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While some people want the warmth of dessert, others prefer views of snow-laden mountain peaks. In contrast, few more desire fun of tropical beaches.
Here is a list of the 23 best places to visit in winter in India, combining a mixture of all the above. So plan a trip to any of these places and enjoy the postcard scenery for a picture-perfect holiday!
Here is a list of some of the 23 best places to visit in winter in India. It contains information regarding the top things to do, where to visit, the average expense spent on each trip and more to plan your trip comprehensively.
Nestled in the northernmost region, Gulmarg is a magical town to visit in winter. During this time, its lakes get frozen, and the full landscape gets covered in snow. Thus it makes the perfect setting for trying snow activities like snowboarding and skiing. The two points where you can try it are Apharwat ridge and Kongdori. In addition, it is also connected via a cable car service called Gondola ride.
Shimla, also known as the Queen of Hills, is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and one of the top places to visit in India in winter. During this period, the temperature falls even below zero and thus often experiences snowfall. Other top highlights that attract tourists from worldwide are the availability of strong coffee and the chance to ice skate and try skiing.
Lastly, it is a photographer’s paradise thanks to its picturesque landscapes.
Blessed with winding roads, heavy snowfalls, towering deodars and snow-capped mountains, Manali is one of the top winter destinations in India. It offers breath-taking views of the Dhalaudhar, and Pir Panjal ranges, covered with snow almost annually.
Moreover, here people can also find cosy homestays and hostels with dorm beds to stay for as long as they want at low prices.
Auli, the skiing capital of India, is dotted with pine trees, apple orchards, and old oak. Perched at 2800m above sea level, it houses three beautiful mountains: Mana Parvat, Nanda Devi, and Kamat Kamet. Apart from skiing, Auli is also famous for its hill resort in the Himalayan range, built in the 8th Century AD.
A lesser-known hill station, Binsar is located at an altitude of 420m and is one of the best places to visit during winter in India. It is a quaint little town in Uttarakhand that is peaceful and less populated. It offers spectacular views of the cloud-touching peak of the Kedarnath, Nanda Devi and Trishul ranges. Another highlight of this place is it houses a wide variety of flora and fauna inside Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Another hill from the Himachal Pradesh region, Dalhousie, forms a beautiful winter destination with snow-capped mountains and valleys. Established in 1854, this town is named after Lord Dalhousie. It held great importance among the Britishers; thus, you will also find a colonial vibe here.
Other highlights include Scottish and Victorian architecture, pine-clad valleys, meadows, jungle and waterfalls.
Rann of Kutch, also known as India's white desert, is a part of Gujarat. It resembles the shape of a tortoise and is famous for its Rann Utsav (a cultural festival that lasts for two months). People come here from all parts of the world to witness the vast expanses of the white salt desert and try various adventure activities like hot-air ballooning.
Moreover, as the place lies on the India-Pakistan border, you can also see some parts of Pakistan through Kutch.
While there is no dedicated month to visit Goa, if you visit the place in winter, you get to attend the Christmas carnival. Also, here December is marked with the SUNBURN festival. Apart from this, this party capital of India is always thriving with loud music, delectable dishes and a crazy crowd.
However, if you are not a party person, you can soak your feet in the soft sand and enjoy the warm sun amidst chilly weather.
Nestled in God’s Own Country, Kerala, Wayanad is one of India's top places to visit during winter. It is sprawling with spice plantations and wildlife. Moreover, it is also home to an exquisite range of flora and fauna. Snuggled amidst the serene hills of the Western Ghats, this place is blessed with historical caves, waterfalls, comfortable resorts and homestays.
Furthermore, it also has a trekking trail that is pleasant to walk during winter.
Udaipur, also called the Venice of the East, is blessed with several medieval marvels and lakes. Visitors come to this town from different locations to witness the magnificent Lake Palace and Jag Mandir. Another highlight of this place is it is enveloped by the stunning Aravalli Hills, thus offering breathtaking views of the peak.
Moreover, it is the grandeur of the Rajpur Era, so that you will find a royal influence in its architecture.
Jaisalmer, rightly called the ‘Golden City,' is located in the north-western part of Rajasthan. It is named so because of the presence of golden dunes and castles dressed in golden honey sandstone. Though it is hot and humid during the summer, December and January are the perfect months to explore this desert city.
Also, plan your trip in a way so you can attend the great Desert Festival.
Located at an altitude of 3048m above sea level, Tawang is an off-beat hill station in Arunachal Pradesh. What makes it the best winter destination in India is that it receives snowfall during that period. Moreover, it also houses the 400-year-old monastery Tawang Monastery, Tawang War Memorial, and Giant Buddha Statue.
Lastly, the place offers a close view of the Himalayan ranges.
Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim and home to the old Indo-China Silk route, has something to offer everyone. From rich flora and fauna to colourful monasteries and high-altitude lakes, Gangtok is a wholesome place. Though the town does not receive any snowfall, the temperature drops to 4 degrees or more in winter.
Moreover, it also offers a surreal view of the snow-capped Himalayas.
Located only 18 km from Kangra city, Dharamshala is among the top winter tourist places in India. It is also called the ‘Little Lhasa’ and is encircled by the Dhauladhar ranges from all sides. Another highlight of this place is it is largely populated with Tibetans who are the followers of ‘His Holiness - The Dalai Lama.’
Additionally, you will find narrow streets, colonial buildings and alpine vegetation here.
Also known as the Queen of the Hills, Mussoorie becomes a white paradise in winter. This is due to the heavy snowfall it receives. It is located at a distance of 290 km from Delhi. Moreover, it is blessed with a backdrop of the Shivalik and Doon Valley.
Further, the height of this place, i.e., 7000m above sea level, ensures a chilly climate and a clear view of the Himalayan ranges.
Jodhpur, also known as the ‘Blue City’ of Rajasthan, steals the show with its impressive Mehrangarh Fort. It is the second-largest city of the state and the former capital of Marwar. People come here from different parts to attend the Rajasthan International Folk Festival held in October.
What more? Here everything is blue in colour, i.e., houses, walls, temples, etc.
Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, derives its name from the idol Lei Shillong worshipped by the locals at Shillong Peak. This town is called the ‘Scotland of the East’ and stands tall at 1496m above sea level. Winters is the best time to visit this place when the weather is chilly, and you get to explore crystal clear lakes, enticing mountain peaks, and beautiful golf courses.
Varanasi is one of India's oldest living cities and spiritual capital. It lies along the western banks of the Ganges and sprawls across the labyrinth of narrow Galis. Devotees come here yearly to hop the different sacred ghats, chant religious hymns and detoxify souls in ashrams.
In addition, the town also arranges religious ceremonies that you can attend.
Nashik, the holy Hindu city, is also a paradise for wine lovers. This city is situated in the state of Maharashtra and snuggled along the banks of river Godavari. Another highlight that attracts tourists is it hosts a Kumbh Mela every 12 years.
What more? The city houses multiple temples dedicated to Hindu Mythology in which Lakshman cut the nose of Suparnakha for enticing Lord Rama.
If you want to get a feel of the French colony in India, visit Pondicherry which was earlier called Puducherry). It records a pleasant temperature during December and offers a dreamy escape by mixing the beauties of Indian sensibilities and French architecture. The streets are dotted with bougainvillea-laden walls, cosy cafes and chic boutiques.
Encircled by the beautiful Nilgiris, Ooty is another best winter spots in India. This surreal hill station is a part of Southern India and is adorned by a thick forest of Eucalyptus, pine and coniferous trees. Another highlight of this town is it houses many remnants of the colonial period, such as St. Stephen’s Church.
Lastly, it has the steepest track in Asia, running through the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
Nestled in the Western Ghats Coorg is another surreal hill station of Karnataka. Here tourists can find the perfect amalgamation of majestic waterfalls, coffee plantations, and peaceful surroundings. One famous thing about this place is the Kodavas. It is a local clan specialising in martial arts and provides great hospitality.
Munnar, called Kashmir of the South, is a hill station in Kerala. It stands high at 1600m above sea level and is famous for being home to the rare flower Neelakurinji. The unique thing about this flower is it blooms once every 12 years.
Also, here you will find a wide variety of spices, including clove, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, coffee, nutmeg, etc.
These are only a few of the best places to visit in winter in India; there are many more that you can explore. Every header here contains what these places are famous for, how to reach them, the average cost you can expect to spend and more. So, consider this travel guide and plan accordingly to embark on the perfect trip this winter.
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