Long Weekend in May 2025: 10 Best Places in India to Escape the Summer Heat!

Summer is around the corner, and if you are planning a short getaway to beat the heat, the long weekend in May 2025 is the perfect time to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a relaxing getaway!

Long Weekend in May 2025

The long weekend in May 2025 is the time to take a break from the monotony and escape to some of the most beautiful destinations in the country. Also, with Buddha Purnima on Monday, May 12th, 2025, you can experience the festivities in various parts of the country. The festival observed to commemorate Lord Buddha’s birth anniversary is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Sikkim, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and some parts of Maharashtra.

 The long weekend in May 2025:

• 10th May – Saturday – Weekend  
• 11th May – Sunday – Weekend
• 12th May – Monday – Buddha Purnima – Holiday

So, whether you wish to witness the Buddha Purnima festivities or want to visit a hill station in the upcoming long weekend in May 2025 to beat the heat, we have a curated list of places to visit in India on a short trip.

10 Best Places to Visit on a Long Weekend in May 2025!

1. Kashmir

The first place on the list has to be Kashmir, the heaven on earth. It is the most beautiful tourist place in the country, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, vibrant flowers, freshwater streams and stunning architecture. One can easily reach Kashmir by taking a flight or train to Srinagar, and then it’s just a few hours’ drive to Kashmir tourist places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonmarg.

On your trip to this stunning place, you can also enjoy various activities like taking a shikara boat ride at Dal Lake, exploring the Tulip Garden, Shalimar Bagh and Mughal Gardens and enjoying a gondola ride in Gulmarg. Furthermore, it is a perfect place for shopping for souvenirs, handicrafts, carpets, shawls, rugs, woven baskets, dry fruits, walnut wood furniture, beaten silver and copperware and silver jewellery.

2. Ladakh:

Popularly known as the “Little Tibet”, Ladakh embraces breathtaking views, ancient monasteries, crystal clear lakes and a rich cultural heritage. This place is on every traveller’s bucket list. If it is on yours too, then a long weekend in May 2025 is the time to tick off your dream destination. You can either take a flight to Leh, which is another must-visit destination and is just 30 kms away from Ladakh or take that long-awaited road trip through the Manali-Leh highway for a memorable journey with your friends and family.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the mighty Himalayan ranges and the Sindhu River flowing adjacent to the magnetic road. Witness the charming Moonland near Lamauru on the Leh-Kargil road, known for its awe-inspiring resemblance to lunar landscapes. Don’t forget to explore the multicultural fusion of cuisines from Tibet, China, India and Korea. Sku and Thupka, Tsampa or Ngamphe, Pava and local bread Khambir are some of the popular food items to try in Ladakh.

Also, if you wish to witness the Buddha Purnima festivities at monasteries in Ladakh, it will be the perfect time to do so.

3. Shimla:

May is the best time to visit Shimla, the “Queen of the Hills” and the capital of Himachal Pradesh, for its pleasant weather and stunning vistas. Just a few hours from Chandigarh, you can visit the place either via road or by taking a Toy Train on the Shimla-Kalka Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train passes through more than 100 tunnels and 800 bridges to cover about 60 miles of distance and offers stunning views of the hills and valleys on the journey. Once you reach Shimla, you are welcomed by lush green hills and colonial architecture, including the views of the heritage British Church.

You can enjoy a leisurely stroll on the Mall Road and the Ridge, visit the famous temples, savour the delicacies at the famous eateries and cafes lined on the Mall Road and shop for souvenirs from Lower Bazaar and Lakkar Bazaar by staying at hotels in Shimla.

4. Manali:

Another popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh is Manali, the Valley of Gods. A long weekend in May 2025 is the best time to visit Manali for its pleasant weather, lush green dense forest views and adventure activities. You can reach Manali by taking a flight to the nearest airport in Bhuntar, Kullu or enjoy a road trip on the Chandigarh-Manali Highway. 

In Manali, you can visit the ancient Hadimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple and Vashist Temple, Mall Road and Solang Valley. The place also offers adventure activities like ATV rides, zorbing, zip lining, paragliding, trekking, camping and more. Moreover, if you are looking for less crowded places, you can visit Hampta and Sethan, located a short distance from the city centre. It is best recommended to book your stay at hotels in Manali offering easy access to famous landmarks to avoid traffic jams in the peak season.

5. Nainital:

Nainital is a charming lake town located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Popularly known as the “Lake District”, the town is situated at an altitude of around 2,000 mts above sea level and is surrounded by seven hills popularly known as ‘Sapta-Shring, ’ which includes Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi-Bandi, Naina, Alma, Lariya-Kanta and Sher-Ka-Danda. You can reach this breathtaking town by taking a train to Kathgodam Railway Station or by road. The sparkling emerald water lakes, mostly dotted with vibrant sailboats and mountain views, make it a perfect destination to travel to on a long weekend in May 2025.

While visiting the town you can book family-friendly and couple-friendly hotels in Nainital and explore famous lakes and waterfalls. 

6. Shillong:

Shillong, founded by the British in the 19th Century, reflects a unique cultural blend of Meghalaya. Every festival including Buddha Purnima is celebrated with great enthusiasm here. If you are planning to explore the northeastern parts of India for its scenic beauty, musical influence, heritage walks and multi cuisines, then explore the places to visit in Shillong during the long weekend in May 2025.

You can reach the city via road, airways and railways and enjoy a serene getaway by booking your stay at affordable hotels in Shillong. Make sure to visit Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, Lady Hydari Park and Don Bosco Centre to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Shillong.

7. Mahabaleshwar:

Looking for a getaway near Mumbai or Pune? Mahabaleshwar is an ideal destination for you to visit during a long weekend in May 2025. Situated about 4500 ft. above sea level on the Sahyadri spurs, it is the best hill station in Maharashtra. You can enjoy a scenic road trip to reach Mahabaleshwar and enjoy exotic greenery, strawberry farm views and colonial architecture. 

While enjoying a comfortable stay at hotels in Mahabaleshwar, you can also explore the popular places to visit in Mahabaleshwa, like Arthur’s Seat, Echo Point, Venna Lake and Falkland Point. Also, do not forget to try fresh strawberry-based products like jam and jellies and shop for handicrafts, leather items, Kolhapuri footwear and more from the Town Bazaar.

8. Darjeeling:

Famous for its tea and toy trains, Darjeeling is a perfect place to explore on a long weekend in May 2025. Enjoy views of majestic Kanchenjunga Mountain, lush tea plantations, colonial-era architecture and Tibetan monasteries for an enchanting travel experience. You can reach Darjeeling by taking a train to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station or by taking a flight to Bagdogra Airport.

The hotels in Darjeeling are equipped with modern amenities, offering a comfortable stay on your trip and easy access to tourist destinations. Some of the famous places to visit in Darjeeling include Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Ghoom Monastery, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Tenzing Rock HMI and Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park.

9. Ooty:

Surrounded by a chain of misty hills, Ooty, also known as the “Switzerland of India”, is a visitor’s paradise and a perfect place to visit on a long weekend in May 2025. You can take a flight to Coimbatore International Airport or a train to Udagamandalam Railway Station and then take a bus or taxi to Ooty to escape the summer heat. Enjoy the cool and soothing weather with lush greenery at the gardens and parks and explore waterfalls and lakes in Ooty. Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Pykara Waterfall, Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Fernhill Palace, Stone House, Doddabetta Peak, Elk Hill Murugan Temple, Government Museum, Tea Museum, St. Stephen’s Church, Sim’s Park, Lamb’s Rock, Rose Garden and Kamaraj Sagar Lake are some of the famous places to visit in Ooty.

Even if you are not in the mood for outdoor activities, you can just relax with a cup of tea and sit back while gazing at the vastness of nature by staying at hotels in Ooty.

10. Munnar:

Another paradise in South India, Munnar is one of the serene places to visit in Kerala. This quintessential destination has to be on your list of places to explore on a long weekend in May 2025. To reach Munnar by flight, the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, and for travelling via train, the nearest railway stations are Ernakulam Junction and Aluva Railway Station. 

While staying at affordable hotels in Munnar, you can hire a private cab to visit the Munnar tourist places. Explore the tea and spice plantations, soak in the calmness of Kundala Lake and spot wildlife at various national parks, including Eravikulam National Park. You can also enjoy adventurous treks to enchanting waterfalls in Munnar, including Attukal Waterfalls and Chinnakanal Waterfalls. Also, relish the aromatic and fingerlicking street foods in Munnar that include puttu and kadala curry, appam with stew, malabar Parotta with Kerala beef curry, karimeen pollichathu and Thalassery biryani.

This list of places to visit on a long weekend in May 2025 offers you a chance to explore the most serene locations in the country to escape the summer heat. So, where are you heading next? Don’t miss a chance to explore some of the magnificent tourist destinations offering you a soothing atmosphere and tons of activities. 

Also, no need to worry about your hotel bookings; just visit the Treebo Club’s website or app, where you can find budget-friendly hotels near key landmarks and transit points for your wholesome travel experience. Start preparing your itinerary and get ready for a memorable trip.