It’s winter again, and this time it’s making up for the last few. Most people plan to spend their holidays and week off curled up in a blanket and sipping hot chocolate. However, some, such as myself, love exploring distant places and enjoying the chilly weather (of course, while sipping hot chocolate). Many places in India to visit in winter make you want to wake up from your cozy bed and explore the season to the fullest. From Himachal Pradesh to Kerala, there are many places worth visiting in winter in India. This article lists the ten best place to enjoy the Vacation This Winter.
Gulmarg, Kashmir
Gulmarg is an best place to enjoy in winter. Skiing and snowboarding are popular because of the snow-covered landscape and frozen lakes. During the season, many trails become even more thrilling, satisfying adventure seekers’ appetite for adrenaline.
Must Do: Cable car ride
Shimla-Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
With its rolling hills and snow-covered forests, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. While sipping a cup of hot tea, one can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas from one of the many Mall Road restaurants.
Must Do: Ice skating at the open-air skating rink
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is India’s favorite winter destination; towering mountains, deodar trees, winding roads, and heavy snowfall. Snow lovers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers will love this Himachal Pradesh hill station. Manali will leave a memorable experience and will entice you to return again and again, whether it’s trekking up to Jogini Waterfalls, paragliding in Solang Valley, or mountain biking to Rohtang Pass.
Must Do: Food walk in Old Manali
Binsar, Uttarakhand
Among hill stations in India to visit in winter, Binsar is a lesser-known name. However, you will not be disappointed if you visit one of the most magnificent places you have ever seen. An ideal spot for photographers, it provides panoramic views of clouds-touching Kedarnath, Trishul, and Nanda Devi peaks. In addition, various flora and fauna can be found in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, making this hill resort even more exciting.
Must Do: A trip to Zero Point
Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
For those who enjoy the colonial charm, Dalhousie is the perfect destination. Winter brings out the utmost beauty of the place as the temperature falls below freezing point. In addition, Dalhousie hosts the National Himalayan Winter Trekking Expedition in December, attracting trekkers worldwide.
Must Do: A hike through the Deodar forest
Goa
The winter brings the party season all over the world. And no other better place to kick-start the New Year celebrations than the party capital of India – Goa! Serene beaches, pleasant climate, various water sports, throbbing nightclubs, and parties that continue till dawn make this destination a perfect getaway during winter. Apart from this, travelers can enjoy the place for the Goa Film Festival, Goa Carnival, and Christmas parties.
Must Do: Sunrise and sunset at one of the several beaches
Wayanad, Kerala
Wayanad is the best place to enjoy the hill station without feeling cold. It is a picturesque town with everything one looks for on a holiday – culture, food, history, and warm people. To make things more exciting, several bird-watching spots and trekking trails in Wayanad attract tourists from all over the country.
Must Do: A visit to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and Edakkal Caves
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Although Jaisalmer is hot and humid, planning to visit this desert city in the winter months of December and January is an ideal choice. Here, one can enjoy the activities like desert camping, quad biking, camel rides, dune bashing, parasailing, and more to keep the adventure junkies occupied. In addition, Nerasi Music School, Desert Festival, Sonar Quila, and Kuldhara Village take you on a cultural ride.
Must Do: A drive to the famous Longewala Post
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang is undoubtedly the most challenging place to visit in winter. Still, once you see the snow-capped Himalayas, valleys adorned with colorful prayer flags, and ancient monasteries, it is worth any effort. Take part in the Torgya Festival or Losar in Tawang in January or February if you’re interested in cultural events.
Must Do: A visit to Urgelling Monastery – the birthplace of the 6th Dalai Lama
Gangtok, Sikkim
Travelers of every kind can find an activity that suits their interests, whether they are Buddhist pilgrims, trekkers, tourists, or honeymooners. In addition to flora and fauna, tranquil high-altitude lakes, colorful monasteries, and real-life views of the Himalayas, this region is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Unfortunately, the temperature in Gangtok soars around 4 degrees even though there is no snowfall. So while packing, keep that in mind.
Must Do: A trip to Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake
Mentioned above are some of India’s best place to enjoy the Vacation this Winter, but the list is undoubtedly open to these. If you prefer to avoid traveling long distances during winter, there are several ways to enjoy the winter staying close to your city. But the only important thing is the willingness to wake up, leave the bed behind and start exploring.
