Would you rather hibernate under multiple blankets till April, or do you cherish the winter? Well, it is rather simple to enjoy and despise the weather. Whatever your preference, we all welcome the chilly winter’s arrival and the upcoming holiday.
The weather is unpredictable and erratic, yet it’s the ideal season for getaways. And know that whether you are in India or are planning a trip here soon, there are so many lovely winter destinations that you can never go wrong bookmarking any of them.
It might be difficult to decide which to choose first, which is why we are here to help you out. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 winter destinations in India to give you a sense of wintry splendor.
Manali
Manali has to be one of the most accommodating tourist destinations in India. This charming hill station offers many activities thanks to its exquisite cuisine, snow-capped mountains, and unique cultural traditions.
In Manali, you can reward and spoil yourself with pastimes like cable car, ice skating, and hell skiing while indulging in delectable local cuisine at the market. While we’re on the subject of cuisines, it’d be a crime to miss out on trying Bhey – a spicy delicacy made with lotus stems or roots.
Another appealing winter activity to indulge in when Manali is the hot springs of the Vashisht village; it’s located a little outside of Manali, but you can easily reach there in a one-hour drive.
Finally, end your trip on a spiritual note by paying the Hidimba Devi Temple. It is believed that Hidimba – the wife of Bhima from Mahabharata – had meditated and attained the status of a Goddess right here.
Dalhousie
Do you intend to get away from the daily grind and inject excitement into your life? Why not give Dalhousie, an ice hill station, a chance?
Thanks to its snow-capped mountains, the area, surrounded by five hills and thick forests, has attracted many tourists. You may explore many historically noteworthy Victorian and Scottish buildings in the region too. If you’re nearby, stop by the Satdhara, which translates for seven springs.
Bakrota Hills, sometimes called Upper Bakrota, is a pretty place near the destination. You can also travel to places like Subhash Baoli, Chamba, and Ganji Pahari, among others.
Nainital
Who doesn’t adore a beautiful winter landscape? You can enjoy all the joys you deserve in Nainital. The snowfall is a key factor that draws visitors to this area. You can get to Snow View Point via cable car, where you might be able to catch a glimpse of the Himalayan peaks Nanda Kot and Nanda Devi.
Even if you don’t like exploring the area much, go sightseeing at Naini Lake or unwind in your hotel room and enjoy the snowfall.
Make sure your dates coincide with the three-day Nainital winter carnival if you are already planned a winter tour. You can participate in the zip line, paragliding, other festival activities, and birdwatching at Pangot and Sattal.
Darjeeling
The picturesque hill town of Darjeeling is renowned for its rich culture and beauty. Tiger Hill is a must-visit if you want to see the fiery sun rays adorning the snow-capped hills. The region is also home to the charming toy train trip, the Himalayan Railway, which runs from Ghum and Sonada to Jalpaiguri.
If you want to enjoy the lush tea and scenic beauty, board the ropeway in the Darjeeling Rangit Valley Ropeway. Other places beautifying Darjeeling are the Peace Pagoda, Singalia National Park, and the rock garden.
Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a cherished dream you must realize if you adore the winter. The area will astound you if you are a skier because it is virtually a sanctuary for them. Areas with readily available ski equipment, lots of snow, and challenging slopes entice skiers worldwide.
If you visit Gulmarg, you must ride the gondola. The ride is available in Phase 1 (Gulmarg Resort to Kongdori station) and Phase II ( Kongdori station to Kongdori Mountain).
You can go to destinations like Maharani Temple. Don your shoes and explore this place which is also home to the highest golf course in the world.
Great Rann of Kutch
The Great Rann of Kutch is another one of the ideal winter destinations in India. While this salt marshland looks breathtaking all year round, it is only during winter months that you get to attend the Rann Utsav – a unique event where you explore the art, music, dance, and culture of the region in the most authentic manner.
Here’s a glimpse of the Rann Utsav for you:
Beyond the festival, you can also embark on a camel safari, dabble in extreme sports like paragliding and dirt biking. Your winter buffet in the place will include delectable dishes like Bajra roti, Kutchi dabeli, and khichdi, in addition to a glass of chhas.
Patnitop
Patnitop is unquestionably one of India’s winter wonderlands. Most visitors to this picturesque hill station come between December and March. You must go to Nathatop, which is perpetually blanketed in a layer of snow.
Kud Park is renowned for its lovely scenery and tranquil atmosphere, perfect if you want to sit and recharge. There is a historic Naag Mandir that is quite well known. People believe that your wishes will be fulfilled if you put them on paper and place them here.
Jaisalmer
When visiting Jaisalmer in the winter, you’ll fall in love with the city’s unpretentious charm. You can view the splendor of the Thar desert at this time of year from the city. In addition, you may go on a camel safari in Jaisalmer without being too hot from the sun.
Don’t miss listening to the local music either. Make sure your tour dates coincide with the desert festivals held there to take advantage of them. You must check out the city’s living fort, Golden Fort, and Sonar Quila.
Binsar
If you enjoy being in nature, Binsar is the perfect place for you to calm down. In this charming hill station, you must explore Zero Point, situated in the Binsar wildlife sanctuary. Furthermore, this is the place for you if you like to hike. Camping in the lush, green forests is a great way to make lifelong trip memories.
There are also two well-known tourist attractions, Pariyadeva Pashan, and Crank’s Ridge. This place is for you if you’re an adventure junkie who wants to attempt paragliding while enjoying snow-capped mountains.
You can indulge in a snack binge at the nearby restaurants while also taking in some bird watching. If you’re a photographer searching for inspiration, the area’s night sky could be your muse.
Auli
Auli is a place that looks straight out of a fairytale, and we’re not joking. The region is renowned worldwide for its ski resorts. If you’re a traveler who values both the route and the destination equally, visiting this place will be visually appealing. You will all become fascinated with this place after only one look at it in the winter.
If you are eager to indulge in adventurous activities on foot, the Gurson Bugyal trek will be a dream come true! This moderate, 3-kilometers-long trek that takes you to a lush green pasture land surrounded by coniferous trees on all sides. Less than a kilometer away from Gurson Bugyal is Chattarkund – a lake well-recognized for its sweet, crystal-clear water.
Lastly, you must not miss out on the local cuisine of the region – make it a point to try dishes like kachmauli and bal mithai for some tasty treats.
In the end
This concludes our blog, which introduced you to the top 10 winter destinations in India.
Winter opens up a new world for us, with savoring hot chocolate, indulging in winter sports, and taking in snow-covered mountains. If you wish to sate your winter wanderlust, we hope you check out these amazing places.
We hope you can plan a vacation soon to enjoy these magical winter paradises!