Best Places to Visit in May in India
May, being the hottest month of the year in India, makes it the best time to explore diverse landscapes, picturesque hill stations, and cultural richness of India.
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As the month also marks the onset of summer vacations, it is the best time to escape the heat and embark on a long vacation to the mountains. From the serene hills of the Himalayas to the sun-kissed beaches in the south, May marks the best month for travellers to explore a plethora of adventures and unexplored places.
The following are a list of places one can visit in the month of May in India.
Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir
India’s northernmost part of the subcontinent, Ladakh, is known for its magnificent mountains, crystal clear lakes, and pleasant weather. May is one of the best months to explore this Union Territory, which otherwise is covered in snow. In summers, most highways, adventure activities, and other tourist places open making it a suitable time to explore the place.
Places to Visit: Nubra Valley, Pangong Lake, Khardung La, Leh Palace, Tsemo Fort, Shanti Stupa, and Buddha monasteries
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Ladakh is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station to Ladakh is Jammu Tawi, which is around 700 km from Ladakh.
Gangtok, Sikkim
The capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok is one of India’s greenest states and is known for its breathtaking landscapes. The city is home to several serene lakes, scenic viewpoints, and artistic monasteries. The hill city is one of the best to visit in summer to explore all the adventurous outdoor activities.
Places to Visit: Tsomgo Lake, Hanuman Tok, Himalayan Zoological Park, and Ranka Monastery
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Gangtok is Bagdogra Airport which is about 124 km from Gangtok
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station to Gangtok is Jalpaiguri Railway Station.
Shillong, Meghalaya
Often referred to as ‘Scotland of the East,’ Shillong is known for its beautiful hills, magnificent waterfalls, and vibrant culture. The city is also known for its pleasant weather and calm atmosphere. The capital is also home to several historical monuments and breathtaking landscapes making it a perfect tourist spot.
Places to Visit: Umlam Lake, Elephant Falls, Shillong Peak, Lady Hydri Park, and local markets
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Shillong is Umroi Airport or the Shillong Airport
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station to Shillong is Guwahati Railway Station in Paltan Bazaar which is about 35 km away.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Comprising of 572 islands, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for their turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, dense tropical vegetation, exotic coral reefs, and unique marine biodiversity. The Union Territory is also a popular holiday destination for its rich wildlife and pleasant nature, making it a perfect holiday spot for nature and beach lovers.
Places to Visit: Cellular Jail, serene beaches, Anthropological Museum, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Ross Island, North Bay Island, Forest Museum, and local markets
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Andaman and Nicobar Islands is Veer Savarkar International Airport
By Sea: Ships sail to Port Blair from Kolkata, Chennai, and Visakhapatnam and takes three days to reach.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Surrounded by magnificent hills and abundant greenery, Manali is one of the famous hill stations in northern India. While snow lovers prefer to visit the town during December, several tourists also visit the town during summers for the pleasant weather and less crowds. The hill station is also one of the popular honeymoon destinations.
Places to Visit: Hidimba Devi Temple, Manali Sanctuary, Rohtang Pass, and Manu Temple
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Manali is Bhuntar Airport in Manali
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is Jogindernagar Railway Station in Manali.
Kalimpong, West Bengal
Nestled in Teesta River at an altitude of 1250 m, Kalimpong is home to colonial-era history, Buddhist monasteries, and rich cultural heritage. The hill town is home to colourful flowers, green valleys, rocking hills, and manicured gardens.
The lesser-known Kalimpong makes it the best tourist spot for travellers who prefer spending summer in a hill station which attracts smaller crowds.
Places to Visit: Morgan House, clock tower, Katherine Graham Memorial Chapel, Neora National Park, Tharpa Choling Monastery, and Cactus Nursery
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Kalimpong to Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal which is 78 km away
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station to Kalimpong is Jalpaiguri Railway Station which is 108 km away.
Coorg, Karnataka
Known for its lush green landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls, aromatic coffee plantations, and rich cultural heritage, Coorg in southern India is one of the most popular hill stations in Karnataka. Framed by the Western Ghats, the hill station is popular for its serene weather and relaxed environment. The hill station also hosts several adventure activities and breathtaking viewpoints.
Places to Visit: Raja’s Tomb, Namdroling Monastery, Mandalpatti viewpoint, Chiklihole Reservoir, Harangi Dam, Iruppu Falls, Nagarhole National Park, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, and coffee plantations
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Coorg is Mangalore Airport which is around 143 km away
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station to Coorg is Mysore Railway Station is around 116 km away.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is known for its scenic landscape, breathtaking viewpoints, tea gardens, and magnificent mountains. Once known as the summer resort for the Bristish, the hill-town is popular for its ‘Toy Train’ and ‘Darjeeling Tea.’
The hill-town is one of the most sought-after hill station spots in summers for its black tea plantations, scenic valleys, and world’s highest peaks.
Places to Visit: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or ‘Toy Train,’ tea plantations, Kanchenjunga peak, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tiger Hill, Ghoom Monastery, Lepchajagat, Batasia Loop, and Himalayan mountaineering
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport which is 40 km away
Nearest Railway Station: The two nearest railway station to Darjeeling are Siliguri Railway Station and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.
Munnar, Kerala
Located in Western Ghats, Munnar is surrounded with lush green forests, scenic valleys, magnificent waterfalls, and sprawling tea plantations. The hill station is also known for its habitat for rich flora and fauna, making it a perfect tourist spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
Munnar is also popular for several adventurous activities, misty hills, and calm and pleasant weather.
Places to Visit: Chokramundi Peak, Lockhart Gap, Blossom Park, Rose Garden, Lakkom Waterfalls, Mattupetty Dam, and Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin Internation Airport which is around 100 km away
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station to Munnar can be both Kochi Railway Station and Aluva Railway Station in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
A hamlet in the Kullu district, Kasol is one of the most popular hill stations in Northern India. The hill station is known for its ancient temples, beautiful apple orchards, deep valleys, and magnificent mountains.
Situated in Parvati Valley and on the banks of the Parvati River, Kasol is the Himalayan hotspot for backpackers and travellers who are interested in high altitude trekks.
Places to Visit: Malana Village, Kheer Ganga, Tosh Village, Parvati River, Buddha monasteries, Pulga Village, and local markets
Nearest Airport: The nearest Airport to Kasol is Kullu-Manali Airport, which is about 31 km away and Chandigarh Airport, which is 260 km away
Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station to Kasol is Joginder Nagar Railway Station which is about 144 km away.
FAQs on Best Places to Visit in May in India
- What are the best tourist spots to travel in May in India?
Since May is the hottest month of the year in India, travellers often prefer to travel to hill stations and cold places to escape the heat. Some of the best hill stations to travel in India are Gangtok, Shillong, Darjeeling, Kasol, Munnar, Ooty, Coorg, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, and Kalimpong among others.
- Is May a good time to travel in India?
May is often the holiday season in India as the schools and colleges declare summer holidays. Many families travel to several hill stations for long holidays to escape the heat and spend some quality family time.
- Can we witness snowfall in any hill station in May?
Around 50km away from Manali lies Rohtang Pass which takes you to the valleys of Lahaul and Spiti, where it sometimes snows in the month of May. These valleys also host several adventurous activities such as skiing and other snow-related activities.
- How is Gulmarg in May?
Gulmarg in May offers pleasant weather, vibrant landscapes and an array of outdoor activities. Gulamarg’s temperature in May fluctuates between 5 degrees Celsius to 13 degrees Celsius making it a perfect escape for summer vacation.
- Is May a holiday season in India?
Yes, May can be considered a holiday season in India as schools and colleges declare summer holidays. Many places and especially hill stations are usually crowded with tourists in the month of May.
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