Best Places to Visit in Winter in India

A pocket-sized paradise located on the west coast of India, Goa is a kaleidoscopic blend of Portuguese-Indian heritage, delicious delicacies, and of course the serene beaches. With its Susegad philosophy of living, this sunshine state has gained a lot of fame all over the world. With such easy -going vibes, this little state makes you carefree and lets you take your time to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle.

2. Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer holds a major place in the tourism landscape of Rajasthan. Located in the northwestern part of the Indian State, it is popularly called as the golden city because of its bounteous golden sand dunes and castles built with golden honey sandstone.

The city is adorned with a number of lagoons, ornamental Jain places of worship, and lavish havelis. This is however one side of the coin. Jaisalmer is also known for its offbeat desert safari experience. The city offers pleasant stays in the middle of the vast spread Thar desert and loads of adventure activities to give you a completely unforgettable experience. The city is also packed with colorful handicraft marketplaces that will take you back in the timeline to offer you an experience of Indian culture and heritage.

Jaisalmer is home to some of the most sought after attractions of the nation like the majestic Jaisalmer Fort, full of live desert national park, ancient Kuldhara Village, beautifully designed Jain temples, surreal Gadisar Lake, rustic Sam Sand Dunes, artistic Tazia Tower and Badal Palace, intricately designed Patwon ki Haveli, glorious bada bagh, and many more significant places of tourist attractions.

3. Manali

Nestled in the mighty Himalayas, Manali has an abundance of spectacular valleys filled with forests of oak, fir, deodar and pine. It is a full package of nature, food, adventure sports and ancient heritages. Splashing river Beas flows proudly amidst the valley. A lot of gushing waterfalls like Jogni falls and Rahala fall flush out of haphazardly placed rocks. You can also catch sights of sprawling meadows, terraced farming and fruit orchards. All these sights adds up to making the town look breathtakingly beautiful.

Manali also shares a piece of history, giving it ancient heritages which has splendid architecture and stunning views. Religious devotees come here to pay their tribute to the temples like Hadimba, Manu and Shiv temple. Whereas history lovers go to old forts like Naggar and Kuthar. These places have remarkable architecture against the backdrop of mountains which is worth a visit.

Having said enough about the terrains of Manali, it is a hub for adventure sports. The location gives a wide range of adventurous activities like paragliding, camping, trekking and river rafting to feed the adrenaline hunger of the adventure seekers. It also has rustic villages and backcountries, which calls for the hippie experiences. Places like Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass are often visited by these junkies. Backpackers love to visit here to get the plateful meal of thrill, nature, wildlife and tranquillity.

4.Kutch

If you are looking for places to visit in Gujarat, then Kutch is the crème de la crème of the places you would want to explore. The architectural grandeur, cultural marvel, and sumptuous cuisine are bound to make it difficult for you to leave.  Kutch lies on the India-Pakistan border, and you can see parts of Pakistan from here. The best time to visit Kutch is during winter, from November to February. The long winter evenings reflect the light of the moon on white sands, giving it an aesthetic appeal. In fact, the famous Rann of Kutch festival takes place at the same time, flaunting its remarkable glory.

The second most important determinant of how your trip goes, after climate, is where you should go. Be it for a short period of time or a long one; there are places in Kutch that must be visited for a memorable sojourn into a cultural lifestyle. You must have heard about the Rann of Kutch in your geography classes, but seldom did they cover the humbling beauty of the place. The massive deposits of salt in the area gives it a surreal appeal. It’s beauty has also been portrayed in various Bollywood films like Ramleela and Refugee.

If you want to explore Kutch from a historical viewpoint, then Kutch Museum has in its inventory some extinct scripts like the Kutchi Script and ancient coins. There are also paintings, arms, and embroidered pieces marveling at the cultural lifestyle. The Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary inhabits animals like cormorants, wild boards, porcupines, and black-necked storks, making it a popular tourist attraction. There are also jeep safaris available here.Another reason to visit Kutch is the Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary that is considered to be the largest saline wetland area.  It preserves several species of birds, wild ass, and flamingos.

 

5. Pushkar

Pushkar is an essential pilgrimage in India for the Hindu and Sikh faith holders due to the presence of 100’s of stunning temples including the only ‘Lord Brahma Temple’ in the world, and several gurudwaras. It is located amidst the western Aravalli Range on the shore of the natural Pushkar Lake, around 10 kilometres from the city of Ajmer in Rajasthan. And since Pushkar is a part of the torrid desert state, it has particularly warm summers and cool, pleasant winters with moderate rainfall in the monsoons. Pushkar is believed to have been an ancient city as it has found mentions in many Hindu mythologies and other important Indian scriptures. Hence, the colourful and different history of this Temple Town has garnered attention from domestic and international tourists, many of whom are also devouts. But that’s not all; there is still much more to this tranquil town than meets the eye.

The tourism in Pushkar is thriving, which has led to the residents, along with many high-end brands and industries developing a commercial aspect. Because of this, one can find an array of hotels and resorts, quaint cafes and eateries serving international cuisines, and other modern facilities. All ranging from modestly priced for the budgeted guests to the 5-star luxurious ones for the big spenders. Thus, Pushkar is that one city that welcomes one and all with open arms and offers an experience unlike any other. And although the city brims with trotters all year long, it is the time during October till March that fits best for one to plan a short excursion to fully take in the beauty, merrymaking and the ambient surroundings.

6. Hampi

Right from the locally enriching culture to the temples that have stood the test of times, Hampi has established itself to be one of the most promising tourist destinations in Karnataka. It attracts various adventure seekers, architecture enthusiasts, off beat tourist lovers and devotees from across the globe. Known to be the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of Hampi do not justify the adjective ‘ruined’ at all. Visit for the temples, or for the hikes, or simply indulge yourself in the delectable local cuisine. No matter what you choose Hampi for, it will always do justice to your plans and never let you down!

7. Udaipur

Unlike other parts of Rajasthan, Udaipur is filled with serenity. Away from the urban chaos, it is a blend of regal beauty, elevated slopes  and picturesque panorama. Udaipur is also known as the “City of Lakes” because of the presence of numerous interconnected natural lakes in and around the city. The “City of Lakes” is also profoundly called the “White City” because the Rajput style Palaces and Forts in Udaipur are made up of white marbles. Additionally, houses and other structures of the city are also dressed in white.

Udaipur is famous for its historic Rajput-era forts, grand palaces, striking lakes, architectural temples, museums, galleries, traditional festivals and rich culture. The best places to visit in Udaipur which are must-have in your itinerary are Lake Pichola, City Palace, Eklingji Temple, Ambrai Ghat, Vintage Car Museum, Bada Mahal and Shilgram.

8. Wayanad

Having said this much about the greenery in the city, it is understood that it will have numerous wildlife sanctuaries, reserves and national parks protecting the rural life of the forests. Adding to all the natural beauty you have India’s largest earth dam and Asia’s second-largest earth dam, Banasura Sagar Dam in Wayanad. Having mighty mountains, dense woods, and gushing rivers, Wayanad is a hub for trekking, hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, rappelling, camping, and many more adventurous activities.

You can trek to India’s largest Earth Dam, Banasura Dam or trek to witness the sun setting behind the mountains from Wayanad’s highest peak, Chembra Peak. The list doesn’t end here, you have the chance to explore potentially Neolithic age at Edakkal Caves. You will find some petroglyphs- prehistoric rock carvings used as a communication tool. Moreover, you will find some amazing examples of ancient architecture and religious beliefs through the monuments like Thirunelli Temple, Karinthandan Temple, Ancient Jain Temple and much more. All these threads weave into an amazing tapestry that will glorify your photo album as well as the album of your life.

9. Chikmagalur 

Chikmagalur stands at an elevation of 3,400 feet, covered with eye-catching tea and coffee plantations, making it a major commercial hub of the state, and also bringing in tourists from all over the world to entice the unique experience of walking through the plantations.

This entrancing hill station is not just about temples and sightseeing but also adventure activities that would savor your inner thrill enthusiast.  Do not miss out on the famous waterfalls, namely, Jhari Waterfalls, Hanuman Gundi Waterfalls, Shankar Falls, and Kadambi Falls as there are plenty of them that will surely leave you mesmerized by spellbinding scenic beauty. Cascade of water flowing over the rugged terrain, it is a view that you will remember all through your life.

If you wish to find an escape from the monotonous 9 to 5 life, this is just the right place for you to spend some time amidst the flora and fauna. Do not forget to carry your camera along to come back with pictures to flaunt on your social media.

10. Meghalaya

Locals here are inhabited by three tribes mainly-Khasi, Pnar and Garo, and are very friendly. English is the official language of the State so international travelers don’t have to worry. Couples can take a romantic trip enjoying the pleasant climate, friends and families can relax in the lap of nature in cities like Shillong, and adventure enthusiasts can take up the challenge of trekking through the difficult terrains of Meghalaya.

Shillong, Tura, Jowai, Cherrapunjee, Nongpoh, Baghmara are some of the famous tourist destinations in Meghalaya. To be more specific Wards Lake, Lady Hydari Park, Sweet Falls, the Butterfly Museum, Nohkalikai Falls, Mawsmai Cave, Thangkarang Park, Eco Park, Khoh Ramhah, Green Rock Ranch are tourist places in Meghalaya – all worth visiting. When it comes to taking back something, you are going to be satisfied with your bag of moments turning into memories plus can also take along the brilliant handicrafts that are made of the residents of this state. Overall, this overwhelmingly beautiful, green and alive state makes a perfect holiday destination and can be thoroughly enjoyed by all!

11. Andaman and Nicobar 

Andaman and Nicobar Islands featuring palm-fringed beaches with spotless stretches of white sands, an uninterrupted presence of peace, and crystal clear turquoise waters all around – Andaman is a true example of what you call ‘Tropical Paradise’.

Thus, from lively beaches bustling with fun-loving people to beaches teeming with the tranquillity of nature, Andaman and Nicobar has a variety which makes it an ideal destination for all. From kids to adults, from vacationers to explorers – they all return from Andaman elated and rejuvenated. In nutshell, Andaman is a treasure trove of experiences and delights in the form of varied activities, breathtaking sceneries, and of course, delectable seafood.

Now that we have convinced you that there is no other holiday destination quite like Andaman and Nicobar, it is time for you to convince your companion(s) and start planning a trip to this tropical gem without any further ado!

12. Alleppey

The modern houseboats are equipped with all the comforts of a good hotel room like air conditioners, modern toilets, cozy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony for angling. An uninterrupted view of life in the backwaters fringed with coconut trees can be enjoyed from a houseboat. A perfect place to unwind with its laidback canals and lush greenery. The Alappuzha beach with a 137-year-old pier extending into the sea and an old 17th-century lighthouse built by the Portuguese add to the magic of the place. It is famous for its boat races, marine products, and coir industry.

So get ready to wander around this small but chaotic city center and bus-stand area, with its modest grid of canals. Head west to the beach or in practically any other direction towards the backwaters and Alleppey becomes elegant and greenery-fringed, waning into a watery world of hamlets, punted canoes, toddy shops and, of course, houseboats. Float along and gaze over paddy fields of succulent green, curvaceous rice barges and village life along the banks. Indeed, it is here that nature has spent upon the land her richest bounties. Come and explore the best tourist places in Alleppey.

13. Pondicherry 

This French capital of India will definitely make you feel like you are someplace out of India when you visit places like the Rock Beach, Pondicherry Beach, Serenity Beach or the Botanical Gardens. And the best place to see Pondicherry with the same notion is to visit Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram where people from all over the world come to seek spirituality through yoga and meditation.

Pondicherry is such a place, which will never cease to surprise you with its unique style. There are several cafes and restaurants that serve impeccable French cuisine along with some lip-smacking international cuisines as well. As a popular beach-town, Pondicherry also offers you with the amazing nightlife through numerous clubs and beach-parties offering great music and delicious cocktails. There is so much to do and explore here, that you will not want to go back and experience more and more of this quaint French town of India.

14. Sikkim 

Sikkim is a land of monasteries, the beautiful structures like every inch of the state. You will find it hard to not fall in love with this land, with its clean and green roads, valleys, mountain tops and meadows. The eastern Himalayan state comes with rhododendron groves and thick woodlands, orange and apple orchards, its peaceful ambience hitting whoever visits it hard. Sikkim is the place to visit when the rest of the country is burning during the summer months, the mountainous state proves to be an amazing getaway from the heat and mundane life in the plains. You will see a horde of wildflowers during summer, these fill up the valleys and truly make your visit worthwhile.

Sikkim is your go-to for trekking into the Himalayas and river rafting on the Teesta and Rangit. At a higher altitude, you will see that monsoon clouds often surround the mountain tops, giving the place a mesmerising look and feel. Sikkim is a sanctuary of wildlife, primarily home to snow leopards, wild goat, black bear, blue sheep, flying squirrels, and the famous red panda. The cultural and ethnic background of the state makes it a hub for curious tourists throughout the year, Sikkim is as beautiful in winter as it is during the summer months.

15. Shimla

Among the most popular hill stations in India, Shimla holds a distinct place owing to its unique charm. Located at a distance of 342 km from the national capital, Delhi, Shimla is a great choice for a weekend getaway from Delhi and Chandigarh since there are so many places to visit in Shimla. Shimla is the capital city of Himachal Pradesh, and all it possesses and all it offers helps it easily justify its reputation and position as the capital city of a beautiful state, widely known for adventure activities and natural wonders. Laden with beautiful, dense forests of Pine, Oak, and Deodar, Shimla is refreshing in its very existence.

The picturesqueness of this beautiful hill station makes it an apt destination for photographers looking for perfect frames and nature enthusiasts who want explore the nature in its pristine form. It is quite interesting that despite being home to a large population, the biosphere of Shimla is still in an excellent form. Shimla exhibits a very relaxing mood to those who visit it in search of tranquility.

Due to the plenty of activity options available here, Shimla is emerging as a popular destination for offbeat travel as well. People from all over India and beyond visit Shimla to experience an adventure which makes it a major hotspot for adventure activities in northern India. It is also home to some beautiful places with spectacular views, and some truly magnificent specimens of architecture can be found in Shimla.

Shimla houses some beautiful Hindu temples, located at apt locations, offering spectacular views of the beautiful hill station and the nearby hills with a thick covering of green forests. Some of the most revered temples in Shimla are Jakhoo Temple, Tara Devi Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, etc. These temples are located at short distances from the city center, so if you prefer, you can trek up to these temples through the woods. Shimla has a plethora of interesting places to visit and explore. As Shimla once served as the Summer Capital of British India, some captivating buildings with brilliant neo-Gothic architecture exist here.

16. Rishikesh 

The city is synonymous with its grand temples, rituals, architectural marvels and yoga ashrams. Every temple here, be it the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Raghunath Temple, or the 13-storey Trimbakeshwar Temple, has its own beautiful legend that attracts people from all over the world. The twin Ram & Lakshman Jhulas are outstanding architectural feats in themselves. These suspension bridges span for over 750 ft. over the Ganges. There are numerous ashrams here that lead people into the spiritual world of ancient forms of yoga, meditation, and vipasana to cleanse their soul and de-stress.

Rishikesh has its share of offbeat and adventure activities too. If you are not enjoying the adrenaline rush of white water rafting available up to grade 6, you can spend time enjoying amazing experiences like cliff jumping, kayaking, body surfing, etc. There are picturesque waterfalls here like Patna fall and Neer Garhi fall, etc. that are perfect to escape into the raw wilderness of nature. If you are the spiritual kind, you can’t miss attending the jaw-dropping spectacle of the Maha Aarti.

The summer months (March-June) here are extremely hot & humid with temperatures reaching up to 36°C. Winter months (October-February) are cold and sunny with temperatures dipping to a low of 6°C, making them the best months to visit. Monsoon months (June-September) see a lot of rains accompanied by humidity.

17. Bir – Billing

Not just a visual treat, Bir is famous for enthralling activities including trekking, paragliding, mountain biking, and hand gliding, giving you savour the adrenaline rush you’ve been looking for. For the ones looking for a thrill-filled vacation to challenge your inner adventurer, Bir won’t disappoint you at all. Bir has something for everyone; head to the Bir Road market to quench your shopping cravings, leisure walk along the lake, enjoy few hours at the Himalayan Film school, explore the cafes that serve divine local Tibetan dishes, and watch the tranquilising sight as the sun sets in the sky gleaming with different hues.

The summer season of Bir, starting from April to June, turns this beautiful land into heaven as the snow melts making the weather pleasant. This is considered the best time for paragliding bringing flocks of people from all over the globe. Magnifying the elegance of Bir, the monsoon showers flourish the flora and fauna of the place turning the place into heaven. The light to heavy showers make it an offseason for paragliding, therefore, if you want to explore Bir and indulge in activities other than paragliding then this season is perfectly fine.

The temperature in winters, starting from December to March, drop down to sub-zero as it starts to snow in the upper regions covering it in 5-6 feet ice sheet. If you wish to winter trek then you can visit Bir in this season, but make sure you are well prepared.

18. Lonavala 

The surrounding regions of Lonavala are blessed with an unbeatable collection of waterfalls that include the Kune waterfall, Bhivpuri, Bhagirath and Jummapatti waterfalls. The refreshing ambiance of the postcard-perfect landscape of Aamby Valley, Pawna Lake and Lonavala Lake are bound to impress you. Lonavala is also famous for its natural wonders, religious attractions, and historical sites. These include the Tikona Fort, Duke’s Nose, Lohagad and Rajmachi forts.

Lonavala hosts an array of fun activities for the tourists and these include rappelling, camping at the Pawna Lake, hiking to the Tikona Fort, trekking to the Rajmachi fort and riding the Imagica slides.

Lonavala has a tropical climate but the weather is an all-time maritime one. However, all the stunning places and sites of Lonavala come alive during the winter and monsoon seasons. Thus, pack your bags and come here because Lonavala has something for everyone, from quiet time to adventure.

19. Gokarna 

Furthermore, the rustic outlook of the town has attracted the attention of a lot of travelers and foreigners. There are several beaches, pilgrimage sights, and waterfalls that are reverberating tourist attractions. In fact, the town is situated around the River Aghanashini, which is considered to be deemed and sacred site for devotees.

However, due to the recent tourist influx, the town attracts both adrenaline seekers and those looking for spiritual solace. It is the town of golden beaches named after the way they are shaped like Om Beach and Half Moon Beach. Paradise Beach does no injustice to its name! The tall palm trees, serene waves of the ocean gushing towards the rocks, and the evenings spent watching the sun melting into the ocean add a surrealistic appeal to the place.

Apart from beaches, there is the Mahabaleshwar Temple that attracts many devotees and saints. Yana is another dainty town located in the vicinity of Gokarna, whose lavish surroundings and rocky terrain is perfect for activities like cycling and trekking. Mountaineering is another popular sport.

The serene beaches pose as perfect sites for watersport activities like surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, and jet skiing. If you want to indulge in watersport activities, then the best time to visit the place is post-monsoon, from September to December. Winters in Gokarna are flamboyant, with a mildly cold climate and lush green surroundings. Summers in Gokarna are hot and humid, followed by the showers that cool the surroundings down with heavy rainfall.

20.Coorg