Inarguably, winter is a time of occasions, happiness and cheerful making! Snow-covered peaks, mist-shrouded valleys and foggy mornings offer exciting opportunities to make your own snowman and sing carols.
Whether you’re planning your honeymoon, family vacation or want to travel solo, the number of winter holiday destinations in India are unlimited. Read on to know about a few of them.
Goa
The joy of Christmas and New Year doubles up when it comes to celebrating these fiestas in Goa. Plentiful of beautiful churches and scenic beaches leave no doubt as to why the city is an amazing winter destination in India. Once here, don’t forget to partake in some of the amazing things to do in Goa like enjoying watersports and experiencing the enthralling nightlife.
Special Attractions in Goa
- Goan cuisine
- Adventure activities
- Sunburn Festival
- Churches declared as World Heritages
- Beach shacks
- Kuskem waterfalls
- Bird watching
- Amazing wildlife
Kerala
There is no other place as enchanting as Kerala! The laid-back vibe, verdant greenery, sailing kettuvallams and spectacular backwaters cast a spell on the visitors. Alleppey, Munnar, Thekkady and Kovalam are some of the best places to visit in Kerala. A full body massage with warm herbal-oil is a true bliss during the chilling weather.
Special Attractions in Kerala
- Ayurvedic treatments
- Tea gardens
- Silent Valley National Park
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pristine beaches
Rajasthan
Imagine yourself enjoying the bonfire on a golden sand dune under the star-lit sky! Rajasthan offers you exactly this. The royal land is a home to the myriad of gems like Jaipur – an integral part of India’s golden triangle tour, Jodhpur – the blue city, Jaisalmer and much more. Savoring spicy Rajasthani food is a perfect way to beat the cold weather outside. Outstanding splendor, striking magnificence and royal hospitality will leave you spoilt for your choice of destination!
Special Attractions in Rajasthan
- Opulent palaces
- Massive forts
- World-famous camel safaris
- Magnificent temples
- Vibrant culture
- Traditional folk dances
- Thar Desert
Pondicherry
How about spending winter at an off-beat destination this year? And, what if the destination gives you a feel of being in France when actually you are in India? Sounds interesting no! If yes, then Pondicherry is the place for you. Fondly known as Pondy or the ‘French colony of India’, Pondicherry mesmerizes you with a heritage French architecture and spectacular beaches. Tranquil ambience offer the desired respite, making it one of the popular winter holiday destinations in India.
Special Attractions in Pondicherry
- Pondicherry Museum
- Paradise Beach
- Mankula Vinayagar Temple
- Auroville Botanical Garden
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral
- Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Jim Corbett National Park
Start the year by spotting a tiger at the first national park established in Asia. Jim Corbett National Park is famed for housing varied flora, fauna, avifauna and especially Royal Bengal Tigers. An enthralling jeep safari will excite you to get ready for a matchless experience that awaits for you. One of the renowned wildlife sanctuaries in India is also a paradise for animal lovers, bird watching enthusiasts and nature admirers.
Special Attractions in Jim Corbett National Park
- Jeep Safari
- Elephant Safari
- Bird watching
- Canter Safari
- Himalayan Black Bear
- Sitabani Buffer Zone
- River Rafting
- Camping
- Photography
Manali
Manali transforms into a wonderland during the months of December to January. However, the best time to visit this popular hill station in India is from October to March. Thronged with honeymooners, holidaymakers and adventure enthusiasts, the popular winter holiday destination in India enjoys immense fame. Whenever the thick sheet of snow covers Manali, the sight presented is worth beholding. A number of adventure activities like Paragliding, skiing and snow-boarding add to the fun quotient.
Special Attractions in Manali
- Rohtang Pass
- Solang Valley
- Vashisht Temple
- Hidimbi Temple
- Naggar Castle
- Manu temple
- Bhrigu Lake Trek
- Adventure sports
Sikkim
Countless varieties of wildflowers, glaciers and meadows welcome you to the beautiful state called as Sikkim. The spiritual vibe and immaculate natural beauty of this popular tourist destination in northeast India will make you stay for longer. The quaint state also remains a favorite choice of mountaineers, trekkers and rafters from far and near. Don’t forget to witness the rays of rising sun falling on peaks of mighty Kanchenjunga and exhibiting breathtaking views.
Special Attractions in Sikkim
- Holy lakes
- Pristine scenery
- Vibrant Buddhist Monasteries
- Zuluk
- Trekking
- Rafting
- Pelling
- Gangtok
- Lachung
Darjeeling
Titled as the ‘Queen of hills’, Darjeeling is popular tourist destinations in northeast India. The scenic charm and sublime beauty of the hill station will render you speechless. Sip on freshly brewed tea during cold weather at the tea gardens. The aroma and greenery will make you fall in love with the place. A Toy train ride will remind you of your childhood days.
Special Attractions in Darjeeling
- Tiger hill
- Batasia Loop
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railways, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Peace Pagoda
- Darjeeling Ropeway
- Bengal Natural History Museum
Udaipur
Rekindle the love between both of you at Udaipur. Known as the ‘City of Lakes, the town evokes the royal romance of the bygone era. Enjoy the royalty of the Maharajas by staying at one of the luxury hotels in Udaipur that too amidst the beautiful lake. Historic palaces, salubrious weather and picturesque landscape complete your trip to this popular winter holiday destination in India.
Special Attractions in Udaipur
- Lake Pichola
- Jag Mandir Island
- Lake Palace
- City Palace
- Jagdish Temple
Gangtok
Another attractive gem of Northeast India, Gangtok lures with its own charms. Monasteries, gondolas, scenic winding hill roads are some of the attractions of the capital city of Sikkim. Lots of trekkers visit the city shrouded between mountain and clouds every year.
Special Attractions in Gnagtok
- Views of the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga
- Pemayangtse Monastery
- Rumtek Monastery
- Hanuman Tok
- Nathu La
Hampi
Bask-in the sunshine at Hampi, one of the well-known UNESCO world heritage sites in India. Ruins of temples, royal buildings and palaces adorn the unearthly landscape. A trip to Hampi not only amuses with relaxing vacations but will also update you with amazing facts as well.
Special Attractions in Hampi
- Virupaksha Temple
- Krishna Temple complex
- Vittala Temple
- Narasimha
- Zenana Enclosure
Ooty
Ooty is no less than a paradise on Earth. Considered as one of the favorite winter holiday destinations in India, the hill station is a charming place to unwind amidst the lap of Nature. Book your seat in a toy train that takes you to this ethereal land passing by various scenic attractions en route.
Special Attractions in Ooty
- Tea gardens
- Nilgiri hills
- Serene Waterfalls
So, leave your quilts behind and get ready for memorable winter holidays in India.
Also Read: Experiences That You Can Get Only In India