Have you realized that it is already November? Soon, many of us will be bidding the city “adieu” and for our winter getaways. Thanks to the incredible diversity of India, there is something on offer for everyone. When you decide to head out on your winter vacation, go ahead and choose from snowy mountains, picturesque valleys, sunny beaches, to deeply-spiritual places and old historic towns.
In this blog, we present our pick of some popular winter destinations in India:
1. Manali and Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh
– Choose from: Snow sports, skiing, cozy cafes, hot springs.
– Best Time to Visit: December to February, when the region is covered in snow.
– Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, snow trekking, and paragliding.
2. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
– Claim to Fame: Reputed as India’s premier skiing destination.
– Best Time to Visit: December to March for skiing and snowboarding.
– Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, gondola rides with breathtaking views.
3. Auli, Uttarakhand
– Spoil Yourself With: Mesmerizing views of the Himalayas and excellent skiing slopes.
– Best Time to Visit: December to February.
– Activities: Skiing, trekking, cable car rides, and soaking in spiritual vibes by visiting nearby temples.
4. Rajasthan (Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer)
– What Makes it Special: Historic forts, vibrant festivals, national parks, desert safaris.
– Best Time to Visit: October to early- March, with pleasant daytime weather.
– Activities: Camel safaris, sightseeing, shopping for exquisite textiles and silverware, cultural events like the Desert Festival in Jaisalmer.
5. Goa
– What Makes it Unique: Scenic beaches, vibrant nightlife, New Year’s celebrations.
– Best Time to Visit: November to February.
– Activities: Water sports, beach hopping, and attending the Goa Carnival in February.
6. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
– Why it’s Special: White salt desert, cultural festivals, folk performances.
– Best Time to Visit: November to February, especially during the Rann Utsav.
– Activities: Desert safaris, stargazing, attending traditional performances.
7. Kerala (Munnar, Alleppey, Wayanad)
– Highlights: Lush landscapes, soothing backwaters, traditional houseboats.
– Best Time to Visit: October to March for cooler and drier weather.
– Activities: Houseboat cruises, tea plantation tours, exploring wildlife sanctuaries.
8. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
– Soak in the Beauty of: Clear blue waters, stunning coral reefs, serene beaches.
– Best Time to Visit: November to February.
– Activities: Snorkeling, scuba diving, beach relaxation, and exploring historical sites like Cellular Jail.
9. Darjeeling (West Bengal) and Gangtok (Sikkim)
– Take in: Stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga, serene Buddhist monasteries, lush green tea estates.
– Best Time to Visit: October to December for clear mountain views.
– Activities: Sightseeing, trekking, and visiting Buddhist monasteries.
10. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
– Revel in: Calm and beautiful Buddhist monasteries, snow-capped mountains, traditional festivals.
– Best Time to Visit: November to February for winter snow and Torgya Festival.
– Activities: Trekking, attending local festivals, visiting Tawang Monastery.
Trust us, it is quite tough to pick out only a handful because India’s winter destinations are vast and varied and promise something for every traveller, whether you’re looking for a snowy escape, a tropical retreat, or a rich cultural, spiritual, or historical experience. You may be an adrenaline junkie, a romantic soul, or looking to get your fix of party and night life. You may well be a placid spiritual vacationer who has nothing to do with noisy tourists and the hurly-burly chaos of popular holiday destinations. Or, you may be a young parent with small children or travelling with your pet. With a little research, you are sure to hit upon the right winter holiday destination for yourself. So, remember, our list is only indicative, and has our pick of our hot choices. Feel free to be yourself and choose the one that appeals most to you. Happy Holidays, in advance!
Celeb Thoughts on Their Winter Holiday Travel Plans
Manali Dey – A little challenging to take exclusive time out for the winter vacations this year as I shall be working mostly through the period. When I get free, it may not coincide with my other family members. We have a house in Bolpur that always makes for a charming stay. Maybe, we shall head out for it. I do hope I shall get some time to plan for a destination with my family soon!
Arpan Ghoshal – So many variables make it tough for me to plan a holiday. I am happy to stay put in my own familiar surroundings and enjoy the season. In case a family member does the entire research and planning and all I have to do is to simply go, I am only too happy to tag along!
Gaurav Chakraborty – My wife, Riddhima, and I love to travel. I enjoy doing the research on preferred destinations, shortlisting the one we both prefer, planning out the finer points of travel. As we have been rather busy with our individual assignments all this while, we intend to start destination planning now. For that matter, Riddhima is already on it for this year’s winter vacation.
Anindita – Well, I certainly hope I will finalize my winter holiday destination soon and head out of the city for a breather.
Surangana – Nope! All the travel that is likely to happen right now will be essentially work-related. In any case, I don’t possess the skills that Gaurav da and Riddima do – meticulously planning a travel holiday. I wish I did!
With inputs from Antaripa Mukherjee and Neha Karmakar
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