7 Best Places to Visit in May in India – How to Make ‘May’ Delightful

May can be a hot month in India, but there are still plenty of the best places to visit in May in India.

India is a diverse country that offers a wide range of experiences to travelers. From the cool hill stations of the north to the sunny beaches of the south, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to explore historical sites, enjoy outdoor adventures, or simply relax and soak up the local culture, India has plenty to offer. In this context, we can suggest some of the best places to visit in May in India, including Ladakh, Darjeeling, Ooty, Coorg, Manali, Shimla, Mussoorie, Mount Abu, and more.

Each of these destinations offers a unique set of attractions and experiences that make them the best places to visit in May in India. 

So, let’s explore what these places have in store for visitors. 

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Ladakh – Best places to visit in May in India

With its stunning landscapes and cool temperatures, Ladakh is one of the best places to visit in May in India. You can explore the monasteries, go trekking in the mountains, and enjoy the unique culture of the region.

It is known for its rugged terrain, scenic beauty, and unique culture. 

Here are some of the top things to do in Ladakh:

• Visit the monasteries: Ladakh is known for its Buddhist culture, and there are many monasteries scattered throughout the region. Some of the most popular ones include Thiksey Monastery, Hemis Monastery, and Diskit Monastery. If you wish to get the best out of the best places to visit in May in India, you can explore these monasteries.
• Explore the Nubra Valley: This stunning valley is located north of Leh and is known for its beautiful landscapes, sand dunes, and monasteries. You can also visit the famous Diskit Gompa here. It is one of the best places to visit in May in India.
• Visit Pangong Tso: This beautiful lake is located at a high altitude and is known for its turquoise blue waters. It’s a popular spot for photography and is surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
• Trek in the mountains: Ladakh is a great place for trekking, with many different routes available. Some of the most popular treks include the Markha Valley Trek, the Stok Kangri Trek, and the Chadar Trek. These are among the best places to visit in May in India.
• Visit the Khardung La Pass: This is one of the highest motorable roads in the world and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Experience the local culture: Ladakh has a unique culture that both Tibetan and Indian traditions influence. You can visit local villages, attend cultural festivals, and sample the local cuisine to get a taste of this unique culture.

Darjeeling- Best places to visit in May in India

This famous hill station in West Bengal is known for its tea plantations, scenic views, and pleasant weather in May. It is also one of the best places to visit in May in India. 

You can take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, explore the town’s colonial architecture, and go hiking in the surrounding hills.

There are many things that you can do in this beautiful hill station. The top ones include the following. 

• Take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: This famous narrow-gauge railway, also known as the “Toy Train,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-do activity in Darjeeling. It is one of the best places to visit in May in India. The train takes you through scenic landscapes and provides a unique way to experience the region.
• Visit the tea plantations: Darjeeling is known for its tea, and there are many tea estates in the region. You can take a tour of a tea plantation, learn about the tea-making process, and sample some of the local tea.
• Explore the town: Darjeeling has a rich history and is known for its colonial architecture. You can explore the town’s many buildings and monuments, including the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Darjeeling Observatory, and the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.
• Trek in the surrounding hills: There are many trekking routes in the hills around Darjeeling, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Some of the most popular routes include the Sandakphu Trek, the Singalila Ridge Trek, and the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek. You can enjoy an adventurous time at these best places to visit in May in India.
• Visit the monasteries: Darjeeling has a strong Tibetan influence, and there are several monasteries in the region. The most popular ones include the Ghoom Monastery, the Yiga Choling Monastery, and the Bhutia Busty Monastery.
• Sample the local cuisine: Darjeeling has a unique cuisine that is influenced by both Indian and Tibetan traditions. You can sample local dishes like momos, thukpa, and churpee and visit the local markets to shop for spices and other ingredients. All these delicious cuisines make it one of the best places to visit in May in India.

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Ooty – Best places to visit in May in India

Located in Tamil Nadu, Ooty is another popular hill station that is perfect for a May visit. You can enjoy the cool weather, scenic views, and outdoor activities like hiking and boating.

The pleasant weather here makes it one of the best places to visit in May in India. 

Here are some things you can enjoy doing here. 

• Visit the Botanical Gardens: The Ooty Botanical Gardens are a popular tourist attraction and are known for their diverse collection of plants and flowers. You can stroll through the gardens, admire the beautiful landscapes, and learn about the local flora and fauna. If you love flowers, you will love exploring the best places to visit in May in India. 
• Take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway: This famous railway, also known as the “Toy Train,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and provides a unique way to explore the region’s stunning landscapes.
• Visit the Doddabetta Peak: This is the highest peak in the Nilgiri Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and hills. You can hike to the top of the peak, enjoy a picnic, or simply take in the views to get the best out of the best places to visit in May in India. 
• Explore the tea plantations: Ooty is known for its tea plantations, and you can take a tour of a plantation, learn about the tea-making process, and sample some of the local tea.
• Trek in the surrounding hills: There are many trekking routes in the hills around Ooty, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Some of the most popular routes include the Mukurthi National Park Trek, the Avalanche Lake Trek, and the Kalhatty Waterfalls Trek. For adventurous activities, you must explore these best places to visit in May in India. 
• Visit the local markets: Ooty has a bustling market scene, with a wide range of local handicrafts, spices, and other souvenirs available for purchase. You can also sample the local cuisine at the many street food stalls and restaurants in the markets.

Goa – Best places to visit in May in India

While Goa can be crowded in May, it’s still a great place to visit if you want to enjoy the beaches, water sports, and nightlife. You can also explore the historic churches and sample the local cuisine to enjoy the best places to visit in May in India. 

There are several things you can enjoy doing in Goa. For instance, you can:

• Relax on the beaches: Goa is famous for its beautiful beaches, and May is a great time to enjoy the warm weather and clear blue waters. Some of the popular beaches in Goa include Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, and Calangute Beach. The beaches of Goa are among the best places to visit in May in India. 
• Take a river cruise: You can take a scenic river cruise along the Mandovi River, with live music and traditional Goan dances on board. You can also enjoy a sunset cruise to see the beautiful sunset over the Arabian Sea.
• Explore the local markets: Goa has a vibrant market scene, with a wide range of handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food available for purchase. Some of the popular markets include the Anjuna Flea Market, the Mapusa Market, and the Panaji Market.
• Visit the historic churches: Goa has a rich history and is known for its beautiful colonial-era churches. Some of the popular churches include the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
• Try water sports: May is a great time to enjoy water sports in Goa, with activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides available at many of the beaches. So, if you are looking forward to enjoying some of the best water sports, you can put consider Goa as one of the best places to visit in May in India. 
• Enjoy the nightlife: Goa is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many clubs and bars open till late. Some of the popular nightlife spots include Tito’s, Club Cubana, and LPK Waterfront. The nightlife of Goa makes it one of the best places to visit in May in India. 

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Coorg

This picturesque district in Karnataka is known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and natural beauty. It is one of the best places to visit in May in India because the weather is pleasant and the region is lush and green.

Here are a couple of things you can enjoy in Coorg

• Visit the coffee plantations: Coorg is known for its coffee plantations, and you can take a tour of a plantation, learn about the coffee-making process, and sample some of the local coffee. 
• Trek in the surrounding hills: There are many trekking routes in the hills around Coorg, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Some of the most popular routes include the Tadiandamol Trek, the Brahmagiri Trek, and the Pushpagiri Trek. For people who love trekking, it is one of the best places to visit in May in India. 
• Visit the Abbey Falls: These beautiful waterfalls are located near the town of Madikeri and are a popular tourist attraction. You can hike to the falls, take in the views, and enjoy a picnic in the surrounding forests.
• Explore the local markets: Coorg has a vibrant market scene, with a wide range of local handicrafts, spices, and other souvenirs available for purchase. You can also sample the local cuisine at the many street food stalls and restaurants in the markets.
• Visit the Dubare Elephant Camp: This is a popular wildlife attraction where you can learn about and interact with elephants. You can take a guided tour of the camp, watch the elephants being fed and bathed, and even take an elephant ride. If you wish to witness all these sights, Coorg can be one of the best places to visit in May in India. 
• Take a boat ride on the Cauvery River: You can take a scenic boat ride on the Cauvery River, with views of the surrounding forests and hills. You can also enjoy a picnic on the riverbank or try some of the local fishing.

Manali – Best places to visit in May in India

With its snow-capped peaks, scenic valleys, and adventure sports, Manali is a popular destination and one of the best places to visit in May in India. You can go trekking, skiing, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

You can enjoy the following activities in Manali. 

• Visit the Rohtang Pass: This high mountain pass is located about 50 km from Manali. It is a popular tourist spot with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it one of the best places to visit in May in India.
• Trek in the surrounding hills: There are many trekking routes in the hills around Manali, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Some of the most popular routes include the Beas Kund Trek, the Bhrigu Lake Trek, and the Hampta Pass Trek.
• Enjoy adventure sports: Manali is a popular destination for adventure sports such as paragliding, ziplining, rafting, and skiing (in winter). It is one of the best places to visit in May in India because these activities are at their peak during this time. 
• Visit the Hidimba Devi Temple: This ancient temple is located in the middle of a forest and is dedicated to the goddess Hidimba, who is worshiped by the locals.
• Take a dip in the hot springs: The Vashisht Hot Springs, located near Manali, are said to have medicinal properties and are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The presence of these hot springs makes it one of the best places to visit in May in India.
• Visit the Solang Valley: This scenic valley, located about 14 km from Manali, is a popular destination for skiing, paragliding, and other adventure sports.
• Shop for local handicrafts: Manali has a vibrant market scene, with a wide range of local handicrafts, souvenirs, and clothing available for purchase. You can get the best variety of handicrafts in Manali during May, making it one of the best places to visit in May in India.

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Shimla – Best places to visit in May in India

Shimla is a beautiful hill station located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Here are some of the top things to do in Shimla that make it one of the best places to visit in May in India.

• Take a stroll on the Mall Road: This is the main shopping street in Shimla and a popular tourist destination. You can stroll along the road, shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs, and enjoy the beautiful architecture.
• Visit the Ridge: This is an open space located on Mall Road and is a popular destination for tourists. You can enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, take a horse ride, and enjoy the local street food. It is one of the best places to visit in May in India.
• Visit the Shimla State Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Himachal Pradesh and has a large collection of artifacts and exhibits.
• Explore the local temples: Shimla has many ancient temples, including the Jakhoo Temple, dedicated to the Hindu monkey god Hanuman, and the Kali Bari Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali.
• Take a ride on the Shimla Toy Train: This train is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular tourist attraction. You can take a scenic ride through the beautiful mountain valleys and enjoy the stunning views. You can enjoy scenic mountains during May, making it one of the best places to visit in May in India. 
• Visit the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary is located about 45 km from Shimla and is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. You can spot a wide range of animals, including leopards, Himalayan black bears, and barking deer.
• Enjoy adventure activities: Shimla is a popular destination for adventure activities such as trekking, camping, and rock climbing. These activities are at their peak, making it one of the best places to visit in May in India. 

Wrapping It Up!

India has a plethora of options when it comes to the best places to visit in May in India. From the snow-capped mountains of Ladakh to the beaches of Goa, there is something for everyone. In the north, you have destinations like Manali and Shimla that offer adventure activities and scenic beauty. 

In the south, you have hill stations like Ooty and Coorg that offer a respite from the heat. Darjeeling, with its stunning tea gardens and colonial architecture, is a must-visit destination in the east. And not to forget, Goa, with its stunning beaches and nightlife, is a perfect destination for those looking for a beach vacation. 

Each of these best places to visit in May in India has its unique charm and offers a different experience to the traveler. So, depending on your interests and preferences, you can choose the destination that suits you the best and plan a memorable trip to India in May.

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