Places to Visit in India
The month of December is near, and so are the much-awaited winter vacations in India. The winters in India is a pleasurable time, as places which are too hot to visit in the Summers, open up in the winters, and other places like the hill stations become beautiful winter wonderlands. This is that time of the year, where you can just pack your pack and head to any state in India, and enjoy the warmth of the winters.
Top 9 winter destinations in India
Here are some of the best winter destinations in India which you surely must explore in these winter vacations:
1. Mechuka:-
This offbeat tourist location is a hidden gem in the Northeastern Part of India. Located in Arunachal this winter wonderland is an absolute must-visit place during the winter season.
Mechuka gets fully covered in pristine white snow during the winters, and it is truly breathtaking to watch. Mechuka is also a great place for backpackers and family vacations alike. There is so much to explore here, that you will be spoilt for choice.
Visit the 400-year-old Gumpa which is also called the Samtem Yongcha, and revel in a little bit of ancient history. Follow it up with a lovely trek up the hilltop and witness a stunning 360-degree view of the entire valley.
If you wish to make your trip a little more exciting and adventurous then get yourself a local guide and hike up to Singbir, Galling, and many other such places to dive into the local lifestyle of the people. This way you can also experience how people in extremely cold weather live and go about their life.
Mechuka is also a wonderful place to experience a lovely snowfall and to revel in the wonders of winter in India.
2. Auli:-
One of the most popular and sought after winter destinations in India is the lovely Auli located in Uttarakhand. The entire town of Auli is surrounded by amazing snow-covered peaks and chilly winter winds blow all the time to keep your mind at peace.
The best part about Auli is skiing resorts. Auli is India’s top skiing destination, and people from all over the world come here to experience skiing at the highest level.
If you are not into skiing, you can also step out and go for treks. Some lovely treks from Auli are Gurson Bugyal and Kwani Bugyal. These treks will take you through the snowy wonders of the Himalayas, and you will feel motivated and refreshed.
In Auli, you can also visit the artificial lake, that is surreal just by itself, or just hop onto Asia’s longest cable car and enjoy a moseying view of the snowy peaks of the Himalayas. You can see peaks like –Nanda Devi, Hathi Parvat, Kamet, Trishul and Mana Parvat from the cable car.
3. Zuluk:-
The little hamlet of Zuluk is located in the small state of Sikkim. This place is another hidden gem of India that must be explored, especially during the winters.
Hidden away from the mainstream, this isolated town of Zuluk is a great winter destination and will surprise you with its magic and mystic.
This destination is a transit point within the Silk Route, and thus you will find some of the most dramatic and dangerous hairpin turns. At times you will want to close your eyes, as it gets so narrow and close. Yet, there is a riveting thrill in riding through it. A lot of tourists also embark on this deathly journey just to catch the thrill and adrenaline rush of the course.
If you want to witness the natural wonder of this town during the winters, then head over to the Thambi viewpoint. From here you can see the intimidating Kanchenjunga and let out that gasp.
Zuluk is also home to the Kupup Lake, which is not only beautiful and serene but also an extremely sacred point in Sikkim. The Nag temple is also situated here at Zuluk. It looks heavenly when the temple gets covered with a veil of snow during the winter,
4. Manali:-
When we are talking about Winter destinations in India, it is impossible to miss out the serene town of Manali, which was once the ultimate winter getaway in India.
This enchanting town is beautiful all year round but it is especially mesmerizing during the winters.
The town of Manali has something for everyone, whether you are travelling with your family, or you are travelling solo, Manali will have something for you.
If you are an adventure lover then just engage in some horse riding, paragliding, skiing, and many others, amidst the blanket of snowy valleys that surrounds this town.
You can also take some time out and explore the town of Kasol, Kullu, and Rohtang. These are great places to trek to and will make your trip even more enriching. If you are into mountaineering the head over to the Pin Parvati Pass, Hampta Pass, and many other such locations.
If you can also relax while taking a hot sulphur bath at the Manikaran. Or maybe, just curl up inside a blanket with a cosy read and spend the day looking at the little snowflakes that fall from the sky.
5. Kalpa:-
The tiny hamlet of Kalpa is located in the lovely state of Himachal. This winter town is a great place to explore and spend some serene and idle time. Kalpa is the perfect place for you if you are looking for a break away from the noisy city life, and want to spend some time in nature.
Away from the hustle-bustle, Kalpa is located close to Reckong Peo.
The entire town of Kalpa looks like a Christian bride with rosy cheeks and white snow. It is situated at a high altitude in the months from November to March. It is also said that this town has the cleanest air in India, which will fill your lungs with extreme purity. You will feel all your worries vanish away from the moment you land here. It is also am an offbeat tourist destination, thus, it is still pure and not crowded with cacophony tourists.
6. Gulmarg:-
The magical town of Gulmarg is every traveler’s dream destination. This enchanting and mesmerizing town is located in the heart of Jammu and Kashmir, and you will be amazed by the various textural elements that thus town encompasses. From frozen azure lakes to ice-covered trees to skiing areas that will steal your heart away.
Gulmarg has the power to captivate you and make you feel warm in the scintillating cold as well. There is something dreamlike to just board up a cable car and watch the winter wonderland unfold in front of you.
There are also several snow sports that you can indulge in. This is especially great for people who are looking for some thrill and adventure this winters.
7. Kerala:-
No matter when you visit Kerala, you will be surprised by its beauty. Yet, in the winters it just seems even more serene and calm. Unsurprisingly Kerala is called “God’s Own Country”, as you will feel the spiritual aura being reflected by the natural beauty of this place.
There are so many things you can do here during the winters like pristine sandy beaches, palm-lined backwaters, spice plantations, green hills and relaxing Ayurvedic spas. The whole culture and traditions of Kerala are also reflected beautifully during the winters. It is neither too hot nor too cold during the winters, making Kerala the ideal choice for your winter destinations.
8. Rajasthan:-
There are some places in India which you won’t be able to explore in Summers and winters, due to the crazy heat and the rains. But, these are the places that open up like a pandora’s box during the winter season.
The Land of the Rajputs, i.e. Rajasthan is one such place of winter destinations. Rajasthan is a desert state making it quite hot during the Summers. Yet, during the winters it is a great place to come and relish the amazing and rich culture of the state.
The state is filled with historic marvels that will take you through a journey. These monuments, palaces, and forts will remind you to have time that has now long gone by.
Head to cities like Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, and Udaipur to witness the grandeur first hand. You can also visit the Ranthambore National Park if you wish to head for a safari vacation this winter.
Rajasthan is also a great place for shopping, and you will be stunned by the colorful handicrafts and clothes that you will find it.
9. Zanskar:-
If this winter vacation you are looking for some thrill and adventure, then Zanskar is the place for you. Located in picturesque Ladakh, Zanskar is where all the winter action is located. Coated with pristine white snow, and stunning frozen lakes, this town is truly amazing.
If you are looking for some winter sightseeing, then head over to the elegant Buddhist monasteries, or trek through the narrow mountain passes and witness some breathtaking sights. You can also embark on the hugely popular Chadar Trek, which is only done during the cold winter months. The trek is popular especially among wildlife enthusiasts who try to catch a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard while on this trek.
