May is the perfect time to visit India’s hillier, more scenic areas, with a blend of nature, adventure, and culture. Whether you’re organizing a summer holiday with the family or an individual retreat to the mountains, we have selected the top 10 best places to travel in May in India—each with a surprising fact and best activities to pursue.
1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
- Avg. Temp: 10–25°C
- Why Go: Snow-covered peaks, Solang Valley, and Rohtang Pass make it one of the best places to visit in India in May with family.
- Interesting Fact: Manali is referred to as the “Valley of the Gods” and lies on an ancient Indo-Tibetan trade route.
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2. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
- Avg. Temp: 12–20°C
- Why Go: Botanical gardens, heritage toy train, and tea plantations.
- Interesting Fact: Ooty, former British summer headquarters, is a best place to visit in May in South India for a calm holiday.
3. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
- Avg. Temp: 7–20°C
- Why Go: Cable car rides, skiing (earlier in May), and green meadows.
- Interesting Fact: Gulmarg has the world’s highest golf course, and it’s a cool place to visit in India in May.
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4. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Avg. Temp: 15–25°C
- Why Go: Colonial charm, mall road, and adjacent Kufri adventure park.
- Interesting Fact: Formerly the summer capital of British India, it’s now a good place to visit in India in May for a heritage experience.
5. Munnar, Kerala
- Avg. Temp: 15–25°C
- Why Go: Tea plantations, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Interesting Fact: Munnar is blessed with the presence of Neelakurinji flowers that bloom once every 12 years—a unique sight in places to visit in India in the month of May.
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6. Coorg, Karnataka
- Avg. Temp: 20–30°C
- Why Go: Coffee plantations, Abbey Falls, and Dubare Elephant Camp.
- Interesting Fact: Nicknamed the “Scotland of India,” it is a must-visit tourist place in India in May for all nature lovers.
7. Gangtok, Sikkim
- Avg. Temp: 11–22°C
- Why Go: Buddhist monasteries, Nathula Pass, and MG Road shopping.
- Interesting Fact: Gangtok banned plastic bags as early as 1998—making it a progressive and best place to visit during May in India.
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8. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
- Avg. Temp: 17–32°C
- Why Go: Nakki Lake boating, Dilwara Temples, and sunset points.
- Interesting Fact: It’s Rajasthan’s single hill station and an ideal place to visit in India in May and June for desert respite.
9. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
- Avg. Temp: 5–20°C
- Why Go: Monasteries, Bumla Pass, and mountain lakes.
- Interesting Fact: Tawang Monastery is the world’s second-largest, a perfect May tourist place in India for spiritual and scenic journeys.
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10. Nainital, Uttarakhand
- Avg. Temp: 15–30°C
- Why Go: Boat ride on Naini Lake, cable car, and hill walks.
- Interesting Fact: Nainital is constructed around a volcano lake, and it is still the best place to visit in the month of May in India for lakeside beauty.
FAQs
Q1: Where is the best to go in May in India for a summer retreat?
A: Ooty, Manali, and Gangtok are good retreats from summer heat.
Q2: Are there nice spots in India to go to in May for adventure?
A: Yes, do paragliding in Manali, gondola ride in Gulmarg, and trekking in Coorg.
Q3: Which place is nice for a family holiday in May?
A: Nainital and Munnar are great family places.
Q4: Is May good for travel in North India?
A: Yes, indeed Shimla, Manali, and Nainital are at the top of the list as the best place to visit in May in North India.
Q5: Is it possible to go to South India in May for cooler climates?
A: Yes, Munnar and Ooty are pleasant and some of the best places to visit in India in May month.
Conclusion
Whether you’re attracted to lush green, mighty mountains, spiritual retreats, or cultural beauty, these top 10 destinations represent the best of India in May. With something to experience at every destination specifically geared for every kind of traveler, it’s time to escape the heat and venture into new lands. So, where will your summer getaway be this May?