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Offbeat Destinations to Explore in India During May

The summer of 2023 is at its peak, and the month of May is already here! The summer vacations are on for the kids, and the mood is all set to get away from the hometown and explore the soothing weather of the hills. 

But are you still confused about which Indian destination will welcome you in this scorching summer? Well, be confused no more, as here’s the list of some of the best offbeat destinations you can explore in India. 

1. Spiti Valley- Himachal Pradesh

If you fantasise about spending your summer days amidst the chilling mountains and the mesmerising view of the natural ambience, then Spiti Valley is one of the best picks for your Maycation. Spiti Valley has some of the most adventurous trekking trails and many other activities. Spend your time camping around Dhankar Lake, and have some peaceful conversations with your friends, family or partner, while you do some stargazing. 

Temperature: The average temperature at Spiti Valley throughout the day is around 15 degrees Celsius. However, it reduces to 0-5 degrees Celsius at night. 

How to reach: Reaching here is easy; you just need to board a flight to Kulu-Manali Airport, around 250 km from Spiti Valley. If not, you can also take a train to Shimla or Joginder Nagar railway station. 

Beat the scorching May summer by spending a week or more amidst the cool & refreshing mountainous breeze. Let your mind rejuvenate while you enjoy the silence and peace of the location. 

2. Bir-Billing- Himachal Pradesh

The city’s hustle and bustle will always trap you in it! But, you ought to head out of the urban jungle to nature’s peace at least once every year. And that time is finally here! May is the scorching summer month, and you can literally feel the mountains calling you. Enjoy trekking, camping, hang gliding, and the most loved activity, paragliding, in Bir-Billing. It is one of the best places to visit in May. 

Temperature: The average temperature at Bir-Billing during the daytime is around 25 degrees Celsius. But, as the sun sets, the temperature drops to around 11 degrees Celsius. 

How to reach: The nearest airport for you to reach Bir-Billing is Kangra Airport, Gaggal, which is around 70 km from your destination. You can also take a train to Pathankot Junction! 

From paragliding to the toy train ride, you are going to explore a plethora of scenic and awestruck views that will stay with you forever. There cannot be a better holiday destination than Himachal’s mountains. 

3. Gangtok- Sikkim

Cluttered homes, Budding monasteries, trekking trails, mountain breezes and many more things about Gangtok attract tourists from all over India to make it their summer abode. The road to exploring the higher Himalayas passes through Gangtok. The mesmerising cloudy appeal of this destination, and the scenic morning views, would leave you in awe of making it your summer abode. 

There are ample things to do for everyone during their short or extended stay at this beautiful destination. If you love adventure sports, such as paragliding and trekking, this is the perfect vacation spot! The weather is pretty cool here, which makes it pleasant for your summer escape.

You can explore the Seven Sisters Waterfalls, Yak Safari, and much more during your stay in Gangtok, one of India's best places to visit in May. 

Temperature: Gangtok's temperature is quite balanced, with daytime temperatures averaging 15-20 degrees Celsius and nights bringing a gentle chill of 5-10 degrees Celsius.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, 125 km away from Gangtok, and the nearest railway station is New Jalpaiguri Junction for your convenient travel to the destination. 

4. Mahabaleshwar- Maharashtra

Maharashtra, a state that settles amidst a lot of beaches, has a destination that boasts the presence of some of the unspoilt ones among them. Mahabaleshwar is a serene abode filled with thick forests, waterfalls, lakes, viewpoints, forts and much more. When you are here, you cannot afford to miss out on the sunsets ever. 

It is one of the most popular places to visit in India in May, which is said to be built by the British to survive the irresistible Bombay heat. The purpose is well-served, as tourists from all across India visit this hill station to explore the hidden secrets of this paradise. Following that, the picnic spots all around the destination will give you the memories of a lifetime. 

Temperature: The average temperature at Mahabaleshwar ranges between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius in May. Hence, you can conclude to expect soothing weather, not too hot, not too cold! 

How to reach: You can reach this heavenly abode through Pune International Airport or Pune Junction, 125 and 115 km from the destination. 

5. Ooty- Tamil Nadu

A perfect hill station with charismatic views that has even attracted various Bollywood movie directors. Some evergreen and epic movies, such as Andaz Apna Apna, Hum Aapke Hai Kaun, Raja Hindustani and many more, were shot in Ooty. This destination is not just your summer escape but can be your perfect vacation spot throughout the year. 

You can explore the scenic gardens, famous temples, serene waterfalls, and more. Take a boat ride around Ooty Lake, and spend quality time at the Thunder World Amusement Park. If homemade chocolates are your favourite, Ooty is your go-to place for sure. Satisfy your vacation cravings by gazing at the mesmerising nature’s ambience from the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. 

The nightlife in Ooty is also commendable, as there are amazing night bars and restaurants around the hilltop city to give fun and rejuvenation to the tourists. There’s fun awaiting you every night and day when you are in Ooty in the month of May. 

Temperature: During the day, the temperature in Ooty typically hovers around a comfortable range of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, allowing for enjoyable outdoor activities. As the sun sets, the nights bring a slight chill to the air, with temperatures dropping to around 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.

How to reach: You can reach Ooty by flying to Coimbatore International Airport, 87 km from the destination. If not, you can also take a train to Mettupalayam Station, just 50 km from Ooty. 

6. Coorg- Karnataka

How often have you seen your friends from Bangalore taking a road trip to Coorg for a summer escape? Well, it is time you stop watching their mind-soothing stories over social media profiles and book your tickets to this heavenly destination immediately.

Coorg is a coffee-production town on the hills, which acts as a paradise for all nature and adventure lovers. The place is surrounded by some amazing waterfalls and lakes. Trekking, rafting, camping, and much more awaits you at Coorg. Live summers like never before! And when you have tired yourself enough with these activities, take a tour of the place's wildlife sanctuaries, forts and other such touring sites. Our suggestion would be to look for cycling tours to get the most out of your experience. Embark on a two-wheeled adventure through Coorg, where the emerald green tea plantations gently sway in harmony with the cool breeze. As you pedal along the winding roads, the aromatic aroma of coffee fills the air, guiding you deeper into a lush landscape adorned with cascading waterfalls and the symphony of chirping birds. 

Temperature: As per the locals here, this is probably one of the best places to visit in May! The average temperature at this site ranges between 19-29 degrees Celsius. 

How to reach: If you want to reach here, book a flight to Mangalore or Bangalore Airport. You can also book your train to Mysuru Junction. The connectivity is pretty seamless from the transportation hubs. 

7. Darjeeling- West Bengal

Darjeeling, the land of splendid natural beauty, is called the “Queen of the Hills”. Among the best places to visit in May, Darjeeling holds the record of being the preference of most Indians. The lush tree gardens, flowery ambience and dense forests make this destination a priceless creation of god and men. 

With the backdrop of jaw-dropping Kanchenjunga mountain, this place will cool you down and save you from the wrath of the summer sun. There are various parks, shopping centres, zoos, monasteries and much more to accommodate the various joyous needs of tourists. Take a train ride around the hills to get pictures of those scenic mountain ranges. 

Temperature: The minimum temperature at Darjeeling in May is around 10 degrees Celsius, which might increase to 23 degrees Celsius. 

How to reach: The closest airport to the destination is Bagdogra International Airport, 70 km from Darjeeling. If you are a train traveller, get down at New Jalpaiguri Junction, and take a bus to Darjeeling, which is a 70-km ride. 

8. Tawang- Arunachal Pradesh

If you are searching for the best places to visit in North India in May, Tawang will give you that snowy vibe in summer. Located at 3048-metres elevation and surrounded by the Himalayas, makes it a sight full of beautiful natural landscapes. All tourists to Tawang still believe they can’t get enough of this place. 

The longer you stay, the more you fall in love with this paradise on Earth. Tawang is also home to the rich heritage of Northeastern India and boasts the culture of Buddhism. Hiking, trekking and skiing are some of the adrenaline-rushing adventure sports activities to take back many memories with you. 

Temperature: Pack your winter garments with you, as even in May, the minimum temperature at Tawang might drop to 4 degrees Celsius, whereas the maximum might go up to 21 degrees Celsius. 

How to reach: To reach Tawang, you can fly to Tezpur Airport or Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, which are 324 and 439 km in the distance, respectively. You can also get down at the Tezpur Railway Station. 

Conclusion

These are the eight places you should consider visiting in May to handle the summer heat while escaping from the hectic work life. Once you've chosen a destination, let Prune be your guide to uncovering unforgettable adventures. From serene landscapes to cultural treasures, Prune Travel Experiences will enrich your visit with curated insights and personalised recommendations, ensuring a truly remarkable getaway. 

Pick your favourable destination, book your tickets and travel experiences, and leave this summer sun behind! 

Happy Travels!