When the rest of the country starts to sizzle under the sun, May becomes the perfect month to pack your bags and escape to cooler, scenic destinations in India. Whether you’re craving misty mountains, serene beaches, wild jungles, or blooming valleys, this time of the year offers something for every kind of traveller.
From family holidays and romantic getaways to solo adventures and road trips with friends, May is a great month to hit the road and experience India like never before. 🌞
Now, let’s explore the top places to visit in May in India that promise you an unforgettable summer escape:
🏔️ 1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is a perfect summer escape with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, offering a refreshing break from the sweltering heat of the plains. In May, the town comes alive with lush greenery, blooming apple orchards, and pleasant weather ideal for sightseeing and adventure.
Rohtang Pass, a major highlight, usually reopens during this time, still draped in snow, making it a magical spot for snow play and stunning photographs. Adventure lovers can enjoy paragliding, river rafting, and trekking in full swing. The views of snow-capped peaks contrasting against clear blue skies are simply breathtaking. It’s the perfect blend of chill, charm, and thrill!
Top Experiences: ✅
- Paragliding in Solang Valley
- Visiting the ancient Hadimba Temple
- Driving to Rohtang Pass (opens in May)
- Soaking in Vashisht hot springs
- Sipping coffee at riverside cafes
Perfect For: Adventure seekers, honeymooners, and nature lovers
🌼 2. Shillong, Meghalaya
Shillong, famously called the “Scotland of the East“, turns into a dreamy, mist-covered paradise in May. The weather is cool, breezy, and a welcome break from the scorching summer in the plains. The hills are wrapped in vibrant green, and the skies often play peekaboo with drifting clouds.
Waterfalls gush in full glory, and the town buzzes with soft music, blooming gardens, and friendly café culture. It’s also a great time to explore nearby gems like Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong. Whether you’re after nature, calm, or culture, Shillong in May is truly refreshing.
Top Experiences: ✅
- Boating at Umiam Lake
- Exploring the mystical Mawsmai Caves
- Visiting Elephant Falls
- Attending local music gigs and cafes
- Taking day trips to Cherrapunji
Perfect For: Nature lovers, music buffs, and culture explorers
❄️ 3. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Gulmarg in May is a stunning blend of green meadows and snow-dusted peaks, offering the best of both worlds. As the snow begins to melt, the valley bursts into life with blooming wildflowers and clear, blue skies. The weather stays cool and crisp-ideal for exploring the outdoors without the biting winter chill.
You can still enjoy snow activities at higher altitudes while also indulging in golf, gondola rides, and nature walks. The majestic views of the Himalayas are at their clearest during this time. It’s a paradise for photographers, adventurers, and anyone craving a peaceful retreat.
Top Experiences: ✅
- Gondola ride with panoramic views
- Golfing at one of the highest golf courses
- Nature treks and picnics
- Mountain biking and local walks
- Enjoying snow activities at higher elevations
Perfect For: Couples, families, and offbeat travellers
🌊 4. Pondicherry (Puducherry)
Pondicherry in May offers a peaceful escape with its charming mix of French architecture, serene beaches, and spiritual vibes. While the afternoons can be warm, the mornings and evenings are breezy-perfect for beach walks, cycling, and café hopping in the French Quarter.
The town sees fewer tourists during this time, so you can explore at your own pace without the crowds. Auroville is calm and welcoming, and the seaside Promenade is ideal for sunrise views. Off-season hotel deals make it budget-friendly too. If you’re craving a slow, scenic, and soulful coastal retreat, Pondy is the place to be.
Top Experiences: ✅
- Sunrise at Promenade Beach
- Exploring the French and Tamil quarters
- Yoga sessions at Auroville
- Cafe-hopping and shopping handmade goodies
- Scuba diving or boat rides
Perfect For: Couples, culture lovers, solo travellers
🏞️ 5. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
May marks the start of the tourist season in Spiti Valley, as snow begins to melt and roads slowly open up after months of isolation. This is one of the best times to experience Spiti’s raw, untouched beauty without the peak season rush.
The weather is cold but manageable, and the landscapes-dotted with monasteries, barren mountains, and frozen rivers-are absolutely surreal. You can visit high-altitude villages like Kibber and Langza, and even send a postcard from the world’s highest post office in Hikkim. It’s a great time for photographers, bikers, and adventure seekers. Spiti in May feels like stepping into another world-quiet, majestic, and soul-stirring.
Top Experiences: ✅
- Visiting Key Monastery
- Driving through Kunzum Pass
- Stargazing in Tabo and Kaza
- Visiting the highest post office in Hikkim
- Experiencing homestays with locals
Perfect For: Adventure lovers, bikers, and photography enthusiasts
🌺 6. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty truly lives up to its title as the Queen of Hill Stations in May, when it’s in full bloom and buzzing with life. The highlight of the season is the famous Flower Show at the Botanical Gardens, showcasing thousands of vibrant floral displays. The weather remains comfortably cool, with misty mornings and clear skies perfect for sightseeing.
Lush tea gardens, winding mountain roads, and pine forests add to the town’s old-world charm. You can enjoy boat rides on Ooty Lake, a toy train journey to Coonoor, and serene nature walks. It’s the ideal summer escape for nature lovers, families, and couples alike.
Top Experiences: ✅
- Ooty Flower Show at Botanical Garden (held in May)
- Boat ride in Ooty Lake
- Toy train ride to Coonoor
- Visiting tea factories and Doddabetta Peak
- Walking through rose and spice gardens
Perfect For: Families, couples, and nature admirers
🌿 7. Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg, often called the “Scotland of India,” offers a refreshing escape in May with its misty hills, cool breeze, and lush greenery. The weather is pleasant, making it perfect for exploring coffee plantations, spice estates, and forest trails. Waterfalls like Abbey and Iruppu are in full flow, adding to the region’s natural charm.
You can unwind in cosy homestays, sip freshly brewed coffee, and savour delicious Kodava cuisine. It’s also a great time for birdwatching and short treks through scenic landscapes. For a peaceful, rejuvenating summer break, Coorg is pure bliss.
Top Experiences: ✅
- Visiting Abbey and Iruppu Falls
- Staying at a coffee plantation homestay
- Trekking to Tadiandamol Peak
- Exploring Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple)
- Savouring authentic Kodava cuisine
Perfect For: Couples, weekend travellers, coffee lovers
🐅 8. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
May is one of the best months for wildlife enthusiasts, as the dry summer forces animals out of hiding to visit waterholes, making sightings far more frequent. National parks like Ranthambore, Bandhavgarh, and Jim Corbett offer excellent chances to spot majestic tigers, elephants, leopards, and other exotic species.
The sparse vegetation improves visibility, and experienced guides can help track animal movements more easily. Safaris in the early morning and late evening are especially rewarding and thrilling.
Birdwatching is also delightful, with both resident and migratory species dotting the landscape. For an adrenaline-filled and camera-ready getaway, May is prime time for wildlife adventures.
Top Experiences: ✅
- Jungle safari in the Dhikala or Bijrani zones
- Birdwatching in the early mornings
- Staying in forest lodges
- Visiting Corbett Waterfall
- Exploring the Garjiya Devi Temple nearby
Perfect For: Wildlife enthusiasts and families with kids
🏕️ 9. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station, is a welcome oasis amid the desert state’s scorching summer. With temperatures ranging between 20°C to 30°C, it offers cool breezes, scenic landscapes, and a relaxed vibe-perfect for a summer retreat.
May is ideal for boating on Nakki Lake, exploring the lush greenery of Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, and visiting the stunning Dilwara Temples. Unlike other tourist-heavy destinations, it remains relatively quiet, offering peace and space to unwind.
Sunsets at Honeymoon Point are particularly breathtaking this time of year. It’s a lesser-explored gem that surprises you with its serenity and charm.
Top Experiences: ✅
- Boating in Nakki Lake
- Sunset view from Honeymoon Point
- Visiting Dilwara Jain Temples
- Exploring local markets and heritage sites
- Trekking in the Aravallis
Perfect For: Families, history lovers, and couples
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🌳 10. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang in May is a magical escape as the snow begins to melt and previously inaccessible roads reopen, revealing the region’s raw beauty. The weather is crisp and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the serene monasteries, such as the majestic Tawang Monastery-India’s largest.
Alpine lakes like Madhuri Lake shimmer under the clear skies, and the valleys bloom with wildflowers. The crowds are minimal, allowing you to soak in the peace and spirituality of the region.
May also offers ideal conditions for scenic drives along winding mountain roads. For those seeking tranquility, culture, and untouched landscapes, Tawang is a dream come true.
Top Experiences: ✅
- Exploring Tawang Monastery
- Visiting the beautiful Shonga-Tser Lake
- War Memorial and light & sound show
- Crossing the Sela Pass
- Local food and Tibetan culture
Perfect For: Offbeat travellers, spiritual seekers, and photographers
🧳 Ready to Plan Your May Getaway?
From the snow-kissed valleys of Kashmir to the lush green hills of the northeast, India in May offers an amazing mix of destinations. Whether you want a lazy beach holiday, an adrenaline-filled trek, or a peaceful stay amidst nature, there’s a place on this list just for you. So, pick your favourite, pack smart, stay hydrated, and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Happy Travelling! 🌍✈️
