Summer peaks in India in May, but escaping to cooler and more relaxed places for a trip provides an enticing alternative to the annoying heat. The choice is mainly to visit hill stations and similar tourist locations in India, as these are among the best places to travel in May for those seeking shelter from India’s heat.
May is the month of fresh blooms and warm blows. It is a time of vibrant hues, clear skies, and energetic highs as nature awakes from its winter slumber. With this change in season, nature lights up with bright colours and the air with the aroma of flowers.
As the weather warms up in May, a getaway vacation is an opportunity to create new memories. through experiencing new cultures, tastes, and sights, leaving all worries behind.
Some of the Best Places to Travel in May in India
Trips in May have some extremities among them, from the charm of sunny beaches to mountain sceneries and cities of sorts. Below is a list of some of the best places to travel in May in India.
1. Best Places to Visit in Ladakh
Ladakh, a Union Territory of India, extends from the icecap of the Siachen glacier to the Great Himalayas. It is also called the coldest desert on earth and is characterised by striking scenery. One of its attractions is the Stunning Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. Their waving prayer flags and peaceful stupas unify into a stunning mountain panorama resembling a fine tapestry.
- Pangong Lake: It is the highest saltwater lake in the world, at 4250m above sea level. Its vibrant blue hue amidst the snow-capped mountains is indeed an incredible sight.
- Shanti Stupa: It is one of the most frequently visited attractions in Leh. The white-washed stupa is situated at the top of a hill northwest of Leh. It is not as ancient as many monasteries around Ladakh and was constructed only in 1991.
- Tsemo Monastery: Located much above the Leh Palace, you can find Tsemo Monastery and the old ruins of the fortress. Being one of the tallest structures in Leh town, it is one of the best view points. The attractive monastery was built in the 15th century and is one of the best places to witness the setting sun. You can drive to it or hike up to it from two directions.
2. Best Places to Travel in May in Munnar, Kerela
Munnar is one of the locations that tops the list of the best places to visit in May due to its pleasant climate, tea gardens, and vibrant environment. The month of May will bring nice warm weather and clear skies, making it just the best time to hit the trails and enjoy the beauty of the sloping tea gardens covered in emerald hues, thereby providing tourists with the rare opportunity to witness the glory of the surrounding and participate in activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing and enjoying the delicate aromas of black tea in fresh, clean air.
- Tata Tea Museum: A trip to this museum will provide you with details of tea manufacturing. Tea enthusiasts can sample various varieties of tea. This is one of the best tea estates in Munnar with amazing views.
- Pothamedu Viewpoint: If your heart is filled with the adventurous spirit of an explorer or hiker, Pothamedu Viewpoint will make a perfect spot to have an adrenaline rush. It is one of the best destinations in Munnar, posing as a fantastic option for a lazy stroll or sitting in peace, where you can enjoy the beauty of hills covered with coffee, tea, and cardamom plantations.
- Attukal Waterfalls: It is known for its scenic beauty. Tourists come from all over the globe. It is within 2 km of Munnar. To reach the waterfall, tourists need to walk on the narrow wooden bridge.
3. Best Places to Travel in May in Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Yercaud, a pretty hill station in the Southern state of Tamil Nadu, situated amidst the Eastern Ghats, is a marvellous destination. Yercaud is a place for adventurous tourists or people seeking a break from city life. Amid hills, valleys, plenty of life, and a peaceful atmosphere, it looks like a “Jewel” of the southern region that has been a well-kept secret for an extended period. Summers are usually 28°C warm in Yercaud. In May, a summer festival is observed with flower shows, dog shows, boating races, and village fairs as its components for 7 days.
- Yercaud Lake: The crystal-clear water body, also called Emerald Lake, is the location’s pride and joy. This lake is situated between splendid gardens and provides opportunities for boating, picnics, trail walking, and witnessing sunsets.
- National Orchidarium: One of the key attractions, the Orchidarium, has a vast collection of both exotic and native kinds of orchids. It also has many other plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers, like the Kurinji flower. The bonsai garden, the foliage garden, the topiary garden, the rock garden, the water garden, the herbal garden, and the sensory garden, along with other fascinating gardens, await you.
- Shevaroy Hills: The town is surrounded by dense and lush forests, orange orchards, coffee and spice plantations, and other trees, and Shevaroy Hills bestows incredible views. This is yet another trekking site that is very popular among tourists.
4. Best Places to Visit in Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
This place was known as Kaludanda after the Garhwali words ‘Kalu’, meaning “black,” and ‘Danda’, meaning “hills.” Lansdowne became famous and one of the quietest hill resorts after the British era. They were extending from October to January, at times extending till March, white snow decks the old town entirely. The ancient hamlet holds a lot of traces of the former traces of the British Raj. You can witness a calm and serene Himalayan view, especially during sunrise and sunset.
- Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple: At 2092 meters on the hilltop, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the SiddhaPithas or the oldest shrines of Lord Shiva. The Mahashivratri celebration here caters to all the devotees nationwide.
- Tip N Top: It is one of the places that offers an incredible view of the Shivalik mountain range.
- Garhwal Rifles War Memorial: If you want to revisit the history of Indian military heroes, you can visit Garhwal Rifles War Memorial, established here.
5. Best Places to Travel in May in Manali, Himachal Pradesh
One of the prominent hill stations of the Himalayas is Manali, popularly called the Valley of the Gods. Tourists and nature enthusiasts visit. An out-of-the-blue place for anyone tired of city life, the town will cater to the needs and preferences of all types of travellers.
What makes this one of the best places to travel in May is that the average temperature during May is around 25°C, with lows varying from 8 to 13°C, making it the perfect weather compared to the unbearable heat. People visit Manali in May primarily to enjoy fun activities like paragliding, zorbing, river rafting, rock climbing, and trekking. With greenery all around, mountains dotted with bright flowers in full bloom, great weather, and many activities offered to visitors, Manali is one of India’s best places to travel in May.
- Hadimba Temple: This 15th-century temple is located in a pine forest. It is dedicated to Hadimba, one of the local deities who is also a character in the epic Mahabharata. It is one of the spiritual places to visit here.
- Buddhist Temples: The local Buddhist temples are some of the most visited destinations, featuring the Buddhist realm in the local culture.
- Mall Road: In addition to places to visit, Mall Road is the town’s busiest and only commercial hub. Along Mall Road are all kinds of shops, restaurants, pubs, and cafes. Therefore, Mall Road has become the most favourable shopping place for dining or walking.
6. Best Places to Visit in Darjeeling, West Bengal
We are all aware of what Darjeeling is famous for. This ‘tea-Meca’ has over 80 different tea gardens growing on its land as wide as a field. It comes with the fact that it is situated at 2,050 meters above sea level, enabling it to offer a breeze throughout the year.
- Darjeeling city occupies an excellent view of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world and the highest in India.
- Among the top sightseeing destinations in Darjeeling are the monasteries, botanical gardens, and the Darjeeling – Rangeet Valley cable car.
We have discussed some of the best places to travel in May in India to escape the heat of the summer and the hustle of the metropolis. Each has unique quirks that make it an ideal vacation spot. So maybe this list can help you find your true love.
So, pack your bags for the next vacation and prepare to witness the enchanting beauty of India. Take a tour of the land of wonders to experience its natural magnificence and make memories for a lifetime.
But make sure to have a travel insurance plan. Be safe and enjoy!
