India is one of those few countries which vitrines a unique culture every 50 km. When days are a little warm and dry and nights become cosy, the month marks the end of the monsoon season and the return of warm, sunny days. The post-monsoon or autumn season lasts from May to November. May is the best time to visit India because it is when India’s colours bloom naturally. Average daytime temperatures this month are pretty favourable for tourism in India. May is an admirable time of year to plan your trip to India.
Top 10 Places To Visit In India In May:
1- Agra- Majestic Gardens And Various UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Agra is located 200 kilometres from New Delhi and sits on the banks of the river Yamuna Agra. It is one of the oldest cities in India, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and Agra Fort to majestic Ram Bagh and Mehtab Bagh. And from the legacy of the Mughals in the form of Forts and Mosques to modern-day Agra’s nightlife, Agra houses everything. Do you know that the Taj Mahal made it to the list of the world’s seven wonders?
There is a reason why Agra made it to the top of the list of India’s best places to visit. Agra serves special Mughlai delicacies for food lovers that you can never find anywhere else. I have never heard that any visitor finished the trip without tasting the most famous sweet of Agra, Petha. If this is not enough, the city offers you a wide range of shopping markets called Kinari Bazaar and Sadar Bazaar, which challenge you to open your wallet and buy almost everything. From handicrafts to leather, wedding attire to casual clothes, rugs to carpets, these bazaars have everything in one place.
2- Ziro – An Untouched Paradise:
A paradise in the lap of Mother Nature, Ziro holds the position of Asia’s second-largest Village, which is why it is one of the best places to visit in India. Located in the hostile mountainscape of Arunachal Pradesh, Ziro Valley is home to the Apa Tani tribe and is famous for its pine hills and rice fields.
The climate in Ziro is mild throughout the year, making it comfortable to travel all year round. While the serenity of this enchanting modest town makes it a soul-seeker’s paradise, its quintessence of scenic beauty also attracts countless nature lovers and photographers who especially travel here for its soulful delight. If you are looking forward to a soul-captivating trekking experience, wildlife exploration, and jungle camping fun, Ziro will not leave anyone disheartened. Ziro will amaze you with its systematic channels and canals for irrigation, even on such a hilltop. If that is not enough, you can get your hands dirty by stepping into their farm to help.
A paradise for every nature enthusiast and adventure freak, Ziro is also famous for its Music Festival. The ‘Ziro Music Festival’s launch in 2012 has profoundly contributed to positioning this captivating hill town on an ardent traveller’s map. Every year, many Music lovers worldwide join and make the festival memorable for everyone who joins here. Another reason why it made the list of the top places to visit in India is because top national and international music bands and folk artists from every corner of the world travel here during this festival. The warm hospitality, the delicious local food, and the mesmerising scenery can leave anyone and everyone charmed for their entire lives. The ‘Talley Wildlife Sanctuary’ is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the town. It is home to the mysterious clouded leopards and provides a fascinating time for all the wildlife devotees.
3- Andaman And Nicobar – Not just Islands:
Somewhere around 1,367 km from Chennai and 1,304 km from Kolkata, a group of 572 near deserted islands, islets, and rocks float in the blues of the Bay of Bengal. Andaman and Nicobar once was a graveyard of martyrs. The place has been transformed into one of India’s majestic tourist sites. Surrounded by lush green forests and exotic flora and fauna that can take your breath away. It contains more than 86% of the islands’ area, home to animals like the spotted deer, wild boar, gecko, crab-eating macaque, and pythons. You can see why it is one of India’s best places. Not only this, but Its sparkling white beaches are also home to a range of sea turtles. Of the 2000-plus species of plants found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, at least 1,300 are exclusive and non-available in the mainland of India.
Despite being developed as a popular tourist destination, the Islands’ natural beauty remains untouched and unexplored. The turquoise sea water, incredible corals, and picturesque site leave you enthralled. Marine life in Andaman and Nicobar is a must-explored activity of every visitor; if this is not enough, then to make your more exciting, Andaman and Nicobar islands house nine national parks and nearly a hundred marine and wildlife sanctuaries that offer extraordinary experiences and diverse ecosystems. Worldwide, the Andaman Islands are also home to some of the most enormous butterflies found nowhere else. Settled in the Indian Ocean, the Andaman and Nicobar is a utopia on earth.
4- Hampi- A Walk To The History:
Hampi is located in the Northern part of Karnataka. Also known as Vijayanagara, who used to rule the city, Hampi lies within the ruins of the ancient kingdom. A collection of heritage sites, Hampi is an illustration of the magnificent Dravidian style of architecture. It is the top pick for the top places to visit in India. Keep reading to find out why.
As you explore the remains of Hampi’s glorious forts and gateways, you will witness the prosperous kingdom of the 14th century, which was eventually ruined owing to the attacks made by the Moghuls. There are several Monuments on the site, the most significant of which is the Virupaksha Temple. Known as the collection of Monuments, it is also called the ‘Group of Monuments at Hampi.’ Some sites in Hampi include the Krishna temple complex, Narasimha, Ganesa, Hemakuta group of temples, and Achyutaraya temple complex.
5- Bandhavgarh National Park:
Bandhavgarh National Park is India’s most famous national park in the Vindhya Hills of the Umaria district in Madhya Pradesh. Declared as a national park in 1968, the Bandhavgarh National Park is spread across 446 sq km. The area of Bandhavgarh is proliferating with immense biodiversity, It’s a prominent place to grip the highest density of tiger population in India. It is an optimal place for wildlife photography and proudly made it to India’s list of the top places to visit. Not only this but the park is also famed for various species of fauna like White Tigers, Bengal Tigers, Leopards, Sambar, Barking Deer, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Gaur, Chausingha, and Chinkara, the Asiatic jackal.
Divided into three major zones named Tala, Magdi, and Bamera, the Tala zone attracts many tourists by offering the tiger sighting chances. Elephant safari is one of the main attractions of this park. For the past years, the park has shown numerous increases in the count of tiger species, which is why it attracts many tourists in its vicinity. While half of the forest is covered with fine trees of Sal and Bamboo, the forest also beholds the range from tall grasslands to thick Sal forest, and so is the perfect habitat for various animals and birds.
The area brings a relatively moderate climate, and the riverbanks of the Bandhavgarh region are incredibly fertile and quite lush, being the reason for a minimum of 300 species of flora found at both the core and the buffer region of Bandhavgarh. There are 250 species of birds in the area, with common langurs and rhesus macaque, and the beautiful landscape of Bandhavgarh offers a picturesque view to tourists and nature lovers.
6- Bir Billing- Paragliding Capital Of India:
It is the best place to visit in India for adventurous lovers and adrenaline junkies. For Adventure sports, Bir Billing is a perfect destination. A Paragliding Destination in the Himalayas near Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. Bir Billing is a hub of Paragligers, trekkers, and other adventure sports enthusiasts. Not only this, but Bir Billing also became the first-ever host of the Paragliding World Cup in 2015, which happened from October 24 to 31, 2015. During the World Cup, 150 top-ranked paragliders with 400+ free-flying pilots participated from all over the world. Besides Paragliding, Bir Billing offers Trekking to Himachal tribal villages, Mountain Biking, Angling, and Camping. Commonly referred to as the Pal Dynasty, Bir ruled the “Paragliding Capital of India,” Birr is a village located in the west of Joginder Nagar Station in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India and is also known as a centre for ecotourism, spiritual studies, and meditation.
Bir is located around 70 km from Mcleodganj, while Billing is 14 km north of Bir and is the nearest gateway to the Thamsar Pass trek. Being closest to Dhamrahala, Bir is also known as a Buddhist town. He houses a Tibetan refugee settlement with several Buddhist monasteries, a large stupa, a monastery, and a Tibetan handicraft centre. While Billing is the takeoff site for paragliding, and Bir village is for landing; collectively, it is known as “Bir Billing.” If Paragliding, Trekking, Camping, and Walking by Bir River is not enough, you can even enjoy the Spa with Arya Marga, commemorating the old principles of Yoga.
7- Jaipur – A Folk Tale:
Home to a few UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Amer Fort and Jantar Mantar, Jaipur holds many magnificent forts, palaces, temples, and museums. Jaipur is popularly known as the Pink City of India and the largest city in Rajasthan. Here is why it lists India’s top places to visit. This historic city has numerous stories to tell; each place has a history of its own, and the stories, legends, and folk tales make it even more special. For the grand welcome of Edward, Prince of Wales, the city was painted pink, which is also associated with hospitality; all this was done under the rule of Maharaj Sawai Ram Singh, a Rajput king.
Not only this, but Jaipur is also one of the first planned cities in India, which was scheduled as per the Indian Vastu Shastra by a Bengali architect named Vidyadhar Bhattacharya in 1727. The directions of each street and market are East to West and North to South.
8- Pachmarhi – In The Lap Of The Mother Nature:
Pachmarhi is the only hill station in India at the highest point in Madhya Pradesh. It is also known as the “Queen of the Satpura Range.” Situated at 1,067 metres, the picturesque town is also declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and home to leopards and bison. Famous for its rich history, heritage sites, and dense forest, Pachmarhi has more visitors in summers and monsoons.
Being at height and covered by lush green forests of the Satpuras with streams and waterfalls, Pachmarhi is an ideal getaway for peace seekers. While the town was discovered and built in modern times by Captain James Forsyth of the British Army, it houses beautiful churches built in colonial-style architecture. Known for its wide variety of trees, Pachmarhi houses one of the tallest waterfalls in India and five sandstone-cut caves on the hilltop believed to be inhabited by the Pandavas of the Mahabharata. Not only this, but this magnificent scenic place also holds loads of temples of God Shankar.
One of the top reasons why it is the ultimate place to visit India is due to the waterfalls, such as Rajat Pratap, Bee Fall, and Apsara fall to the picturesque view from Dhoop Garh to the dense forests Pachmarhi holds everything in one place. Camping, trekking, and night safari are some of the major attractions in Pachmarhi.
9- Mysore- Cultural Capital Of Karnataka:
Mysore, the third-largest city and a Cultural Capital of Karnataka, is famed for its heritage structures and palaces, and of course, the very noted festivities that take place during the Dussehra festival mark Mysore as one of the prominent tourist destinations during May. Unsurprisingly, Mysore made the list of the top places to visit in India. It is because the city, which was ruled by the Wodeyar dynasty, is known for its rich architectural history and beautiful gardens. Mysore is located at the bottom of the Chamundi Hills, about 150 km from Bengaluru.
From Palaces to Gardens to Hills to Museums and Zoo, Mysore houses all beautiful and must-watch locations in one place. It is one must-visit city in Karnataka that cannot be ignored, especially if you are touring with family. The city’s large tourism industry attracts tourists from all across the World. Mysore Palace, Brindavan Gardens, Chamundi Hills, Rail and Wax Museum, and Mysore Zoo are prominent sites to visit. And yes, do not forget to taste the delicious Mysore Pak and Shop for beautiful Mysore Silk Sarees, which are as rich and royal as the culture of Mysore.
10. Kodaikanal In Tamil Nadu:
Kodaikanal is a mesmerising destination located in Tamil Nadu. Covered with dense forests, Kodaikanal is one of the most frequented destinations in the state. Not much explored by older generations, Kodaikanal has its charm of nature and is filled to the peak with fascinating and awe-inspiring tourist spots waiting to be explored.
Kodaikanal Lake, Coaker’s Walk, Guna Caves, and Pine Forest are just a few examples of the beautiful sights in Kodaikanal. Apart from this, Kodaikanal is home to eight unique waterfalls that offer a heady combination of great views and quaint surroundings.
It is popularly known as Princess of Hills. Kodaikanal is situated in the upper Palani Hills above 7200 feet of sea level. Heaven to nature lovers, Kodaikanal offers many options to explore. Night Safari, Biking, Cycling around Kodaikanal Lake, Trekking, and Walking. This virgin destination has everything to make you fall for Mother Nature.
Lying on the way to Guna Caves, the Pine Forest in Kodaikanal is a reflective and invigorating terrain where you can do anything from simply walking to camping. A walk in the quaint Pine Forest will make you feel like you have known this place for ages, as various Bollywood and South Indian movies have been shot in this magnificent forest area.
If you want to take your trekking experience to another height of adventure, do visit Kodaikanal, and if you want your children to get closer to Mother Nature the destination is waiting for you, so do not miss the chance to see these top places to visit in India.
Conclusion:
As discussed, you can probably understand why May is the best time to visit India. With this list of the top places to visit in India, you won’t be disappointed. The average temperature across India is 31° C (88°F). It is the time when the weather transitions from summertime to monsoon season. You can pick your favourite places to travel to in India from this list before your next visit.
Some might suggest that the best time to visit India is between October and March, when the weather is more likely to be warm, sunny, and dry. It all depends on your preference and convenience.
What are the best places to visit in India, in your opinion? Would you see them in May? If not, what month?
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