Ultimate Places to go in May in India to beat the Heat

May in India is mostly hot and uncomfortable. There are exceptions, like the beautiful northern states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand that remain pleasant while the rest of the country reels from the terrible heat.

So if you are planning to travel in India in May to beat the heat, make sure you choose the right place and appropriate clothing, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.

Also Read: Luxury Travel India: Experiencing the Pinnacle of Opulence and Adventure

Here are some Places to go in May in India

Srinagar

Known for its beautiful lakes, gardens, and houseboats, Srinagar has pleasant weather in May, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to the low 30s Celsius. It is one of the most favoured places to go in May during summer in India.

How to Reach: Here are a few ways to get there:

By air: The Srinagar Airport is located about 12 kilometers from the city center. There are flights to Srinagar from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
By train: The nearest railway station to Srinagar is the Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is about 300 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Srinagar.
By bus: There are regular bus services from major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai to Srinagar. You can also take a bus from Leh, which is a popular route.

Things to See: Once you’re in Srinagar, there are a few things you can see and do:

Visit the Mughal Gardens: Srinagar is home to a number of beautiful Mughal gardens, including the Nishat Bagh and the Shalimar Bagh. These gardens are a must-see for any visitor to Srinagar.
Spend a night on a houseboat: Srinagar is famous for its houseboats, which are a unique and luxurious way to experience the city. You can take a ride on a houseboat and enjoy the views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Take a shikara ride: A shikara is a traditional wooden boat used on Dal Lake in Srinagar. You can take a ride on a shikara and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the beautiful views of the lake and the mountains.

Food: Srinagar is known for its delicious Kashmiri cuisine. Some popular dishes include rogan josh (a spicy lamb dish), yakhni (a mutton broth), and modur pulao (a sweet rice dish). You can also try some Indian dishes like chai (tea) and samosas (deep-fried pastry).

Shimla

Shimla is a popular hill station in the state of Himachal Pradesh with a cool and pleasant climate in May. The average temperature in May is around 15-20°C. Shimla is known for its British colonial architecture, shopping districts, and picturesque mountain views. Shimla is a popular hill station that is on top of the list amidst the places to go in May in India for tourists.

How to Reach: Here are a few ways to get there:

By air: The nearest airport to Shimla is the Jubbarhatti Airport, which is about 23 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Shimla.
By train: The nearest railway station to Shimla is the Shimla Railway Station, which is located right in the city. You can catch a train to Shimla from major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Chandigarh.
By bus: There are regular bus services from major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Kolkata to Shimla. You can also take a bus from Manali, which is a popular route.

Things to See: Once you’re in Shimla, there are a few things you can see and do:

Visit the Viceregal Lodge: The Viceregal Lodge is a historic building that was once the residence of the British Viceroy of India. It’s now a museum and a popular tourist destination.
Go to the Mall Road: The Mall Road is the main shopping and entertainment hub of Shimla. You can shop, eat, and relax here.
Take a walk in the Ridge: The Ridge is a large open space in the heart of Shimla, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills. It’s a great place to go for a walk and take in the sights and sounds of the city.

Food: Shimla is known for its delicious Himachali cuisine. Some popular dishes include dham (a traditional Himachali meal), sidu (a type of bread), and patande (a type of pancake). You can also try some Indian dishes like chai (tea) and samosas (deep-fried pastry).

Manali

Manali is a popular hill station located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, and it is known for its cool and pleasant climate in May. The average temperature in May is around 15-20°C. A destination of peace and calm, this is one of the best places to go in May in India and is much preferred by nature lovers.

How to reach? To reach Manali in May, you can fly to the nearest airport in Bhuntar, which is about 50 kilometers from Manali. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Manali. You can also reach Manali by bus or train from various cities across India. There are regular bus and train services to Manali from major cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla.

Things to see: Here are some popular things to see and do in Manali:

Rohtang Pass: Located about 51 kilometers from Manali, Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass that offers stunning views of the Himalayan ranges. It is a popular spot for adventure sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and paragliding.
Hadimba Temple: Located in the heart of Manali, Hadimba Temple is a ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Hadimba, the wife of Bhima from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The temple is known for its architectural style and peaceful atmosphere.
Manali Sanctuary: Located just outside of Manali, the Manali Sanctuary is a protected area that is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including Himalayan black bear, Himalayan blue poppy, and Himalayan ibex.
Vashisht Temple: Located about 3 kilometers from Manali, Vashisht Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the sage Vashisht. The temple is known for its hot water springs, which are believed to have therapeutic properties.
Solang Valley: Located about 14 kilometers from Manali, Solang Valley is a beautiful mountain valley that offers a range of adventure sports such as paragliding, zorbing, and mountain biking.
Tibetan Monastery: Located in the old part of Manali, the Tibetan Monastery is a peaceful place that is home to a community of Tibetan refugees. It is known for its colorful murals, prayer flags, and handicrafts.
Manali Mall Road: Located in the heart of Manali, the Mall Road is a popular shopping and dining destination, with a range of local and international shops, cafes, and restaurants.

These are just a few of the many things to see and do in Manali. Be sure to plan your trip carefully and allocate enough time to visit all the attractions that interest you.

Food: Manali has a wide variety of options to choose from. Some popular local dishes include:

Chana Madra: A dish made with chickpeas and yogurt, flavored with spices and herbs.
Sidu: A type of bread made with wheat flour and stuffed with a filling of your choice (such as potatoes, lentils, or cheese).
Babru: A type of dumpling filled with a mixture of lentils and spices, and then steamed.
Patande: A type of shallow-fried bread made with wheat flour and served with a variety of accompaniments, such as chutneys or curries.
Pudine ki chutney: A chutney made with mint leaves, yogurt, and spices, and often served with snacks or main dishes.

In addition to these local dishes, you can also find a range of international cuisines in Manali, including Indian, Chinese, Italian, and more.

Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley is a high-altitude desert region located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, and it offers a cool and refreshing climate in May. The average temperature in May is around 10-15°C. This is a bit offbeat destination among places to go in May in India, but nevertheless very popular among tourists.

How to reach? To reach Spiti Valley in May, you can fly to the nearest airport in Bhuntar, which is about 279 kilometers from Spiti Valley. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Spiti Valley. You can also reach Spiti Valley by bus or taxi from various cities across India. There are regular bus and taxi services to Spiti Valley from cities such as Shimla, Manali, and Delhi.

Things to See: Once you’re in Spiti Valley, there are many things to see and do. Some popular attractions include:

Key Monastery: Located in the Spiti Valley, Key Monastery is a Buddhist monastery that is known for its ancient murals, scriptures, and architecture.
Pin Valley National Park: Located in the Spiti Valley, Pin Valley National Park is a protected area that is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including snow leopards, ibex, and blue sheep.
Dhankar Monastery: Located in the Spiti Valley, Dhankar Monastery is a Buddhist monastery that is known for its stunning views and ancient scriptures.
Kunzum Pass: Located in the Spiti Valley, Kunzum Pass is a high mountain pass that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges.
Chandratal Lake: Located in the Spiti Valley, Chandratal Lake is a beautiful high-altitude lake that is known for its clear waters and stunning surroundings.

Food: Spiti Valley has a range of local dishes to try. Some popular local dishes include:

Thukpa: A noodle soup made with vegetables and spices.
Momos: Steamed dumplings filled with a variety of fillings, such as vegetables, meat, or cheese.
Tsampa: A type of roasted barley flour that is often eaten as a snack or as a part of a meal.
Churma: A sweet dish made with ground wheat, ghee, and sugar.

In addition to these local dishes, you can also find a range of international cuisines in Spiti Valley, including Indian, Chinese, and Italian.

Auli

Auli is a beautiful ski resort located in the state of Uttarakhand, and it offers a cool and refreshing climate in May. The average temperature in May is around 10-15°C and is a cool reprise from the heat of the city. it is a favourite among places to go in May in India for people staying in North India.

How to reach: To reach Auli in May, you can fly to the nearest airport in Jolly Grant, which is about 279 kilometers from Auli. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Auli. You can also reach Auli by bus or taxi from various cities across India. There are regular bus and taxi services to Auli from cities such as Delhi, Haridwar, and Rishikesh.

Things to see: Once you’re in Auli, there are many things to see and do. Some popular attractions include:

Auli Artificial Lake: Located in the heart of Auli, the Auli Artificial Lake is a man-made lake that is used for snowmaking during the winter season.
Gurso Bugyal: Located about 3 kilometers from Auli, Gurso Bugyal is a beautiful meadow that offers stunning views of the Himalayan ranges.
Chenab Lake: Located about 5 kilometers from Auli, Chenab Lake is a beautiful high-altitude lake that is known for its clear waters and stunning surroundings.
Nanda Devi National Park: Located about 50 kilometers from Auli, Nanda Devi National Park is a protected area that is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including snow leopards, blue sheep, and Himalayan musk deer.
Joshimath: Located about 27 kilometers from Auli, Joshimath is a popular base for trekking and other adventure sports.

Food: Auli has a range of local dishes to try. Some popular local dishes include:

Aloo ke gutke: A dish made with boiled potatoes and a variety of spices and herbs.
Dubuk: A type of flatbread made with wheat flour and cooked over a fire.
Kandalee ka saag: A dish made with a variety of leafy greens, such as mustard leaves and fenugreek leaves, and spices.

Gangtok

Gangtok is a popular hill station located in the state of Sikkim, and it is known for its cool and pleasant climate in May. The average temperature in May is around 15-20°C. Every year people from all pver West Bengal visit this famed town and one of the top places to go in May in India.

How to reach: To reach Gangtok in May, you can fly to the nearest airport in Bagdogra, which is about 124 kilometers from Gangtok. From there, you can take a taxi or a shared jeep to reach Gangtok. You can also reach Gangtok by bus or taxi from various cities across India. There are regular bus and taxi services to Gangtok from cities such as Kolkata, Darjeeling, and Siliguri.

Things to see: Once you’re in Gangtok, there are many things to see and do. Some popular attractions include:

Tsomgo Lake: Located about 40 kilometers from Gangtok, Tsomgo Lake is a beautiful high-altitude lake that is known for its crystal clear waters and stunning surroundings.
Nathu La Pass: Located about 56 kilometers from Gangtok, Nathu La Pass is a high mountain pass that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges and the Tibetan plateau.
Rumtek Monastery: Located about 24 kilometers from Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery that is known for its beautiful architecture, murals, and scriptures.
Gangtok Ropeway: Located in the heart of Gangtok, the Gangtok Ropeway is a cable car service that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Enchey Monastery: Located in the heart of Gangtok, Enchey Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery that is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Food: Gangtok has a range of local dishes to try. Some popular local dishes include:

Thukpa: A noodle soup made with vegetables and spices.
Momos: Steamed dumplings filled with a variety of fillings, such as vegetables, meat, or cheese.
Sekuwa: Grilled meat marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs.
Churpi: A type of hard, dry cheese that is often eaten as a snack or as a part of a meal.

In addition to these local dishes, you can also find a range of international cuisines in Gangtok, including Indian, Chinese, and Italian.

Darjeeling

Darjeeling is known for its tea plantations, mountain views, and the heritage toy train. Located in the state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is another popular hill station with a cool and pleasant climate in May. The average temperature in May is around 15-20°C. Since the British Era this has been one of the most favoured places to go in May in India

How to Reach: There are a few different ways to get to Darjeeling, depending on your location. Here are a few options:

By air: The nearest airport to Darjeeling is the Bagdogra Airport, which is about 90 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Darjeeling.
By train: The nearest railway station to Darjeeling is the New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, which is about 82 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Darjeeling.
By bus: There are regular bus services from Siliguri to Darjeeling, which is about 67 kilometers away. You can also take a bus from Kolkata, which takes about 12 hours.

Things to See: Once you’re in Darjeeling, there are a few things you can see and do:

Visit the Tiger Hill: Tiger Hill is a popular tourist destination, which is famous for its sunrise views.
Go to the Darjeeling Mall: The Darjeeling Mall, also known as the Chowrasta, is a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike. You can shop, eat, and relax here.
Take a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the “Toy Train,” is a narrow-gauge railway that runs from Darjeeling to New Jalpaiguri. It’s a great way to see the beautiful countryside and get a feel for the local culture.

Food: Darjeeling is known for its Tibetan and Nepali cuisine. Some popular dishes include momos (Tibetan dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and chowmein (stir-fried noodles). You can also try some Indian dishes like chai (tea) and samosas (deep-fried pastry).

Munnar

Munnar is a hill station in the Indian state of Kerala, known for its beautiful tea plantations, misty hills, peaceful atmosphere and a pleasant climate in May. The average temperature in May is around 20-25°C. This is another favoured destination among places to go in May in India from the British colonial Era.

How to Reach: There are a few different ways you can reach Munnar in May:

By air: The nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport, which is about 110 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Munnar.
By train: The nearest railway station to Munnar is Aluva, which is about 115 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Munnar.
By bus: There are regular bus services from cities such as Cochin, Trivandrum, and Madurai to Munnar.

Things to See: Once you are in Munnar, there are plenty of things to see and do. Some popular tourist attractions in Munnar include:

Tea Plantations: Munnar is known for its beautiful tea plantations, and you can take a tour of the plantations to learn about the process of tea production.
Eravikulam National Park: Located about 15 kilometers from Munnar, Eravikulam National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Nilgiri Tahr.
Anamudi Peak: Located in the Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak is the highest peak in South India and offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Mattupetty Dam: Located about 13 kilometers from Munnar, Mattupetty Dam is a popular spot for boating and picnics.

Food: Munnar is known for its delicious South Indian cuisine. Some local dishes you should try include idli, dosa, and uttapam, as well as various types of rice dishes like biryani and pulao. You should also try some of the local tea and coffee, as Munnar is surrounded by tea plantations.

Coorg

Coorg is a beautiful hill station with a cool and pleasant climate in May. The average temperature in May is around 20-25°C. Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a district in the Indian state of Karnataka and one of the best places to go in May in India, especially for people living South India. It is located in the Western Ghats mountain range and is known for its beautiful natural scenery, coffee plantations, and spicy cuisine.

How to Reach: There are a few different ways you can reach Coorg in May:

By air: The nearest airport to Coorg is Mangalore, which is about 150 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Coorg.
By train: The nearest railway station to Coorg is Mysore, which is about 95 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Coorg.
By bus: There are regular bus services from cities such as Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore to Coorg.

Things to See: Once you are in Coorg, there are plenty of things to see and do. Some popular tourist attractions in Coorg include:

Abbey Falls: Located about 8 kilometers from Madikeri, Abbey Falls is a beautiful waterfall set in a picturesque setting.
Raja’s Seat: Located in Madikeri, Raja’s Seat is a popular spot for sunset viewing and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
Madikeri Fort: Built in the 17th century, Madikeri Fort is a historic fort located in the center of Madikeri town. It houses a museum that displays various artifacts and relics from the region’s history.
Talakaveri: Located in the Brahmagiri Hills, Talakaveri is the source of the Cauvery River and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Food: Coorg is known for its spicy cuisine that features a lot of pork dishes. Some local dishes you should try include pork curry, akki roti (a type of rice flour flatbread), and pandi curry (pork curry cooked with spices and coconut). Coorg is also known for its coffee, so be sure to try some while you are there.

Ooty

Ooty, also known as Udhagamandalam, is a popular hill station in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a popular destination with a cool and pleasant climate in May. The average temperature in May is around 20-25°C. Ooty is known for its botanical gardens, lake, and toy train and is a top favourite among the places to go in May in India.

How to reach: There are a few different ways you can reach Ooty in May:

By air: The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore, which is about 88 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Ooty.
By train: Ooty has its own railway station, which is connected to major cities in India such as Chennai, Bangalore, and Mysore.
By bus: There are regular bus services from cities such as Coimbatore, Mysore, and Bangalore to Ooty.

Things to see: Once you are in Ooty, there are plenty of things to see and do. Some popular tourist attractions in Ooty include:

Ooty Lake: A popular spot for boating and picnics, the Ooty Lake is a man-made lake located in the center of the town.
Doddabetta Peak: Located at an altitude of 2,623 meters, Doddabetta Peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Botanical Gardens: Ooty is home to some beautiful botanical gardens, including the Government Botanical Garden and the Thread Garden.
Tea Museum: Located in the heart of Ooty, the Tea Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history and process of tea production.

Food: Ooty is known for its delicious South Indian cuisine. Some local dishes you should try include idli, dosa, and uttapam, as well as various types of rice dishes like biryani and pulao. You should also try some of the local tea and coffee, as the region is known for its high-quality tea and coffee plantations.

These are just a few places you can visit in India in May to beat the heat. Be sure to plan your trip carefully, and don’t forget to bring appropriate clothing and other essentials for the weather and your activities. With Flying Squirrel Holidays you can skip the tension of planning the perfect holiday from Kolkata or any part of India and leave it to the experts. Get personalised itineraries for you and your loved ones, and let everything else be taken care of…