When winter ends, Uttarakhand in North India is a great place to visit, especially in May when it’s not too hot or cold. It’s a peaceful spot with lots of holy places and pretty nature spots that are perfect to see this time of year.
Uttarakhand is known as the ‘Land of the Gods’ because it has so many holy places. There are 11 Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand in May. You can see fields full of colorful flowers that smell amazing. The lakes are super calm and surrounded by big mountains, which makes them really beautiful to look at and gives you a chance to just relax and enjoy the quiet.
If you like excitement, Uttarakhand has lots to do. The rivers are great for rafting, and there are lots of mountain trails for hiking with awesome views. Plus, the local villages have their own unique culture and stories, and the people there are really friendly.
So, why not plan a trip in May? In this comprehensive guide, we unveil the 11 best places to visit in Uttarakhand in May, ensuring an unforgettable experience amidst nature’s splendor.
Here are the 11 Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand in May
1. Nainital
Nainital is a charming little town in the Kumaon mountains. It really shines in May with its colorful scenery and nice weather. The town is built around a beautiful green lake called Naini Lake. Here, you can see boats moving slowly on the water, showing off the busy street along the lake and the lush hills around it.
The weather in May is cool, between 15-25°C, making it a great place to get away from the heat. When you’re here, you can visit the sacred Naina Devi Temple, take in the views from Tiffin Top, or try some tasty local food. With its old-world feel and stunning nature, Nainital is a spot you shouldn’t miss when you’re traveling through Uttarakhand. Nainital is one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in May.
How to reach Nainital
- By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, approximately 70 km away.
- By Train: Kathgodam Railway Station, about 34 km from Nainital, is well connected to major cities.
- By Road: Nainital is well-connected by road with major cities like Delhi (300 km) and Dehradun (260 km).
Places to visit in Nainital
- Naini Lake
- Snow View Point
- Naina Devi Temple
- Tiffin Top
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Things to do in Nainital
- Visit the Naina Devi Temple
- Take a cable car ride to Snow View Point
- Explore the Naina Lake Boathouse Club
- Walk around Mall Road
- Visit the Zoo and Aquarium
2. Mussoorie
Mussoorie, fondly known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’, is a picturesque retreat in Uttarakhand. In May, its lush landscapes and cool climes beckon travelers seeking solace from the summer’s warmth. The town offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas and is dotted with charming colonial-era buildings. If you’re into adventure, there’s stuff like cable car rides and paragliding to try out. And if you just want to chill, Kempty Falls is a peaceful spot for picnics. Plus, you can stroll along Mall Road, do some shopping for local crafts, and taste yummy Garhwali food.
The weather in May is usually warm during the day with temperatures around 31°C, cooling down to a pleasant 17°C in the evenings. Mussoorie’s enchanting allure makes it a top pick among the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in May.
How to reach Mussoorie
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 60 km away.
- By Train: Dehradun Railway Station is the nearest major station, approximately 30 km from Mussoorie.
- By Road: Mussoorie is accessible from Delhi (290 km) and Dehradun (30 km).
Places to visit in Mussoorie
- Kempty Falls
- Gun Hill
- Mall Road
- Camel’s Back Road
Things to do in Mussoorie
- Take a stroll on Mall Road
- Enjoy the views from Gun Hill
- Visit the Mussoorie Lake
- Explore the Tibetan Temple
3. Rishikesh
Rishikesh, the spiritual heart of Uttarakhand, is a haven for peace-seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike. In May, the town is alive with the energy of the Ganges River and the warmth of the sun. The weather is hot, with temperatures soaring up to 99°F (37°C), but the river’s cool breeze provides relief. Visitors can partake in yoga, river rafting, or simply soak in the tranquil vibes. The iconic Lakshman Jhula bridge and evening Ganga Aarti are experiences not to be missed.
How to Reach Rishikesh
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, 21 km away from Rishikesh.
- By Train: Closest railway station is Haridwar Railway Station, about 25 km away.
- By Road: Well connected by road to Delhi (240 km), Haridwar (25 km), and other nearby cities with frequent bus and taxi services.
Places to Visit in Rishikesh
- Triveni Ghat
- Laxman Jhula
- Ram Jhula
- Neer Garh Waterfall
- Parmarth Niketan Ashram
- The Beatles Ashram
- Shivpuri
Things to Do in Rishikesh
- River Rafting
- Yoga and Meditation Retreats
- Camping by the Ganges
- Bungee Jumping
- Attend Ganga Aarti
- Trekking
- Visit Local Cafes
4. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India, set up in 1936. It’s famous for being a haven for tigers and other wildlife. You can find lots of Royal Bengal Tigers here, as well as Indian elephants, leopards, sloths, bears, and deer in the lush forests. Amidst Sal trees and 600 plant species, you’ll spot rare birds like Hornbill and White-backed Vultures.
The park is crossed by the Ramganga River, which has many different kinds of fish and other water creatures. May can be pretty hot there, with temperatures going up to 106°F, but it’s still a great time to visit. You can see lots of animals in the grasslands and near the river, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in Uttarakhand!
How to Reach Jim Corbett National Park
- By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, around 80 km away.
- By Train: Closest railway station is Ramnagar, 12 km from the park.
- By Road: Well connected by road to Delhi (240 km) and Nainital (65 km) with frequent buses and taxis.
Places to Visit in Jim Corbett National Park
- Dhikala Zone
- Bijrani Zone
- Jhirna Zone
- Garjia Temple
- Corbett Waterfall
- Sitabani Forest Reserve
- Durga Devi Zone
Things to Do in Jim Corbett National Park
- Wildlife Safari
- Bird Watching
- Nature Walks
- Visit Corbett Museum
- Camping
- Jeep Safari
5. Valley of Flowers National Park
Valley of Flowers National Park is a special place in Uttarakhand where you can find lots of beautiful plants and flowers. It’s so unique that it’s even recognized by UNESCO as a really important site. In May, it’s closed because of all the snow, but in June, it starts to open up, and you’ll see a whole bunch of colorful flowers. The park is also home to some rare animals like snow leopards and black bears, making it even more special.
Even though you can’t go there in May, it’s exciting to think about all the flowers that will bloom soon. The weather during this time is getting warmer, around 13°C to 20°C, with some rain showers here and there as the monsoon season gets closer.
How to Reach Valley of Flowers National Park
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, 292 km away.
- By Train: Closest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, about 273 km away.
- By Road: Drive or take a bus to Govindghat, the base point for trekking to the Valley of Flowers.
Places to Visit in Valley of Flowers National Park
- Govindghat
- Ghangaria
- Hemkund Sahib
- Pushpawati River
- Bhyundar Valley
- Nanda Devi National Park (Nearby)
Things to Do in Valley of Flowers National Park
- Trekking
- Explore the Floral Diversity
- Visit Hemkund Sahib
- Photography
- Bird Watching
- Camping at Ghangaria
- Visit Nearby Villages
6. Auli
Auli is a beautiful ski resort nestled in the Himalayan mountains. In May, everything turns green and lush, making it a great place for people who love nature and adventure. The weather is really nice, with cool air and sunny skies during the day, and it gets a bit chilly at night. This is the perfect time to go trekking and enjoy the amazing views of the mountains all around. Auli’s serene beauty and invigorating climate make it one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in May.
How to Reach Auli
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, approximately 279 km away.
- By Train: Closest railway station is Rishikesh Railway Station, around 250 km away.
- By Road: Well connected by road with major cities like Dehradun (270 km) and Haridwar (275 km).
Places to Visit in Auli
- Auli Artificial Lake
- Gurso Bugyal
- Chenab Lake
- Nanda Devi National Park
- Auli Ropeway
- Bhavishya Badri
- Joshimath
Things to Do in Auli
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Trekking
- Cable Car Ride
- Visit Auli Lake
7. Lansdowne
Lansdowne is a peaceful hill station nestled in the Himalayan foothills. It’s a quiet place where you can find old-fashioned charm and lots of green mountains covered with trees. Unlike other busy tourist spots, Lansdowne is still calm and clean, mainly because it’s associated with the Indian Army. The area is well-kept, with clean roads.
There are some interesting places to visit, like the Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial, Bhulla Tal (a calm lake), and the beautiful Tip-in-Top viewpoint. In May, the weather is warm, around 30°C, which makes Lansdowne a perfect getaway from the hot weather in the plains.
How to Reach Lansdowne
- By Air: Nearest airport is Dehradun Airport, approximately 150 km away.
- By Train: Closest railway station is Kotdwar Railway Station, around 40 km away.
- By Road: Well connected by road to Delhi (250 km) and Dehradun (150 km) with regular bus and taxi services.
Places to Visit in Lansdowne
- Bhulla Lake
- Tip-in-Top
- St. Mary’s Church
- Lansdowne War Memorial
- Kaleshwar Temple
- Darwan Singh Regimental Museum
- Santoshi Mata Temple
Things to Do in Lansdowne
- Boating at Bhulla Lake
- Trekking to Tip-in-Top
- Explore St. Mary’s Church
- Visit Lansdowne War Memorial
8. Kausani
Kausani is a quiet hill station in Uttarakhand that’s perfect for people who love nature. You can see amazing views of the Himalayan mountains, like Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli, which is why it’s sometimes called the ‘Switzerland of India.’ In May, the weather is nice and warm, around 27°C during the day, and cooler, about 15°C, in the evenings.
The mountains look really beautiful during sunrise and sunset, turning golden and red-orange. Kausani’s alpine beauty, bubbling creeks, and snowy vistas make it one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in May.
How to Reach Kausani
- By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, 119 km away from Kausani.
- By Train: Closest railway station is Kathgodam, approximately 120 km away.
- By Road: Well connected by road to Nainital (120 km) and Delhi (410 km) with regular bus and taxi services.
Places to Visit in Kausani
- Anasakti Ashram
- Baijnath Temple
- Kausani Tea Estate
- Pant Museum
- Sumitranandan Pant Gallery
- Rudradhari Falls and Caves
- Viewpoints (such as Sunset Point and Sunrise Point)
Things to Do in Kausani
- Sightseeing at Viewpoints
- Tea Estate Tours
- Visiting Historical Temples
- Exploring Local Markets
- Nature Walks and Hiking
9. Haridwar
Haridwar is a really old city and one of the most sacred places in India. It’s in Uttarakhand and it’s where the Ganga River starts flowing into the plains. Around the river, you’ll find lots of interesting people like holy men, Hindu priests, and pilgrims. Every evening, there’s a special ceremony called aarti at the Har ki Pauri Ghat, where people light lamps, pray, and float candles on the river.
Haridwar is like a doorway to the gods and it’s a really fascinating place with lots of different people. In May, it gets pretty hot, around 100°F, but the water from the Ganges is cool and refreshing. Lots of pilgrims and visitors come during this time to experience the spiritual vibe.
How to Reach Haridwar
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, 35 km away from Haridwar.
- By Train: Haridwar has its own Haridwar Railway Station with regular trains from major cities.
- By Road: Well connected by road to Delhi (220 km), Rishikesh (25 km), and other nearby areas.
Places to Visit in Haridwar
- Har Ki Pauri
- Chandi Devi Temple
- Mansa Devi Temple
- Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri
- Sapt Rishi Ashram
- Shantikunj
- Rajaji National Park
Things to Do in Haridwar
- Attend Ganga Aarti
- Visit Temples
- Take a Holy Dip in the Ganges
- Explore Ashrams
- Participate in Yoga Sessions
10. Binsar
Binsar is a peaceful place nestled in the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand. It’s like a sanctuary where you can connect with nature. This small town used to be where the Chand kings spent their summers, and now it’s a great spot for people who love wildlife and want some peace and quiet.
The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is full of thick forests and has an awesome view of the Himalayas from Zero Point. In May, the weather is really nice, around 24°C (75°F), which is perfect for going on hikes and enjoying nature walks. Binsar’s tranquility and natural splendor secure its spot as one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in May.
How to Reach Binsar
- By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, 114 km away from Binsar.
- By Train: The closest railway station is Kathgodam, approximately 90 km from Binsar.
- By Road: Well connected by road to Nainital (90 km), Delhi (375 km), and other nearby cities.
Places to Visit in Binsar
- Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Zero Point
- Binsar Mahadev Temple
- Jageshwar Temples
- Almora
- Mukteshwar
- Khali Estate
Things to Do in Binsar
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking and Nature Walks
- Visit Historical Temples
- Explore Local Villages
11. Chopta
Chopta is a beautiful place in Uttarakhand that some people call ‘Mini Switzerland’. In May, it’s full of lush greenery and has nice, clear skies with a pleasant climate. It’s a great time to go trekking and enjoy being out in nature.
The temperature is cool at night, around 6.5°C, and warm during the day, about 23.7°C. Chopta is where you can start trekking to Tungnath and Chandrashila, two sacred places with amazing views of the Himalayas. It’s a really peaceful and untouched place, making it one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand in May.
How to Reach Chopta
- By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, 229 km away from Chopta.
- By Train: The closest railway station is Haridwar, approximately 200 km from Chopta.
- By Road: Well connected by road to Rishikesh (200 km), Dehradun (250 km), and other nearby cities.
Places to Visit in Chopta
- Tungnath Temple
- Chandrashila Peak
- Deoria Tal
- Medantha Peak
- Sari Village
- Dhara Devi Temple
- Bugyal Meadows
Things to Do in Chopta
- Trek to Tungnath Temple
- Hike to Chandrashila Peak
- Visit Deoria Tal Lake
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