Top 8 Places to Visit in May in India

May - the bona fide holiday month all over India! This is the time when kids look forward to a fun vacation as schools remain closed and adults look for a respite from the sweltering heat. May is the best time to escape to cooler hill stations in India, enjoy their local culture, festivals, cuisine, and spend quality time with friends and family. There are many best places in India to visit in May.  

You can either explore the beautiful places on the foothills of the mighty, snow-capped Himalayas in the North or go to the lusher green and alluring hill stations in the South. If you cannot decide where to go, don’t worry, we have your back. We have put together a list of some of the best places to visit in May in India that are sure to give you the best holiday experience ever! 

Here are our top picks:

Coorg

Nestled comfortably in the laps of the majestic Western Ghats, Coorg is known for being one of the best coffee-producing hill towns in India. An ideal summer destination and one of the best places to visit in May in India with family, Coorg has something to offer for everyone. 

Best places to visit in Coorg:

• Madikeri Fort
• Honey Valley
• Namdroling Monastery
• Abbey Falls
• Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Best things to do in Coorg:

• Visit Nagarhole Tiger Reserve
• Offer prayers at Omkareshwara Temple
• Stroll along the coffee plantations
• Bathe elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp

Where to stay in Coorg: 

• Club Mahindra Virajpet Resort
• Club Mahindra Madikeri Resort

Also Read: 6 Places to Visit in India in June

Munnar

An epitome of serenity and tranquillity, Munnar is one of the most popular hill stations in South India. Located in God’s Own Country, Kerala, Munnar greets several tourists from all over the world, especially between March and May. People from different parts of India come here to relax in the cool climate of Munnar and spend a peaceful time with their loved ones, making it one of the best places in India to visit in May.  

Best places to visit in Munnar:

• Tata Tea Museum and Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
• Mattupetty Dam
• Eravikulam National Park
• Pothamedu View Point
• Attukad Waterfalls

Best things to do in Munnar:

• Visit the tea gardens
• Explore Munnar’s hiking trails
• Boating at Kundala Dam Lake
• Visit the rose gardens

Where to stay in Munnar:

• Club Mahindra Mount Serene Resort
• Club Mahindra Munnar Resort 

Nainital

A popular hill station in Uttarakhand, Nainital is frequented by honeymooners, couples, and families. The pleasant weather and a plethora of natural attractions make it one of the best holiday destinations in India in May. A holiday in Nainital is the perfect escape you and your family may need to get away from the city’s chaos and heat and relax in the lap of nature. Spending a few days here, and simply breathing in the fresh and crisp air is sure to rejuvenate your mind and body.  

Best places to visit in Nainital:

• Jim Corbett National Park
• Nainital Lake and Bhimtal Lake
• Hanuman Garhi
• Snow View Point
• Tiffin Top

Things to do in Nainital:

• Visit the Tibetan market
• Enjoy breathtaking views from Nainital ropeway
• Offer prayers at Hanuman Garhi 

Where to stay in Nainital:

• Club Mahindra Corbett Resort
• Club Mahindra Naukuchiatal Resort 

Dharamshala

The list of the best places to visit in India in May with family cannot be complete without featuring Dharamshala. This hill station boasts an undeniable spiritual vibe that is only accentuated by the presence of many charming monasteries and a significant population of the Buddhist monks.  

Remember, you're travelling to escape the city heat, and Dharamshala will keep your head and heart cool, literally. The land is blessed with plenty of greenery all around and being at the base of the mighty Himalayas, the weather here remains pleasant throughout the year.  

Best places to visit in Dharamshala:

• Kangra Fort
• Dharamshala Cricket Stadium 
• Namgyal Monastery
• Jwala Devi Temple
• Bhagsunag Waterfalls

Best things to do in Dharamshala:

• Meditate at Gyuto Monastery
• Enjoy paragliding
• Day trip to Kangra valley
• Relish Tibetan food

Where to stay in Dharamshala:

• Club Mahindra Dharamshala Resort 

Also Read: Places in India that Come Alive with the Onset of the Monsoon Season

Shillong

Teetering on the far Eastern side of India, Shillong is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India and among the best places to travel in May in India. Its stunning natural beauty and the picturesque landscape has earned it the moniker, ‘Scotland of the East.’  

The city’s alluring landscape, replete with the verdant green hills, pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and majestic caves will surely leave you spellbound. Apart from exploring the many stunning places, there are tons of activities to do for all in Shillong.  

Best places to visit in Shillong:

• Umiam Lake
• Mosamai Caves
• Hydari Park
• NohKaLikai and Elephant Falls
• Mawlynnong Village

Best things to do in Shillong:

• Visit the Don Bosco Museum
• Explore Lewduh market
• Enjoy scenic views from the Shillong Peak
• Explore the Laitlum Canyons
• Relish local cuisine  

Where to stay in Shillong:

• Polo Towers Resort

Mussoorie

Nestled in the verdant foothills of the majestic Himalayas lies the charming hill station of Mussoorie, a utopia for the senses. This quaint retreat is an embodiment of tranquil beauty. This is one of the best places to visit in May in India due to the cool climate, stunning views from the hills, and ample of fun activities to indulge in.

Stroll along the Mall Road and breathe in the crisp mountain air as you soak up the breathtaking vistas. Admire the cascading Kempty Falls, or marvel at the awe-inspiring Gun Hill. With its enchanting ambiance and captivating allure, Mussoorie is truly a paradise for travellers seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

Best places to visit in Mussoorie:

• Kempty Falls
• Lal Tibba
• Company Garden
• Jharipani Falls
• Mussoorie Lake
• Sir George Everest’s House

Best things to do in Mussoorie:

• Take the Bhadraj temple trek, Nag Tibba summit, Har ki Dun trek, Dodikal trek

• Indulge in adventure activities like zip lining, zip swings, sky walking
• Partake in activities like ATV bike riding, rock climbing, rappelling
• Go paragliding
• Go river rafting from Barkot to Lakhamandal and Damta to Yamuna Bridge

Where to stay in Mussoorie:

• Club Mahindra Mussoorie Resort

Alibaug

Alibaug, a coastal town located in Maharashtra, is a popular destination for summer getaways. With its pristine beaches, lush greenery, and quaint villages, Alibaug offers a perfect escape from the scorching summer heat.

One of the top attractions in Alibaug is the pristine and serene beaches. Kihim Beach, Alibaug Beach, and Nagaon Beach are some of the popular beaches in the area. You can indulge in a variety of water activities like swimming, sunbathing, and jet skiing.

For those seeking a bit of adventure, Alibaug also offers trekking options. The Sagargad Fort and Kolaba Fort are popular trekking destinations that offer stunning views of the Arabian Sea.

Best places to visit in Alibaug:

• Kanakeshwar Fort
• Murud-Janjira Fort
• Kihim beach, Varsoli beach, Alibaug beach, Mandwa beach
• Native Biodiversity Garden

Best things to do in Alibaug:

• Relax on the pristine beaches
• Go trekking and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region
• Explore villages like Chaul and Kolrai
• Offer prayers at Birla temple and Kanakeshwar temple

Where to stay in Alibaug:

• Tropicana Resort and Spa, Alibaug in Maharashtra offered by Club Mahindra

Alleppey

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha in Kerala, is a popular tourist destination known for its tranquil backwaters, lush greenery, and rich cultural heritage. The town is a year-round destination, and while summers can be humid, it is still possible to enjoy a memorable vacation. 

Alleppey is known as the "Venice of the East" because of its intricate network of canals and backwaters that offer a serene and peaceful experience to visitors.

Best places to visit in Alleppey:

• Marari Beach
• Krishnapuram Palace
• Alleppey Beach
• Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
• Alleppey Lighthouse

Best things to do in Alleppey:

• Enjoy a houseboat cruise in the backwaters of Alleppey
• Witness the Nehru Trophy Boat Race 
• Experience therapeutic Ayurvedic massages
• Go beach hopping and enjoy water sports activities
• Go canoeing in the backwaters

Where to stay in Alleppey:

• Club Mahindra Arookutty, Alleppey Resort

Apart from the destinations mentioned above, there are other beautiful and best places to travel in May in India like Tawang, Manali, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Ooty, Spiti etc. But no matter where you go, make sure you have a proper itinerary to avoid last minute hassles. Happy Holidays!

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