Baffled By the Sheer Choice of Holiday Destinations in India? Don't Let the Heat Fool You, Summers are a Great Time to Travel! 6 Beautiful Places to Visit in May 2019

India is one of the very few places in the world where every person can find something of interest. From adventure junkies to those looking for a quiet getaway, there is a little something for everyone in India. The best part is that you needn’t even schedule your holiday in a particular period of the year; you can find beautiful holiday destinations for every season of the year.

Often people think that summers is probably the wrong time to go out, however, they couldn’t be farther from the truth. If you have decided to plan a holiday in the summer month of May, then you are in for a pleasant surprise. There are probably a hundred beautiful destinations to choose from depending on what you like, where you would like to go, your budget and more. While there are snowy mountain peaks to visit in the winter, there are great options for summer too; including hill stations, beaches and more.

We have enlisted in this article some of the top 6 places in India that you can visit in the summer month of May for a fantastic holiday. It includes destinations from all over the country, offering a variety of experiences for every traveller; like parasailing in the north, backwaters in the south and more. Moreover, these destinations beckon everyone, from families to youngsters. Read further to see the top 6 summer holiday destinations in India –

If you are looking to relax and unwind while at the same time get a little adrenaline rush, then Spiti is the place to be at. Vast, sprawling yet rugged mountainscape are the signature Spiti experience; you will find some of the world oldest monasteries here including lakes, national parks, mountains and even beautiful temples.

Weather: The summer months are the best time to visit Spiti because winters are extremely harsh. In May, you can expect temperatures between 18°C to 25°C; while days are warm, then evenings are pleasant, even if not cold.

What to do: There is a lot to do in Spiti apart from taking a little tour around the place. You can enjoy bike riding and camping at the Chandratal Lake or sign up for a week-long experience of trekking the Hampta Pass which promises beautiful views coupled with more varieties of flora and fauna than you could count. If you are travelling in a group and looking to experience something more adventurous, then you can also go river rafting in Pin or in Spiti itself. There are several monasteries to visit, like, the Kye Monastery and temples, like, Trilokinath Temple.

Getting there: The nearest airport is 245 kilometres from Spiti at Kullu or Bhuntar while Shimla is the nearest major railway station. You can also reach by road, however, that could prove to be a long, tiring journey if you are going with family, especially, with kids.

A visit to ‘God’s own country’ is something that should definitely be on your bucket list. Kerala offers a little of everything; it has beaches, mountains, backwaters and so much more for everybody to explore. Also, during the summer months, when a lot of parts of India are blazing with heat, you can enjoy pleasant weather, a cool coastal breeze with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 35°C.

There is a lot to do in Kerala and a lot of places to visit as well; the state also has a rich cultural heritage, from dance forms to traditional martial arts. You will need about a week to be able to soak in a little of everything it offers. The tea estates in Munnar are really popular while the jungles and Periyar National Park in Thekkady is a must visit. If you are more of a beach person then you should head to the sands of Kovalam.

Your visit to Kerala will not be complete without experiencing the signature backwaters and a night in a houseboat. It can be best experienced in Alleppey where you can book a luxurious houseboat and tour the backwaters. You can also indulge in some traditional Kerala ayurvedic massage and treatments.

If you would like to travel to the eastern part of the country in the summer months, then Shillong is the perfect retreat. With a cool climate during May and June and temperatures between 15°C to 22°C, Shillong is one of the best summer holiday destinations in India. It is also well connected by air, rail and road to major cities in the country.

Shillong is full of nature’s bounty; it has lots of hiking trails, lush green hills and beautiful waterfalls. Also referred to as the ‘Scotland of the East’, adventure and nature lovers will find themselves in awe of what this place has to offer. Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, Shillong Peak and Mawlynnong are some of the tourist attractions. It is also one of the few places in India where you can experience caving.

If you are simply looking to unwind and relax rather than hiking or finding new trails, then you can spend time exploring the Don Bosco Museum or the Lady Hydari Park. You would also enjoy trying the differently delicious cuisine which is typical of Shillong and other north-eastern states. Shopping on the streets is also a unique experience.

If you thought that going to the desert state of Rajasthan in the hot, summer months of May could be a terrible mistake, then Mount Abu will definitely force you to think again. The sol hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is a lush, green hilly place with the perfect setting to relax and do a little sightseeing. It also experiences nice weather in the summers as well with pleasant days and cool evenings.

Well connected with road and close to railheads and airports, you can find a lot to do in Mount Abu. Visiting the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is a great thing to do. It houses several different species of flora and fauna. Also, make time in your schedule to visit the iconic Dilwara temples which have almost become synonymous with the city.

For people looking to simply take a break, Mount Abu is the perfect holiday spot. There are a lot of good resorts in and around the area, ranging from budgetary to ultra-luxuries, where you can unwind. From families to groups of young people, everyone would love a quick getaway to the hills here. It is also a good place for kids to explore.

Shimla needs no introduction as a summer holiday destination in India. The natural beauty that this place offers with an amazingly cool climate in the summers is what draws throngs of tourists here every year. It is also well-connected to major cities and is an overnight journey from New Delhi; you can book yourself on the AC Volvo buses that go to and fro every few hours between the capital and Shimla.

There is a lot to do in and around Shimla apart from simply relaxing. You can visit the very famous Tibetan market and look for great deals on stuff. Another much talked about shopping experience is Mall Road, which also has several local-Shimla bakeries that serve delicious food. The Christ Church is also one of the major tourist attractions.

If you are looking to spend some more time around Shimla, then you can head to Kufri which is close by. Kufri is basically a snow-time place as it majorly runs on its famed ski resort, however, it is also a serene holiday spot in the summers. Offering beautiful views and quiet, reflective time; Kufri is a recommended addition to your Shimla trip!

This is one of the most underrated holiday destinations on the list. A lot of people are yet to hear about this heavenly place and that is probably what makes Bir Billing one of the most incredible places to visit. Still not heavily populated with tourists, you can enjoy the panoramic mountain views and get to try the finest paragliding experience in India. It is well connected by air, rail and road; a 14-hour drive from New Delhi and a 45-minute drive from Gaggal, closest airport to Bir Billing. If you opt for a rail journey, then Pathankot will be the closest.

For the uninitiated, Bir Billing has also hosted the Paragliding World Cup on more than one occasion. While Bir serves as the take-off spot, Billing is the landing spot. Both are lush, verdant areas. The best part is that you can enjoy this adventurous activity in the summers as well because temperatures here range from 11°C to 25°C in May and June.

There is a lot more to do apart from paragliding as well. You can visit the Sherab Ling Monastery and the Chokling Monastery, the two most popular tourist attractions around the area. There are activities like river crossing, rappelling and rock climbing as well that you can do. Some of these can also be enjoyed with kids.

Travelling in the summer months across India is fun yet can prove to be tiresome at times due to the heat and dry weather. However, you can make it easier for yourself by planning for it in advance. Keeping some essential summer items can make things better and you can relax and enjoy yourself. Read further to see the top 4 things that you should pack for your summer vacation in the country –

This could a lifesaver. The heat and dryness in the air during the summer months soon starts to get to you and a nice face clean-up will make you feel more relaxed and refreshed again. Keep a pack of wet wipes in your handbag or in your backpack. Nowadays, there are a lot of scents available as well in wet wipes, select one that you find to be most refreshing. If travelling with kids, then keep an extra pack for them as well, you can choose from kid-friendly scents as well.

Well, this goes without saying; don’t forget to pack your swimming costume. What better way to unwind than to relax in the swimming pool at your hotel or resort? Pack your swimming costume, sunscreen (with at least a protective 50+SPF) and goggles as well. If you are on a family vacation with kids, then swimming with them and playing around in the water could be a great bonding experience. You can also pack their floats and rings for a fun time in the water.

Often while on a holiday, while travelling from one place to another or visiting one tourist spot to another, it is easy to forget to drink enough water. This could pose a serious problem and could actually ruin your entire holiday. It is important that you stay hydrated at all times, especially, if you are in dry, desert areas. Keep a bottle of water on you all the time; you can also keep a reusable bottle with you which can be refilled now and then.

While you can expect really hot and dry days, what most people forget is that the evenings will be really pleasant, sometimes even slightly chilly. It is best that you pack a light jacket or a shawl, in case, you feel cold in the evenings. Keep the stole or shawl in your handbag or backpack that you carry around while you can stow away the jacket in your main luggage. This will make handling things easier.