10 Best Places To Visit In May In India With Friends For Fun

Places to visit in May in India with friends include exciting hill stations, historical cities, and beach destinations perfect for a fun trip. May is a great time to travel as the weather stays pleasant in many places, making outdoor activities enjoyable. Visitors can go trekking in the mountains, relax on sandy beaches, or explore old forts and markets. From adventure sports in Rishikesh to tea plantations in Munnar, every place has something special to offer.

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Top 10 Places To Visit In May In India With Friends

Here are the top 10 places that you need to go to with your squad for an unforgettable trip.

1. Manali

An image of Mall Road in Manali, a tourist spot among places to visit in May in India.

Photo: Virusism / Wikimedia Commons

Manali is one of the best places to visit in May in India with friends. It offers adventure, great food, and lively streets. You can try rafting in the Beas River, paragliding over the hills, or trekking to nearby spots like Jogini Falls. Old Manali has many cafés where you can enjoy good food and music. Solang Valley adds more fun with snow activities and cable car rides. Manali has something for everyone if you want to experience adventure or just take a break from routine.

Major Attractions: Nehru Kund, Hidimba Temple, Manu Temple, Great Himalayan National Park
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport / Bhuntar

2. Goa

An Image of a Beach in Goa, one of the best places to visit in May in India with friends

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons

Another one of the best places to visit in India for friends in May is Goa. It has everything from beach and adventure to lively nightlife. Spend the day at Baga, or Vagator Beach, where you can play volleyball, try jet skiing, or go parasailing. Enjoy live music, great food, and parties at beach clubs like Curlies, Souza Lobo, and Brittos in the evening. Explore Goa’s Portuguese history by visiting forts like Aguada and Chapora or walk through the old churches in Panaji.

Major Attractions: Anjuna Beach, Fort Aguada, Dudhsagar Falls, Candolim Beach
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 days
Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport, Dabolim

3. Rishikesh

An image showing the Ganges at Rishikesh, a good place to see in India in may with friends

Photo: Christian-wittmann-1964 / Wikimedia Commons

Rishikesh is one of the best places to see in India with friends in May, offering adventure, relaxation, and a lively atmosphere. White-water rafting on the Ganges is a top activity, giving an exciting ride through strong rapids. For more thrills, try bungee jumping or camping by the river. Walk across the famous Laxman Jhula bridge for a great river and city view. Rishikesh has a spiritual side, with temples and yoga centres like 7 Chakras Yoga School for stress reduction.

Major Attractions: Ram Jhula, Beatles Ashram, Triveni Ghat, Patna Waterfall
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

4. Leh-Ladakh

An image of the Northern Range Trek Tour in Leh Ladakh, India, featuring rugged terrain

Photo: Omendra Singh / Wikimedia Commons

Leh-Ladakh offers adventure, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences, making it one of the best places to visit in May in India with friends. A road trip through the region is exciting, with winding roads, high mountain passes, and incredible views. Pangong Lake is a must-visit, where the water changes colour throughout the day. In Nubra Valley, you can ride double-humped camels and explore dunes surrounded by mountains. Magnetic Hill is another interesting spot where vehicles appear to move uphill independently.

Major Attractions: Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, Yhiksey Monastery, Khardung La
Ideal Trip Duration: 6 – 7 days
Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh

5. Jaipur

An image of Jal Mahal in Jaipur, India, a historic palace situated in the middle of a lake

Photo: Bhushan Sadani / Wikimedia Commons

Jaipur, the Pink City, is another one of the best places to visit in India with friends in May, offering a mix of history, culture, and fun experiences. The city is known for its grand forts, palaces, and lively markets. Amer Fort is a must-visit, where you can explore beautiful courtyards and even take an elephant ride. Hawa Mahal stands out with its unique windows, which royal women once used to watch the streets. The markets are full of colourful clothes, jewellery, and handicrafts, perfect for shopping.

Major Attractions: Albert Hall Museum, Jal Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport

6. Coorg

An image of Padinalkunad reserve in Coorg, with water flowing down the rocky terrain.

Photo: Nativeplants garden / Wikimedia Commons

Coorg is one of the best places to see in India with friends and offers a mix of adventure, nature, and good food. The region is famous for its coffee plantations, where you can take a guided tour and see how coffee is made. Abbey Falls is a great spot, with a short walk leading to the waterfall. For those who enjoy trekking, several trails take you through the hills. At Dubare Elephant Camp, you can watch elephants and even help bathe them. Coorg’s local food is a must-try.

Major Attractions: Nagarhole Tiger Reserve, Raja’s Seat, Golden Temple, Iruppu Waterfalls
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Mangalore International Airport

7. Ooty

A serene image of West Mere, Ooty showing people enjoying boating under a clear blue sky

Photo: Shankaran Murugan / Wikimedia Commons

Ooty is one of the best places to visit in May in India with friends. It is filled with fun activities to experience and great weather. A ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is necessary as the train passes through tunnels, bridges, and green hills. The Botanical Gardens have a variety of plants and flowers, making it a good place for a walk. The local markets sell homemade chocolates and different types of tea, which are great to take home.

Major Attractions: Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Lake, Government Rose Garden, C.S.I St. Stephen’s Church
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport

8. Darjeeling

An image showing the Darjeeling War Memorial at Batasia Loop, a tribute to fallen soldiers

Photo: Judith / Wikimedia Commons

Another one of the best places to visit in May in India with friends is Darjeeling. It has tea gardens, mountain views, and a famous toy train ride. Watching the sunrise at Tiger Hill is a special experience, as the first rays of the sun light up the Himalayas. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway takes you through the hills, making the journey enjoyable. You can also try popular local dishes like momos and thukpa. A trip to Darjeeling in May is a great way to enjoy good weather, explore new places, and have fun with friends.

Major Attractions: Rock Gardens, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport

9. Andaman Islands

An image showing Havelock Island, known for its beaches, marine life, and water activities

Photo: Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons

The Andaman Islands are among the best places to see in India with friends, offering beautiful beaches, exciting water activities, and historical sites. Radhanagar Beach is one of the most famous spots and a great place to spend time with friends, with its clear water and soft sand making it perfect for relaxing and swimming. For adventure, you can try snorkelling and scuba diving to see colourful fish and coral reefs. The Cellular Jail is an important historical site that glimpses India’s past. A trip to Andaman in May is a great mix of fun and exploration.

Major Attractions: Havelock Island, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Chidiya Tapu Beach, Neil Island
Ideal Trip Duration: 5 – 6 days
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair

10. Munnar

An image of Munnar hill station, known for its tea plantation and rolling hills in Kerala

Photo: Arshad.ka5 / Wikimedia Commons

Munnar, being one of the best places to see in India with friends, is known for tea plantations, wildlife, and fun activities. Walking through the tea gardens is a great way to explore the area, and you can visit the tea museum to see how tea is made. Eravikulam National Park is home to rare animals and offers a chance to see them in their natural surroundings. At Mattupetty Dam, you can enjoy a boat ride with beautiful hill views. The local markets sell fresh tea and spices, making for great souvenirs.

Major Attractions: Tea Gardens, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport

Exploring the places to visit in May in India with friends offers a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and fun. Whether it is the mountains of Himachal, the beaches of Goa, or the cultural vibe of Jaipur, India provides countless options for a memorable trip. Start planning your adventure with TripXL today and make the most of your time with friends in India.

Cover Photo: Shameer Thajudeen / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to travel between these destinations?

The best way depends on the distance and budget. Flights are the fastest for long distances, while trains and buses are affordable. Road trips to places like Leh-Ladakh and Manali are a great choice.

Are there any budget-friendly accommodation options in these places?

Yes, most places have budget-friendly hostels, guesthouses, and homestays. Goa, Rishikesh, and Manali have several backpacker hostels, while cities like Jaipur and Darjeeling have affordable hotels near major attractions.

What kind of food can I expect in these destinations?

Each place offers different types of food. Goa is known for seafood, Jaipur for traditional Rajasthani dishes, and Munnar for South Indian meals. Hill stations like Manali, Ooty, and Darjeeling have cafes serving continental and local cuisine.

Do these places have good nightlife options?

Yes, some destinations like Goa and Jaipur have a vibrant nightlife with clubs, beach parties, and pubs. Manali and Rishikesh have live music cafes. However, quieter places like Munnar and Coorg focus more on early-evening activities than late-night entertainment.

What are some unique activities to do in these places?

Leh-Ladakh offers camel rides in the desert, Rishikesh has bungee jumping, and Coorg has coffee plantation tours. In Darjeeling, the toy train ride is a special experience, while Andaman offers scuba diving.

10 Best Places To Visit In May In India With Friends For An Epic Trip