May in India can be really hot, with temperatures soaring high in many parts across the country. But luckily, there are plenty of refreshing getaways that offer a cool escape from the scorching summer heat. From the calm hills of Manali to the breezy shores of Goa and the green landscapes of Munnar, India is full of places where you can beat the heat and have a perfect summer holiday. Whether you’re looking for adventure, peace or cultural vibes, there’s something for everyone. The places to visit in India in May promise not just nice weather but also memorable moments with nature, history and vibrant local life. Here’s a handy guide for anyone who's looking for the best destinations to explore in India during the month of May.
As summer intensifies across India, May offers a splendid chance to explore diverse landscapes with pleasant weather. These handpicked places to visit in India in May provide relief from the heat, blending nature, culture, and adventure for unforgettable experiences. The 20 featured locations in this guide offer exceptional places for enjoying delightful visits between misty hills and sunny beaches.
The past British India summer destination Shimla, enjoys comfortable weather ranging from 15 to 25°C. Mall Road boasts colonial architecture, and the UNESCO-recognised Kalka-Shimla toy train traverses 102 tunnels that reveal the mountain landscape's beauty. Acoustic walks are possible through the thick pine forests, which harbour exotic birdlife at Kufri and Glen Forest. The architectural majesty of Christ Church, together with the elegant neo-Gothic Gaiety Theatre, serves as host to the May Summer Festival, which presents vibrant folk dance performances. Hikes to Jakhu Temple or paragliding in Mashobra thrill adventurers, making this one of the top places to visit in India in May.
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Manali in India spreads across the Pir Panjal range as it provides visitors with both adventurous opportunities and peaceful moments. The warm temperature range of 12-20°C allows people to witness the beauty of Rohtang Pass, both in snowmelt and waterfalls flowing alongside blooming orchards. Rafting down the Beas River provides adventure on the river, and paragliding and zorbing are available in Solang Valley. The dining spots in Old Manali clash with the wooden buildings of Naggar, while Hadimba Temple enjoys solitude among cedar trees. Hot springs and treks to Jogini Falls make this one of the best Places to visit in May in India for those seeking thrills and peace.
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The creeping tea plantation fields of Munnar become radiant in May because of rainfall just before the summer season. Visitors can enjoy plantation walks and wildlife sightings at Eravikulam National Park while experiencing the ideal climate between 19-25°C because Nilgiri tahr roam freely with the presence of Neelakurinji flowers. The scenic boat rides around Mattupetty Dam let visitors enjoy pristine mountain views while the Tea Museum narrates how tea plantations evolved during colonial times. A visit to Spice Gardens, combined with breathtaking views from Top Station, delights every tourist. The misty hills and cool breezes make Munnar a standout among places to visit in India in May for nature lovers and shutterbugs.
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Travellers flock to Darjeeling every year because of its tea-smelling breeze and its temperature range between 10-20 Celsius. People watch as steam engines of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway move along rhododendron forests, and Tiger Hill provides breathtaking Kanchenjunga views during sunrise. Visitors can experience tranquillity at Peace Pagoda and blend Tibetan culture with colonial architecture at Chowrasta Mall. The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute functions as an educational space to share insights about Everest, while tea estate tours remain highly fascinating to visitors. Clear May skies elevate this to one of the finest places to visit in India in May for tea enthusiasts and heritage seekers.
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Coorg, which Indians call the Scotland of India, puts forth its misty environment during the month of May. During May, the waterfalls Abbey and Iruppu generate an impressive cascade, and the coffee plantations emit their fragrant aromas in the temperature range between 15-25°C. Brahmagiri Hills test trekkers with grand vistas, while Nagarhole National Park teems with wildlife. The vibrant Kodava society can be found in its hot curries and distinctive martial arts. Tibetan settlements and Barapole River rafting add variety, placing Coorg among the best places to visit in India in May for nature and food lovers.
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These tropical islands shine as top May places to visit in India, with 25-32°C days and calm seas. Visitors find white sand beaches at Radhanagar Beach, combined with turquoise waters at Havelock Island. The Cellular Gaol conducts a light-and-sound show that reenacts freedom struggles while the ruins of Ross Island create interest. Visitors will witness colourful coral at Mahatma Gandhi Marine Park by observing the underwater shipwrecks through scuba diving. Fresh seafood feasts elevate this to one of the premier places to visit in India in May for beach lovers and adventurers.
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Each year, Ladakh begins its new season in May when mountain passes return to life through spectacular views from 5-20 degrees Celsius. Pangong Lake shifts through different blue colours as Nubra Valley showcases its dunes with the Hemis and Thiksey monasteries preserving Buddhist heritage. Visitors are stunned by the lunar scenery combined with starlit nights, while people fill the Leh markets with their activity. The month contains numerous festivals that present celebration events of Ladakhi culture. The Indus-Zanskar confluence amazes, making this a top choice among places to visit in India in May for adventure and culture enthusiasts.
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The town of Ooty, known as the "Queen of Hill Stations", maintains temperatures between 15-23°C since it features tea gardens and eucalyptus forest areas. The Nilgiri Mountain Railway steams through scenic valleys, while Ooty Lake hosts peaceful boating. The government botanical gardens in Ooty showcase exotic plants, whereas Doddabetta Peak provides spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding terrain. A bouquet of flowers accompanies boat races in the May Summer Festival, creating additional festival appeal. Local chocolate shops delight, cementing Ooty’s place among the best places to visit in India in May for families and nature admirers.
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Gangtok’s clean air and Himalayan views shine at 12-22°C, making it a gem among places to visit in India in May. Terrible Monastery appears so radiant that its gold statues shine in the sun, while Enchey Monastery provides visitors with a peaceful refuge. The combination of MG Marg's restaurant and shopping areas adds appeal to Tsomgo Lake, which reveals mountain views through its melting waters. Musical displays during Flower Shows create vivid beauty, and the grand landscape views become visible through cable car traversals. Different cultural traditions between Tibetan and Nepalese societies, along with Lepcha customs, weave together to form a multi-dimensional attraction that brings joy to explorers and romantics.
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The region of Rajasthan features Mount Abu as its single hill station, which brings refreshment to the desert environment with temperatures between 23-34°C. The marble crafts at Dilwara Jain Temples required decades of work, and Nakki Lake reflects the Aravalli mountain ranges. The wilderness of Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary shelters rare orchids with sloth bears as its residents, while Sunset Point attracts visitors during dusk hours. Colonial architecture and evening breezes charm visitors, making this one of the best Places in India to visit in May for history lovers and couples seeking respite.
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Mahabaleshwar’s strawberry farms thrive at 18-30°C, offering a sweet escape among places to visit in India in May. Tasteful offerings and industrial tours are features of Mapro Garden as visitors discover Sahyadri views from Arthur’s Seat and Wilson Point. The water activities at Venna Lake include paddle boats and horse riding opportunities, and visitors can see a multireligious history at Pratapgad Fort. The forested roads of this scenic retreat feature waterfalls combined with colonial bungalows, as well as being suitable for families who want to explore the place alongside food enthusiasts.
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At 26-35°C temperature, the French heritage charm of Pondicherry experiences pleasant weather conditions due to sea breezes. The French Quarter displays yellow buildings adorned with bougainvillaea while Auroville presents the Matrimandir for peaceful reflection. Paradise Beach maintains a serene atmosphere, and visitors can experience the culinary integration of local and French food. People enjoy water activities at Serenity Beach, and exploring heritage sites leads to discovering past stories. This coastal gem ranks among the places to visit in India in May for solo travellers and culture seekers craving a unique blend of past and present.
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The town of Shillong, commonly called "Scotland of the East", offers a delightful temperature range of 15-24°C, which cascades through waterfalls. The scenic Elephant Falls stream through forested spots, and visitors can find panoramic views from Shillong Peak. At Ward’s Lake, visitors discover fields of blossoming flowers alongside the cultural exhibits at the Don Bosco Museum. Cherrapunji's root bridges are located in the area and become accessible during the pre-monsoon period, while the landscape appears more beautiful. This spot shines among places to visit in India in May for nature lovers and adventure seekers exploring the Northeast.
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The charming hill station Kodaikanal shines bright as it showcases its star-shaped lake while surrounded by misty hills, which maintain temperatures between 15-25°C. Coaker’s Walk presents panoramas of the valley, and Bryant Park features one-of-a-kind plant species. Visitors can enjoy tranquillity through boat rides at Kodai Lake as Bear Shola Falls creates a breathtaking spectacle. Homemade chocolates and freshly prepared eucalyptus oil products attract visitors, along with magnificent views from Pillar Rocks in the Western Ghats. This retreat ranks among the places to visit in India in May for honeymooners and families seeking natural splendour.
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Rishikesh functions as the "Yoga Capital", where visitors can experience both spiritual and adventurous elements in temperatures between 22-38°C and are blessed by river breezes. Local residents at Triveni Ghat perform the Ganga Aarti ceremony through the illumination of lights, and rafting on the Ganges River is a thrilling experience. Visitors to The Beatles Ashram can admire psychedelic artworks, and Laxman Jhula presents a hanging suspension bridge across the water. Yoga ashrams and treks abound, making this one of the top places to visit in India in May for spiritual and active travellers.
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Almora’s Himalayan panoramas stun at 15-28°C, offering a quieter escape among places to visit in India in May. The Kasar Devi temple emanates serene tranquillity, while Bright End Corner shines with sunset colours. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary teems with oak forests and rare wildlife. People interested in Kumaoni heritage will find pleasure in dining on Bhatt ki Churkani and admiring the temples at Jageshwar. Cautious offbeat travellers and shutterbug photographers will find their ideal mountain getaway at this hidden destination.
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Coonoor, Ooty’s tranquil neighbour, charms at 18-25°C with tea estates and viewpoints. The Nilgiri Toy Train journeys through valleys, and Sim’s Park displays its annual May fruit exhibition. Catherine Falls can be seen from Dolphin’s Nose, while Lamb’s Rock showcases the Coimbatore plains. Travellers will find concealed falls alongside tea production facilities in this area. This peaceful spot ranks among the places to visit in India in May for those seeking calm amid nature’s embrace.
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The once-wettest point on Earth experiences temperatures between 16 and 23°C during the monsoon season in Cherrapunji. Nohkalikai Falls drops from cliffs toward the landscape, while Mawsmai Cave displays rock formations. The double-decker root bridges demonstrate Khasi bridge-building methods. During the monsoon, the region's forests combine with limestone caves to produce strange landscapes, which visitors learn about from local guides who share stories of the tribal people. This adventure hub is one of the best places to visit in India in May for photographers and explorers.
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Mussoorie, the "Queen of Hills," glows with colonial charm at 12-25°C. The shopping district of Mall Road maintains active business, Gun Hill provides aerial view opportunities, and Kempty Falls provides refreshment through its waterfalls. Historic libraries and religious buildings remind visitors of the past, and Camel's Back Road dazzles during sunset. The May Summer Festival adds flower shows and performances, making this one of the top places to visit in India in May for families and romantics.
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The Valley of Flowers, located at 10-20°C, attracts visitors to its UNESCO title during May when it opens its gates. The hike lets you observe the Himalayan mountain summits, whereas the Pushpawati River glimmers. Next to spiritual depth, Hemkund Sahib also attracts botanists who study alpine flora. This trekker’s paradise stands out as one of the best places to visit in India in May for nature lovers and photographers seeking rare beauty.
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The month of May presents Indian landscapes in a delightful assortment of attractions, which showcase different mesmerising aspects at each destination. Visitors experience a harmonious mixture of relaxing tea plantation times in Munnar alongside thrilling Ladakh paths. The destination presents the opportunity for visitors to fully experience cultural festivities alongside food tastings and natural beauty views. The places to visit in India in May are highlighted here to ensure a memorable escape before the monsoon arrives. Take your essentials and select your destination because this awe-inspiring land offers many storeys hidden in every part of its terrain.
Northern hill stations like Shimla, Manali, and Darjeeling shine in May with cool weather and stunning views. Southern spots like Munnar and Coorg also offer lush greenery, making them ideal for a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
Absolutely, Darjeeling in May boasts pleasant 10-20°C weather, perfect for enjoying tea estate tours and sunrise views at Tiger Hill. Clear skies and blooming rhododendrons enhance the charm, making it a delightful time to explore this hill station.
Ladakh stands out as the coldest in May, with temperatures ranging from 5-20°C. High-altitude spots like Pangong Lake and Nubra Valley offer chilly air and stark beauty, ideal for travellers seeking a cool retreat.
Snow in May can be found in higher altitudes like Rohtang Pass near Manali, where melting snow still lingers. Ladakh’s mountain passes also retain patches of snow, offering a glimpse of winter amid the warming season.
✈️ I'm Rinki Sharma — a passionate traveler and storyteller. Through my travel blogs, I capture the essence of every destination, from hidden gems to well-trodden paths. I believe every journey has a story, and I love sharing mine to inspire others to explore, connect, and discover the world with...View Author Profile
