Summers in India can easily take their toll on anyone, regardless of age, which is why we’ve compiled this list of the best places to visit in India in May to make the most of your vacation. Travel to enticing and best tourist destinations in May, from Spiti in the north to Kerala in the south, with affordable and economical India tour packages.
1. Ladakh
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Ladakh has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, and one of the reasons is the Bollywood films that have been filmed there. The Ladakh tour offers unrivalled beauty, thrills, and a misty allure. Summer brings pleasant weather to the dramatic landscape. As a result, you can start packing for a thrilling summer vacation in Ladakh. This is one of the places to visit in India in May, when the ice melts, clearing the way to the highlands, and the rains begin in 2 or 3 months. All of the popular activities in Ladakh are available in May, including camel rides in the Nubra Valley, sightseeing in Leh, camping near Pangong Lake, and a Leh Ladakh bike trip.
2. Nainital
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Nainital, one of Uttarakhand’s most beautiful hill stations, is known for its Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Snow Viewpoint, Zoo, and other attractions. The best things to do in Nainital are trekking to Tiffin Top, boating on Naini Lake, and shopping on Mall Road. In the month of May, Nainital is one of the places to visit in India in May for a family vacation. You can also combine your Nainital tour with a trip to Jim Corbett National Park to go on a wildlife safari.
3. Kanatal
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Kanatal is a hill station in Uttarakhand, India’s northwestern state, known for its pristine beauty and adventure activities. The scenic location is close to major tourist destinations such as Delhi, Mussoorie, Chamba, and Rishikesh, making Kanatal an ideal weekend getaway for both locals and visitors! Given that the town is located at an elevation of 8500 feet above sea level and is surrounded by the majestic Himalayas and deep valleys, it is unquestionably a photographer’s and nature lover’s dream.
4. Dharamshala
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Dharamshala is the picture of holiness, set against an awe-inspiring Himalayan backdrop. Dharamshala is one of the most popular places to visit in India in May due to its pleasant climate. This lovely hill station in Himachal Pradesh is the seat of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and it’s a great place to learn about Tibetan culture. During your summer trip to Himachal Pradesh, you can visit Dharamshala, McLeodganj, Bir Biling and other uphill destinations.
Bir Billing is one of the most incredible places to visit in North India in May, especially for paragliders. Billing serves as the take-off spot, while Bir serves as the landing spot, and the two together make Bir Billing an exciting paragliding destination in India.
5. Manali
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Manali, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most beautiful hill stations, attracts both honeymooners and adventure seekers. This cool summer getaway from Delhi is nestled majestically between the Pir Panjal and Dhauladhar Ranges and offers verdant forests, sprawling meadows, and sparkling streams. Manali’s top tourist attractions include Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Beas Kund Trek, Hadimba Temple, and others. If you’re looking for a group excursion, the Shimla Manali tour is ideal, as both are excellent places to visit in India in May with friends.
6. Shimla
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If you’re visiting India in May, Shimla should be on your list of places to visit. Shimla, a popular honeymoon destination, is also one of the best family vacation spots in North India. Shimla’s panorama is made up of colonial charm and mystical natural beauty. Shimla is known for its religious sites, apple orchards, and historic sites. The best things to do during a Shimla tour are photography, nature walks, and shopping for handloom products.
7. Kashmir
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Kashmir is a dream destination of all time because of its breathtaking scenery, thrilling adventure, and relaxing climate. Kashmir is one of the most popular places to visit in India in May, and it is a place where nature has poured all of its charm and beauty. The best places to visit in Kashmir are Srinagar, Gulmarg, Shalimar Bagh, Pahelgaon, and others. During your Kashmir tour in May, you can enjoy Shikara rides, houseboat stays, Gondola cable car rides, river rafting, golfing, trekking, and other activities.
8. Sikkim
Image Source: soumyajit pramanick (flickr)
Sikkim is one of North East India’s most well-known tourist destinations. High altitude lakes, rolling green mountains, colourful rhododendron groves, azure rivers, milky waterfalls, beautiful monasteries, and unparalleled views of Mt. Kanchenjunga/Khangchendzonga, the world’s third highest mountain, dot its magnificent landscape. North, South, East, and West are the four districts that make up the state. Gangtok (East Sikkim), Mangan (North Sikkim), Namchi (South Sikkim), and Gyalshing (West Sikkim) are the four district capitals (West Sikkim). Gangtok is the state’s main capital. Tourists can enjoy something different in each of these districts.
9. Munnar
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Munnar is a gift from the gods. Munnar tour takes you to the land of lush valleys and towering peaks. In Munnar, it is common to travel through misty roads and see gushing waterfalls at every turn. Munnar is one of the best places to visit in India in May, thanks to the surrounding Nilgiri hills, vast green plantations, and pleasant climate. This picturesque hill station in Kerala is also a photographer’s dream come true and a honeymooners’ dream come true. Munnar’s top tourist attractions include Eravikulam National Park, Atukkad Waterfalls, Echo Point, Pothamedu Viewpoint, Chokramudi Peak, and others.
10. Spiti Valley
Image Source – Shashank Yadav (Flickr)
When you enter Spiti Valley, you are greeted by long winding roads and valleys that offer unforgettable views of the cold desert and snow-capped mountains. Spiti Valley, in Himachal Pradesh, is surrounded on all sides by the Himalayas and has an elevation of 12,500 feet above sea level. It receives only about 250 days of sunshine per year, making it one of the coldest places in the country. Because Spiti is cut off from the rest of the country for around 6 months of the year by thick Himalayan snow, the summer months are the only time Spiti is directly accessible by motorway.
11. Ooty
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Ooty is one of the most scenic hill stations in South India to visit in May, thanks to the mighty Nilgiri. During your Ooty tour, you can relax in the midst of breathtaking natural beauty and discover the colonial charm. The top tourist attractions in Ooty include gushing waterfalls, the Ooty Rose Garden, charming lakes, green tea gardens, and more. The best things to do in Ooty are shopping for tea and spices, travelling on the Nilgiri Mountain railway line, camping, and trekking to Doddabetta Peak.
12. Kodaikanal
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Kodaikanal, a honeymooner’s paradise and a nature lover’s delight, is one of the most popular places to visit in India in May. This idyllic mountain retreat provides a relaxing atmosphere in which to enjoy India’s cool summer vacations. The top tourist attractions in Kodaikanal include Pillar Rocks, Devil’s Kitchen, Coaker’s Walk, Bear Shola Falls, and others.
13. Kedarnath
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Kedarnath is a holy Hindu town in Uttarakhand, India, located in the Rudraprayag district. It is located in the Himalayas and is one of the Char Dhams. Kedarnath is located near the Mandakini River’s head at an incredible elevation of 3584 metres above sea level. Thousands of tourists visit the Kedarnath temple, which is nestled among the majestic snow-capped Garhwal Himalayan ranges. The temple usually opens in early or mid may.
14. Darjeeling
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During a Darjeeling tour, the main attractions are tea gardens and toy trains. Darjeeling, on the other hand, offers culture, religious sites, adventure, shopping exposure, food, and so on. Darjeeling is one of the best places in India for a summer vacation with family in May because of its cool climate. If you’re looking for the best hill stations in India to visit in May, the Darjeeling Gangtok tour is a good option.
15. Tawang
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This picturesque place in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the best places to visit in Northeast India in May because it is home to the ancient Tawang Monastery. Elegant monasteries, waterfalls, and serene landscapes abound in this picturesque town, providing some unique adventures during your Northeast trip. Tawang Monastery, Taktsang Gompa, Sela Pass, Gorichen Peak, Nuranang Waterfalls, Shonga-Tser Lake, and Jaswant Garh are among the best tourist attractions in Tawang.
16. Shillong
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The mountains are greener, the sky is bluer, and the air is fresher nowhere else than in Meghalaya’s capital. Shillong tours transport you to a land of natural wonders that appeals to both honeymooners and adventurers. Lush gardens, mountains, waterfalls, and other natural wonders entice visitors to Shillong for a summer vacation. In May, when the cool breeze accompanies you for sightseeing in Shillong, this is one of the best places to visit in the Northeast. Elephant Falls, Mawlynnong village, Umiam Lake, Shillong Peak, Don Bosco Museum, Lady Hydari Park, Cherrapunjee, and other tourist attractions in and around Shillong are among the best.
17. Auli
Image Source: Praveen Raj (Flickr)
Auli, India’s premier ski resort destination, is a small but picture-perfect town. Auli’s skiing slopes, which were originally built as a paramilitary base, are popular with both tourists and professionals. Auli hosts a number of snow adventure events during the winter. Auli, which stands at around 2,800 metres and is surrounded by acres of oak and coniferous forests, provides panoramic views of some of India’s highest peaks, including Nanda Devi, the country’s second highest peak (7,816m). It also serves as the entrance to the Nanda Devi National Park and the Valley of Flowers National Park. Apart from Auli, Uttarakhand has a number of other ski resorts, including Dayara Bugyal, Munsiyari, and Mundali.
18. Kotagiri
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Kotagiri is the oldest of all Nilgiri hill stations, and it is one of the best laid-back places to visit in South India in May for summers. Kotagiri, which is about 30 kilometres from Ooty, welcomes everyone to see its natural greens, which blend in perfectly with the clear blue skies.
19. Zanskar Valley
Image Source – Soumen Basu Mallick (Flickr)
Zanskar Valley is a semi-arid region nestled in the lap of the northern flank of the Great Himalayas, sitting comfortably at a height of several thousand feet, Zanskar’s pristine water bodies, surrounding snow-capped mountains, and scenic landscape serve as major tourist draws. This area is also dotted with centuries-old monasteries, making it a popular destination for monastery devotees. Temperatures in Zanskar can drop to -30 degrees Celsius during the winter, so visitors should visit between May and September, when the valley is accessible.
These adventures are worth spending your summer at because you have all the necessary information at your fingertips. And, when you’re ready, book your trip so you can start enjoying your vacation right away!