India offers a wide variety of tourist places to visit in May. May is peak summer in the country, and many citizens here look to travel to the cooler areas to spend their holidays away from the unbearable city heat. India has diverse geographical conditions which allow people to access both beaches and mountains within the same country. Be it the Himalayas or the Western Ghats, you will find hill stations in almost every corner of the country. Additionally, India has its fair share of beaches, lakes, and lagoons, given it has a long coastline on both sides.
Best places to visit in May in India
If you are someone who wants to explore India, take a look at these top 15 tourist places in India (it’s an upgrade from the top 10 tourist places in India 2020) to find the tourist destinations for the summers:-
Places to visit in May #1: Srinagar, Jammu And Kashmir
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Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir in India. The city is a highly sought-after tourist destination and known as the Switzerland of India due to its immense natural beauty. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the Kashmir Valley is one of the best places to visit in May in India. The river Jhelum flows through its heart and creates some spectacular lakes in Srinagar. The Dal Lake in the city is a top tourist attraction and a favourite of travellers. You can even stay over at the elaborately decorated houseboats which rest on the Lake. The other places to visit in Srinagar include the various gardens, Manasbal Lake, Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, Nigeen Lake, Shankaracharya Temple, and Hazratbal Masjid.
You can reach Srinagar:
By air:- If you are looking to travel to Srinagar by Air, you can take a domestic flight to the Srinagar airport located within the city. The airport only receives domestic flights, so international tourists can arrive at Delhi or Mumbai airport and then take a connecting flight here.
By rail:- Travelling to Srinagar City by rail is not possible. Railway travellers would have to reach Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is the closest major station near Srinagar. From here, you need to make a long journey to Srinagar by road, either by private vehicle or a shared taxi.
By road:- If you are travelling to Srinagar by road, you need to take the NH44 highway to Srinagar. The roads which lead to the city are extremely picturesque but will take a solid 10 hours to reach the spot.
See also: 10 best honeymoon places in India for a romantic trip
Places to visit in May #2: Munnar, Kerala
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Munnar is a quaint hill town located in the lap of the majestic Western Ghats. The town is popular for its breathtaking green landscape and spectacular tea gardens, which are top tourist attractions in the town. Munnar is one of the best places to visit in May since the weather remains comfortable and the cool temperatures offer some much-needed respite from the summer heat. You can travel to Munnar to witness the beauty of the Western Ghats and its unending green horizon. The journey to Munnar itself will take you through picturesque roads over rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. Some of the top places to see in Munnar include Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi, Eravikulam National Park, Attukad Waterfalls, and many more.
You can reach Munnar:
By air:- Munnar can be reached through Cochin Airport, which is located about 110 km from this hill station. A private taxi or an overnight bus will take you to Munnar from the airport.
By rail:- The Always railway station is the closest railway link to Munnar. Tourists can reach this station from major cities in India and then take a government KSRTC bus or a private taxi which travels to Munnar.
By road:- To reach Munnar by road, you need to travel to Bangalore via NH 44, which leads to Munnar. Alternatively, you can also opt to start your journey from Chennai and reach Munnar via Chennai – Theni Hwy/Chennai – Villupuram – Trichy – Kanyakumari Road.
Places to visit in May #3: Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
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Dalhousie is a hill town which is situated at an altitude of 1,970 m above mean sea levels. This high-altitude resort town lies in the Dhauladhar mountain range in Himachal Pradesh. The city had been a popular summer resort for the British in colonial India. The town of Dalhousie houses many colonial-era buildings, which include St. Francis and St. John’s churches. Dalhousie is also a popular trekking point for adventure enthusiasts, and the Pholani Devi Temple is one of the top routes explored by travellers and pilgrims. Some of the other popular tourist spots and snow places in India include Subhash Baoli, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Dalhousie Cantt Forest, Dainkund Peak, etc. You can also enjoy your stay at some luxury resorts, some of which were once the residences of British officials.
You can reach Dalhousie:
By air:- The Pathankot Domestic Airport is just 75 kilometres away from Dalhousie and the closest air link to the town. This airport is strictly domestic and only connected to New Delhi airport. Alternatively, the Gaggal airport in the Kangra district is approximately 140 kilometres away and is another domestic terminal.
By rail:- The Pathankot railway station is approximately 80 km away from Dalhousie. This is the best railway link to the town and is connected to major Indian cities in the North. Multiple superfast express and passenger trains are available from Northern India, which reach Pathankot Station in record time.
By road:- A road stretch of 82 km via NH 154A highway takes tourists from Pathankot to Dalhousie. Alternatively, people travelling from Delhi can take the NH44 highway, which connects the two cities.
Places to visit in May #4: Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
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Mussoorie is a popular hill station in the foothills of the Garhwal Himalayas. The town is in Uttarakhand, only a few kilometres away from Dehradun. Mussoorie was another popular summer resort for the English men during the colonial periods, and even the rich and aristocrats from India frequented the place for a change of air. Mussoorie is a local favourite among the people of India due to its exceptional natural beauty and various adventure activities offered in the town. Tourists here can come in May to beat the summer heat and revel in the glory of the mountains. When in Mussoorie, you should visit Camels Back Road, Gun Hill Road, Lal Tibba Scenic Point, Company Garden, Mossy Falls, Shedup Choephelling Buddhist Temple, and Nag Devta Temple.
You can reach Mussoorie:
By air:- The nearest airport to Mussoorie is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. This domestic airport lies approximately 54 kilometres away from the city. Regular flights are available from New Delhi and other major cities. International travellers can reach Mussoorie via connecting flights from other international airports in India.
By rail:- The Dehradun Railway Station is located around 36 km away from Mussoorie and makes the best way to travel by train. All major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Jammu and Amritsar have rail links to Dehradun city and its station. Passengers can reach this terminal station and then take a cab up to their destination.
By road:- The road from Delhi to Mussoorie is around 273.7 km in length. You need to take the Delhi – Shamli – Saharanpur Road/Saharanpur – Delhi Route, which leads up to Mussoorie.
Places to visit in May #5: Ladakh, Jammu And Kashmir
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Ladakh is a union territory located close to the state of Jammu and Kashmir in the Zanskar ranges. Ladakh has been a top favourite for adventure enthusiasts around India and is popular as a trekking destination. Ladakh rises about 2550 metres above mean sea level and is one of the highest points in the Indian subcontinent. Ladakh is also known for being the hub of Buddhism and features many beautiful and remote monasteries within its regions. Ladakh is almost made of barren mountains of brilliant colours and turquoise rivers and lakes. You can reach Ladakh by flight services and enjoy the beautiful region to its full capacity. The important tourist attractions of Ladakh like Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso lake, and Khardung-la Pass still make it one of the ideal places to visit in May in India.
You can reach Ladakh:
By air:- Ladakh airport is called the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport and is situated within the town. Domestic flights from all over India connect to this airstrip. Tourists travelling internationally, you can land at Delhi or Mumbai Airport and then take a connecting flight to Ladakh.
By rail:- Ladakh is not connected to any railway station. The nearest station is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station, located in the lowlands. The station is well connected with Delhi, and countless trains travel to this station every day. You will then require a taxi ride to Ladakh from the station.
By road:- Ladakh can be reached by road from Jammu. From Jammu, you should take the NH 44 and NH1 highways to reach the town. However, it does take a good part of the day to reach Ladakh from here.
Places to visit in May #6: Pelling, Sikkim
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Pelling is a small hill-town located in the state of Sikkim. The quaint town lies in the foothills of Mount Khangchendzonga and offers some breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains. May is the best time to visit Pelling since the clear summer skies offer unrestricted views of the beautiful mountains around. Pelling is also a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site and the home to the late-17th-century Buddhist Sanga Choling Monastery has mountain views. Additionally, you will find a number of majestic waterfalls in Sikkim that cascade down from the hills around. The other notable places of interest here include Pemayangtse Monastery, Rabdentse Ruins, Khecheopalri Lake, Kanchenjunga Falls, and the Sky Walk.
You can reach Pelling:
By air:- The nearest airport to Pelling is the Bagdogra airport, located 160 km away. This airport is connected to all major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata by regular flights. From the airport, tourists can take shared taxis or private cabs upto Pelling.
By rail:- New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the closest railway link to Pelling. This station is situated in West Bengal, and you can reach it from major cities like Kolkata. There are plenty of transport options available from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station to Pelling via roadways.
By road:- If you are driving to Pelling, you must take the NH12 highway. This highway will travel through major cities and towns in West Bengal and take you to Pelling via Gangtok. The ride is extremely long, but the beautiful roads will make up for it.
Places to visit in May #7: Alleppey, Kerala
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Alappuzha or Alleppey is located in the Alappuzha district in the state of Kerala. This region features India’s backwaters and lagoons. Alleppey is a tourist destination which needs to be explored by houseboats. These houseboats will take you through the backwaters of Kerala and offer you the opportunity to gaze at the beautiful nature surrounding these waters. You can even stay back at these houseboats and spend your days touring the nearby areas. Alleppey also offers a wide range of delectable seafood cuisines, which will wow your taste buds and impress even the strongest food critic. Alleppey is also popular among nature photographers and birdwatchers who come here to photograph rare, elusive birds and the beautiful flora of South India.
You can reach Alleppey:
By air:- Cochin International Airport and Trivandrum International Airport are situated at a distance of 75 km and 150 km from Alleppey. One can travel both internationally and domestically to and from these airports. A short cab ride will take you to Alleppey from here.
By rail:- The Alappuzha Railway Station is the rail link with Alleppey town. This railway station is located within the city and well connected to other railway stations around India.
By road:- Alleppey is easily accessible via Panvel – Kochi – Kanyakumari Highway from Kochi. They are only 65 km away from each other. You can also take the NH544 highway to reach Alleppey from Chennai.
Places to visit in May #8: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
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Kanyakumari is the southernmost point of the Indian subcontinent. Located far south in the state of Tamil Nadu, the town offers an amazing view of the ocean from the end of the mainland. Kanyakumari opens into the Arabian Sea, and the town’s beautiful beaches make it the best place to visit in May in India. Kanyakumari is also a spiritual abode and known to be the location where the famous personality Swami Vivekananda is said to have attained enlightenment here. The beaches of Kanyakumari are the best places to spend your holiday evenings gazing at the sunsets and surrounded by peace. When you visit Kanyakumari, you should explore the Kamarajar Mani Mantapa Monument, Bhagavathy Amman Temple, Gandhi Memorial Mandapam, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and the Thiruvalluvar Statue.
You can reach Kanyakumari:
By air:- Trivandrum international airport and the domestic Tuticorin airport are two airports that are located near Kanyakumari. From here you can easily reach the town in no time. Frequent domestic flights are available to both these airports from other Indian cities.
By rail:- Kanyakumari railway station is well connected to other parts of India. It is located close to the city and is one of the cheapest ways to reach Kanyakumari.
By road:- If you want to reach Kanyakumari by road, take the NH38 and NH 44 highways, which lead upto the city. NH44 is a unique highway which will lead you to Kanyakumari from any part of India.
Places to visit in May #9: Manali, Himachal Pradesh
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Manali is a popular hill station in northern India. The town is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh and lies in the Kullu Valley. The valley itself is a part of the Beas River that runs through its heart. Manali is known for being among the top snow places in India, which can be visited in May. Manali can be reached by a long road trip from Chandigarh or Delhi, depending on convenience. The beautiful hill station is densely populated, and tourists love coming here to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas. You can travel through scenic routes and reach Manali to start your vacation in the snow, even in the summer season. Manali also has its unique collection of tourist spots like Hadimba Devi Temple, Mall Road, Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art, Jogini Falls, and so on.
You can reach Manali:
By air:- The closest airport to Manali is the Bhuntar airport which is connected to Delhi International Airport. Alternatively, you can also travel to Chandigarh airport and take a bus to Manali.
By rail:- Railway lines do not reach Manali. You need to reach either Chandigarh station or Delhi Railway station and then travel to Manali by road. Frequent trains are available to and from both of these Railway Stations.
By road:- You can take the NH44 highway from Delhi if you want to reach Manali by road. However, remember that the ride will be long, so it’s advisable to start early.
Places to visit in May #10: Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
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Valley of Flowers is a National Park established in 1982. This famous national park is situated in Chamoli of Uttarakhand. Valley of flowers attracts a large number of tourists every year due to its unending meadows of alpine flowers. May is the perfect time to visit the valley of Flowers, which is nestled among the hills and mountains of north India. The famous Brahma Kamal is also found here in the monsoons. The park also houses many rare and endangered animals, like the Asiatic black bear and snow leopard. Many tourists also like to trek through the valley and explore areas away from the crowds. You will also find a host of rare birds, which can only be seen at the Valley of Flowers.
You can reach Valley of Flowers:
By air:- The Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Valley of Flowers. This is a fairly busy airport with frequent flights coming in from other Indian cities. From the airport, you can reach Govind Ghat and then trek 16 kms to reach the Valley of Flowers.
By rail:- Rishikesh is the nearest railway station to the Valley of Flowers. Tourists can reach this station easily from major cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. From here, you have to travel by road to Govind Ghat.
By road:- Govind Ghat has the nearest roadways to Valley of Flowers, which is accessible by vehicles. You can easily reach Govind Ghat from Rishikesh via the NH7 highway.
Places to visit in May #11: Kochi, Kerala
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Kochi or Cochin is a major cultural hub of South India and is located in the state of Kerala. Situated in the southern section of the Indian subcontinent, Kochi is also an important port city which lies on the Malabar coast. Kochi has some beautiful backwaters and beaches and also ranks as an important fishing site in the South. The weather here stays pleasant throughout the year, and May is a good time to visit Kochi to escape the heat in other parts of India. Cherai Beach is a top tourist spot and offers breathtaking views of sunsets at sea. Additionally, you can also visit all the famous tourist spots here like Paradesi Synagogue, St. Francis CSI Church, Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica, Fort Kochi Beach, and Mattancherry Palace.
You can reach Kochi:
By air:- Cochin International Airport is an important airport located in Kochi. Both domestic and international travellers can reach the airport and explore Kochi. Frequent flights are available here from major cities around the world.
By rail:- The Ernakulam Junction railway station is the best way to reach Kochi by rail. This railway station is commented to the city and can be reached from other parts of the country as well. Additionally, frequent trains are available here from Chennai and Bangalore, so you can reach the station in no time.
By road:- You can reach Kochi easily from Goa by following the NH 66 highway. From Bangalore, you can take the NH 44 and NH544 highways to reach the city.
Places to visit in May #12: Kalimpong, West Bengal
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Kalimpong is a hill town located in the Indian state of West Bengal. Nestled between mountains, the town resides at an average elevation of 1,250 metres above mean sea level. The town is a popular tourist spot for locals who like to come here and spend some time in peace. May is a great time to visit Kalimpong as the clear skies expose the snow-covered peaks of Kanchenjunga in the distance. You can club Darjeeling and Kalimpong together to create the perfect itinerary and explore all the major places in North Bengal. Additionally, you can also visit places like Lamahatta and Tinchuley, which are located in close proximity to Kalimpong. If you are looking for a quaint and peaceful vacation among the hills, Kalimpong is the ideal place for you.
You can reach Kalimpong:
By air:- To reach Kalimpong, you need to travel to Bagdogra Airport by air. This airport is nearest to Kalimpong town and the only air route available in close proximity. A shared taxi or a private vehicle can be taken to reach Kalimpong, which is located about 3.5 hours away from the airport.
By rail:- New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the closest railway station to Kalimpong. Countless trains reach this railway station from Kolkata and Alipurduar. You can opt for a toy train ride from this station upto Darjeeling Station and then take a cab ride to the town from here.
By road:- To reach Kalimpong by road, you can take the NH10 highway from Siliguri, which is around 68 km from the city. Alternatively, you can travel to Kalimpong from Kolkata via the NH12 highway, which leads up to Kalimpong.
Places to visit in May #13: Sangti Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
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Sangti Valley is located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh in Northern India. Arunachal is known for its majestic mountains and green valleys, which come together to create the perfect ambience for a vacation. Sangti Valley is a relatively peaceful tourist destination in Arunachal and a top favourite of trekkers in the area. The quaint green Valley has a small population but offers a glimpse into the unexplored nature, which lies away from the main cities of the state. You can easily reach Sangti Valley by roadways and spend some days at the amazing homestays in the area. Additionally, some of the top places to visit here are the apple orchards and animal farms which are run by the locals. You can opt to make treks to nearby locations and enjoy the explored corners of Arunachal Pradesh.
You can reach Sangti Valley:
By air:- For tourists who want to travel to Sangti valley by air, there are two options to consider. The two airports available are Tezpur and Guwahati airports. International travellers would have to reach Guwahati and then decide on their onward journey.
By rail:- The best way to travel to Sangti valley would be to reach the Guwahati railway station and then take a cab or public transport to your destination. You can also opt to reach Tezpur railway station by connecting trains.
By road:- Sangti Valley can be reached from Guwahati via NH 15. These extremely picturesque roads surrounded by green mountains will be the ideal way to travel if you want to experience Sangti Valley completely.
Places to visit in May #14: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
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Kedarnath is one of the top pilgrimage spots in India.
Located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, the town has become important due to the presence of the Kedarnath Temple. Kedarnath is a remote town which is nestled in the Himalayas and rests at about 3,583 m above sea level. The Chorabari Glacier lies nearby and forms the source of the Mandakini river. Hindu pilgrims from around India flock to the town every year to make the difficult trek to the Kedarnath Temples. The temple itself is a rock-cut structure with the main deity of the Hindu God Shiva. One has to traverse the uneven mountain terrain and reach the temple to seek blessings and offer worship. People who are looking to visit Kedarnath should definitely try to make the trip in May and avoid the dangerous weather during the monsoons.
You can reach Kedarnath:
By air:- Tourists would have to reach Jolly Grant Airport to travel to Kedarnath town. The airport is situated at a distance of 238 kms from the main town and is well connected to Delhi by domestic flights. A number of taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Kedarnath.
By rail:- Kedarnath is not serviceable by railways due to its steep altitude. However, you can reach Rishikesh Railway Station from Delhi and other places. Rishikesh Railway Station is the closest one to Kedarnath and the only rail route available here.
By road:- Kedarnath doesn’t have paved roads for vehicular transport. You need to take a difficult trek through the marked roads to reach the main shrine. You can only travel to Gaurikund by vehicle, which is located approximately 16 km from Kedarnath.
Places to visit in May #15: Khonoma, Nagaland
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Khonoma is an Angami Naga village which is situated near Kohima in Nagaland. Located in the far north-east side, the village is surrounded by hills originating in India. The village is one of the few green villages in the country and known for its great conservation policies.
Khonoma is open to tourists, who can come here and explore the lush green forests and the treasure of flora and fauna contained in Nagaland. The village is also home to the state bird, Blyth’s tragopan, which is endangered and rare to spot elsewhere. You can travel to Khonoma by the spectacular roads which lead to the village from the capital city. You can even stay over at the local homestays and enjoy the slow village life in the peaceful hills and woods.
You can reach Khonoma:
By air:- To reach Khonoma, one must travel to the Dimapur airport, which is the closest air link to the village. Although this is a domestic terminal, regular flights come here from other international airports in India. Therefore, foreign travellers can take connecting flights to Dimapur and then proceed towards the village by road.
By rail:- The nearest station to Khonoma is located at Dimapur and is called the Khatkhati Railway Station. This station is situated in a remote location with few trains travelling from afar. However, regular trains are available to this station from Guwahati Railway Station in Assam.
By road:- You can take NH29 if you want to travel to Khonoma by road. The 80 km stretch of road from the two points will take more than 3 hours to cover. Alternatively, you can also take NH 27 and then NH29 if you want to travel from Guwahati.
In a nutshell
May is an ideal time to explore the diverse and beautiful landscapes of India. With its wide array of tourist destinations ranging from serene hill stations to vibrant coastal areas, India offers something for every traveller. Whether you seek the tranquillity of the Himalayas or the enchanting backwaters of Kerala, May provides pleasant weather to embark on your adventure. From the majestic valleys of Ladakh to the lush greenery of Munnar and the spiritual aura of Kedarnath, each destination promises unique experiences and breathtaking views. Whether you are a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or cultural explorer, India’s top tourist spots in May cater to all preferences.
FAQs
Yes, May is a great time to visit India, and its pleasant weather allows tourists to explore many places together.
The best hill stations in India include Dalhousie, Manali, Kalimpong, and Sangti Valley.
The best trekking spots in India during summers would be Ladakh and Kedarnath. Is May a good time to visit India?
What are the best hill stations to visit in India in May?
What are the trekking spots in India in May?
Which part of India is best to visit in May?
Coorg, Alleppey, Ladakh, Lansdowne, Tawang, Bir Billing, Chikmagalur, Rishikesh, Mount Abu, Nainital, Munnar, Shillong, and Andaman and Nicobar are some of the top destinations to explore in India during May.
Which is the coldest hill station in India in May?
Dras holds the title of the coldest place in India. Located in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir, Dras is often referred to as 'The gateway to Ladakh' and experiences extremely low temperatures, making it the coldest inhabited place in India.
Which place has snowfall in May in India?
Rohtang Pass is a popular choice for experiencing snowfall in May in India, despite it being one of the hottest months. Additionally, Ladakh offers opportunities to witness snow-capped mountains and enjoy a snowy landscape during this time.