Best Places to Visit in May in India – 2026 Guide for Summer Travel

May 2026 is a great time to plan a summer holiday in India, especially if you want to escape the heat. Popular destinations include Leh-Ladakh for mountain views and adventure, Srinagar and Gulmarg for green valleys, Manali and Shimla for classic hill station charm, and Munnar or Ooty for tea gardens and peaceful weather. These places usually enjoy pleasant temperatures, making them ideal for a comfortable summer break.

Why May is a Great Time to Travel in India?

May is a great time to travel in India. This may not be the most popular view, but it’s true. While the majority of the country is reeling under an intense summer at this time, there are some places where you can have a relaxing and comfortable holiday. This is what you need to do your research and find the best places to visit in May in India. Take a look at this article to know more. To start with, here are some excellent reasons why May may work for you:

Summer vacation season

May is the month when most schools and colleges in the country close for the summer break. As a result, many families plan their annual vacation at this time. You can explore the best places to visit in India in May and find a great holiday destination. Leading tour operators, such as Thomas Cook, offer exciting summer holiday tour packages at this time. These packages allow you to have a great and well-executed family vacation at a reasonable cost.

Hill stations & high-altitude regions open

Since May is the peak of summer in India, you can consider visiting higher altitude areas at this time. The best places to visit in India in May include hill stations and some specific states, such as Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The hill stations are spread all across the country. From the stunning hills of Darjeeling in West Bengal to the scenic plateaus of Munnar in Kerala, you will find several options to choose from.

Wildlife sightings at peak (dry season)

Some of the best places to visit in May in India include the wildlife reserves. This is because wildlife spotting is at its peak in summer, when the weather is dry. The monsoon sets in by June, and then it becomes difficult to spot the beautiful birds and animals. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you can consider a May holiday.

Beach destinations 

India has a vast and diverse coastline. The seaside towns are among the best places to visit in May in India. You can find some great beaches to explore. Some of the most famous temples of India are also found around the coastline, so you can combine your beach trip with your pilgrimage. Look for the Thomas Cook Rameshwaram packages, or the Thomas Cook Puri Jagannath packages, and have a fulfilling trip.

Cooler places to visit in India

As mentioned above, some states in India have higher altitudes, and so, are ideal for a May holiday. You can either plan a Kashmir or a Himachal trip at this time and have an amazing experience. Thomas Cook has some wonderful Kashmir and Himachal packages, with which you can find the best places to visit in May.

How to Choose the Best Place to Visit in May in India 

Here are some parameters to consider before you select the best place to visit in May:

Cool Weather

If you are looking to escape the heat of May and run away to cooler climes, then look for a hilly vacation. India has some excellent hillside towns and cities that serve as the best places to visit in India in May. The Himalayas are spread across Himachal, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal and the North East. You will find many beautiful hill stations all across this region.

If You Want Adventure

If you are an adventure seeker, May is a great time to travel within India. With the onset of summer, the mountainous terrains of Ladakh and the Spiti Valley open up. Go on unforgettable and thrilling bike trips on this route. If you are looking for something more accessible, visit Kulu and Manali and enjoy adventurous activities such as river rafting, paragliding and so on. These destinations indeed are the best places to visit in India in May.

Family-Friendly Summer Trips

Looking for a family-friendly holiday destination? Well, India has some amazing places to visit in May for family trips. You may consider the beautiful locations like Ooty, Munnar and Darjeeling, among others. These are tourist-friendly places with many attractions for the whole family to visit. The temperatures also stay mild in May, making it perfect for your trip. Thomas Cook has several packages, so find one that suits your requirements.

For Offbeat Destinations

For those who don’t like the common, crowded destinations, the offbeat places to visit in May seem appealing. Start with the Thirthan Valley in Himachal. This undiscovered gem is one of the most beautiful and scenic places to see. You may also consider Kalingpong in West Bengal. Close to Darjeeling, but far enough for you to enjoy the serenity of nature, this magical little hill station is charming to say the very least. Kotagiri is another great option. Nestled in the Nilgiris, away from the hustle and bustle of Ooty, this beautiful town is breathtakingly beautiful.

Places to visit in North India during Summer

While Manali and Ladakh are two of the most famous tourist spots to visit in May, you may also consider some other places in North India. The north has a wide collection of places to visit in May in India. Some of the best ones include: 

Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj

At the top spot is Dharamshala. This popular hill station in Himachal is very accessible as it has its own airport. It is very well developed and is in proximity to McLeod Ganj, which is equally beautiful. Many consider Dharamshala to be the best place to visit in May, so you may plan a trip here.

Kasol

Situated along the Parvati River in Himachal, Kasol is a paradise on earth. It is picturesque, quiet and surrounded at every corner by the mighty Himalayas. Indeed, it is one of the best places to visit in May.

Srinagar, Gulmarg and Sonamarg

Kashmir is the crown jewel of India. It is one of the most beautiful places not just in India, but in the whole world. This is why Kashmir is among the best places to visit in May in India. You can even find snow in this region, especially up in Gulmarg and Sonamarg. Book one of the many Thomas Cook Kashmir holiday packages and explore the area like never before!

Another place where you can find snow in May is Auli in Uttarakhand. A steep and remote hill station, Auli is extremely scenic. It is very popular, and you can take the cable car ride to experience the magical views of nature. It is one of the best places to visit in May.

Nainital and Mussorie 

If you love going to touristy places and enjoy the vibe of a bustling vacation, Mainital and Mussoorie are the perfect destinations for you. Book one of the best Thomas Cook holiday packages and get going!

Places to visit in South India during Summer

Do not think that only North India has the best places to visit in May, because the southern part is equally stunning. Here are your best options:

Ooty

A beautiful little hill station, right in the middle of the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is a very attractive summer destination. You will find lakes, lush valleys, gushing waterfalls and many other natural attractions in this charming little town, which is one of the best places to visit in May.

Munnar

Kerala is a very popular holiday destination in India. However, it gets extremely hot in May, so it’s best avoided. If you still wish to visit this place, head over to Munnar. A charming hill station, Munnar offers cool temperatures, beautiful views, and a lot of adventure activities. According to several tourists, Munnar and its nearby attractions, such as Thekkady, are among the best places to visit in May.

Araku valley 

Yet another south Indian jewel, the Araku Valley is a short distance from Vishakhapatanam. It is picturesque and acts as the best place to visit in May.

Coorg 

Coorg is home to coffee plantations. You will find many unique sights and activities in this beautiful town in Karnataka. It is easily accessible and has many hotels and resorts, making it ideal for a short and relaxing trip in May.

Kodaikanal 

Perched about 2,100 meters above sea level in the Palani Hills of the Western Ghats, Kodaikanal is renowned for its cool climate, scenic valleys, and dense forests, making it one of South India’s most popular summer retreats. No wonder it regularly features on the list of the best places to visit in May!

Places to visit in Northeast India during Summer

Now, let’s move on to the most underrated destination in India – the beautiful locations in the North East. Here are some of them:

Sikkim

Sikkim is extremely beautiful, and you will even find snow in northern Sikkim in May. If you really love adventure, explore the parts of North Sikkim, such as Yumthang Valley and Lachen. You will be mesmerised by the beauty, enjoy the weather, and return with unforgettable memories because Sikkim is one of the prettiest places to visit in May in India

Shillong and Cherrapunji

Meghalaya is considered to be among the best places to visit in May. The weather is mild, and the scenic beauty is beyond amazing! You can see some stunning natural wonders and experience a holiday like no other.

Arunachal Pradesh 

May is a wonderful time to explore Arunachal Pradesh and witness its raw beauty. The mountain views are clear, and you get to see the vast, green valleys in full bloom. The temperatures are pleasant, making it ideal for travel. Thomas Cook has some interesting Arunachal holiday packages, with which you can have a wonderful May vacation in this stunning place. 

Island & Coastal Destinations 

If you are looking for beach destinations for your list of  places to visit in May in India, here are some inputs:

Andaman

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the most preferred beach destinations in India. These beautiful islands offer rare activities like snorkelling, which you can’t experience in many other places in the country. May is a great time to visit this place, as you get long, sunny days, comfortable temperatures and a lot of opportunities to carry out all the interesting coastal activities. 

Lakshwadeep

Lakshwadeep is slowly but surely becoming a popular beach destination in India. It offers some exclusive experiences, and the views are absolutely magical. Book a Thomas Cook Lakshadweep package and explore the place, as it is indeed the best place to visit in May.

Goa

Goa is the holiday capital of India, and you don’t need a specific season to visit this place. May is summer vacation time, and if you want a wholesome vacation, Goa is the place for you! May is ideal, as by June the monsoon sets in and a lot of the beaches close, making it unsuitable for travel.

Wildlife Destinations (Best for Safaris in May)

If you love the outdoors and are fascinated by wildlife, May is a great time for you to travel. You get to see a lot of animals and birds in the National parks and nature reserves. Here are the top picks:

Ranthambore National Park

The Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is one of the best and most famous tiger reserves in India. You can see many wildlife attractions here, apart front he famous Royal Bengal tigers. May is a great time to visit, as the animals come out of the dense woods and visitors often get to sight them from close quarters.

Jim Corbett National Park

The Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is the best place to visit in May, as you get to see some beautiful animals like deer and elephants.

Bandhavgarh National Park

The Bandhavgarh National Park is a place where nature and culture come together. Apart from being densely populated with tigers, this park also has a museum, some ancient temples and an art centre. Hence, a visit to the Bandhavgarh National Park proves to be quite comprehensive and wholesome.