Trying to escape the scorching heat? Fret not! This blog has a list of 16 cool destinations perfect for travel in the month of May. From misty hill stations to untouched valleys, India offers various options for a trip this time of the year. Whether you're craving romantic getaways in May, planning family vacations with your children in May, or scouting affordable May getaways, this guide covers all the best places to travel in May.
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Manali and Kheer Ganga, situated in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh, are some of the top destinations on the list for adventure travel in May. You can indulge in activities like trekking and river rafting, then cool off at a hot spring in the middle of nowhere. However, what takes the cake is the presence of mighty snow-capped peaks in the background while you are spending time doing things you enjoy with your loved ones.
Himachal has a lot to offer, depending on the kind of vacation you want to take. While Manali and Kheer Ganga make for the perfect destination for adventure travel, Shimla and Tirthan Valley offer a slow, relaxed pace for a quaint getaway. Shimla has a colonial charm, and Tirthan Valley gives you the chance to explore the outdoors on your terms, making them great spring travel destinations for those looking to enjoy nature trails and cosy stays.
Ideal for unique May travel, Dharamshala and McLeodganj offer Tibetan culture, stunning monasteries, scenic cafes with the most mesmerising views and serene treks. The weather during May remains consistently cool and comfortable, making it the perfect conditions for you to be out and about exploring Himachal, a gift that keeps on giving.
For a chill, relaxing yet cool getaway, make your way to the East of India. Ride the toy train in Darjeeling, sip on some freshly brewed world-famous tea and explore monasteries, waterfalls, and witness panoramic Himalayan views in Gangtok. The North-East is home to some of the best places to travel in May.
Speaking of North-East, how can we leave out Shillong – the Scotland of the East, as we make a list of the best cool destinations to visit in May. It offers a truly offbeat experience with Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake and stunning views. On the other hand, Cherrapunji, which is known to be one of the wettest places on Earth, makes for the perfect place to cool off and escape the heat. They are ideal destinations for unique May travel because of the breathtaking landscapes they offer.
Make your way down South to Kerala for a peaceful escape. Wander in Munnar's tea gardens or explore one of the many Wayanad's waterfalls and get lost in nature. Explore wildlife sanctuaries to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul at these amazing May vacation spots. Kerala has a lot of homestays and cosy properties along Kerala Backwaters, making it an ideal destination for romantic getaways in May.
Nestled in the Nilgiris, Ooty and the lesser-known Kotagiri are ideal cool destinations for May. On your getaway here, you can enjoy homemade chocolates, witness colonial architecture up close, and spend your time and complete your step out by exploring pristine nature trails.
Explore the quiet outdoors in Coorg, a small town just a drive away from Bangalore. With lush green forests, coffee plantations and stunning properties, this is a cool paradise for anyone seeking to escape the heat in May. It makes for a serene setting for family vacations in May or even a quaint romantic getaway.
Rajasthan's only hill station – Mount Abu – is an ideal escape for everyone living in the North-West and seeking a getaway to a cool destination without travelling for too long. It has popular attractions like Nakki Lake and Dilwara Temples that you can explore without being in the sun, making it a hidden gem for affordable May getaways.
Uttarakhand is pleasant to visit at any time of the year, but especially during May, as it is one of the best spring travel destinations. From Almora's pine forests to Mussoorie's unbeatable colonial feel to Nainital's lakefront charm and the lesser-known Kausani's Himalayan views, Uttarakhand offers cool weather and tranquillity no matter where you decide to go.
The residents of Madhya Pradesh can plan a trip to Pachmarhi and Kanha National Park for an offbeat yet relaxing vacation. Explore the caves, waterfalls and plateaus that offer great views in Pachmarhi and then head for wildlife spotting at Kanha National Park. These destinations offer the perfect blend of nature and adventure, ideal for family vacations in May or unique May travel experiences.
The Western Ghats are among the best destinations to explore for those living in Maharashtra and on the Konkan belt. From Kudremukh's green hills to Gokarna's spiritual beaches to Malvan's hidden scuba-diving spots, this place has a lot to offer. You can choose the pace of your trip and go from there, making it one of the best May vacation spots serving both relaxation and adrenaline rush.
Araku Valley, a less-explored hill station in Andhra Pradesh, is a wonderful place to explore this time of the year. It has rich coffee plantations, a tribal legacy worth observing and mesmerising landscapes consisting of waterfalls, caves and hills. You can even take a train ride connecting Araku Valley and Vishakhapatnam for a scenic journey.
