Top 10+ Best Places to Visit in May in India — Cool Weather, Cooler Vibes!

Posted on Thursday, April 17th, 2025 by Chakshu Kaur Leave a Comment

May can feel like an oven, especially in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, where the heat becomes unbearable. But don’t worry, India has the perfect escape from the scorching summer: cool hill stations and beautiful landscapes. May is a great time to leave behind the city rush and relax in the mountains. May offers many options, whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway, an adventure trip, or a family vacation.

Let’s check out some of the best places to visit in May in India, where you can beat the heat and enjoy your summer.

Why Travel in May?

May is a perfect month for hill station visits, thanks to:

• Cold places to visit in May in India offer relief from the crazy heat
• School holidays = perfect time for family trips
• Nature and adventure are at their peak
• You’ll catch the best places to visit in India in May and June before the rains roll in

How to Choose the Best Place for You in May?

Here’s a simple guide to help you choose your perfect May destination:

Mood/Need	Where to Go
Offbeat with Snow	Ladakh, Tawang
Café Hopping & Chill	Coorg, Shillong
Budget Trip (North India)	Rishikesh, Manali
Couple Getaway	Munnar, Ooty

You can also check: Top Coolest and Hottest Places in India for Every Traveler

1. Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir

• For: Bikers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers
• Best For: Offbeat trips and snowy landscapes

➡️ Check Tour Packages: Leh Ladakh Tour Packages

Why in May?

Ladakh opens up in May, making it the best time to explore this dreamy Himalayan landscape. The weather is cool, and the roads from Manali and Srinagar become accessible.

Things to Do in Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir:

• Khardung La: Ride to one of the highest motorable passes in the world.
• Pangong Lake: Famous for its crystal-clear waters (also featured in 3 Idiots).
• Nubra Valley: Stargazing in a peaceful, off-the-grid location.

🧳Travel Tip: Pack warm clothes because nights can get pretty chilly, even in May. And remember, you’ll need permits for certain areas like Pangong Lake.

Book a Delhi to Ladakh flight now

2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

• For: Honeymooners, backpackers, snow-chasers
• Best For: A short, budget-friendly weekend trip

Why in May?

Manali is perfect in May with the last remnants of snow still present at higher altitudes like Rohtang Pass. The weather is mild, and the atmosphere is fresh, offering plenty of opportunities for trekking, sightseeing, and adventure activities.

Things to Do in Manali, Himachal Pradesh:

• Solang Valley: Skiing, paragliding, and other adventures.
• Rohtang Pass: Snow lovers will love the snow-covered terrain.
• Apple Orchards: Visit blooming apple orchards for a scenic retreat.

🧳Travel Tip: Manali is a great place to visit in Manali, India, in May for people traveling from Delhi or nearby cities.

Book a Delhi to Manali flight now

3. Darjeeling, West Bengal

• For: Tea lovers, toy train enthusiasts, and those seeking peace
• Best For: A relaxing, historical hill station experience

Why in May?

This colonial-era hill station offers cool weather, misty mornings, and a laid-back vibe. May is also the perfect time to visit the world-famous tea estates.

Things to Do in Darjeeling, West Bengal:

• Toy Train Ride: A UNESCO World Heritage ride offering beautiful views of the hills.
• Tiger Hill Sunrise: Watch the sun rise over the majestic Kanchenjunga.
• Darjeeling Tea Estates: Sip the best tea while enjoying scenic views.

🧳Travel Tip: Make sure to visit local cafés that serve the best cups of tea while you enjoy a breathtaking view of the hills.

Book Flights to Siliguri now

4. Gangtok, Sikkim

• For: Nature lovers, spiritual seekers, and couples
• Best For: A peaceful retreat in the Himalayas

Why in May?

Sikkim is in full bloom during May, with cool, crisp weather that’s perfect for sightseeing. It’s also less crowded, so it’s ideal if you’re looking for a tranquil escape.

You can also check: Famous Hill Stations In India You Must Visit

Things to Do in Gangtok, Sikkim:

• Rumtek Monastery: A peaceful Buddhist retreat.
• Tsomgo Lake: A beautiful lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
• MG Road Shopping: Pick up local handicrafts and souvenirs.

🧳Travel Tip: Rent a scooty and explore at your own pace, it’s a fun way to see the local monasteries and scenic spots.

5. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

• For: Flower lovers, families, and nostalgia seekers
• Best For: A classic, old-school hill station experience

Check Tour Packages: Ooty Mysore Tour Packages

Why in May?

Ooty is cool and pleasant, with beautiful gardens and lakes that come to life during the Ooty Summer Festival. This is the perfect place for a family getaway.

Things to Do in Ooty, Tamil Nadu:

• Ooty Lake: Spend a relaxing afternoon boating on this picturesque lake.
• Botanical Gardens: Beautifully maintained, perfect for family outings.
• Doddabetta Peak: Enjoy panoramic views of the Nilgiri Hills.

🧳 Travel Tip: The Ooty Summer Festival is a must-see in May for the flower shows and floral exhibitions.

Book a Ooty Packages today

6. Munnar, Kerala

• For: Nature photographers, honeymooners, and peace seekers
• Best For: A retreat amidst lush greenery and tea estates

Why in May?

Munnar is a nature lover’s paradise, with lush green tea estates, waterfalls, and a cool climate that offers a refreshing escape from the heat.

You can also check: Best Honeymoon Places In India for a Romantic Vacation

Things to Do in Munnar, Kerala:

• Eravikulam National Park: Spot the rare Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy the scenery.
• Tea Gardens Tour: Walk through the tranquil tea estates and learn about tea production.
• Waterfalls: Explore Attukal and Lakkam waterfalls for some peace.

🧳 Travel Tip: Stay in a tea garden resort for a memorable experience with gorgeous views.

Book Kerala Tour Packages Today

7. Shillong, Meghalaya

• For: Nature photographers, honeymooners, and peace seekers
• Best For: A retreat amidst lush greenery and tea estates

Why in May?

Munnar is a nature lover’s paradise, with lush green tea estates, waterfalls, and a cool climate that offers a refreshing escape from the heat.

Things to Do in Shillong, Meghalaya:

• Eravikulam National Park: Spot the rare Nilgiri Tahr and enjoy the scenery.
• Tea Gardens Tour: Walk through the tranquil tea estates and learn about tea production.
• Waterfalls: Explore Attukal and Lakkam waterfalls for some peace.

🧳 Travel Tip: Stay in a tea garden resort for an unforgettable experience with gorgeous views.

Book a Delhi to Shillong flight now

8. Coorg, Karnataka

• For: Coffee lovers, couples, and solo travelers
• Best For: A peaceful retreat in the heart of coffee estates

Why in May?

Coorg is all about coffee estates, lush greenery, and cool weather. May is also the time when coffee blossoms bloom, giving the area a fresh, fragrant appeal.

Things to Do in Coorg, Karnataka:

• Abbey Falls: A beautiful waterfall surrounded by greenery.
• Coffee Estate Tour: Learn about Coorg’s famous coffee production.
• Tadiandamol Peak: Perfect for trekking enthusiasts.

Book a Delhi to Bangalore flight now

9. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

• For: Offbeat explorers and peace seekers
• Best For: A tranquil, spiritual journey in the Northeast

Why in May?

Tawang is peaceful in May, with snow melting in the mountains and perfect sightseeing conditions.

Things to Do in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh:

• Tawang Monastery: The second-largest monastery in the world.
• Bum La Pass: A trek to the Indo-China border (permits required).
• Madhuri Lake: A serene, pristine lake surrounded by scenic beauty.

Book North East Packages now

10. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

• For: Adventure junkies, yoga enthusiasts, and friends
• Best For: River rafting and spiritual adventures

Why in May?

Rishikesh is the perfect mix of adventure and spirituality. With cool weather, it’s ideal for outdoor activities like river rafting, trekking, and yoga.

You can also check: Rishikesh Temple Travel Guide

Things to Do in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand:

• River Rafting on the Ganges: Thrilling white-water rafting experience.
• Yoga and Meditation: Practice yoga in the world’s yoga capital.
• Bungee Jumping: For adrenaline junkies, the bungee jump is a must-try!

🧳 Travel Tip: Rishikesh is a budget-friendly destination, with plenty of affordable options for travelers.

Travel Tips for May:

• Stay Hydrated: The sun can still be intense at lower altitudes, so always carry water with you.
• Pack Layers: Mornings and nights can be cooler, even in hill stations.
• Book in Advance: May is peak travel season, so make your bookings early.
• Check for Permits: Some areas, like Ladakh and Tawang, require permits.

Ready to Travel? Let Travanya Plan Your Perfect Trip!

Whether it’s the snowy peaks of Ladakh, the serene tea gardens of Munnar, or the calm vibes of Coorg, Travanya.com has the best travel deals tailored just for you. Contact us today and get expert help to plan your dream summer vacation.