11 places to go to in India this May

The daytime temperatures in Sikkim are set to be in the mid-20s through May, with passing showers. A five-hour drive from Gangtok leads you to the tiny village of Lachung, known for its orchards, monasteries and stunning views. Lachung could be your base to explore the beautiful Gurudongmar Lake and the Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary.

Caparisoned elephants, vibrant parasols and over 250 artists on a range of instruments, Thrissur Pooram is a grand celebration in Kerala, and this year, it’s slated to be held on 10 May. Considered to be one of the largest poorams in the state, it was started by Shakthan Thampuran, the then-Maharaja of Cochin, who organised the festival with the help of 10 temples in Kerala.

It’s a great time to be in Ladakh. The temperatures are finally in the positives, with the days being 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. The lakes of Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri are thawing to give way to turquoise waters. But it also may not be too late to catch some snow if you drive down to the passes of Baralacha La, Chang La and Khardung La.

Bob Dylan fans, time your trip to his birthday. Known as Shillong’s very own Dylan, singer Lou Majaw and his friends pay tribute to the legend with a beautiful lakeside celebration every year on 24 May.

Parts of Tadoba close from June to October due to the rains. So, now is the perfect time to spot a big cat in the wild. While the park is known for its tiger sightings, also keep your eyes peeled for sambars, barking deer, wild boars, nilgai and more.

Jim Corbett’s balmy weather around this time of year brings most of its wildlife to its watering holes, making it a good time to spot a big cat or two, crocodiles and otters. Besides a jeep safari, you can also go white-water rafting or enjoy a boat ride in Naini Lake.

Ooty's 124th Flower Show is slated to be held on 20th May. The five-day festival held at the Botanical Gardens in Ooty showcases nearly 30,000 roses as well as other flowers, including carnations, dahlias, geraniums and more. Besides the flower show, Ooty also plays host to a vegetable, spice and fruit show in the month of May.

From April to the end-may, many parts of the Himalayas are painted in red, as it’s the season of bloom for rhododendrons. One of the best places to visit to watch them blossom is the Singalila National Park in Darjeeling. You may also spot barking deer, long-tailed pangolins and the Himalayan newt.

When it’s not raining, Tawang’s climate is a crisp 11°C this month. Meditate at India’s largest Buddhist monastery, trek along Bumla Pass on the Indo-China border (the path used by Dalai Lama to travel from Tibet to India), or the Gorichen Peak which sits at the height of 22,500ft.

Pahalgam is an all-time favourite. But summer brings emerald meadows, clear lakes and trout-filled streams to the region. The town is currently enjoying beautiful weather at 17°C. Go whiter-water rafting, trek to the Baisaran meadow, and sign up for a round of golf at The Liddler Valley Golf Course framed by the Himalayan ranges.

Start your day with a breakfast of bun-omelette and ginger honey lemon tea at Char Dukan, where Sachin Tendulkar’s endorsement proudly hangs on the wall. Go on to spot some of the loftiest peaks from Landour’s highest viewpoint known as Lal Tibba or just go for a leisurely walk around Upper Chukker, where Ruskin Bond lives. If you’re lucky, you may just cross paths with the much-loved author.