Summer is here and with the monsoonal rains a couple of months away, the sweltering sun is here to stay. India is blessed with diverse landscapes so you’re only a short journey away from basking in the cooler climes of the Nilgiris, Himalayas and Kashmir valleys.
If you can’t wait to start planning your travel escapes in May, read our guide to some of the best spots you should consider when drafting your itinerary. Here's our pick of the best places to visit in May:
The scenic capital of Meghalaya was founded by the British in the 19th century and despite its transformation into a modern city, Shillong's charms continue to attract many visitors. Quiet neighbourhoods with pine trees sit side-by-side with its vibrant downtown area. The heart of the town is the Police Bazaar (PB) which is home to most of its guesthouses, homestays and hotels. Check out Laitlum Canyon, its many Christian churches, thriving cafés, rock music scene and football culture while you’re there.
With the weather forecast to be touching 30°C, there will be plenty of respite from the heat due to rain showers occurring throughout the month.
Getting There
Guwahati in Assam is the nearest railhead to Shillong. The city’s airport at Umroi is connected to Kolkata. There are daily bus and taxi connections from Guwahati.
Himachal Pradesh has many notable hill stations and Bir Billing is one of its best kept secrets. It is a haven for paragliders with Billing acting as the take-off spot and Bir serving as the landing spot. Explore the Bir Cooperative Tea Factory, the Chokling Monastery and the Sherab Ling Monastery while there.
The weather in May is suitable for a visit with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 25°C.
Getting There
Kangra Airport is the closest airport. Pathankot is the nearest train stop. Bir Billing is well connected by road to major cities like Delhi and Chandigarh.
The town of Munnar is a charming and peaceful place in the state of Kerala. Situated in Idukki district at around 1,600m above sea level, it is home to the aroma of plantations, picturesque views of rolling grasslands and a tranquil atmosphere which makes parting from it very difficult. Check out Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi, the Pothamedu View Point, the Attukad Waterfalls and the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate.
Temperatures in May range from 19°C to 35°C.
Getting There
Disembark at Cochin International Airport or get off the train stations of Kochi and Ernakulam. Reach Munnar from Kochi, Aluva or Ernakulam via cab or bus.
Choose from Leh, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg for snowy adventures, shikara rides, houseboat stays and tasting the local cuisine. The state is pleasant in May with temperatures falling between 14°C to 30°C. This heaven on Earth is worth visiting at least once in your lifetime.
Getting There
The Sheikh-ul-Alam Airport in Srinagar and the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh are the major airports. Jammu Tawi is the busiest railway station of Kashmir. The seasonal capitals of Jammu and Srinagar can be reached by national highways. There are government-run buses and taxis between Jammu, Srinagar and Leh, too.
From ancient temples to calm lakes, the capital of Sikkim has a lot to offer tourists. Head to MG Road, the heart of the city for a spot of shopping. Check out the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, the largest monastery in Sikkim set into a hill facing the city. Sightseeing, river rafting, cycling, yak safaris, mountain biking and cable car rides are just some of the activities you can do there.
The weather in May ranges from 11°C to 30°C.
Getting There
Book a flight to Pakyong Airport in Gangtok or Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal. The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri. It connects with major cities like Kolkata and New Delhi.
This hill station in Tamil Nadu is one of travellers’ favourites and the weather in May is perfect for exploring Ooty's attractions. With lush greenery, stunning mountain views and fresh air, it’s no wonder that people make a beeline for it throughout the year. Visit the Ooty Lake, the enchanting Botanical Garden, climb up to Doddabetta Peak, marvel at Pykara Lake and tour the Coonoor Tea Estate.
Getting There
Land at Coimbatore International Airport. The nearest train stops are Coimbatore and Tiruppur. Bus and taxi rides are available to Ooty from these two places as well.
This is a hidden gem of Uttarakhand which is slowly becoming popular with tourists. Dhanaulti offers a peaceful, relaxed and laid-back atmosphere far away from the hustle and bustle of polluted cities. It rests at the foothills of the Garhwals amid thick virgin forests of deodars, oaks and rhododendrons. Unsurprisingly, it is the starting point for treks into the Himalayas. You can engage in rappelling, ziplining and skating while there. Check out the Surkanda Devi Temple, Deogarh Fort, the Dhanaulti Eco Park and its potato farms.
Temperatures in May fall between 14°C to 32°C.
Getting There
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport. The closest train stations to Dhanaulti are in Rishikesh and Dehradun. Both of these cities have buses and taxis you can hire to Dhanaulti.