Ladakh, India’s northernmost region, sits on the western edge of the Tibetan Plateau, sharing Tibet’s culture as well as its cooler weather. At just higher than 11,000 feet above sea level, Leh, the capital of Ladakh, sees average temperatures ranging from the 60s to the 80s in May. India’s northeast states of Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh also are comfortable in May, with warm days and clear mountain views.
In the 19th century, the British built Victorian-style villages in India’s highlands to escape the heat, and today, they remain a welcome respite for locals and tourists alike. In the foothills of the Himalayas, the hill stations of Shimla and Darjeeling have well-preserved British homes and churches as well as views of the high mountain peaks. In the smaller mountain range of the Western Ghats, which runs alongside India’s southwest coast, the hill stations of Ooty, Munnar and Kodaikanal experience favorable spring weather and have cool gardens and forests.
The summer monsoon causes foliage to grow thick in India’s wildlife parks, making it more difficult to spot animals through the summer, fall and winter. But by May, the foliage is dry and sparse, and tigers and lions are more likely to venture out in search of water, making them easier to spot. Visit the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in the state of Gujarat to see the only remaining population of Asian lions, or set out on a safari at Jim Corbett National Park, Ranthambore National Park or Bandhavgarh National Park to view the elusive Bengal tiger.
Travelers venturing to an altitude of 8,000 feet or higher can be at risk for altitude sickness; consult your doctor before traveling to areas in the high Himalayas. Also, in lowland wildlife parks, May temperatures can hit dangerous highs. Choose safaris that depart in the early morning, drink plenty of water, and be sure to wear appropriate clothing, sunscreen and a sun hat.
