The months of April and May usually mark the school and college break – the perfect time to plan a summer vacation trip. Be it a friends’ reunion, a solo trip or a family get-together, this is the time everyone looks forward to. For families with kids, the planning begins early to factor in daytime activities, summer heat temperatures and the overall experience a destination offers. To make your planning stage a bit simpler, we bring you a list of the best places to visit in April-May in India.
Kashmir is an all-season destination, but one of the most talked about spectacles here is the blooming tulip gardens. Srinagar is thus first on our list of places to visit in April in India. Between late March and early April, Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden in Srinagar is blanketed in vibrant hues of blooming flowers. This bounty of nature’s colourful beauty feels straight out of a fairytale movie. Along with the tulip gardens, you can spend your time around the lakes in Srinagar and enjoy a luxurious getaway at private villas.
Whether you’re planning a summer getaway with family or an adventurous trip with friends in India, Rishikesh is the best place to visit in April-May. There’s an aura of spirituality by the soothing Ganga river, peaceful yoga retreats and beautiful cafes by the riverside. You can also head out for adrenaline-pumping white water river rafting in Rishikesh. Though the temperatures may rise in the daytime, braving the cool rapids in the Ganga River promises a refreshing thrill. You can end your day witnessing the divine atmosphere of Ganga Aarti.
This summer, experience a wildlife safari in India and plan a fun trip to Jim Corbett. One of the best places to visit in May, you can expect to watch wild animals by the waterholes. If you are on a family trip, you can book an experiential summer holiday at The Homestead, among the best stays near Jim Corbett. This private villa in the forest has myriad activities from stargazing, bird watching, golfing, ATV rides, and forest trails along with regular safaris. While the temperatures can rise up to 40 degrees, if you stay here, you will have several indoor activities that will keep you entertained on your holiday.
The Queen of Hills near Dehradun is a beautiful place to explore on your summer getaway. One of the best places to visit in May, drive through the towering Himalayan ranges, experience the quiet mountain life, and enjoy the best pastries at the cute bakeries on Mall Road. Even if you spend 2 days in Mussoorie you can have a memorable family vacation. Don’t forget to check out Airyland Estate, a private holiday home in Mussoorie that will shower you with an experience of a lifetime.
If you love the hills, you can head to Mcleodganj, a peaceful town located in Dharamshala. The summers are a good time to go trekking in the mighty mountain ranges. If you’re taking a summer trip with your friends, you can plan the Bhagsu Nag Trek, Naddi Village or Triund Trek. These are some of the best places to go in May for an outdoorsy person. If you’re planning a solo trip in May in India, you will love this place.
If you seek a cooler destination to escape from the summer heat, Sikkim is one of the best places to go in May in India. Majestic mountains, glaciers, and lush meadows with breathtaking views, this is perfect for a family trip. The weather is breezy and pleasant, making sightseeing comfortable. Explore glacial lakes, enthralling mountain passes, valleys of flowers and heritage monasteries for a gateway into the nature and culture of the place.
For a quaint summer vacation, you can opt for the coffee-laden landscapes of Coorg. Being a hill station near Bangalore, the temperatures are relatively pleasant. It carries an old-world charm in its colonial structures. Besides the lush spice and coffee plantations keep a serene atmosphere.
You can even stay within a coffee plantation. Whispering Waters, our 4BHK villa in Coorg is an architectural gem with experiential activities. For a delightful summer vacation, you can come here and opt for plantation safaris, ayurvedic massages and riverside picnics, hill station golfing, guided reserve forest trails, and more.
Another place to visit in May in India with pleasant weather is Darjeeling. The crisp mountain air, joyful toy train ride, and clear backdrop of the Kanchenjunga range make it a beautiful place to explore with your family. Adventure lovers should visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute or plan a trek to Sandakphu, a moderate trek in Darjeeling.
Goa, a perennially popular tourist destination in India, is always buzzing with tourists along its sun-kissed beaches. However, with the summer heat setting in, April and early May marks the off-season in Goa. This is the perfect opportunity to finally take that long-awaited trip with your friends, minus the usual crowds. You can give the beaches a break in the daytime and instead rent pool villas in Goa that let you dip in the cool waters.
We have an extensive collection of Goa villas, all equipped with modern amenities for a workation here. Lohono Stays offers a host of tailored experiences in Goa like tidepooling, kayaking, forest trails, cooking masterclasses, etc. that can enhance your usual Goa holiday a lot more.
For a serene summer retreat, escape to Coonoor, a charming hill station in the Nilgiris. From coffee plantations, and sightseeing points, to vast gardens it has everything for a family vacation to entertain even your little ones. In addition to the beauty of the place, we have some stunning luxury resorts in Coonoor that let you soak in the glory of nature.
With picturesque beaches, dramatic views from the cliffs, and seaside cafes, Varkala is quite a vibe for a summer getaway. The hot and humid days are better enjoyed indoors but step out for amazing sunset views. Given this is once again off-season, you can expect lesser crowds. If you are only going to relax without doing extensive sightseeing and rather enjoying beachside sunsets, Varkala is a good place to visit in May.
You may have been here multiple times, but for a quick weekend getaway, Lonavala and Khandala work best for folks in Mumbai and Pune. Even if you’re visiting Mumbai on your summer vacation, you can take a 2-day trip to Lonavala. If you feel the weather outside is too hot to explore around, you can have fun by renting private villas in Lonavala. Enjoy the best meals and hospitality along with curated activities for a memorable stay.
For the ultimate beachside tropical getaway, hop on a ferry to Alibaug. Among top places to visit in May near Mumbai, Alibaug offers stunning beachside villas where you can soak in sunset views right from your stay. Enjoy coastal food, swim laps in a private pool, or unwind with a candle-lit dinner on the lawn. Our villas in Alibaug ensure a tailored stay experience.
The misty hills and strawberry gardens of Mahabaleshwar are always a good idea. While the hill station is more popular during the rainy and winter seasons, you can also enjoy a refreshing break here in the summer. Especially if you rent a villa in Mahabaleshwar you can enjoy all modern amenities and enjoy as you please. If you have been to Mahabaleshwar before, you can simply relax in the luxurious space that wraps you in comfort like your own home.
We have included Karjat in our places to visit in May because of its proximity to Mumbai and Pune. If you don’t have a full-fledged summer vacation, you can always take a weekend getaway or extend a workation. If you don’t feel like getting out the whole day, you can relax in the private pool villas in Karjat. Lounge by the pool, let the kids play in the gardens, you can read in the gazebo and enjoy a calming break away from the city.
FAQs
Which Are The Best Places to Travel in May?
May being a peak-summer time in India, choose cooler destinations like hill stations for your trips. You can head to Manali, Darjeeling, Srinagar, Pahalgam, Coorg, and Coonoor, are great options. For a beach getaway, you can choose from Goa, Varkala, or Andamans.
Where Can I Find Snow in India in May?
Snow in May in India is rare, but you can still find patches in high-altitude regions like Rohtang Pass, some sightseeing points in Sikkim and some areas of Ladakh and Spiti. If you’re lucky, places like Pahalgam and Gulmarg may have remnants of snow from winter.
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