Best Places to Visit in May in South India

Known For : Mattupetty Dam Kolukkumalai Tea Estate Top Station

Munnar is one of the best places to visit in South India in May for its cool weather, tea plantations and refreshing mountain scenery. Misty hills, waterfalls and scenic drives through Kerala’s highlands make it ideal for couples, families and nature lovers escaping the summer heat.

Best Time: September to May

55 Munnar Attractions

Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Dolphin's Nose

Ooty is among South India’s most popular summer destinations thanks to its pleasant climate and lush Nilgiri landscapes in May. Botanical gardens, toy train rides and peaceful lake experiences make it perfect for relaxed hill holidays.

Best Time: Throughout the year

44 Ooty Attractions

Known For : Dolphin's Nose, Kodaikanal Devil's Kitchen (Guna Cave) Green Valley View (Suicide Point)

Kodaikanal offers cool temperatures and scenic mountain landscapes in May, making it one of Tamil Nadu’s favourite summer hill stations. Kodai Lake, Coaker’s Walk and misty viewpoints attract families and honeymooners alike.

Best Time: September to May

35 Kodaikanal Attractions

Known For : Edakkal Caves Banasura Sagar Dam Chembra Peak

Wayanad is ideal in May for its cooler climate, forest landscapes and nature-focused experiences before the monsoon arrives. Waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries and spice plantations make it a rewarding summer escape in Kerala.

Best Time: Throughout the year

46 Wayanad Attractions

Horsley Hills is a peaceful summer retreat in Andhra Pradesh known for its cool climate and forested landscapes in May. Scenic viewpoints, quiet surroundings and pleasant weather make it ideal for short escapes and family holidays.

Known For : Jungle Safari, Kabini Boating in Kabini

Kabini is one of South India’s top wildlife destinations to visit in May as dry conditions improve chances of spotting animals near water bodies and forest edges. Jeep safaris, boat rides and sightings of elephants and birdlife make it a rewarding summer getaway.

Best Time: Throughout the year

5 Kabini Attractions

Known For : Periyar National Park Kadathanadan Kalari Centre Periyar Tiger Trail

Thekkady is a refreshing May destination known for its forest landscapes, spice plantations and wildlife experiences. Pleasant hill weather, Periyar Lake and chances to spot elephants make it ideal for nature-focused summer holidays.

Best Time: Throughout the year

27 Thekkady Attractions

Known For : Baba Budangiri Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Kudremukh National Park

Chikmagalur is among Karnataka’s most loved summer destinations for its coffee estates, hills and pleasant weather in May. Scenic drives, waterfalls and plantation stays make it perfect for nature lovers and weekend travellers.

Best Time: Throughout the year

22 Chikmagalur Attractions

Known For : Mysore Palace Somanathapura Temple Brindavan Gardens

Mysore is a heritage-rich city known for its palaces, gardens and cultural experiences that can be explored during May. Mysore Palace, local markets and nearby attractions make it ideal for travellers interested in history and architecture.

Best Time: Throughout the year

37 Mysore Attractions

Known For : Emerald Lake, Yercaud Pagoda Point Botanical Garden, Yercaud

Yercaud is a pleasant May hill station known for its cool weather, coffee plantations and relaxed atmosphere. Scenic viewpoints, Yercaud Lake and forested hills make it a quieter and more budget-friendly alternative to busier hill stations.

Best Time: October to June

20 Yercaud Attractions

Known For : Mahabaleshwara Temple Om Beach Paradise Beach, Gokarna

Gokarna is a laid-back beach destination ideal for May travel before monsoon showers arrive along the coast. Beaches, cliffside views and a relaxed atmosphere make it a quieter alternative to Goa for summer holidays.

Best Time: Throughout the year

20 Gokarna Attractions

Known For : Elk Falls Longwood Shola Trekking

Kotagiri is a charming hill destination in the Nilgiris known for its pleasant climate and scenic tea estates in May. Quiet surroundings, trekking trails and panoramic viewpoints make it a peaceful alternative to Ooty and Coonoor.

Best Time: December to May

7 Kotagiri Attractions

Known For : Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary Golden Valley Mini Zoo, Ponmudi

Ponmudi is a scenic hill destination in Kerala known for its cool weather, winding roads and green mountain landscapes in May. Viewpoints, trekking routes and peaceful surroundings make it ideal for a quiet summer escape.

Best Time: November to May

5 Ponmudi Attractions

Known For : Tipu's Drop Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple Tipu's Summer Residence

Nandi Hills is a popular summer getaway near Bangalore known for its cool mornings and panoramic hill views in May. Sunrise points, winding roads and pleasant weather make it ideal for quick escapes and road trips.

Best Time: October to June

12 Nandi Hills Attractions

Known For : Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Vithala Temple Lotus Palace

Hampi is best explored in May during early mornings and evenings when its heritage sites and rocky landscapes can be enjoyed more comfortably. Ancient ruins, temple architecture and unique boulder scenery make it one of South India’s most fascinating cultural destinations.

Best Time: October to March

34 Hampi Attractions

Known For : Abbey Falls Mandalpatti Raja's Seat

Coorg is a refreshing May getaway known for its coffee plantations, forested hills and comfortable weather. Abbey Falls, scenic estates and peaceful surroundings make it ideal for travellers looking for nature and relaxation.

Best Time: October to March

38 Coorg Attractions

Known For : Sim's Park Dolphin's Nose Ketti Valley

Coonoor is a refreshing summer getaway in the Nilgiris known for its cool climate, tea estates and scenic mountain views. Sim’s Park, tea gardens and Nilgiri Mountain Railway rides make it a quieter and more relaxed alternative to nearby Ooty.

Best Time: October to March

17 Coonoor Attractions

Known For : Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Kumarakom Backwaters Thanneermukkom Bund

Kumarakom offers a peaceful summer escape with serene backwaters, village life and refreshing greenery in May. Houseboat stays, birdwatching and lakeside resorts make it ideal for couples and relaxed holidays.

Best Time: October - February

21 Kumarakom Attractions

Known For : Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal Vaigai Dam

Madurai is a culturally rich destination known for its temples and heritage experiences that remain popular throughout May. The iconic Meenakshi Temple, traditional markets and Tamil architecture make it ideal for history and culture enthusiasts.

Best Time: October to March

20 Madurai Attractions

Known For : Varkala Cliff Janardhanaswamy Temple Varkala Beach

Varkala is a refreshing coastal escape in May known for its cliffside beaches and laid-back atmosphere before the monsoon season begins. Beach cafés, ocean views and wellness retreats make it ideal for relaxed seaside holidays.

Best Time: October to February

31 Varkala Attractions

Valparai is a peaceful hill destination known for its tea plantations, forested roads and cool climate during May. Wildlife sightings, scenic drives and uncrowded surroundings make it perfect for offbeat summer travel.

Best Time: December to January

Known For : Shore Temple Mahabalipuram Beach Five Rathas

Mahabalipuram is a popular coastal heritage destination known for its ancient rock-cut temples and seaside setting. Shore Temple, sculpted monuments and beachside experiences make it ideal for cultural trips and short summer getaways.

Best Time: November to February

23 Mahabalipuram Attractions

Known For : Borra Caves Katiki Waterfalls Chaparai Waterfalls

Araku Valley is a scenic summer destination known for its cool weather, coffee plantations and Eastern Ghats landscapes. Tribal culture, waterfalls and picturesque train journeys make it ideal for relaxed nature holidays in May.

Best Time: September to February

8 Araku Valley Attractions

Known For : Kanyakumari Beach Vivekananda Rock Memorial Thanumalayan Temple - Sthanumalayan Kovil

Kanyakumari is a unique coastal destination known for its ocean views and cultural significance at the southern tip of India. Sunrise and sunset points, Vivekananda Rock Memorial and seaside experiences make it a memorable place to visit in May.

Best Time: October to February

28 Kanyakumari Attractions

Known For : Houseboats in Alleppey Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple Alleppey Beach

Alleppey offers a relaxing summer experience with tranquil backwaters and scenic waterways in May. Houseboat cruises, village landscapes and lakeside stays make it one of Kerala’s most popular destinations for peaceful holidays.

Best Time: June to March

39 Alleppey Attractions