Hey there, traveller! As the mercury rises, it’s time to swap sweatpants for hiking boots and dive into India’s coolest escapes. If you’re searching for great places to visit in May, you’re in for a treat!
May is the month to chase misty mountains, serene lakes, and coastal breezes. Whether you’re craving adrenaline rushes or lazy hammock days, we’ve handpicked the best places to visit in May 2025 just for you. These great places to vacation in May offer breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
Picture sipping Darjeeling tea amid emerald plantations, rafting down Rishikesh’s rapids, or stargazing in Ladakh’s clear skies. These great places to visit in May blend adventure, culture, and Instagram-worthy vistas. From hidden hill stations to beachy hideouts, this list is your golden ticket to beating the heat. Ready to discover the best places to visit in May 2025? Let’s pack those bags and go!
20 Great Places to Visit In May 2025
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Imagine crisp mountain air and snowy peaks even in summer – Manali is your Himalayan paradise! Zoom down the Beas River on a raft, paraglide over Solang Valley’s green meadows, or binge on hot momos at Old Manali’s quirky cafes, making it one of the best places to visit in May 2025.
Don’t miss Rohtang Pass (open till June!) for snowball fights with a backdrop of jagged peaks. History buffs, the 16th-century Hadimba Temple with its cedarwood carvings is a must. Trek to Bhrigu Lake for alpine views, or stroll Mall Road for woolen goodies and apricot jam. If you’re looking for great places to vacation in May, Manali should be on your list!
Pro tip: Stay in a log cabin and wake up to apple orchards! March to June is prime time for clear skies and 10°C–25°C bliss.
Shillong, Meghalaya
Dubbed “Scotland of the East,” Shillong is at the top of great places to visit in May. It is all about waterfalls, beautiful scenery, and pineapple jam. At 1,496m elevation, summers here (15°C–25°C) are soothing, making it a prime choice among great places to vacation in May.
Kayak across mirror-like Umiam Lake, trek the historic David Scott Trail, or groove at the Shillong Autumn Festival’s live bands. Ward’s Lake is perfect for paddle boating under willow trees, while Don Bosco Museum reveals Khasi tribal culture.
Psst… Laitlum Canyon’s rolling hills will make you Insta-famous! Don’t skip Police Bazaar for handwoven shawls and bamboo crafts, as Shillong remains one of the best places to visit in May 2025.
Darjeeling, West Bengal
Choo-Choo! Hop on the UNESCO-listed Toy Train chugging through emerald tea gardens that smell like heaven. Wake at 4 AM for Tiger Hill’s golden sunrise over the gorgeous Himalayan peaks, then refuel with a cup of tea at Nathmulls Tea Lounge.
The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (hello, Tenzing Norgay’s gear!) inspires adventurers, while Peace Pagoda whispers zen. White-water raft the Teesta River’s Grade-IV rapids, or trek Singalila Ridge for red panda sightings.
Summer temps (11°C–19°C) make colonial-era Windamere Hotel’s scones taste even better, proving why Darjeeling is among the best places to visit in May 2025.
Gangtok, Sikkim
Buddhist prayer flags, momo stalls, and alpine flowers – Gangtok is a sensory delight. Ride a cable car to Tashi Viewpoint for Khangchendzonga panoramas, pet yaks at Tsomgo Lake’s icy shores, or meditate at Rumtek Monastery’s golden shrines.
April to June? Rhododendrons paint the hills red! Shop MG Marg for Thangka paintings and hand-knit sweaters. Adrenaline junkies: Paragliding over Himalayan valleys awaits just for you. Summer temps (15°C–22°C) mean you can sip butter tea without shivering making a good case for being the best places to visit in may!
Munnar, Kerala
Rolling tea estates, waterfalls, and the rare Neelakurinji flowers (blooming once every 12 years!)–Munnar is pure magic. Jeep up to 5,500ft at Eravikulam National Park to spot Nilgiri tahrs, or picnic at Mattupetty Dam’s misty reservoir. The Tea Museum spills secrets of British planters, while Anamudi Peak’s trails challenge hikers.
Summer (15°C–25°C) means perfect weather for spice plantation tours and banana pancake breakfasts in treehouses for experiencing one of the great places to visit in May 2025. Don’t leave without buying fresh Nilgiri tea and cinnamon sticks!
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty’s colonial charm is irresistible. Ride the steam-powered Nilgiri Mountain Railway through eucalyptus forests, stuff your face with homemade chocolates at Kingstar Confectionery, or paddle-boat on Ooty Lake surrounded by weeping willows.
The 55-acre Botanical Gardens dazzle with fossilized trees and rare orchids. Hike Doddabetta Peak at sunrise for Nilgiris vistas, or spot bisons at Mudumalai National Park. Summer (15°C–20°C) nights call for cozy bonfires and carrot soup at colonial bungalows.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal’s star-shaped lake, pine trails, and cloud-kissed cliffs are straight out of a fairytale. Cycle around Coaker’s Walk for valley views, hunt for homemade eucalyptus oil at Bryant Park, or chase Silver Cascade Falls’ rainbow mists.
Pillar Rocks’ 400ft cliffs thrill photographers, while the Solar Observatory’s museum reveals sunspot secrets. Summer (12°C–20°C) means strawberry farms bursting with fruit-try them dipped in chocolate! Don’t miss the smoky campfire nights at eco-cottages.
Coorg, Karnataka
Coffee addicts, rejoice! Coorg’s estates serve fresh brews with misty views of the Western Ghats. Trek through Abbey Falls’ spray, cuddle elephants at Dubare Camp, or raft the Barapole River’s wild currents.
Nagarhole National Park’s jeep safaris spot tigers, while Bylakuppe’s golden Buddha statues transport you to Tibet. Evenings? Sunset at Raja’s Seat with crispy raw banana bajjis. Summer (15°C–25°C) nights smell like pepper vines and jasmine-perfect for homestay verandah hangs!
Ladakh , Jammu and Kashmir
Moonlit landscapes, turquoise lakes, and motorcycle diaries-Ladakh is epic. Camp under Pangong Lake’s starry skies where 3 Idiots was filmed, ride double-humped camels in Nubra’s dunes, or marvel at Thiksey Monastery’s 49ft Buddha statue.
Summer (10°C–25°C) opens Khardung La Pass (world’s highest motorable road!) for bikers. Sip sea buckthorn juice in Leh’s markets, and don’t miss Hemis Festival’s masked dances. Pro tip: Acclimatize slowly to avoid altitude headaches!
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
If solitude had a zip code, it’d be Spiti. Explore 1,000-year-old Key Monastery clinging to cliffs, camp beside Chandratal Lake’s cobalt waters, or chat with monks in Tabo’s ancient caves.
Summer (0°C–15°C) unlocks Kunzum Pass for epic bike trips – think hairpin bends with snow leopard territory views! Fossil hunting in Langza village? Yes please! Stay in mud-brick homestays for butter tea and yak cheese stories.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Yoga by the Ganges, cliff jumps, and holy temples – Rishikesh is a vibe. Tackle the Flying Fox zipline over the river, gorge on vegan pancakes at Little Buddha Cafe, or join a sound healing session at Parmarth Niketan.
Evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat lights up with floating diyas and chants. Summer (25°C–35°C) evenings are prime for jungle beach parties. Pro tip: Try full-moon rafting for extra magic!
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Home to India’s largest monastery, Tawang is where spirituality meets snow leopards. Drive through Sela Pass (13,700ft!) where frozen lakes mirror the sky, sip butter tea with monks in red robes, or hike to Pankang Teng Tso Lake’s crystal waters.
The Tawang War Memorial honors 1962 heroes, while Madhuri Lake’s reflections will steal your heart. Summer (10°C–20°C) brings rhododendron blooms – perfect for village homestays and momo feasts.
Auli, Uttarakhand
Swap skis for trekking poles! Auli’s summer meadows (15°C–20°C) are dotted with wildflowers under Nanda Devi’s gaze. Ride Asia’s longest cable car to Gorson Bugyal for Himalayan panoramas, or trek to Kwani Bugyal’s shepherd huts.
Joshimath’s 8th-century temples add cultural spice, while Auli Artificial Lake mirrors snowy peaks. Evenings? Bonfires with Garhwali folk songs and steaming bowls of bhang chutney soup!
Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Snorkel at Jolly Buoy’s neon fish parties, light a candle at Cellular Jail’s light-and-sound show, or pig out on lobster at Aberdeen Bazaar.
Radhanagar Beach’s sugar-white sand? Voted Asia’s best! Summer (24°C–31°C) means glass-clear waters for diving Havelock’s Elephant Beach. Don’t miss Chidiya Tapu’s fiery sunsets. Ready your binoculars ready for parakeet flocks!
Gokarna, Karnataka
Goa’s quieter cousin has hippie beaches, temple trails, and beach huts with hammocks. Walk the 4km coastal trail from Om Beach to Paradise Beach (yes, cliff jumps included!), or try moonlight kayaking under a starry sky.
Mahabaleshwar Temple’s 6ft Shiva lingam draws pilgrims, while Kudle Beach sunset chai sessions cure city stress. Summer shacks serve fresh kokum juice and banana pancakes-bliss!
Lonavala , Maharashtra
Monsoon’s prelude in May means misty valleys and chikki (caramelized candy) feasts. Jump into Bhushi Dam’s cascades, hike to Tiger’s Leap’s vertigo-inducing cliff views, or explore Karla Caves’ 2,000-year-old Buddhist shrines.
Summer (22°C–35°C) evenings call for corn roasts at Lonavala Lake. Pro tip: Book a rainshadow villa for monsoon magic without the downpours!
Mysore, Karnataka
Culture, palaces, and filter coffee – Mysore’s summer is LIT! Tour the gold-plated Mysore Palace (Sunday lights = wow!), shop for sandalwood elephants at Devaraja Market, or dance at Brindavan Gardens’ musical fountains.
Chamundi Hill’s 1,000 steps are rewarded with city views and Nandi statues. Summer (20°C–35°C) means mango milkshakes and silk saree shopping-perfect for royal vibes!
Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
Where the Lidder River sings and pine forests smell like heaven. Paddle through Betaab Valley’s flower carpets (Bollywood’s favorite!), play golf at 7,000ft, or horseback ride to Baisaran’s “Mini Switzerland” meadows. Summer (10°C–25°C) trout fishing trips end with saffron-infused rogan josh feasts. Don’t miss Kolahoi Glacier treks for expert-level adventures!
Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Ooty’s shy sibling is all about tea trails and strawberry farms. Ride the toy train to Wellington’s military vibes, picnic at Sim’s Park’s 19th-century flora, or hike Dolphin’s Nose for Nilgiri views.
Summer (15°C–25°C) means guava orchards ripe for plucking – pair them with local Nilgiri honey. Stay at heritage bungalows for Ceylon tea breakfasts!
Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
MP’s only hill station is a jungle-clad gem. Explore Pandava Caves’ ancient rock art, swim under Bee Falls’ icy showers, or spot leopards in Satpura National Park. Summer (16°C–30°C) nights mean bonfires and tribal dance performances. Pro tip: Dhoopgarh’s sunset views-highest peak in MP-are pure gold!
Conclusion
Phew! From Himalayan highs to beachy bliss, these best places to visit in May 2025 are your summer saviors. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, culture nerd, or just want to Netflix-and-chill with mountain views, this list of great places from Cubix Holidays to vacation in May has you covered.
If you’ve been wondering about great places to visit in May, your answer is right here. Grab your squad (or go solo!), and make memories that’ll outshine the summer sun. After all, life’s too short for boring vacations-here’s to your next epic escape!
