What to do in May in India? (Escapes, Experiences & Summer Magic)

What to do in May in India, What to do in May in India, What to do in May in India

May in India is a paradoxical delight — while the plains sizzle under the summer sun, the hills bloom, forests become a stage for raw wildlife drama, and cultural festivals burst into vibrant celebration. It’s a month that demands smart travel choices but rewards those who venture wisely. Whether you’re a mountain chaser, a seeker of calm, or someone looking to experience India’s rich traditions in a quieter off-season, May opens up a world of options.

16 Cold Places to Visit in India in May

1. Head to the Hills: Cool Escapes in the Himalayas and Beyond

As temperatures soar across the country, India’s hill stations offer a refreshing retreat.

Manali & Shimla (Himachal Pradesh): These classic hill towns offer the perfect blend of scenic views, adventure activities like paragliding and river rafting, and cozy cafés. Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley are must-visits.
Leh-Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir): By late May, the famous Manali-Leh highway starts opening up. This is an incredible time for a road trip through stark, dramatic landscapes, monasteries perched on cliffs, and pristine lakes like Pangong Tso.
Darjeeling & Gangtok (West Bengal & Sikkim): These towns provide a cooler East Indian escape with stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range, lush tea estates, and peaceful monasteries.
Ooty & Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu): Down south, the Nilgiri and Palani hills offer a soothing alternative, complete with waterfalls, scenic drives, and eucalyptus-scented air.

2. Experience Cultural Richness: Festivals and Heritage

India’s spiritual and cultural pulse continues through May:

Thrissur Pooram (Kerala): One of the grandest temple festivals in Kerala, this event is famous for its majestic caparisoned elephants, vibrant processions, and spellbinding percussion ensembles. It usually occurs in early May.
Buddha Purnima: Celebrated across India — most notably in Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Sarnath (Uttar Pradesh), and Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) — this serene day commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha.
Mount Abu Summer Festival (Rajasthan): Rajasthan’s only hill station hosts a cheerful festival with folk performances, boat races, and fireworks — an interesting way to experience desert culture in cooler climes.

3. Chase Wildlife and Wilderness: Summer Safaris

Dry summers are surprisingly the best time for wildlife sightings as animals frequent watering holes.

Ranthambore (Rajasthan), Bandhavgarh, Kanha, and Pench (Madhya Pradesh) are known for relatively higher chances of spotting tigers and other wildlife during this season.
Jim Corbett (Uttarakhand) offers a dense forest experience with the bonus of staying in riverside lodges.

Book safaris in advance, and prefer early morning or late evening slots when the heat is more bearable and animal activity is high.

4. Beach Getaways: Quiet Shores and Island Life

Though coastal areas are hot and humid in May, this is also off-season, meaning fewer crowds and great deals.

Goa: While the party crowd thins out, Goa in May is lush and calm, with wellness retreats, spice plantations, and heritage walks becoming more enjoyable.
Gokarna (Karnataka): A peaceful alternative to Goa, ideal for yoga, beachside cafés, and cliff sunsets.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands: If you’re okay with the humidity, the underwater visibility for scuba diving and snorkeling is excellent during May.

5. Wellness and Mindfulness: Reset Before the Monsoon

May is a great time to step back and rejuvenate before the monsoons arrive.

Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) is the yoga capital of the world. Combine spiritual learning with adventure sports like white-water rafting.
Kerala is known for authentic Ayurveda retreats, with therapies designed to detox and energize your body — a traditional ritual before the rains.

6. Treks and Nature Trails: Early Monsoon Magic

By the end of May, some trekking routes start to see early rain-kissed greenery:

Tadiandamol and Kudremukh (Karnataka) offer rich forests, meadows, and cloud-covered peaks — ideal for those who enjoy a bit of monsoon mist.
Valley of Flowers (Uttarakhand) begins to stir to life, and while it opens in June, May is a good time to plan and acclimatize.

May Can Be Magical in India, If You Know Where to Go

Traveling in India during May isn’t about avoiding the heat — it’s about embracing what the season has to offer. From the spiritual calm of Himalayan retreats to thrilling wildlife safaris and colorful festivals, May opens doors to experiences that are immersive, soulful, and sometimes even surprisingly cool. So pack smart, stay hydrated, and pick your destination with intention — because summer in India can be an adventure you’ll always remember.

ANAMIKA MISHRA