As temperatures start soaring off the charts in summer, as you start sweating profusely even during a 5-minute around-the-block essentials run, you know it’s time to take a “coolcation”.
April and May, two of the hottest and most humid months in India, often mandate a cool escape to the diverse landscapes of the hill stations. Thanks to the unique geographic composition of the country, coolcations don’t have to cost your year’s savings or days off. You have an array of unique experiences to choose from within the country.
The Himalayan ranges to the north and the Western Ghats in the south often beckon explorers to indulge in wholesome nature-oriented summer vacations.
Here is a round-up of some of the best places to visit in India in April and May.
Mughal Gardens in Srinagar
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Ke Ku
The Mughal Gardens in Srinagar are the epitome of natural beauty in April and May. Boasting wonderfully designed landscapes, symmetric terraced gardens, and a range of vibrant blooming flowers, the gardens are a testament to the love that the legendary Mughals had for nature. A visit to the place calms your senses and transports you to a serene haven exuding an unmissable opulence from the past.
Look for tranquil Srinagar tour packages and cheap flights to Srinagar early on, to make the most of your summer escape on a budget. Ensure to book the best hotels in Gulmarg or Srinagar for a comfortable stay as well.
Varanasi
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Roop_Dey
Varanasi, known for its spiritual significance, is one of the best places to visit in India for a summer vacation, particularly for travellers looking for peaceful reflection. Being one of the oldest cities in India, it features time-honoured stretches of streets, buildings, and the famous waters of the Ganges – the perfect recipe for a calming pilgrimage. During April and May, the Ghats come alive with pilgrims performing rites and rituals – a sight to behold. The place is perfect to get a taste of the country’s spiritual values. One of the busiest travel destinations in India, it is always a good idea to book well-curated Varanasi tour packages and cheap flights to Varanasi a few months in advance for the best deals.
Dalhousie
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Dalhousie, a small town in Himachal Pradesh, is another one of the best tourist places in India. Best known for its stunning mountain landscapes and valleys, it is also home to Khajjiar – the “mini Switzerland of India”. Being a picturesque hill station sitting close to 1970 m above sea level, the place offers the coolest weather throughout the year. During April and May, you will also find a wide array of endemic blooms and fauna, as well, perfect to enrich your summer vacation. Colonial-style architecture and chic vintage churches are another one of Dalhousie’s main attractions. Book short or longer Dalhousie tour packages to enjoy this fine destination at its finest.
Also Read: Top Destinations to Visit in India with Your Family in April 2025
Kerala’s backwaters
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Kerala – “God’s own country” is one of the most diverse travel destinations in India when it comes to geographic attributes. While on one side the state boasts spectacular mountain ranges, on the other, the place houses the most serene backwaters – an intertwining network of canals, lagoons, and lakes brimming with lush botanicals. These backwaters set the tone for the most peaceful and South Indian getaway you will ever have. In April and May, you will also find the lush fields surrounding these water bodies in full bloom, adding to the tranquil atmosphere. As Kerala is one of the best places to visit in India throughout the year, book Kerala tour packages and the best hotels in Alleppey or Cochin a few months in advance for a comfortable stay.
Pondicherry
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Pondicherry, a Union Territory in India, is home to some of the most serene beaches in the south. The calming waves of the ocean, coupled with the tropical palm trees lining the sparkling shores, set the scene for the perfect summer vacation. In addition to the quintessential tropical aesthetics, the place also boasts chic French colonial-style buildings and restaurants connected by charming streets, making for Instagram-worthy backdrops, not to mention delicious French-inspired food. You can also indulge in interesting water sports at any of the beaches, or immerse yourself in a meditative retreat at Auroville – a spectacular and unique conscious living community with a special temple for reflection. The wide range of things to do here makes Pondicherry one of the best places to visit in India in summer. Book well-curated Pondicherry tour packages and the best hotels in Pondicherry to cover all the important attractions in the city comfortably.
Also Read: Flight Booking Tips to Beat the April Vacation Rush in 2025
Rann of Kutch
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A spectacular salt marsh in the Thar desert in Gujarat, the Rann of Kutch offers some of the most unique experiences found nowhere else in the world. Known to be one of the largest salt deserts in the world, the Rann of Kutch hosts the Rann Utsav – a vibrant cultural extravaganza featuring colossal artworks, folk performances, live demonstrations of indigenous textile work, and awe-inspiring handicrafts for purchase. Visiting during the summer months will let you indulge in this exotic festival, making you witness India’s cultural beauty at its finest. Book carefully curated Gujarat tour packages to enjoy this spectacle at one of the best tourist places in India.
Darjeeling
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Rashbihari Dutta
Traversing from the west to the east, Darjeeling is another one of the best travel destinations in India. Home to some of the largest tea plantations in the country, Darjeeling experiences cool and pleasant weather year-round. In addition to the scenic beauty and the weather, the place is also a treasure trove for culture enthusiasts as you get ample opportunities to learn about the history of tea plantations in the area, the city’s Colonial heritage, its biodiversity, and the principles of tea cultivation the estate owners follow that gives Darjeeling its unique identity. Look for wholesome Darjeeling tour packages and book the best hotels in Darjeeling to explore all the iconic destinations with ease and comfort.
Also Read: Budget-Friendly Spain Tour Packages for Travelers This Spring
Wrapping Up – The Best Places to Visit in India in Summer
India is a blessed country with a geographic composition so diverse that a coolcation to the mountains is just a domestic flight away. From the vibrant Mughal Gardens of Srinagar to the calming backwaters of Kerala, the country boasts an array of landscapes and cool-weather hill stations that can offer you much-needed relaxation and peace. Escape to the idyllic locales of India this summer to enjoy a memorable vacation. Use this guide to choose between the best places to visit in India in April and May and pack your bags right away.
FAQs
Which place is best to visit in April and May in India?
Some of the best places to visit in India in April and May are Srinagar, Varanasi, Dalhousie, Kerala, Pondicherry, Rann of Kutch – Gujarat, and Darjeeling. These places offer cool weather, lush greenery, vibrant blooming gardens, and more unique experiences in the summer months.
Which part of India is coldest in May?
Ladakh – a Union Territory, is one of the coldest places in India, with temperatures ranging around 5°C even during peak summer in May. It boasts stunning scenic beauty and other adventurous things to do as well.
Where is “mini Switzerland” in India?
The small village of Khajjiar in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, is known as the “mini Switzerland of India” for its mountain landscapes and valleys.
Where is the Rann of Kutch?
The Rann of Kutch is a spectacular salt marsh in the Thar desert in Gujarat. Situated in the Kutch district, the place is one of the largest salt deserts in the world. It hosts the Rann Utsav every year in summer, a vibrant cultural festival filled with folk performances, gigantic artwork displays, handicrafts, live art and more.
Which is the most luxurious hill station in India?
Darjeeling is known to be one of the most luxurious hill stations in India. Featuring expansive tea plantations and stunning mountain landscapes, it offers an unforgettable vacation experience. The city is also known for the UNESCO-recognised “Toy Train”, which is an amazing scenic train ride experience along the hills.
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