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Winter months in India are usually the peak tourist season when you have so many places to explore across the country. From the snow-covered hill stations to serene beaches and vibrant deserts, there are so many experiences waiting to be unravelled. Whether you wish to indulge in some winter sports activities or unwind amid nature, there are several places to visit in winter in India. This diversity offers travellers a unique opportunity to explore the country’s beauty from the chilly heights of the Himalayas to the warm shores of the Arabian Sea.
Top 8 Places To Visit In Winter In India
From the snow-draped meadows of Gulmarg to the sun-soaked beaches of Goa, winter is the perfect time to explore the Indian landscape in all its glory.
1. Gulmarg Jammu And Kashmir
Photo: Azmaan Baluch / Unsplash.com
During winter months, Gulmarg transforms into a winter wonderland, covered in snow. Taking the Gulmarg Gondola ride offers panoramic views of the snow-dusted roofs of the trees and buildings and the skiing experiences that tourists indulge in. Once you reach Apharwat Peak, several winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, etc. You can glide down the snow-covered slopes for the ultimate adventure. A few trekking trails like the Alpather Lake trek are accessible as well, one of the best places to visit in winter in India.
Weather in Winter: – 4°C to 11°C.
Top tourist attractions: Gulmarg Gondola, Apharwat Peak, Gulmarg Golf Course, St. Mary’s Church, and Khilanmarg.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In North East India
2. Binsar Uttarakhand
Photo: Solarshakti / Wikimedia Commons
Located on top of a ridge in the Kumaon Hills in Uttarakhand, Binsar offers views of the snow-capped Himalayas, which is nothing short of a paradise. The best views of the surroundings can be seen from Binsar Zero Point, which requires a short hike. Despite the risks, paragliding is a popular activity during winter months in Binsar. You can enjoy bird watching at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary or go for a forest walk around the sanctuary to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
Weather in Winter: 0°C to 15°C
Top tourist attractions: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Zero Point, Binsar Mahadev Temple, and Kasar Devi Temple.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
3. Tawang Arunachal Pradesh
Photo: Arpandhar / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best places to visit in winter in India is Tawang. Located in the Eastern Himalayas, Tawang has a lot of secrets ready to unravel. You can find some peace by meditating at Taktsang Gompa, followed by exploring the popular passes, including the Sela Pass. You can’t miss out on visiting the Tawang Monastery, one of the largest in the country. Taking a stroll around Madhuri Lake or stopping at Bumla Pass for some sightseeing during the winter months and indulging in the local culture is one of the must-do.
Weather in Winter: -11°C to 10°C.
Top tourist attractions: Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Tawang War Memorial, Gorichen Peak, and Sangetsar Lake.
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 Days
Suggested Read: Famous Beaches In India To Help You Take A Dive In Natural Beauty
4. Auli Uttarakhand
Photo: Rahul Ranjan / Unsplash.com
One of the must-visit destinations in India during the winter months is Auli in Uttarakhand. It is a premier ski destination in the world, so winter months beckons travellers from across the world. The well-groomed slopes and the stunning views of the Himalayas make your vacation a truly memorable one. You can witness the snow-covered hill station from the Auli ropeway or explore the natural trails going on the Gorson trek or Kuari Pass trek. Also, don’t miss out on exploring the rich biodiversity of the area at the Nanda Devi National Park.
Weather in Winter: -4°C to 10°C.
Top tourist attractions: Artificial Ski Resort, Nanda Devi National Park, Trishul Peak, Auli Lake, and Gurson Bugyal.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
5. Dalhousie Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Amareshwara Saindh / Wikimedia Commons
The small town of Dalhousie allures its tourists with its slow and laid back and colonial charm. During winter, the surroundings are covered in snow-clad mountains and the chilly weather makes it a perfect spot for you to eat some dumplings and sip on some hot tea on your vacation. You can start your trip with a stroll on Garam Sarak, followed by a quick visit to the Devi Dehra Rock Garden. A quick trek to the Bara Pathar Temple is ideal for those looking for spiritual and divine blessings. You can end the winter trip with a day trip exploring Chamba town and a short visit to Khajjiar, famous for its lake, which will be completely frozen in winter.
Weather in Winter: -2°C to 10°C.
Top tourist attractions: Panchpula, Sach Pass, St. Andrew’s Church, Khajjiar, and Subhash Baoli.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In December In India
6. Rann of Kutch Gujarat
Photo: Ranjit Kumar Inbasenkaran / Wikimedia Commons
The beauty of Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is at its peak during the winter months when the Rann Utsav takes place and it is one of the best places to visit in winter in India. The majority of the tourists planning their winter vacation to Rann of Kutch usually do so mainly to attend the Rann Utsav. Getting an up-close view of the heritage, crafts, music, and dance of Gujarat during the festival is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can also take a short detour to Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary to explore the wildlife species like Nilgai, Hyenas, Wild Boards etc or a small trip to Kutch Museum to learn about the local culture and heritage.
Weather in Winter: 12°C to 25°C.
Top tourist attractions: Great Rann of Kutch, Dholavira, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Kutch Museum, and Hodko.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
7. Dawki Meghalaya
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
An offbeat location from Meghalaya, Dawki is renowned for its crystal-clear Umngot River. However, the beauty of this river is witnessed best during the winter months, which explains why most tourists plan their vacation around that time. With the receding water level during the winter months, the mesmerising views of the river on a boat ride under the Dawki Bridge are truly a unique experience. A visit to nearby villages like Shnongpdeng and Mawlynnong gives you an insight into the rich local culture and biodiversity which Meghalaya is blessed with.
Weather in Winter: 10°C to 20°C.
Top tourist attractions: Umngot River, Shnongpdeng, Mawlynnong, Wei Sawdong, and Nohkalikai Falls.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: A Detailed Guide To Some Of The Best Hill Stations In India
8. Goa
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
If you want to escape the chill and embrace some sunshine, Goa is the perfect coastal vacation spot during the winter months. With pleasant weather, various water sports activities and music festivals, Goa comes to life during these months. The addition of the Sunburn Festival and the Goa Carnival during these months add to the vibrancy of this coastal town. During winter months, Goa’s beaches become a great spot for sunbathing and water sports activities like surfing and kayaking.
Weather in Winter: 20°C to 30°C.
Top tourist attractions: Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, Old Goa, Dudhsagar Falls, and Anjuna Beach.
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
There is a diverse range of options regarding places to visit in winter in India. Be it for the snow adventures or the serenity of the golden sand beaches, there’s something to meet every traveller’s likes and dislikes. As you plan your next big winter vacation, let TripXL be your partner for all the bookings and planning. With the best deals and access to so many amazing booking options, plan your dream vacation within your budget.
Cover Photo: Prateek Katyal / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
