The 5th month of the year, May is commonly associated with good weather and the growth of plants. In this month, spring is experienced in the Northern Hemisphere and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. Also, as per the Indian education system, May is the vacation time for students. So, many parents in India take leave from offices during this duration to enjoy some family time.
However, whatever may be the reason, May also is a good month for a vacation. If you are planning to go out and explore some places in India in the month of May, continue reading our curated list.
Best Summer Vacation Places in India
Here are beautiful and amazing places in India to visit in May. These are the best summer vacation places in India to visit with family.
1. Ladakh
Ladakh is an extremely beautiful place and still an undiscovered wonderland of the Himalayas. It is a region administered by India as a union territory. Ladakh has incredible topography that comprises hilly terrains, high-altitude peaks, and lush green grasslands. This is because it is situated at an elevation of 2750 – 7672 meters above sea level.
Just like Goa, Ladakh is also on every Indian’s travel list. There are numbers of adventurous sports along with trekking that you can do in Ladakh such as biking, water rafting, safaris, etc.
2. Mcleodganj
McLeodganj is famous for its museums, temples, waterfalls, lakes, and monasteries. It lies on the outskirts of Dharamshala in the district of Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. There are a ton of places to explore in Mcleodganj.
Some must-visit places are Bhagsu Falls, Namgyal Monastery, Tsuglagkhang Complex, Triund, Church of St. Johns, etc. It’s an ideal location for almost all kinds of activities ranging from shopping to trekking. You can also enjoy the local Tibetan delicacies.
3. Lansdowne
Lansdowne is a cantonment town in the Garhwal district in the state of Uttarakhand. If you need an escape from your boring and tiresome life, Lansdowne should be your ideal place. The place is flocked by tourists all around the year.
In the month of May, Lansdowne is at its best. Lansdowne played a major role in the independence of India. It was one of the major places for freedom fighters’ activities. Experience the blessings of nature by engaging yourself in activities like camping, boat riding, shopping, etc. You can also go on birdwatching and visit the famous Kalagarh Tiger Reserve.
4. Coorg
with largely spread coffee plantations, misty hills, fascinating mountain peaks, evergreen timber forests, and green valleys, you can imagine how beautiful is Coorg. This place is popularly known as the Scotland of India.
It is popular for coffee-producing hills station that has an amazing history, luxury, adventure, and mouth-watering cuisine.
The nearest railway stations from Coorg are Mysore Junction around 95 km away and Thalassery and Kannur in Kerala, which are about a distance of 79 km.
5. Mount Abu
As fancy as its name seems, Mount Abu is also a good hill station that you can visit. It is located in the Sirohi district of the state of Rajasthan. Guru Shikhar is the highest point in Mount Abu, and also the topmost point in the Aravalli mountain range. It is also famous for Dilwara Temples.
Apart from the temples, sightseeing points include Trevor’s tank, Nakki Lake, Achalgarh Fort, and Honeymoon’s point. Mount Abu is also one of the famous summer vacation places for Rajasthan and Gujrat people.
6. Kausani
Situated in the Bageshwar district in the state of Uttarakhand, Kausani is a hill station and a village. It’s famous for its scenic grandeur and magnificent view of the Himalayan peaks like Trisul, Nanda Devi, and Panchchuli. It’s an ideal vacation spot for people who want to spend some time truly in nature. The place is very quiet and green. There is a Tea Estate here that you can visit.
7. Ooty
Officially known as Udagamandalam. Ooty is a town in the Nilgiris District in Tamil Nadu. Apart from being on this hitlist for being a good place to visit in May, Ooty is famous for tea and handmade chocolates. You can visit a handful of places here. Ooty comes in one of the popular summer vacation places in South India.
Some of the must-visit places are Dolphin’s Noses, Doddabetta Peak (amazing for hill-selfies), Pykara village, Tea Museum, Wax World Museum, and Honey And Bee Museum. Apart from this, you can indulge in activities like cycling, camping, etc.
8. Shimla
Declared as “The Summer Capital of British India” in 1864, Shimla is the capital and the largest city of Himachal Pradesh. You can see a lot of snow here. A must-try experience is riding in the famous Kalka Shimla toy train. The train route is beautiful enough to explain in words. You can also rejuvenate yourself in the Tattapani village. It is famous for hot water springs.
Not excited enough? Engage yourself in ice skating in Shimla. Shimla has the only naturally formed ice rink in South Asia.
9. Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is a famous hill station south of the Baba Budangiri mountain range. This place is also known as the “Cofee land of Karnataka”. The place is famous for its lush green forests, and a large number of small waterfalls. Apart from enjoying views, you can also do rafting in the Bhadra river. You can visit Hoysala Temples which are near to the place.
The most important attraction is although, the famous Kalhatti Falls. A temple of Lord Veerabhadra lies at the foot of the fall.
10. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is a hill station town in Maharashtra. It’s famous for many high peaks like Arthur’s Seat, a dormant volcanic crater. You can enjoy this place by visiting some strawberry farms, trekking, boating, visiting Pratpgarh Fort, and other such activities. If you are an animal or bird lover, you should definitely check out Panchgani. It is famous for endangered species of birds and animals alike.
11. Spiti
Spiti Valley is a cold desert mountain valley in Himachal Pradesh. Its commonly known as “Little Tibet”. The main attraction of this place is the Tabo monastery. Prominent activities to enjoy here are river rafting, camping, trekking, shopping, and tasting local delicacies. You can visit Pin Valley, National Park. Another attraction is the Village of Glu. Here you can visit the shrine of a 500-year-old mummy.
12. Manali
Manali is also a high-altitude resort town in Himachal Pradesh famous as a vacation and honeymoon spot among the people of Northern India. It is famous for getting people to experience skiing and trekking. You can also enjoy paragliding, rafting, and mountaineering. It’s a perfect place to go out with friends, family, and your partner as well. Solang Valley is the most visited place in Manali. Apart from this, It is also known for Rohtang Pass, a very picturesque place.
13. Gangtok
Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim. It is well known for many things like Tibetan carpets, Sikkim tea, Black Cardamom, silver jewelry, etc. Its also reputed as being an “Organic State”. The pollution level is also quite low here. Things that you can do here include Yak Safari at Tsomgo Lake, enjoying a cable car ride, and hand gliding. Places that you should visit are the Seven Sisters Waterfall, Tashi Viewpoint, Rumtek Monastery, MG Road, Ganesh Tok, Kanchenjunga, etc.
Read More, Best places to visit in North East India
14. Pachmarhi
Pachmarhi is a hill station in Madhya Pradesh. Pachmarhi is the only hill station in Madhya Pradesh. It is nicknamed “Satpura Ki Rani”(Queen of Satpura Range of Hills). It is famous for its dense forests, rich history, and heritage. Things that you can do here are Horse riding, ATV riding, Land Parasailing, ziplining at Satpura Adventure Club, Waterfall trekking, hiking at Dhoopgarh, and many more. You can also visit the Pandav Cave, which is to believe as the place where the mythological Pandav brothers stayed during their exile.
Read More, Best time to visit Pachmarhi
15. Kashmir
When we hear Kashmir the image that forms in mind is of valleys, lakes, mountains, snowfall, and landslides. Words can’t define the beauty of Kashmir.
If you are planning for a summer vacation, then there is no better place than Kashmir to explore. The average temperature of Kashmir in May is between 14 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius. This allows you to explore various spots without any hassle. Gulmarg, Tulip garden, and Dal Lake are the must-visit places in Kashmir.
Read more, Most beautiful tourist places in India
India is a land of very naturally beautiful places. Although the list of places is inexhaustible, we have compiled some of the best places that you can visit in the month of May.
There are many amazing places to visit in May in India. It totally depends on you which part of India you want to explore. If you want to explore South India then Kodaikanal, Ooty, and Munnar are the best places to explore in May in South India. The Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Manali, Spiti Valley, Lansdowne, Shimla, and Dalhousie are the best places to visit in May in North India. Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Cherapunji, and Gangtok are the best places in North-East India to explore in Summer in India.
The weather in Ladakh is warm with a cool breeze in May. This makes May Month one of the best months to visit Ladakh. So, yes you can go to Ladakh in May.
The temperature in Ooty in May Month ranges from 22 degrees to a maximum of 27 degrees. This makes Ooty one of the best places to visit in May.
Every year the Manali Leh Highway opens from the end of May to early June but this year it has been opened partially on 26th March 2022. The Light motor vehicles have been allowed from 25th April after ensuring public safety.
Yes, Pangong Lake is open in May for tourists. You can visit Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso in May.
