Places to Visit in May
May is a month of transition in India, where the scorching summer heat gives way to the arrival of the monsoon in some regions. It’s a great time to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of the country. Whether you’re looking for a cool mountain retreat or a coastal getaway, India has something for everyone in May. Here are five top destinations to consider for your May travels in 2024:
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali, a picturesque hill station in Himachal Pradesh, is known for its stunning landscapes and adventurous activities. Surrounded by towering peaks and lush greenery, it offers a perfect retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley are popular attractions, offering thrilling activities like trekking and paragliding.
Location: Nestled in the Himalayas, Manali is a beautiful hill station in the Kullu Valley.
Places to Visit: Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Hidimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple.
Things to Do: Trekking, paragliding, rafting, visiting hot springs.
Trip Duration: 4-5 days.
Budget: INR 10,000 – 15,000 per person.
Nearby Cities: Kullu, Shimla.
Must Try Foods: Sidu, Dham, Thenthuk.
How to Reach Manali
- By Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar, about 50 km away.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Joginder Nagar, 166 km away.
- By Bus: Regular buses are available from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other major cities.
Top Bus Routes to Manali
Here are some of the most traveled bus routes by people to reach Manali and you can easily book Manali bus tickets on AbhiBus.
Munnar, Kerala
Munnar, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is renowned for its tea gardens and lush greenery. The town’s cool climate and scenic beauty make it a popular destination for honeymooners and nature enthusiasts. The Tea Museum and Eravikulam National Park are must-visit spots, showcasing the region’s rich biodiversity.
Location: Situated in the Western Ghats, Munnar is known for its lush greenery and tea plantations.
Places to Visit: Tea Museum, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak.
Things to Do: Tea estate tours, trekking, wildlife spotting.
Trip Duration: 3-4 days.
Budget: INR 8,000 – 12,000 per person.
Nearby Cities: Kochi, Alleppey.
Must Try Foods: Puttu and Kadala curry, Appam with stew, Kerala seafood.
How to Reach Munnar
- By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, around 110 km away.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Aluva, approximately 110 km away.
- By Bus: Regular buses are available from Kochi and other major cities.
Top Bus Routes to Munnar
Here are some of the most traveled bus routes by people to reach Munnar and you can easily book Munnar bus tickets on AbhiBus.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh, situated along the banks of the Ganges River in Uttarakhand, is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World.” The town is renowned for its spiritual vibe and is a hub for yoga and meditation retreats. Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula are iconic suspension bridges offering panoramic views of the river and surrounding mountains.
Location: Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, along the banks of the Ganges River.
Places to Visit: Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, The Beatles Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
Things to Do: Yoga, meditation, river rafting, camping.
Trip Duration: 2-3 days.
Budget: INR 5,000 – 10,000 per person.
Nearby Cities: Haridwar, Dehradun.
Must Try Foods: Aloo puri, street-side chai, local Garhwali cuisine.
How to Reach Rishikesh
- By Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, about 20 km away.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, well-connected to major cities.
- By Bus: Regular buses are available from Delhi, Haridwar, and other nearby cities.
Top Bus Routes to Rishikesh
Here are some of the most traveled bus routes by people to reach Rishikesh and you can easily book Rishikesh bus tickets on AbhiBus.
- Delhi to Rishikesh Bus
- Agra to Rishikesh Bus
- Mathura to Rishikesh Bus
- Jaipur to Rishikesh Bus
- Lucknow to Rishikesh Bus
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a charming hill station in Tamil Nadu. Famous for its cool climate and scenic beauty, it’s a popular destination for nature lovers. The Ooty Botanical Gardens and Doddabetta Peak offer stunning views of the surrounding Nilgiri Hills, while the toy train ride is a delightful way to explore the town.
Location: Situated in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is known for its picturesque landscapes and pleasant weather.
Places to Visit: Ooty Botanical Gardens, Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Lake, Rose Garden.
Things to Do: Toy train ride, boating, trekking in the Nilgiris.
Trip Duration: 3-4 days.
Budget: INR 7,000 – 12,000 per person.
Nearby Cities: Coimbatore, Coonoor.
Must Try Foods: Ooty varkey, homemade chocolates, Nilgiri tea.
How to Reach Ooty
- By Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, around 88 km away.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Mettupalayam, about 40 km away.
- By Bus: Regular buses are available from Coimbatore, Bangalore, and other major cities.
Top Bus Routes to Ooty
Here are some of the most traveled bus routes by people to reach Ooty and you can easily book Ooty bus tickets on AbhiBus.
Gangtok, Sikkim
Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is nestled in the eastern Himalayan range. Known for its stunning views of the Kanchenjunga peak and vibrant Buddhist culture, it’s a must-visit destination in the northeast. The Tsomgo Lake and Rumtek Monastery are popular attractions, offering insights into the region’s rich heritage.
Location: Nestled in the Himalayas, Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim.
Places to Visit: Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, Rumtek Monastery, Hanuman Tok.
Things to Do: Cable car ride, trekking, visiting monasteries.
Trip Duration: 4-5 days.
Budget: INR 10,000 – 15,000 per person.
Nearby Cities: Siliguri, Darjeeling.
Must Try Foods: Momos, Thukpa, Sikkimese hot pot.
How to Reach Gangtok
- By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, around 124 km away.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri, approximately 148 km away.
- By Bus: Regular buses are available from Siliguri and other nearby cities.
Top Bus Routes to Siliguri
Here are some of the most traveled bus routes by people to reach Siliguri and you can easily book Siliguri bus tickets on AbhiBus.
Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli, a charming hill station in Uttarakhand, offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Known for its ski resorts and natural beauty, it’s a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The Auli Artificial Lake and the Auli Ropeway are must-visit attractions, offering stunning panoramas of the surrounding mountains.
Location: Auli is a picturesque hill station in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, known for its stunning views of the Himalayas.
Places to Visit: Auli Artificial Lake, Gurso Bugyal, Kwani Bugyal, Auli Ropeway.
Things to Do: Skiing, trekking, camping, cable car ride.
Trip Duration: 3-4 days.
Budget: INR 8,000 – 12,000 per person.
Nearby Cities: Joshimath, Badrinath.
Must Try Foods: Garhwali cuisine, local snacks like Aloo ke Gutke and Kachmauli.
How to Reach Auli
- By Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, about 279 km away.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Haridwar, around 273 km away.
- By Bus: Regular buses are available from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and other major cities.
Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
Kedarnath, a sacred town in Uttarakhand, is home to the revered Kedarnath Temple. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and scenic beauty, Kedarnath Temple place of immense religious significance for Hindus. Visitors can trek through picturesque landscapes or take a helicopter ride to reach this divine destination, experiencing peace and spirituality.
Location: Kedarnath is a revered town located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, famous for the Kedarnath Temple.
Places to Visit: Kedarnath Temple, Chorabari Tal, Shankaracharya Samadhi, Gandhi Sarovar.
Things to Do: Visit the temple, trek to nearby lakes, seek blessings at the samadhi.
Trip Duration: 2-3 days.
Budget: INR 5,000 – 8,000 per person.
Nearby Cities: Rudraprayag, Guptkashi.
Must Try Foods: Local Garhwali cuisine, simple vegetarian dishes.
How to Reach Kedarnath
- By Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport, about 238 km away.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, approximately 216 km away.
- By Bus: Regular buses are available from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and other major cities to Sonprayag, from where you can trek or take a helicopter to Kedarnath.
Conclusion
May is a fantastic month to explore the incredible diversity of India. Whether you prefer the cool mountains, serene backwaters, or bustling cities, there’s something for everyone. Plan your trip wisely, considering the weather and your interests, and make the most of your visit to these beautiful destinations in May 2024.
