Top 10 winter destinations in India

India is a land of many seasons and geographic conditions. Considering this, decision of traveling during the winter season depends entirely on whether you wish to see the snow or not. People who usually travel to the mountains of Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand would prefer warmer destinations. On the other hand, some tourists would like to enjoy the snowfall and even would like to experience winter sports in destinations such as Manali and Auli.

We have compiled a list of the top 10 winter destinations to consider while traveling in India. This list is quite balanced and includes warm destinations as well as destinations to experience snowfall and winter sports.

❖   Goa

Goa is on top of our list as it is one of the best places to visit if you want to escape the chills of the winter. Many international tourists visiting India prefer to travel to Goa to party and enjoy the sunny weather and beautiful beaches. During the winter months, the tourism season starts and a huge influx of tourists start to pour into Goa. You can enjoy water sports, music festivals, and the nightlight of Goa along with the beautiful beaches and local seafood.

❖   Jaipur, Rajasthan

The monsoon season is a great time to visit Rajasthan and all its popular destinations. Jaipur is the capital city of Rajasthan and is culturally rich with opportunities to explore the markets, heritage buildings, and delicious local cuisines. Jaipur is popularly known as the ‘Pink City’ and the winter months are the beginning of the tourist season and cultural festivals in Rajasthan.

❖   Kovalam, Kerala

Summers are quite harsh in Kerala but during the winter months, Kerala is a great destination to enjoy the pleasant weather. Along with great beaches and watersports, you can enjoy a huge array of South Indian food. Ayurvedic massages, dance courses, and yoga are some of the best experiences you can have as a traveler.

❖   Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is a collection of 36 islands with pristine beaches and unique tribal culture to explore. If you wish to escape the winters, Lakshadweep is a great destination. One thing to note is that out of 36 islands only a few are open for tourism. December is a great time to visit Lakshadweep and enjoy the many available water sports activities.

❖   Auli, Uttarkhand

Auli is popularly known as the Ski capital of India. It is a great winter destination for witnessing snowfall and experiencing a wide variety of winter sports. Blessed with gorgeous views of several mountain peaks such as Mana Parvat, Nanda Devi, and Kamat Kamet. Several Hindu temples are also available for tourists to visit. If you want to experience extreme winter weather along with beautiful sights to enjoy, then do consider Auli as an option.

❖   Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Winters bring out a totally different aspect of Shimla and many people from around India visit Shimla during this time. Although it is a popular summer destination, it is also a favorite winter destination for many people. The snowfall is particularly an experience that is a popular attraction in Shimla. Honeymoon couples and winter sports enthusiasts prefer traveling to Shimla in winter.

❖   Kutch, Gujarat

The famous white desert of Gujarat is a great destination to visit in winter. During November and December, the desert dries up and becomes white. Photographers are particularly interested in the barren landscape of the desert. A popular festival called ‘Rann Utsav’ is also held during the winter season.

❖   Nagaland

The much lesser-known destination in North India is Nagaland. It is probably one of the best choices to consider traveling to during the winter season. For nature lovers, trekking enthusiasts, and photographers, Nagaland is a perfect destination. It has a rich tribal culture with local festivals, traditions, and food options to experience. The winter season brings out a great aspect of Nagaland which is worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime.

❖   Agra, Uttar Pradesh

During the summer months, Agra is quite hot and it is very uncomfortable to travel during this time. Winter is considered a perfect time to visit Agra and many of its beautiful monuments including the majestic Taj Mahal. During winters, you can enjoy the sun and it is quite comfortable to walk through the city markets.

❖   Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world which is situated on the banks of the holy river of Ganges. It is one of the most popular destinations and is visited by thousands of tourists from all around the world. It is also a place of pilgrimage and has a spiritual vibe to it. Winter time is the best time to visit Varanasi and experience various Hindu rituals and classical music events near the ‘Ghats’ of Varanasi. It is a must-visit destination in North India.

Conclusion:

Winter time is usually great for visiting places that are quite hot in the summer months. If you are planning to travel to places that are snow-laden, it is advised that you pack accordingly before you start your journey. Do check the weather conditions to make sure your journey is comfortable. The places in the above-mentioned list are some of the best you can visit during the winter months.