May is the bonafide holiday month all over the country, and if you’re not planning a vacation in May, you are probably working too hard. After all, some downtime is doctor-prescribed! And with the myriad of best places to visit in May in India, you can choose a new one every year. From Spiti Valley to Coorg, India’s map has abundant surprises for you!
Just book a hotel, pick your preferred mode of travel and get going to any of these top places to visit in summer in May India.
1. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
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One of the top places in India to visit in May is Spiti Valley, a cold desert with incredibly beautiful terrain that will be imprinted in your brain. Located about 12,500 ft. above sea level, Spiti Valley is ideal for thrill-seekers as it has a large number of stunning trekking trails. Several monasteries, tiny hamlets and beautiful lakes dot the landscape, and you really need to stop at as many as you can to absorb the essence of this incredible place. Your chances of finding snow in May in India are only at either Kunzum Pass or Rohtang Pass.
- Places to Visit in Spiti Valley: Dhankar Monastery, Chandratal Lake, Pin Valley National Park, and Tabo Monastery, Key Monastery
- Things to Do in Spiti Valley: Go see the 500-year old mummified body of a monk in the Giu village close to Tabo, bike (or trek!) across the perilous Baralacha Pass, and set up camp next to Dhankar Lake for some memorable star gazing
- Weather of Spiti: The average temperature during the day is about 15 degrees Celsius and it reduces to 0-5 degrees Celsius at night
- Average Budget: ₹8000 per day
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Kullu-Manali Airport (245 km) and Chandigarh International Airport (500 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Joginder Nagar (339 km) and Shimla (440 km)
- Recommended Read: Places to visit in Himachal Pradesh
2. Bir-Billing, Himachal Pradesh
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Want to get away from the city grime and polluted air? Head to Bir-Billing in Himachal Pradesh. Although nearly every area in Himachal is a reprieve from our desolate urban jungle, Bir-Billing does one better with its awesome paragliding options. Also popular as an eco-tourism centre, Bir-Billing also offers trekking and camping options. The serene environs of Bir-Billing truly make it one of the best places to visit in summer in May
- Places to Visit in Bir-Billing: Palpung Sherabling Monastery, study and practice Lotus Sutra at the Deer Park Institute in Chaugan
- Things to Do in Bir-Billing: Indulge in paragliding (that’s what Bir-Billing is for!), try your hand at hang gliding, take a toy train ride for scenic views and shop at the Bir Road in Bir Village.
- Weather of Bir-Billing: The average temperature during the day is about 25 degrees Celsius, while it drops to 11 degrees Celsius at night
- Average Budget: ₹3000 per day
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport, Gaggal (68 km) and Chandigarh International Airport (280 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Pathankot Junction (142 km)
3. McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh
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Home to the revered Dalai Lama and a large Tibetan community, beautiful monasteries and temples (one that is managed by the Indian Army), McLeodganj is one of the best places to visit in May. You would be welcomed here by tall pines, colorful rhododendrons and long, winding roads, carved in the Dhauladhar mountains that connect McLeodganj and Dharamsala. And once you manage to tear your eyes away from your picturesque surroundings, you’ll find that there’s so much to do here!
- Places to Visit in McLeodganj: Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang Complex, Tibetan Museum, and Bhagsunag Temple
- Things to Do in McLeodganj: Shop for Tibetan crafts and hand-painted thangkas, try the Thukpa as well as the delectable Kangri cuisine
- Weather of McLeodganj: The average temperature ranges from 15 to 30 degree Celsius during this time of the year
- Average Budget: ₹3000 per day
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Dharamshala, Hotels in Mcleodganj
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Kangra Airport, Gaggal (18 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Pathankot Junction (88 km)
- Recommended Read: Places to Visit in Dharamshala
4. Chail, Himachal Pradesh
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Chail is a hill resort in the state of Himachal Pradesh and another one of the best places to visit in May for holidaymakers. Enveloped in the dense forests of Chir and Deodar, sprawling green valleys and scenic mountains, Chail was once the summer capital of the Maharaja of Patiala. Lying at a height of 2,250 metres above sea level, this pretty little town is most famous for its cricket and polo grounds – the highest in the world, its old palace, beautiful temples and many adventure sports options like high-altitude trekking and paragliding. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to one of the best hill stations to visit in May.
- Places to Visit in Chail: Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajgarh Palace, Sidh Baba Temple, Kaali ka Tibba, and Gurudwara Sahib
- Things to Do in Chail: Catch a match at Chail Cricket Ground, have a picnic in Sadhupul, try local Himachali cuisine and sample some of its star dishes like Chaach Meat and Himachali Kadhi
- Weather of Chail: The maximum temperature is 24-25 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature is about 15 degrees Celsius
- Average Budget: ₹2500 per day
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Shimla Airport (62 km) and Chandigarh International Airport (117 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Kalka (80 km)
5. Almora, Uttarakhand
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Surrounded by forests filled with pine and fir trees with the Koshi and Suyal rivers flowing alongside and one of the most wonderful views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas make Almora one of the best places to travel in May in India. We know it’s not on every list this summer, but we’d recommend it whole-heartedly because along with several attractions, the town also offers a glimpse of the rich Kumaoni culture.
- Places to Visit in Almora: Kosi Temple, Chitai Temple, Vivekananda Memorial & Library, the Ramakrishna Mission, the 1000-year-old Nanda Devi Temple, and Katarmal Sun Temple
- Things to Do in Almora: Enjoy scenic views of the sunset and sunrise at Bright End Corner – the farthest point on the Almora Ridge, admire Aipan displays (a traditional painting form of Kumaon) at State Museum, have a picnic at popular spots like Kalimutt, Deer Park or Simtola
- Weather of Almora: The average temperature in the month of May varies from 11 to 22 degrees Celsius
- Average Budget: ₹3000 per day
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (116 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Kathgodam (82 km)
6. Bhimtal, Uttarakhand
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Situated at an altitude of 1,370 meters above sea level, Bhimtal, near Nainital, is a veritable constellation of lakes and temples. The town, named after Bhima from the epic Mahabharata, boasts of heavy tourist traffic during the summer months, making it one of the best places to visit in May. Visit its many temples, learn about its mythological connections, sample the local cuisine and come back refreshed.
- Places to Visit in Bhimtal: Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple, Nal Damyanti Tal, and Nag Temple
- Things to Do in Bhimtal: Sample the Kumaoni cuisine, spend some time at the Garg Parvat – a small hillock that serves as the source of the river Gargi, enjoy a picnic at Sattal, relax at Hidimba Parvat, visit the Vankhandi Ashram – a sanctuary for wild animals
- Weather of Bhimtal: The average temperature ranges from 31 degrees Celsius during the day to 20 degrees Celsius at night
- Average Budget: ₹2000 per day
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Bhimtal
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (55 km)
- Nearest Train Station: Kathgodam (22 km)
7. Gangtok, Sikkim
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From historic Buddhist monasteries to picturesque trekking trails and a plethora of adventure sports, the city of Gangtok has it all. Although most tourists treat it as a pit-stop to the trekking adventures that await them higher up in the Himalayas, Sikkim’s capital is one of the hottest places to visit in May. Unlike most parts of the country, the weather is quite cool and pleasant here during the period. There is enough and more for you to do in Gangtok; so we’d recommend you to put it on your list of best places to visit in May.
- Places to Visit in Gangtok: Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Rumtek Monastery, Temi Tea Garden, Hanuman Tok, and Himalayan Zoological Park
- Things to Do in Gangtok: Indulge in adventure sports like paragliding and trekking, have a picnic at Seven Sisters Waterfalls, drive through Nathu La Pass, enjoy a Yak safari to the serene Tsomgo Lake, and shop for Yak cheese (Churpi) at the bustling Lal Bazaar
- Weather of Gangtok: The average temperature ranges from 5 to 18 degrees Celsius during May
- Average Budget: ₹4500 per day
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Vishal Gaon, Hotels in Gangtok
- How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (124 km)
- Nearest Train Station: New Jalpaiguri Junction (118 km)
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