Table of Contents
Introduction
Planning a summer getaway? RoamTraveller brings you the best places to visit in May across India, from cool hill stations to scenic escapes. Discover destinations perfect for this season and curated specially for every type of traveler.
If you’re planning a summer escape, May in India brings the perfect opportunity to explore cool hill stations, scenic valleys, and offbeat destinations where the weather is just right. Here are the top 10 places to visit in May across India, each with something uniquely magical to offer during this month.
1. Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir – A Himalayan Summer Dream
Ladakh in May is a surreal escape into stark, high-altitude beauty. The snow starts to melt, roads reopen, and adventure seekers flock to witness its dramatic landscapes. Pangong Lake glimmers under the summer sun, monasteries hum with spiritual energy, and bikers dominate the terrain. May is perfect—neither too cold nor touristy—offering the perfect balance for travelers who crave serenity with a hint of thrill.
The temperature is comfortably cool, making treks and long bike rides bearable. With the Manali-Leh highway opening late May, access improves, unveiling an untouched Himalayan paradise. The skies are clearest now, making it ideal for stargazing and photography. Plus, you’ll beat the June-July crowd rush.
- Magnetic Hill defies gravity and logic
- Pangong Lake turns turquoise under the May sun
- Buddha Purnima celebrations at Hemis Monastery
- Ideal weather for Leh to Nubra Valley road trips
2. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh – The Desert in the Clouds
In May, Spiti begins to thaw from its icy isolation, revealing its raw, dramatic landscapes. The valleys bloom with wildflowers and the rivers run fierce and clear. Ancient monasteries like Key and Dhankar echo with chants. Spiti remains less commercial than Ladakh, ideal for offbeat explorers. It’s heaven for travelers seeking solitude, ancient culture, and unmatched terrains.
Roads reopen by mid-May, welcoming adventurers via Shimla or Manali. The light breeze, bright days, and snow-speckled vistas make treks to Chandratal and camping under a billion stars unforgettable. Spiti in May is a canvas of tranquility and untouched beauty.
- Chandratal Lake accessible for early-season campers
- Homestays in Kaza offer authentic Himalayan living
- Snow-tipped views with pleasant day temperatures
- Yak safaris and fossil spotting in Langza village
3. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – Peace Amid the Peaks
Tawang in May is a spellbinding fusion of Buddhist spirituality and high-altitude beauty. With rhododendrons blooming and the crisp mountain air at its freshest, the region radiates serenity. The 17th-century Tawang Monastery, perched against the backdrop of the Himalayas, feels more divine under clear May skies.
Tourist traffic is minimal, allowing deeper immersion in local Monpa culture. The Sela Pass opens in May, leading to magical landscapes of turquoise lakes and grazing yaks. Tawang’s untouched charm and pleasant weather make it an underdog gem for summer.
- Tawang Monastery—the largest in India
- Sela Pass drive with panoramic views
- Nuranang Falls in full flow post-winter thaw
- Peaceful hikes in rhododendron-draped forests
4. Coorg, Karnataka – The Coffee Country in Bloom
Coorg in May is lush, serene, and dipped in the scent of coffee blossoms. As the monsoon approaches, light pre-showers sprinkle the emerald hills, adding freshness without heavy rain. The plantations are alive, waterfalls are trickling to life, and the valleys glow in vibrant green.
Ideal for couples and families, Coorg offers river rafting, nature walks, and peaceful retreats. Fewer crowds in May mean you can enjoy Abbey Falls or Raja’s Seat without a rush. With cooler mornings and misty evenings, it’s an underrated summer paradise.
- Coffee blossoms scent the air all around
- Perfect time for rafting in Barapole River
- Birdwatching in Nagarhole National Park
- Morning mists over Mandalpatti viewpoints
5. Mount Abu, Rajasthan – A Summer Oasis in the Desert
Mount Abu is Rajasthan’s only hill station and May is when it’s at its best—cooler than the scorching plains. With temperatures hovering around 30°C, it becomes a refreshing escape. Nakki Lake, Dilwara Temples, and Guru Shikhar are peaceful and picturesque under the golden May sun.
The hill station is also dotted with colonial-era bungalows and Jain sanctuaries. The Summer Festival in May brings the town alive with music, dance, and boat races. It’s a cultural feast wrapped in cool weather and scenic charm.
- Dilwara Temples’ marble architecture stuns
- May’s Summer Festival adds colorful local flair
- Boating in Nakki Lake with mild breezes
- Panoramic sunset at Honeymoon Point
6. Munnar, Kerala – Misty Hills and Tea Fragrance
Munnar in May is when Kerala’s hill beauty glows with pre-monsoon magic. The tea gardens shimmer under light rain, and waterfalls like Attukal start to roar. It’s the perfect blend of breezy mornings, lush hills, and light jacket evenings—ideal for romantic getaways and nature trips.
The town is quieter than winter or full-monsoon months, letting you enjoy tea estates and Eravikulam National Park at leisure. May is the shoulder season with excellent stay deals and brilliant green views.
- Low-crowd visits to sprawling tea estates
- Neelakurinji flowers bloom in parts by chance
- Trekking in Lakkam Waterfalls region
- Fresh spices and tea at local plantations
7. Auli, Uttarakhand – Summer Snow and Silent Peaks
Auli in May is a lesser-known delight—melting snow, alpine blooms, and no ski-crowds. The region transforms into a green wonderland with patches of white, making it a scenic retreat. The panoramic views of Nanda Devi and Gurso Bugyal treks are unbeatable in early summer.
May ensures perfect trekking weather—cool and dry—with open cable cars and adventure camps reopening. Nature photographers will find paradise in every direction. It’s a high-altitude gem with low-altitude effort.
- Gurso Bugyal trek reopens for summer hikers
- Scenic ropeway ride with snow-sprinkled views
- Lesser-known summer destination fewer crowds
- Nanda Devi range crystal-clear on sunny days
8. Shillong, Meghalaya – Rain-Kissed Music Capital
Shillong in May is misty magic. Light early showers transform the “Scotland of the East” into a vibrant bloom of waterfalls and pine forests. The music scene thrives here, and cafes buzz with creative energy. If you’re a lover of monsoons and mood, Shillong is your May haven.
The skies alternate between sunny and dreamy drizzles. Road trips around Umiam Lake and Laitlum Canyons are pure bliss. You’ll get the vibe of both summer and monsoon—best of both worlds.
- Waterfalls like Elephant Falls come alive
- Laitlum Canyon views with pre-monsoon haze
- Live music in roadside cafés and pubs
- Cloud-kissed drive around Umiam Lake
9. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – Yoga, Rapids & Revival
Rishikesh in May is a blend of spirituality and adrenaline. With the Ganges flowing high and clear, it’s the peak time for white-water rafting. The heat is tolerable compared to the plains, and the evenings are perfect for Ganga Aarti and café-hopping near Lakshman Jhula.
Ideal for solo travelers and spiritual seekers, May also offers yoga retreats, peaceful ashrams, and meditation under mango trees. It’s both detox and thrill in one place.
- Rafting on Ganga’s best rapids in May
- Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat in warm dusk
- Yoga retreats amid Himalayan breeze
- Riverside camping and bungee adventures
10. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu – The Princess of Hill Stations
Kodaikanal blooms in May with misty pine forests, blooming jacarandas, and chilly lakeside evenings. The summer holidays bring a buzz, but the town never loses its relaxed charm. With Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, and Kodai Lake, there’s serenity in every stroll.
The Summer Festival here features flower shows, music, and food fairs. Ideal for honeymooners, artists, and families, Kodaikanal is as photogenic as it is peaceful in May.
- Bryant Park’s flower beds at peak bloom
- Kodai Lake boating amid cool breezes
- Coaker’s Walk views over misty valleys
- Summer Festival lights up the town
Conclusion
May is the perfect time to travel and explore the varied landscapes of India—from snowy peaks to misty hills. Let RoamTraveller craft the perfect summer itinerary for you. Discover hidden gems, exciting festivals, and breathtaking nature with expert guidance from our travel team.
