Idukki in May splits across the elevation gradient. The cardamom belt (Kattappana, Vandanmedu, Vandiperiyar at 1000-1500m) holds 22-28C daytime and remains workable — cardamom flowering tail continues, plantation walks at ₹500-800 deliver. Lower Idukki (Painavu, Cheruthoni at 600-800m) hits 26-35C with 80 percent humidity, Wildlife Sanctuary trails workable only 6am-9am and post-5pm. The Idukki Arch Dam (168.91m height) KSEB permit at Cheruthoni office runs 9am-12pm but the 2km escorted walk to the viewing platform compresses to early morning. By the third week, southwest monsoon advance squalls hit the district — afternoon downpours, hour-long, then back to muggy sun. Pre-monsoon thunderstorms knock electric supply 2-4 hours daily. NH85 Kochi-Thekkady traffic gets first landslide-prone week from May 22-28 onward. Hotel rates at year-low: homestays ₹700-1,800, mid-bracket resorts ₹2,200-4,500. Lock the first 10 days; gamble or skip the last fortnight.

Why May scores 4.0/10