For A Memorable Vacation
6. Chamba, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Mountain Girl / Unsplash
Chamba is hands-down the best destination to visit in May in India if you are tired of the summer heat and overcrowded tourist spots. This less-explored destination in Himachal Pradesh offers a peaceful and culturally rich experience. Start the trip on a religious note at the Champavati Temple, followed by a visit down to the Chamera Dam. For a day trip experience, make your way to the colourful town of Rang Mahal or explore the Akhand Chandi Palace. Even the Khajjiar Lake is nearby, or Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary for an extra adventure.
Temperature: 30°C to 15°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Chamera Lake, Bhuri Singh Museum, Laxmi Narayan Temple, and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Top Experiences: Boating on Chamera Lake
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
7. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Photo: Abhishek Sah Photography / Shutterstock
Visiting Varanasi would be one of the best places to travel in May in India, without a doubt. One of the most empowering experiences is spending time at the ghats for spiritual awakening and peace of mind. Take part in the evening Ganga aarti at the Dasaswamedh Ghat, or witness the cycle of life come to an end at the Manikarnika Ghat. For a laidback and relaxing experience without excess crowds, make your way to Assi Ghat, nearby forts, museums, and the most revered temple in the country, Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Temperature: 38°C to 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Sarnath, and Banaras Hindu University
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 Days
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8. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Photo: Vinay Bhadeshiya / Unsplash
Mount Abu, the only hill station in Rajasthan, is one of the best places to see in May in India. It provides a cool escape from the state’s scorching summer. Like most of Rajasthan, even Mount Abu has some historical forts and palaces, like Achalgarh Fort, that are worth visiting. If you are a nature lover and wish to explore different wildlife in front of your eyes, make your way to Trevor Tank. While you’re there, you can also admire the architecture of the Dilwara Jain Temple.
Temperature: 32°C to 23°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Dilwara Temples, Nakki Lake, Guru Shikhar, Achalgarh Fort, and Sunset Point
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 Days
9. Bhimtal, Uttarakhand
Photo: Fatima Hasan / Unsplash
Named after the character from Mahabharata Bhim for creating the Bhim Lake, is one of the places to visit in May in India. It is a small quaint town which still enjoys less population. It is believed that it was used as the resting spot for people travelling through the ancient Silk Road. Make your way to seek blessing at Sankat Mochan Mandir and trek to the Naina Peak to get a panoramic view of the surroundings. This summer, you can ditch the popular and overcrowded spots and rather spend days unwinding in the fresh air of Bhimtal.
Tempearure: 31°C to 18°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Bhimtal Lake, Sattal Lake, Nal Damayanti Tal, Karkotak Mandir, Space and Astronomy Museum, and Lok Sanskriti Museum
Top Experiences: Boating on Bhimtal Lake, exploring Aquarium Island, kayaking, camping at Palm Riviera, paragliding at Naukuchiatal, and Hot air balloon
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
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10. Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Photo: Nature Photography / Unsplash
Largest hill station in the Sahyadri Ranges, Mahabaleshwar served as the summer capital of Marathas and later by Britishers. Amidst the natural wonders like cascading waterfalls and hills, the ancient forts and viewpoints throughout the region make it an even more intriguing place. Start your vacation by exploring the Pratapgarh Fort and Morarji Castle followed by visiting the most revered Mahabaleshwar Temple. Trek through the dense forest and explore the waterfalls and several viewpoints like Lodwick and Wilson Point. Binding the British and ancient architecture, Mahabaleshwar has everything you are looking for to spend a perfect summer holiday.
Temperature: 32°C to 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Wilson Point, Dhobi Waterfall, Arthur Seat, and Kates Point
Top Experiences: Boating on Venna Lake, jungle trekking in Tapola and sunset and sunrise at various viewpoints
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Exploring the best places to visit in May in India allows you to escape the summer heat and relax for a few days or a few weeks in a city, town or village that’s colder and more pleasant to be in. So, plan a trip with TripXL to secure your hotels, and other bookings to avail the best travel package at affordable rates and set out on your next vacation.
Cover Photo: Bhattnitesh29 / Wikimedia Commons
