Summers are here, and you might be looking for the best places to visit in May in India to cool off and chill out. May is a month of contrasts in India, blistering in the plains, yet heavenly in the highlands and remote forest retreats. This curated guide brings you the best places to go during May in India, focusing on the unexplored, uncrowded, and unspoiled. Whether you seek mountains, monasteries, or mystic forests, Explurger’s curated guides have covered you.
Best places to visit in May in India 2025
|
Region |
State / UT | Best Places to Visit in May in India |
|
North |
Himachal Pradesh | Spiti Villages (Komic, Hikkim, Langza); Baspa Valley (Chitkul, Rakcham); Kotgarh; Bharmour; Barot |
| Uttarakhand | Chopta; Chakrata; Thanedar; Almora; Darma Valley (Dharchula–Dantu); Mana & Malari; Osla & Jainti (Munsiyari region); Lansdowne; Binsar; Mukteshwar; Khirsu | |
| Leh-Ladakh | Zanskar Outposts (Purne, Rangdum); Nubra Valley Villages (Turtuk, Tangtse, Panamik); Markha Valley Stops (Skiu, Markha); Hanle; Hemis Shukpachan & Likir; Merak & Man | |
|
South |
Tamil Nadu | Kotagiri; Kolukkumalai; Vattavada; Meesapulimala Basecamp; Yelagiri; Kolli Hills; Yercaud; Valparai |
| Karnataka | Pushpagiri & Brahmagiri Foothills; Kudremukh Borderlands; B.R. Hills; Baba Budangiri | |
| Kerala | Nelliampathy; Pampadum Shola; Wayanad Plateaus; Vagamon; Lakkidi | |
|
East |
West Bengal | Sandakphu-Phalut Circuit (Tumling, Chitrey); Lava & Lolegaon; Suntalekhola & Samsing; Rishyap; Jhalong |
|
North East |
Assam | Majuli, Digboi Town, Haflong, Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary |
| Meghalaya | Mawlynnong; Nongriat; Mawphlang; Sohra (Cherrapunji) outskirts | |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Mechuka; Ziro Outskirts (Hong, Hapoli); Dirang; Bomdila | |
| Nagaland | Chizami; Pfutsero; Mokokchung | |
| Manipur | Ukhrul; Loktak Lake Islands (Well, not right now but once the peace is restored… and let’s hope and pray it’s soon) | |
| Mizoram | Hmuifang; Reiek | |
| Tripura | Unakoti; Neermahal & Sepahijala; Jampui Hills | |
| Sikkim | Lachen & Lachung; Phodong & Khecheopalri; Pelling; Zuluk | |
|
Wildlife Sanctuaries |
NSEW and Central | Satpura, Kuno, Jawai, Eaglenest, Tadoba (Check the entire list here: Underrated Wildlife Sanctuaries in India) |
10 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MAY IN INDIA: EXPLURGER’S PICK
So among the loooong list of best places to go in India in May listed above, we have picked out a handful of 10 just for you from each region. Let’s begin!
SECTION ONE: NORTH
Now, anyone who wishes to escape the heat thinks of our frost-covered giants as the places to visit in India in the month of May. And that’s not wrong. Let’s see what the mountains hold.
1. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Barren high-altitude desert, starry skies, fossils in Langza, and the world’s highest post office in Hikkim. Visit Komic (one of the highest motorable villages in the world), Langza (fossil deposits).
Check the official Himachal Pradesh website on How to Reach
2. Baspa Valley, Himachal Pradesh
On the banks of the Baspa river and offers some incredible trekking points. Visit Chitkul, the last inhabited village on the Indo-Tibetan border, or Rakcham, one of the most beautiful remote villages in India.
SECTION TWO: SOUTH
South India in May doesn’t just mean beaches. In fact, some of the best places to visit in May in India lie tucked away in the hills of the Western and Eastern Ghats. Think about those misty mountains, emerald plantations, and charming colonial hamlets… who doesn’t want a slice of THAT cake, huh!
3. Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu
We all love Nilgiris, right, but we often miss out on these hidden gems in favor of Coorg etc, which is fine in itself. I mean, Coorg is breathtaking, but there are other places, too! This serene hill station is one of the oldest in the Nilgiris and remains relatively untouched by tourist crowds. You’ll find these cool winding trails through eucalyptus groves, tea gardens, and viewpoints like Catherine Falls that are simply uh-maze-ing! which makes Kotagiri one of the best places to visit in May in India.
Also Read: Top 5 Places To Visit in Tamil Nadu
4. Brahmagiri Foothills, Karnataka
In the middle of Karnataka and Kerala lies an absolute paradise of the Western Ghats. These hills are lesser-known compared to Coorg’s coffee towns or Wayanad’s famous trails, making them one of the best places to visit in May in India if you’re seeking pure, unspoiled nature. Visit waterfalls, sanctuaries and enjoy the space that seems to rejuvenate you with each breath.
Also Read: Top Places To Visit in Bangalore
SECTION THREE: EAST
5. Sandakphu-Phalut Circuit, West Bengal
Wanna see four of the tallest peaks in the world in one go… Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, and Makalu, right in front of your eyes? The Sandakphu–Phalut Circuit, skimming the Nepal border, is one of the most spectacular and underrated treks in the Eastern Himalayas.
In May, the trail looks so goddamn pretty with the flowers, the clear skies and crisp weather, and this makes it one of the best places to visit in May in India for both seasoned trekkers and adventurous first-timers.
If doing something fun and adventurous is your vibe, the best place to go in India in May reveals some awesomeeeeee treks like this one!
6. Samsing, West Bengal
Set in the Eastern Himalayan region, this small village of tea gardens, dense forests, and orange orchards. While the plains below burn in heat, making it one of the best places to visit in May in India. You can visit the lovely Suntalekhola river picnic spot, trek through the wild Neora forests, or simply laze amidst tea estates.
SECTION FOUR: NORTH EAST
7. Chizami, Nagaland
Wanna check out some local crafts and immerse yourself in culture surrounded by a serene landscape? North-East is your vibe then. Chizami is a beautiful, slow-living village in the Phek region. It’s famous for its organic farming, colorful handwoven textiles, and sustainable tourism, making it one of the best places to visit in May in India if you’re seeking culture and calm over crowds.
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8. Zuluk, Sikkim
Zuluk was a transit point for traders traveling from Tibet to India, and remnants of this trade history can still be felt in the air, making it one of the most important places to visit in Sikkim. Zuluk is perfect for travelers who want to ditch the touristy Sikkim circuit and dive straight into raw, untouched beauty. The famous Zig Zag Road (with over 30 hairpin bends) offers breathtaking views of snow-clad Kanchenjunga on clear days. There’s also Thambi View Point, Lungthung, and Nathang Valley close by. Plus, the sheer remoteness, the tiny homestays, and the overwhelming scenery make it the best place to visit during May in India for offbeat, high-altitude wanderers.
Check out some other places to visit in Sikkim
SECTION FIVE: NATIONAL PARKS
9. Satpura National Park, Madhya Pradesh
In May, before the monsoon sets in, animal sightings (including leopards, sloth bears, giant squirrels, and even the occasional tiger) are excellent. If you want to experience the jungle in its purest form, Satpura is hands-down among the best places to visit in May in India for wildlife, as it is not crowded like Kanha or Bandhavgarh. Do visit the ancient tribal temple, Jhinjhini Mahal, that was built in the seventh century and is almost unknown to tourists.
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10. Tadoba National Park, Maharashtra
One of the oldest tiger reserves, Tadoba is a top contender among the best places to visit in May in India for hardcore wildlife lovers. Expect to spot not just tigers, but leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs (dholes), gaurs, and a spectacular variety of birds and reptiles. Visit the Ramdegi temple, which is believed to be one of the places Lord Ram stayed during his exile.
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Check out some underrated national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India
Final Thoughts
We are all trying to find the best places to visit in May in India. Summers can be tough as hell in India, but luckily, the entire subcontinent has different regions that can be visited during different seasons. From each direction, Explurger has given you their picks of the favorite place. Don’t be a fool thinking there’s nothing to visit except Manali or Shimla! Be a better traveller, know your places.
What better way to be a better traveller than around the best ones! Check out our travel tribe at Exlurger👇 and find the best places to visit in May in India, nay, any season, right here👇
FAQs about the Best Places to Visit in May in India
2. Which is the best place to visit in May out of India?
Nepal (especially Pokhara and the Everest region), Bhutan, and Switzerland are some of the best places to visit outside India in May for cool weather and scenic beauty.
3. What is a good place to go in summer?
Hill destinations like Spiti Valley, Tawang, and Mechuka are excellent summer escapes for pleasant weather, adventure, and peace. Check out the full blog for more.
4. Is Goa good in May?
Nope! Goa in May is hot and humid, with pre-monsoon showers beginning.
5. Is Munnar good to visit in May?
Yes, Munnar is a great place to visit in May