Since time immemorial holidays in the month of May a.k.a "Summer Vacations" have been one of the most eventful memories for every child! After all, this was the longest holiday of a calendar year, an eagerly looked-forward-to-year of becoming academically a year older, new books, stationary, uniform and the likes. One time where you could recklessly play in the hot sun and resort to the shade of mango trees in the backyard to beat the blistering heat, sucking on some Pepsi-Cola and of course the keenly awaited trips!
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Trips today, however, have advanced from weeks of staying at the grandfather's house to something more exotic and conventional. With both parents working, the month of May looks like the perfect time to undertake some of the best vacations in May for families. And so, we bring to you 15 places to visit in May in India that is cooler, panoramic, enlightening also hosting some of their brilliant annual festivals during this period!
1. Kohima, Nagaland
Image source: wikimedia.org
Average temperature: 16 degree Celsius
It is untoward that the north-east has not yet received its deserved recognition. With a very promising tourism and even Bollywood now looking at it as an ideal shooting spot, it is steadily getting noticed. Thus, this is the best time to visit this part of the motherland, before commercialization hits! Kohima, the capital of Nagaland, is a beautiful mlange of tribes, panoramic vistas of diverse lush terrains, great hikes and a culture that is very Indian yet unseemly dissimilar. Having a rich war history to itself, Kohima is an ideal May holiday destinations for kids along with its Moatsu Festival.
Popular Tourist Spots: Kohima Zoo, Kohima Museum, Catholic Church on Aradhurah Hill, Bara Basti, Naga Bazaar, Kohima War Cemetery
Activities: Annual Hornbill Festival, hike the Dzukuo Valley and Japfu peak
How to reach: Airport - Dimapur Airport, Train Station - Dimapur
2. McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
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Average temperature: 20 degree Celsius
Ditch the overdone Shimla-Manali and head to the land of monks McLeod Ganj. The supremely enlightening Buddhist culture here makes this one of the best places for children's holiday in india. Add in a dose of pure, healthy and fresh mountain breeze and lots of physical activities, kids are bound to have a great time here. The Maggi stops across the place, will keep yours and your childs spirit rather uplifted throughout the vacation!
Popular Tourist Spots: Naam Art Gallery, Tsuglagkhang Complex, Tibet Museum, Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts, Bhagsunag Fall, Kunal Pathari
Activities: Trekking and walking, meeting or seeing the Dalai Lama, yoga, meditation, healing, paragliding, Thanka painting lessons
How to reach: Airport - Gaggal Airport, Train Station - Pathankot
3. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
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Average temperature: 20 degree Celsius
One of the most charming hill stations in India and a favorite of Rajasthan folks, Mount Abu has mustered tourists not only from the country but the whole world. A good break from all the deserts of the much popular tourist hotspots of Udaipur, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and the likes, Mt. Abu offers something that is more laidback and less whelming. Its tranquil lakes and picturesque mountains overrule the fact that you are in a desert state. The Summer Festival held in the month of May, on the day of Budh Poornima is an interestingly colorful festival organized by the state government, over a span of three days.
Popular Tourist Spots: Dilwara Temples, Toadrock, Nakki Lake, Sunset Point, Honeymoon Point, Brahma Kumari's Universal Peace Hall And University
Activities: bird watching, hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, caving and camping
How to reach: Airport - Udaipur, Train Station - Abu Road
4. Kannur, Kerala
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Average temperature: 22 degree Celsius
Referred to as Gods own country, Kerala for every right reason is divine and blissful, to say the least. Luscious foliage in Kannur offering several opportunities makes this place an absolute summer delight! Popular for its temple festivals, the Kottiyoor festival in the month of May is a highlight in Kannur tourism, bringing together locals to participate in many cultural activities, that are a delight to watch. The Aralam wildlife sanctuary is another reason why this place is one of the best holiday destinations in May, especially for kids.
Popular Tourist Spots: St. Angelo's Fort, Arackal Kottaram, Moppila Bay, Azhikkal Ferry, Sree Noonchikavu Siva Temple, Dharmadam Island
Activities: Learn the Theyyam dance, visit the Mangrove Trail of Malabar, and lots of beach activities
How to reach: Airport - Mangalore, Train Station Kannur Railway Station
Make the most from your vacation: We recommend you 2 Weeks India Itinerary.
5. Gangtok, Sikkim
Image source: flickr.com/Kalyan Neelamraju
Average temperature: 17 degree Celsius
Previously referred to as the - Switzerland of the east, Gangtok is one of the cleanest Indian cities you will come across. Drawing visitors all year around, May is special given the Saga Dawa festival and the most idyllic temperatures to explore the city in its best form. This is when the monasteries are buzzing with special prayers, and monks carry out a rather colorful procession enlivened by tuneful musical instruments. It is a big festival and the day of Buddha Poornima especially is the most significant, given its belief as the day Buddha attained nirvana.
Popular Tourist Spots: Nathula mountain pass, Hanuman Tok, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre, Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary and Tshangu Lake
Activities: Ropeway ride, yak ride
How to reach: Airport - Bagdogra, Train Station - New Jalpaiguri
6. Shillong, Meghalaya
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Average temperature: 19 degree Celsius
A rapidly evolving city, Shillong has managed to retain its tag - "The Abode of Clouds". Following suit of Gangtok being referred to as the "Switzerland of the east, Shillong was referred to as the "Scotland of the East" by its one-time European settlers. Given its considerable altitude, Shillong maintains pleasant temperatures even in the months of summer making it one of Indias best travel destinations in May. Given its brilliant food and beverage scenarios, a family is sure to have one memorable summer vacation here. Good news for football enthusiasts - the city's football culture is quite remarkable too!
Popular Tourist Spots: Umiam Lake, Don Bosco Centre on Indigenous Cultures, Wards Lake, Lady Hydari Park, Sweet Falls, Shillong Peak and Butterfly Museum
Activities: Golf, Bara Bazar, State Central Library, enjoy a trail in the forest around Shillong peak
How to reach: Airport - Shillong Airport, Train Station Guwahati
7. Drass, Jammu and Kashmir
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Average temperature: 7.5 degree Celsius
A cold dessert with lots of adventure opportunities, Leh has drawn visitors for more than its picture-perfect locales. A popular biking route among the young lads, this route in the valley of Jammu & Kashmir accommodates some of the most sensitive places including Kargil, which still reimburses fresh memories of the 1999 Indo-Pak war. As you sight several military trucks zooming past you, with uniformed men on their service, you are bound to feel extremely patriotic and rather proud. A good history lesson for the kids, that this can be with its war memorial and museums Drass in indigenously one of the best places to visit in May in India.
Popular Tourist Spots: Manman Top, Gomchan Valley, Dongchik, Ningoor Masjid, Bhimbet Stone, Dras War Memorial, Draupadi Kund
Activities: Biking, meditation, treks
How to reach: Airport - Leh
8. Badrinath, Uttarakhand
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Average temperature: 7 degree Celsius
The most important segment of the Char Dham Yatra, Badrinath draws visitors mainly for religious reasons. Its scope of being a lovely a family trip on the whole, wins itself a spot on this list. The month of May is when the place is easily accessible. The way the temple stands tall today, despite several blows by natural calamities, is a marvel in itself. A spiritual delight that this place is, its proximity to other popular places like Rishikesh, Haridwar and Mussoorie make this one of the best places to visit in May in India.
Popular Tourist Spots: Nar Narayan Temple
Activities: trek to Vasudhara Waterfall, dip in the hot spring
How to reach: Airport - Dehradun, Train Station - Rishikesh and Kotdwar
9. Lakshadweep Islands
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Average temperature: 22 degree Celsius
The ultimate place to bask in the summers is the beach of course. It is the conflicting human nature to resort to the contrasting, cooler destinations in the summer months and vice versa. But the coast is one place that remains untouched by the incline and decline of the mercury. Enough has been spoken about Lakshadweeps azure waters and white-sanded beaches, which are undoubtedly one of the best beaches in India. Add in some good amount of water sports, secret islands, spectacular monuments and of course great food, this place is a winner when it comes to summer vacations.
Popular Tourist Spots: Kadmat, Kavaratti Island, Kalpeni, Bangaram, Agatti Island,
Activities: Watersports including snorkeling and diving, cruising
How to reach: Airport Kochi
10. Coorg, Karnataka
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Average temperature: 20 degree Celsius
This quaint coffee estate has gained much popularity in the recent times given its proximity to the IT capital of Bangalore and some luxury hospitality giants coming up here. Abundant with waterfalls, stimulating aroma of coffee blossoms, lakes, and umpteen hiking opportunities, Coorg also boasts of the lip-smacking Kodagu Cuisine. An unexpected Buddhist monastery here has become a highlight of Coorg. Check into one of the many resorts in Coorg and enjoy a very active and eventful summer vacation.
Popular Tourist Spots: Abbey falls, Nagarahole - Wild Life Sanctuary, Honnamana Kere, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Mallalli Falls and Madikeri
Activities: Trekking, spices, and handicrafts shopping, Boating or Fishing in Honnamana Kere Lake, rafting and spa therapies
How to reach: Airport - Bangalore, Train Station Mysore
11. Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
Image source: wikimedia.org
Average temperature: 28 degree Celsius
As if in a time capsule, Pachmarhi takes you back to the bygone era of the Pandava brothers. Deriving its name from the five significant caves here, Pachmarhi in Madhya Pradesh is also fondly referred to as the Satpura ki Rani literally translating to "Queen of Satpura". The adjoining forests are home to some of the most exclusive medicinal plants and trees. This is one reason why it is also a part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.
Popular Tourist Spots: Priyadarshini (Forsyth) Point, Jamuna Prapat (Bee Fall), Handi Khoh viewpoint, Apsara Vihar, Rajat Prapat
Activities: Boating and shopping for honey and Ayurvedic medicines
How to reach: Airport - Bhopal, Train Station - Pipariya
12. Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
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Average temperature: 12.5 degree Celsius
If I could, I would say Pahalgam is the reason why Kashmir is called Heaven on Earth. Endless stretches of green pastures fringed by conifer trees, the Lidder river and clear blue skies reached by snowcapped mountains, is what Pahalgam looks like. Exploring this on a pony, with very warm and welcoming Kashmiri guides, is an experience in its own. The ladies especially can have a great time here shopping for woolen and carpets, while the kids and men can enjoy some adrenaline rushing activities!
Popular Tourist Spots: Kolhoi Glacier, Chandanwari, Betaab Valley
Activities: Hikes and rafting
How to reach: Airport Srinagar, Train Station Jammu
13. Ranthambore, Rajasthan
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Average temperature: 32 degree Celsius
No, we are not out of our minds, to mention Ranthambore with its blistering list for a perfect summer escapade! The reason why it is here being, the month of May is when the highlights, the tigers of the national park come out, to hibernate. So, this is the best time to get a glimpse of these four-legged friends in all their glory. Other animals too can be easily spotted around this time. Besides the national park, the fort and many surrounding lakes will make sure the kids have one hell of a time! The many accommodations with state of the art facilities, will not let you be affected by the sweltering heat.
Popular Tourist Spots: National Park, Ranthambhore Fort, Bakula, Kachida Valley, Lakarda Anantpura and the Jogi Mahal
Activities: Wildlife Safaris, hiking
How to reach: Airport - Jaipur, Train Station - Sawai Madhopur Railway Station
14. Ranikhet, Uttarakhand
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Average temperature: 15 degree Celsius
With a strong military vibe to it, Ranikhet is a place where you will find most of the citizens who are retired military personnel. With an interesting legend to it of a king winning a queens heart on the lush meadow lands of this place, Ranikhet is sure to strike up some romance in you. The aroma of pine, oak, and deodar forests is likely to haunt you once you leave. Lots of temples, some interesting hikes, golf and aromatic mountain breeze, this place sums up a quintessential Uttarakhand summer vacation!
Popular Tourist Spots: Chaubatia Garden, Bhalu dam, Kalika golf link, Dwarahat, Sitalakhe and the Kumon regimental museum
Activities: Enjoy blissful strolls, some golf and indulge in Baal mithai
How to reach: Airport - Pant Nagar, Train Station - Kathgodam
15. Horsley Hills, Andhra Pradesh
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Average temperature: 22 degree Celsius
Located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, the Horsely Hills is also referred to as the "Ooty of Andhra Pradesh". This is the ultimate place, for a summer break, with good climate good food and not overly whelming things to do. Just stroll around, sleep and enjoy the good weather. The striking flora and fauna of the region are dominated by eucalyptus trees, lending to perfectly warm aroma in the air.
Popular Tourist Spots: View Point, Gali Bandalu / Wind Rocks, Mallamma Temple, Horsley Hills Zoo, Gangotri Lake
Activities: Eat, sleep, stroll around
How to reach: Airport Bangalore, Train Station -Dharmavaram
Also Check:
Places to visit in India in April
Places to visit in Monsoon in India
