Are you planning to visit Tamil Nadu in May and looking for the top 10 best places to explore? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Tamil Nadu, the land of ancient temples, beautiful beaches, scenic hill stations, and rich cultural heritage, is a must-visit destination for all travel enthusiasts. With its pleasant climate, May is an ideal time to explore the state’s diverse attractions. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the top 10 best places to visit in May in Tamil Nadu.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Best Places to Visit in May in Tamil Nadu
- Ooty
- Kodaikanal
- Yercaud
- Coonoor
- Mahabalipuram
- Kanyakumari
- Madurai
- Chennai
- Thanjavur
- Rameswaram
- How to Reach Tamil Nadu
- Places to Visit in Tamil Nadu
- Romantic Things to Do in Tamil Nadu
- Tips for Traveling in Tamil Nadu
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Places to Visit in May in Tamil Nadu:
1. Ooty:
Known as the Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty is a popular tourist destination in Tamil Nadu, especially in May. The town is surrounded by the beautiful Nilgiri hills and offers breathtaking views of lush green landscapes, tea plantations, and waterfalls. Some of the must-visit places in Ooty include Doddabetta Peak, Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, and Rose Garden.
How to Reach Ooty:
The nearest airport to Ooty is Coimbatore International Airport, which is about 88 km away. You can also reach Ooty by train or road. The nearest railway station is in Mettupalayam, which is about 47 km away from Ooty.
Romantic Things to Do in Ooty:
- Take a romantic walk in the Botanical Garden
- Enjoy a romantic boat ride in the Ooty Lake
- Watch the beautiful sunset from the Doddabetta Peak
2. Kodaikanal:
Kodaikanal, also known as the Princess of Hill Stations, is another popular destination in Tamil Nadu in May. The town is located in the Palani hills and offers stunning views of valleys, forests, and waterfalls. Some of the must-visit places in Kodaikanal include Kodai Lake, Coaker’s Walk, Bryant Park, and Pillar Rocks.
How to Reach Kodaikanal:
The nearest airport to Kodaikanal is Madurai Airport, which is about 120 km away. You can also reach Kodaikanal by train or road. The nearest railway station is in Kodai Road, which is about 80 km away from Kodaikanal.
Romantic Things to Do in Kodaikanal:
- Take a romantic walk in the Coaker’s Walk
- Enjoy a romantic boat ride in the Kodai Lake
- Have a romantic picnic in the Bryant Park
3. Yercaud:
Yercaud, located in the Eastern Ghats, is a lesser-known hill station in Tamil Nadu but a perfect destination to visit in May. The town is known for its coffee plantations, orange groves, and beautiful natural surroundings. Some of the must-include Yercaud Lake, Shevaroy Temple, Killiyur Falls, and Pagoda Point.
How to Reach Yercaud:
The nearest airport to Yercaud is Coimbatore International Airport, which is about 190 km away. You can also reach Yercaud by train or road. The nearest railway station is in Salem, which is about 32 km away from Yercaud.
Romantic Things to Do in Yercaud:
- Enjoy a romantic walk around the Yercaud Lake
- Take a romantic trek to the Killiyur Falls
- Watch the beautiful sunset from the Pagoda Point
4. Coonoor:
Coonoor is a picturesque hill station located in the Nilgiri hills, which is a perfect destination for a romantic getaway in May. The town is known for its tea plantations, valleys, and waterfalls. Some of the must-visit places in Coonoor include Sim’s Park, Lamb’s Rock, Dolphin’s Nose, and Law’s Falls.
How to Reach Coonoor:
The nearest airport to Coonoor is Coimbatore International Airport, which is about 80 km away. You can also reach Coonoor by train or road. The nearest railway station is in Coonoor itself.
Romantic Things to Do in Coonoor:
- Take a romantic walk in the Sim’s Park
- Enjoy a romantic picnic in the Law’s Falls
- Watch the beautiful sunrise from the Dolphin’s Nose
5. Mahabalipuram:
Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient temples and beautiful beaches. May is an ideal time to visit Mahabalipuram as the weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds. Some of the must-visit places in Mahabalipuram include Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, and Mahabalipuram Beach.
How to Reach Mahabalipuram:
The nearest airport to Mahabalipuram is Chennai International Airport, which is about 57 km away. You can also reach Mahabalipuram by train or road. The nearest railway station is in Chengalpattu, which is about 30 km away from Mahabalipuram.
Romantic Things to Do in Mahabalipuram:
- Take a romantic walk on the Mahabalipuram Beach
- Enjoy a romantic sunset at the Shore Temple
- Explore the ancient temples of Pancha Rathas and Arjuna’s Penance
6. Kanyakumari:
Kanyakumari is a beautiful coastal town located at the southernmost tip of India, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning sunrises, and sunsets. Some of the must-visit places in Kanyakumari include Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Beach, and Padmanabhapuram Palace.
How to Reach Kanyakumari:
The nearest airport to Kanyakumari is Trivandrum International Airport, which is about 100 km away. You can also reach Kanyakumari by train or road. The nearest railway station is in Kanyakumari itself.
Romantic Things to Do in Kanyakumari:
- Watch the beautiful sunrise and sunset from the Kanyakumari Beach
- Take a romantic boat ride to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial
- Explore the ancient Padmanabhapuram Palace
7. Madurai:
Madurai, also known as the Athens of the East, is a city with a rich cultural heritage and history. The city is known for its beautiful temples, palaces, and festivals. May is a great time to visit Madurai as it is the month of Chithirai festival, which celebrates the marriage of Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi. Some of the must-visit places in Madurai include Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayak Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, and Vaigai Dam.
How to Reach Madurai:
The nearest airport to Madurai is Madurai International Airport, which is about 12 km away. You can also reach Madurai by train or road. The city has a well-connected railway station, and several buses ply to and from Madurai.
Romantic Things to Do in Madurai:
- Take a romantic walk around the Meenakshi Amman Temple
- Enjoy a romantic boat ride on the Vaigai Dam
- Attend the Chithirai festival and witness the grandeur of the Madurai culture
8. Rameswaram:
Rameswaram is a sacred town located on an island in the Gulf of Mannar. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, temples, and historic significance. Rameswaram is also one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Some of the must-visit places in Rameswaram include Ramanathaswamy Temple, Dhanushkodi Beach, Agnitheertham, and Pamban Bridge.
How to Reach Rameswaram:
The nearest airport to Rameswaram is Madurai International Airport, which is about 174 km away. You can also reach Rameswaram by train or road. The town has a well-connected railway station, and several buses ply to and from Rameswaram.
Romantic Things to Do in Rameswaram:
- Take a romantic walk on the Dhanushkodi Beach
- Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple and seek blessings together
- Take a romantic train ride on the Pamban Bridge
9. Yelagiri:
Yelagiri is another great destination to visit in Tamil Nadu in May. It is a small hill station located in the Vellore district of Tamil Nadu, and it is becoming increasingly popular among tourists due to its serene environment and picturesque landscapes.
How to Reach Yelagiri:
The nearest airport to Yelagiri is the Bangalore International Airport, which is around 160 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Yelagiri. The nearest railway station to Yelagiri is the Jolarpettai railway station, which is around 22 km away. From the station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Yelagiri. Yelagiri is well-connected by road, and you can take a bus or hire a taxi from Chennai, Bangalore, or Vellore.
10. Munnar:
Munnar is a beautiful hill station located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. The town is known for its lush green tea estates, scenic hills, and waterfalls. Some of the must-visit places in Munnar include Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak, and Top Station.
How to Reach Munnar:
The nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport, which is about 110 km away. You can also reach Munnar by train or road. The nearest railway station is Aluva, which is about 110 km away from Munnar.
Romantic Things to Do in Munnar:
- Take a Romantic Walk amidst Tea Plantations: Munnar is known for its tea estates, and taking a romantic walk amidst the tea plantations is an experience you should not miss. The greenery, the cool breeze, and the aroma of tea leaves make for a perfect romantic ambiance.
- Watch the Sunrise at Top Station: Top Station is one of the highest points in Munnar, and watching the sunrise from here is a romantic experience you should not miss. The panoramic view of the hills and valleys covered in mist is breathtakingly beautiful.
- Visit the Waterfalls: Munnar has some beautiful waterfalls like Attukad Waterfalls and Lakkam Waterfalls. Visiting these waterfalls with your loved one is a romantic experience you should not miss.
- Enjoy a Romantic Boat Ride in Kundala Lake: Kundala Lake is a serene and picturesque spot in Munnar, and you can rent a boat and take a romantic ride in the lake. The calm waters and the lush greenery make for a perfect romantic ambiance.
- Visit the Echo Point: Echo Point is a popular tourist spot in Munnar, and you can enjoy a romantic walk with your loved one amidst the misty hills. The place gets its name from the echo that reverberates here.
Tips for Traveling to Tamil Nadu in May:
- Carry light cotton clothes and comfortable footwear as the weather can be hot and humid.
- Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the scorching heat.
- Carry a mosquito repellent as there are chances of getting mosquito bites.
- Keep yourself hydrated and carry a water bottle with you at all times.
- Book your accommodations and transport in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
- Respect the local culture and traditions while visiting temples and other places of religious significance.