Places to visit in winter in India

It won’t be an overstatement to claim that the winter season is the finest time to explore India, with options to visit Land of Maharajas Rajasthan, God’s Own Country Kerala or the tropical beaches of Party Capital Goa.

15 Places to visit in winter in India

Varanasi 

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The nightly arti, a highly choreographed show that takes place at the Dashwamedh Ghat, is currently the most recognisable emblem of Varanasi. Varanasi is renowned for its enthusiasm for secularism. 

This city is linked to several Indian saints and poets, including Kabir and Tulsidas. However, if you are coming here, heed this warning. The city is chaotic, to say the least, and it spreads out from the Ganges Ghats in a network of streets that are too tiny for traffic and fairly congested.

The city, which is regarded as the throbbing heart of Hinduism, might be visited at any time of the year save during the monsoon, but like other places in the North Indian plains, winter is the finest season. Varanasi is one of the greatest locations in India to travel to in January due to the milder climate and lack of humidity.

Places to Visit: Iskcon temple, Durga Temple, Batuk Bhairav Temple, New Vishwanath Temple, Ganga Aarti, and many more.

How to Reach: 

By Air: You can board the flight to Varanasi or the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport from any major Indian city.

By Train: You can take the train to the Varanasi Railway Station or Kashi Railway Station.

By Road: You can board a bus or hire a taxi or drive yourself to Varanasi since it has a well-connected road network.

Auli 

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There is no shortage of beautiful nature in Auli, which is scattered with apple orchards, ancient oaks, and pine trees. In addition to skiing, the slopes of the Garhwal Himalayas offer a variety of excursions where you may take in the breathtaking vistas of the snow-covered mountains. 

In the Himalayan range, Auli is a well-known hill resort that dates back to the eighth century AD. Both a ski resort and a ski rental business are handled by the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVL).

Because of its sparkling slopes and tidy surroundings, Auli is a well-known skiing resort in India. Auli is a well-known hill town with multiple ski resorts set within the Himalayan range, studded with apple orchards, oaks, and deodar trees.

The Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamat Kamet mountain ranges may be found there, 2800 metres above sea level. Around Auli, there are several places of worship. It is said that Shankracharya’s visit to Auli was a blessing.

Places to Visit: Artificial Lake, Gorson Bugyal, Chenab Lake, and many more.

How to Reach: 

By Air: You can board the flight to the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun from any major Indian city. From there, you can board a taxi to Auli, which is 286km away from the airport.

By Train: You can take the train to Rishikesh Railway Station. From there, you can board a taxi/bus to Auli, which is 264km away from Rishikesh.

By Road: You can board a bus from ISBT Kashmiri Gate, Delhi, to Rishikesh. You can board a bus or a cab from Rishikesh to Auli. You have to take a cable car from Joshimath to Auli in case of heavy snowfalls.

 

Kashmir

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The “heaven on earth” that is Kashmir is known for its breathtaking natural splendour. Kashmir is known for its lush Mughal Gardens, shimmering Dal Lake, and gorgeous surroundings. It is a captivating jewel in the Himalayas’ crown.

Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Srinagar, and Sonamarg are a few of the most well-known places to visit in Kashmir. Many newlywed couples may be seen in Srinagar sailing the Dal Lake in shikaras while holding hands, tossing snowballs at each other in Gulmarg, building snowmen there, and swinging in Pahalgam like the newly engaged pair in a Bollywood film.

While the Gondola Ride in Gulmarg is a favourite pastime of couples and families, the Mughal Gardens in Srinagar are a big draw for travellers from all over the world. Adventurers from all over the world go to Gulmarg for outstanding skiing opportunities and top-notch amenities. 

In Gulmarg, the finest months for skiing and other winter activities are December through April. The Gulmarg Ski Resort hosted the first-ever National Winter Games of India in January and February of 1998.

Places to Visit: Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and many more.

How to Reach: 

By Air: You can board the flight to Srinagar Airport from any major Indian city. From there, you can board a taxi to Kashmir, which is 15km away from the airport.

By Train: The closest rail station servicing Kashmir’s picturesque valley is Jammu Tawi, which is located around 330 kilometres away. To get to different locations in Kashmir, one may either use government or private buses or hire a private cab outside the train station.

By Road: A network of public and private buses connects the region of Kashmir with several adjacent cities and towns.

Hampi 

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Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will transport you to a bygone period with its architectural wonders. Despite being a hot location in general, December and January have the greatest weather, rendering it one of the top winter tourist destinations in India.

Additionally, it serves as the location for the Hampi Mahotsav in January. One of the greatest destinations to visit in South India during the winter is the festival, which honours Karnataka culture with puppet displays, temple procession, sports, dance, music, and more.

Places to Visit: Virupaksha Temple, Monkey Temple, Lotus Temple, and many more.

How to Reach: 

By Air: The nearest domestic airport to Hampi is Hubli Airport, which is around 166 kilometres distant and has daily flights from Bangalore. From the airport’s curb, tourists may simply take a taxi or cab to take them to the charming hamlet of Hampi.

By Train: The closest train station to Hampi is Hospet Junction, which is 13 km distant. Hospet Junction is well connected to the rest of the nation by a vast railroad network.

By Road: Bus services connect Hampi with the major Karnataka cities and towns. A few statewide bus routes also connect Hampi to several Goan, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtrian cities.

Kerala

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Kerala’s genuine natural grandeur reaches its peak after the rainy season, yet it is a delight in every season. Kerala’s attraction is enhanced by the Western Ghats and brackish lagoons or backwaters.

Backwaters, beaches, spice gardens, tea plantations, Ayurveda, ecotourism, and an abundance of wildlife—you name it, Kerala has it. Kerala is one of the best winter vacation spots in India because of this.

Beach enthusiasts should visit Kovalam, Varkala, or even Marari, while those who like backwaters may visit Alappuzha, Kollam, Kumarakom, or the Vembanad Lake. Then there is the vast tea plantation and pleasant climate of Munnar.

There’s a bird sanctuary in Kumarakom, a tiger reserve in Periyar, and the world’s most biodiverse environment if you are interested in animals.

Places to Visit: Virupaksha Temple, Monkey Temple, Lotus Temple, and many more.

How to Reach: 

By Air: Three international airports are located in Kerala. The state’s southernmost region is where the Trivandrum International Airport is situated. The state’s core is where you’ll find the Kochi International Airport. The international airport at Calicut, which is in the state’s north, receives the majority of foreign passengers. In addition to these, Kerala is connected to nearly all of the main states in the nation via a large number of domestic airports.

You may take buses, trains, and taxis to specific locations from the airport. Additionally, there are prepaid cabs at the airport.

By Train: In Kerala, there are over 200 railroad stations. To get to certain locations, you may find a lot of cars and cabs outside the train station.

By Road: Kerala has three highways that provide good access. Three highways, NH 49, NH 47, and NH 17, link the state. Additionally, it is linked to all neighbouring states by well-built roadways. Private and public buses are available for travel to Kerala from several significant states and cities around the nation. To get to Kerala, you could also rent a taxi from any major city.

By Sea: The Lakshadweep islands are connected to Kerala’s busiest port. Because of the time and cost, it is not a widely used form of transportation. There are several ways to get on land from the port to a certain location.

Hornbill festival, Kohima, Nagaland

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Nagaland is referred to as the “Land of Festivals,” and one particularly large carnival is the “Hornbill Festival,” which is put on by the State Tourism of Arts and Culture Department of the Government of Nagaland. 

This festival, sometimes referred to as the “Festival of Festivals,” is regularly observed by all seventeen Naga tribes and serves to foster multicultural peace. 

It barely ever has a dull moment and offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn about old tribal lives through the examination of tribal hut structures, which may be traced back to prehistoric cultures and include other artefacts like drums, gongs, clothing, and wooden carvings.

Dates: First week of December for 10 days

Ticket Price: Rs 20 to Rs 30 per day

Venue: Naga Heritage Village, 12km away from Kohima

How to Reach: 

By Air: You can board the flight to Dimapur Airport from any major Indian city. From there, you can board a taxi to Kohima, which is 70km away from the airport.

By Train: The closest rail station servicing Dimapur Railway Station, which is located around 70 kilometres away from Kohima. Board a government or private bus or hire a private cab outside the train station.

By Road: If you enjoy doing road trips, the best way to go to Kohima, which links the city with Dimapur, is by taking the NH 39. If travelling directly from Guwahati to Kohima, stay on NH 37.

Rajasthan

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Rajasthan, a stunning fusion of colour, grandeur, history, and romance, is a favoured destination for foreign visitors to India. Even seasoned tourists struggle to decide what to do and see in Rajasthan since there are so many alternatives available.

Rajputana was ruled by Maharajas a century ago. They were devoted supporters of culture and the arts. Today, there are many magnificent fortifications, glittering palaces, traditional dance, and arts that show all of their eccentricities as well as their appreciation for tradition and art.

The annual Pushkar Fair, which takes place in November, is one of the reasons Rajasthan is one of the top places to visit in winter in India. The biggest cattle fair in the world is held at Pushkar Fair.

Along with the cattle trade, there are various other events to keep tourists occupied, including camel racing, a contest for the finest decorated camel, a contest for the tallest moustache, a tug of war, shopping, and hot air ballooning.

Millions of people go to the country’s capital, Jaipur, each year. Major tourist destinations like Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ranthambore, and Bikaner are closely behind it.

Rajasthan is regarded as one of the greatest destinations to travel to in India during the winter because of the festivals that are hosted there. Pushkar Mela has to be introduced because it has grown to be one of the main attractions for foreign tourists. Another contemporary cultural event that attracts musicians from all over the world is called Jodhpur Riff.

Places to Visit: Amer Fort, Udaipur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and many more.

How to Reach: 

By Air: The key airport in Rajasthan is the Jaipur International Airport. There are other airports in Rajasthan, including Udaipur Airport, Kota Airport, Jaisalmer Airport, Bikaner Airport and Jodhpur Airport. 

By Train: The key railway stations in Rajasthan are in Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ajmer and Jaipur. 

By Road: Rajasthan boasts of 20 national highways; the most well-linked being the NH8, which connects Rajasthan to Delhi, Udaipur, Mumbai, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, etc.

Goa

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Everyone congregates in Goa, India, to commemorate any occasion, including weddings, bachelor parties, graduations, and babymoons. Goa, the coolest beach resort in the world, is favoured in the winter even though it is pleasant practically year-round. 

The main season begins in October, and by December, every beach offers daily water sports packages in addition to festivals, beach parties, tattoo parlours, and speciality clubs. 

The comfortable weather, hardly little rain, and warm afternoons and mild evenings are enjoyed by travellers. Goa Carnival, Sunburn Music Fest, and Goa Film Festival all take place in the winter months. Because of its sizable Catholic population, the area experiences more affection around Christmas and New Year’s.

Places to Visit: Calangute Beach, Turtle nesting, Dona Paula Bay, and many more.

How to Reach: 

By Air: You can board the flight to Dabolim Airport from any major Indian city, then board the bus or hire a cab to Panaji, which is nearly 26km from the airport.

By Train: You can take the train to Vasco Da Gama or Madgaon railway station.

By Road: Goa is linked to the important Indian cities via the highways NH 66, NH 366, NH 566, and NH 78. Goa is connected to Bangalore and Mumbai through NH 4 and Mangalore by NH 17.

By Sea: Mumbai to Goa ship and cruise is another level of experience.

Andaman Island

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The unspoiled islands of Andaman and Nicobar, which were just recently opened to tourism, are a real haven for travellers and naturalists alike.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are steep in some areas, bordered by coconut palms, covered in tropical vegetation, and interspersed by flat stretches of crescent-shaped beaches that provide a tranquil respite to vacationers.

One of the greatest places to visit in India for persons participating in water sports, snorkelling, and scuba diving is the Andaman Islands. For the greatest snorkelling, visit Barefoot in Havelock.

Enjoy peaceful times at the beach with your loved one or family, or have fun with the kids. The Andaman Islands have the cleanest beaches and islands. One of the nicest destinations in India to explore in the winter is one with a tropical climate.

Places to Visit: Coral reefs, havelock island, beach bumming, and many more.

How to Reach:

Indian nationals do not require special authorisation to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands because it is one of India’s seven union territories. However, international nationals must secure these authorisations and travel with supporting documentation. Indian citizens must also carry identification establishing their nationality. 

Since it is an island, Andaman is only connected to India by sea and air. There are direct flights from Visakhapatnam, Chennai, and Kolkata to the airport at Port Blair. There are additional connecting flights from Delhi and other Indian cities to this airport. Direct international flights are not accessible to this location. 

Nainital

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The picturesque hill town of Nainital is situated in Uttarakhand at the base of the Kumaon mountains. It is the most travelled hill station in North India and is situated near Dehradun and Delhi. The ideal weekend retreat from Delhi and the surrounding areas is Nainital.

Nainital is a well-liked hill resort for families, couples, and even lone travellers because of its lovely year-round temperature. It is convenient for a two-day stay and can be reached by car from adjacent large cities. The bus stop is located just across from Naina Lake, with Mall Road and Thandi Sadak on each side.

Nainital, which was established by the British because of its likeness to the Cumbrian Lake District, is filled with exquisite colonial buildings that add to the area’s natural beauty. Near Nainital, there are a few undiscovered little hill settlements, including Pangot, Ranikhet, and Almora. There are also a few short hiking routes in Nainital.

Nainital is certain to create an impression on you, whether you wish to go boating in the lovely Naini Lake, eat some Garhwali and Kumaoni specialities, buy souvenirs, or take a ropeway trip to Snow View Point to take in the Himalayan splendour.

Places to Visit: Bhimtal Lake, Naina Peak, Eco Cave Gardens, Kainchi Dham, and many more.

How to Reach: 

By Air: You can board the flight to Pantnagar Airport from any major Indian city, then board the bus or hire a cab to Nainital, which is nearly 70km from the airport. From there, you can either hire a cab or board a bus to Nainital, which is 34 km away.

By Train: You can take the train to Kathgodam railway station. From there, you can either hire a cab or board a bus to Nainital, which is 34 km away.

By Road: Nainital can be reached by state or private buses and people can also drive themselves there.

Dharamshala and Mcleodganj

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Dharamsala, which is located in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas, is well-known for being the home of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile. McLeodganj, which lies a little upstream of Dharamsala and in a completely distinct environment, is at a higher height. As two of the best locations in India for volunteering, Dharamsala and Mcleodganj are particularly well-liked by international travellers.

When you go to McLeodganj, everything is different. the environment, atmosphere, population, and culture. Lamas, international residents and visitors, as well as Indian tourists, swarm McLeodganj.

Several hiking paths start from McLeodganj as their base and wind their way up the snow-capped Himalayan peaks of Dhauladhar to provide beautiful vistas. McLeodganj is a great choice for a winter vacation in India, although it has grown touristy due to its rising popularity. 

Why not try the climb to Triund and stay overnight in the camps encircled by snow if you are visiting Dharamsala in the winter? We guarantee that you will have unforgettable recollections of the sunrise.

Places to Visit: Dal Lake, Kalachakra Temple, Triund Trek, and many more.

How to Reach: 

By Air: You can board the flight to Gaggal Airport from any major Indian city then board the bus or hire a cab to Mcleodganj which is nearly 21.9km from the airport. From Mcleodganj, you can either hire a cab or board a bus to Dharamshala which is 10km away.

By Train: You can take the train to Pathankot railway station which is 88km away from Dharamshala. From Dharamshala, you can either hire a cab or board a bus to Mcleodganj which is 10km away.

By Road: Mcleodganj and Dharamshala can be reached by state or private buses and people can also drive themselves there.

Rann of Kutch

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Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch is the world’s biggest salt desert. Rann of Kutch is a scorching region of enormous emptiness that, surprisingly, remains buried beneath water throughout India’s monsoon season. 

It is a massive expanse of white emptiness that is over 100 miles long and 200 miles wide. The closest town to the Rann of Kutch is Dhorado, which is approximately 86 kilometres from Bhuj. The majority of high-quality lodging may be found in Dhorado. 

In reality, Dhorado is being developed by the state tourist agency to serve as the entrance to the Rann of Kutch. In Kutch, the tourist season lasts from late October until early March. December, when the Rann Utsav is in full swing, is the ideal month to travel to this area.

Gujarat Tourism hosts the Rann Utsav each year, which runs from December to March. On the December full moon night, the event is most lavishly observed. In Dhorado, dozens of opulent tents have been erected alongside food stands, arcades for handmade goods, and cultural events. There are performances of dance, music, feasts, and regional cultural celebrations all around the neighbourhood. 

One of the most strange experiences one may have at this time of year in the wide salt desert of the Rann of Kutch is a safari ride under the full moon.

When: November to February

How to Reach: 

By Air: You can board the flight to Kutch Airport in Bhuj from any Indian city then board the bus or hire a cab to Rann of Kutch which is nearly 77km from the airport. From there, you can either hire a cab or board a bus to reach the festive area.

By Train: You can take the train to Bhuj railway station from any Indian city which is 139km away from Rann of Kutch. From there, you can either hire a cab or board a bus to reach the festive area.

By Road: To travel to Kutch, there are both public and private transportation options accessible from most major Gujarat cities and even some from Rajasthan. Taxis are also commonly obtainable. You might also drive, and the best route to use to go to Kutch is National Highway 8A.

Wayanad

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While some choose to travel south during the winter, others choose to escape to the Himalayas. The concept—the contact with nature—remains the same, though. If the chilly winters don’t appeal to you, consider Wayanad’s pleasant climate. 

Wayanad, in contrast to the other hill towns in South India, is consistently cool and pleasant, even during the worst winters. Wayanad is rated as the most gorgeous and magnificently untouched place by many tourists. 

Why wouldn’t they, then? This is all governed by a secluded atmosphere. The hill station includes landscapes mixed with mountain scenery, and coffee farms that are as new and lively as the taste they produce.

Places to Visit: Chembra Peak, Kuruva Island, The Bamboo Factory, and many more.

How to Reach: 

By Air: The closest airport to Wayanad is Karipur International Airport in Kozhikode. You may fly to Kozhikode, which has excellent connections to the majority of American cities and also the Middle East. You may hail a cab from Kozhikode.

By Train: Kozhikode, 110 kilometres away, is the closest railway station. Rail connections between Kozhikode and important cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kochi are excellent. Trains go to Kozhikode, from whence you may drive to Wayanad. From Kozhikode bus station, several buses travel to Wayanad. You may also call a taxi.

By Road: Wayanad can be accessed by state/private buses or cabs.

Gangtok

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The months when the sun takes a vacation are when Gangtok, which is perched above the Shivalik hills of the eastern Himalayan mountains, lets forth its ethereal allure. The cold might first make you question why you chose to travel to this location at this time of year. 

However, the hazy view of the snow-covered mountains towering dramatically over the landscapes and the icy, untamed Himalayan wind will quickly uncover the wanderlust hiding within you. 

The natural paths and valleys clothed in woodland and blanketed in snow and fog would all of a sudden become friendly. The following activities you will discover yourself actively engaging in include snow hiking and skiing.

Places to Visit: Tsomgo Lake, Rumtek Monastery, Gurudongmar lake, and many more.

How to Reach:

By Air

The National Research Centre and Dikling Monastery are nearby Pakyong Airport, Sikkim’s first airport, which is situated in Pakyong Village 35 kilometres south of Gangtok. Visitors to Sikkim can fly into Bagdogra Airport in West Bengal instead of Pakyong Airport which is only 124 kilometres from Gangtok.

By Train

The two train stations in West Bengal that are closest to Sikkim are New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri. Siliguri is 114 kilometres from Gangtok and NJP is 125 kilometres away. Gangtok is well linked to all the main towns.

By Road

National Highway 31A, Sikkim’s lifeblood, travels through lush green woods along the Teesta River’s bank on one side and sky-touching mountain peaks of the Eastern Himalaya on the other side as it links Gangtok and Siliguri.

Aurangabad

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Two of the best examples of prehistoric Indian architecture, Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves, are accessible from Aurangabad. These rock-cut caverns are evidence of how Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism coexist together. 

These caverns were carved out of rocks using hammers and chisels, and UNESCO today recognises them as World Heritage Sites for their cultural value.

The caverns of Ellora contain Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples, but the caves of Ajanta are mostly Buddhist and portray the life of Buddha and Jataka stories. Ellora Caves are highly regarded for their artistically carved architecture, in contrast to the Ajanta Caves, which are well known for their rock painting.

One of the grounds you would choose Aurangabad as one of the top destinations in India to visit in February and March is because the weather is at its finest at this time of year, and with spring just around the corner, the scenery is at its most alluring.

Places to Visit: Ajanta and Ellora caves, Pitalkhora caves, Grineshwar Temple and many more.

How to Reach: 

By Air: The closest airport is Aurangabad Airport which is located 10km away from the city. Hail a cab or board a bus to reach the city from the airport.

By Train: Aurangabad Station can be accessed from any railway station in India and from outside one can hail a cab or bus to reach anywhere in the city.

By Road: Aurangabad can be accessed by state/private buses or cabs.

FAQs

Which Indian location is the coolest?

Jammu & Kashmir's Drass is India’s coolest location.

Where in India does it get the most snowfall?

Ladakh. Snowfall in Ladakh is unparalleled in all of India. The location draws adventure seekers from all around because of its magnificent geography.