Winters are associated with freezing temperatures and it also is the season of celebration, festivities, and holidays. Christmas followed by the New Year celebrations all bring a long vacation for children and elders even. Undoubtedly, this calls for planning a Winter tour in India. As India is a tropical country, winters are not too extreme, and travelling is feasible. Also, with its varying topography and geographical conditions, the weather conditions vary across regions. This gives us plenty of options to choose from where you can spend your me-time, family-time, friends-time, office bonding-time, and so on.
Today, Travellers Near Me has brought for you a list of 20 Best Places to Visit in Winter in India which you should visit. Go through the list, and then decide for yourselves whether you want to go camel riding in the cold desserts of the north-west, skiing in the north, backwaters frolicking in the south, etc. So, here we go!
Best Places To Visit In Winter In India:
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Shillong: With 12-20 degree temperature, the ‘Scotland of the East’, Shillong makes for a great Winter tour in India. This is the only hill station in India which is accessible from all the sides. The mountain peaks, the museums, the golf courses, and especially the crystal clear lakes and rivers in Shillong makes it a more exciting place to be at.
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Tawang: Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, is birth-place of Dalai Lama. With its snow wrapped Himalayan mountains and valleys it is a great skiing destination. Peppered with several montasaries and colourful flags you can experience a spiritual solace, the Torgya festival in October, Hornbill festival in December, and Tibetan new year festival celebrations in February.
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Kohima: Kohima in Nagaland is a great winter destination for North East. December in Nagaland sees celebration of the Hornbill festival which is a celebration of traditional songs, dances, as well as theatre performances. And yes, there is Hornbill Rock Festival in which several Indian bands perform.
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Leh, Ladakh: Leh is generally best to be visited in April to June, however, if you can chill in the chill, Ladakh can be a blast in winters. It has to offer the only frozen ice trek you can do in India. Other treks that you can try out are – Chadar trek, Liker-Kaltse trek, Samboo-Khalsar trek, Sham trek, etc. Just to remind you, you will be accompanied by extreme temperatures of -14 degrees.
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Gulmarg: Gulmarg is the meadow of flowers situated in Jammu Kashmir. Gulmarg is snow-filled. It makes for a great skiing destination. If you are simply beginners, you can try inbound skiing with experts giving lessons; and if pro, you can go for outbound skiing. Other places worth visiting are Frozen Alpathaer Lake and Gulmarg Golf Course.
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Auli: Auli in Uttarakhand is the Skiing destination in India and skiing lovers and enthusiasts arrive here in winters to enjoy the sports. Even if you are not into skiing, you can simply enjoy frolicking in the snow, enjoy snowball fights, make snowmen, partake in other adventure sports and have a memorable winter.
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Manali: Situated in Himachal Pradesh; Manali is a Hill station where Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass (a rather dangerous landscape) are attractions. They are blanketed with snow in winters so you can enjoy skiing, sledging, ice climbing, etc.; and viewing breathtaking scenery. It’s a treat for Ice sports lovers and photographers. And yes, don’t miss the Manali Winter Carnival in January which is a celebration of the culture of Himachal and winter sports.
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Dalhousie: Dalhousie is a town in Himachal Pradesh. With its mountain peaks and Deodar filled forests covered in snow, Dalhousie makes a beautiful picturesque tourist place. It’s a must-visit in winter due to the snow, and yes, of course, the National Himalayan Winter Trekking Expedition in December is every trekker's dream.
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Rann of Kutch: Winters make the best time to visit the White Desert with its mirage creating salt deposits. From October to February Dhordo Village in Kutch celebrates ‘Rann Kutch Utsav’. Visit to enjoy the art workshops, Gujarati cultural music and dancing, staying in tribal tents, etc.
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Goa: While Goa is anytime party destination, winters are more special. Firstly, there is decorations & preps for New Year and Christmas. Then, there is the Mando Festival, Sunburn Festival, and the Goa Art & Literature Festival, all celebrated in winters. Thus, Goa becomes a wild combination of party, festivities, and celebration of arts.
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Diu Daman: Having pristine and clean beaches, breathtaking scenery, mild 16-23 degree Celsius temperature; that’s the Union Territory of Diu and Daman for you. Its serene beaches make it a great honeymoon destination. Diu also celebrates a December festival of which you can be a part of. And yes, it’s one of the affordable destinations you can visit in winters, making a quite replacement for Goa.
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Pushkar: Pushkar in Rajasthan is a well-known Hindu pilgrimage site to visit. The Pushkar Fair conducted in Kartik month, however, makes it worth visiting in winter. This week-long fair is organized with colourful themes, carries out cultural competitions & events, trades livestock, and is attended by 2,00,000 + Indian and international tourists.
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Jaisalmer: Situated near the Thar Desert, winter is the ideal time to visit Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Visit Sam/Khuri sand-dunes for desert camping, camel safari and viewing of desert sunrise and sunset. India’s only lived-in fort – Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer War Museum, and 4 days long Jaisalmer Desert Fest in February can also be included.
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Jodhpur: Referred to as ‘Sun City’ Jodhpur, Rajasthan is usually arid, thus is best visited in Winter. It has several temples, palaces, forts, etc. which are the epitome of cultural history. Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jaswant Thada cenotaph, Mehrangarh Fort, Sardar Market, etc. are some places not to miss.
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Ranthambore: Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan is famous for wildlife tourism and Tiger reserve. It is home to several animal species and endangered tigers. With the reduced temperature in October to March, it is easier to spot a tiger which makes winter the perfect time to be here.
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Udaipur: The ‘City of Lakes’, Udaipur is a mesmerizing destination with palaces and monuments constructed in white granites and marble. With the temperatures lowered in winter, you can enjoy boating at Pichola Lake; explore the Rajasthani culture at Bagore ki Haveli, and the architecture of Udaipur City Palace.
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Gokarna: Gokarna in Karnataka is a well known Hindu pilgrimage destination. However in winter, especially in December, with the celebrations of Christmas and New Year, this town gears towards becoming a party place with plenty tropical beaches which are crowded with more international tourists. You could try it instead of Goa.
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Konark: The Sun Temple of Konark is a great architectural piece which is world renowned, however, Konark in December is a must visit for all art lovers. This is because of the Konark Dance Festival which celebrates the beauty of Indian Classical Dances. And yes, the golden Konark beach cannot be forgotten too.
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Wayanad: Wayanad in Kerala green covered Western Ghats, is ideal for adventure seekers with several trek routes. With the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary animal spotting and bird watching, large spread spice plantations, cosy and naturesque homestays and resorts, this place is heaven for nature lovers.
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Kovalam: Idyllic beach town by the warm Arabian sea, three picturesque beaches lined by coconut trees, breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, simply laying on the beach and sunbathing, and of course great food to appease your taste buds – if this is what you envision your winer trip to be like, Kovalam in Kerala is your place.
So this was our list guys. The vast geographical expense of India allows for India tour packages to provide something for everyone - some for nature lovers, some for adventure seekers, some for spiritual solace, some for its pure beauty. If any of the above places has clicked with you, simply get to for Travellers Near Me and make bookings to these places.
