15 Winter holiday Destinations in India

Winters in India are spectacular. The true splendor of the country shines in the season of pleasant climate. The geographical diversity encompasses mighty peaks to azure shores, scenic deserts to lush greens. The beaches in the country are glorious and tempting. The hill stations are draped in a layer of snow. The forts and palace stands tall hidden in the mists. The wildlife explorations are adventurous. The vivacious cultures of India comes together creating a memorable kaleidoscope as festivals and fairs are organized at various locales.

Here are 15 Destinations that you must visit in winter holidays in India

Shimla

Let’s start with on the most beautiful places to visit in winter, the Queen of Hill Stations, Shimla! The town enjoys the splendid view of Himalayas. The capital city of the state shares a long history, dating back to the British Raj. If you are a true winter lovers, do escape to Chail for a snow expedition. Get ready for snow fights, walks and warming up in the hotel with a steaming cup of hot beverage seated in front of a bonfire. The Winter Sports Festival with natural ice-skiing and hanging balloons is a major lure. For romance, family holiday or a weekend of fun, Shimla is amazing.

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Dalhousie

The picturesque Dalhousie is one of the best winter holiday destinations in India. Come the cold season and the town is blessed with snow. The view is magnificent with its snow draped Deodar forests. Additionally, it is a must visit place for all the trekking enthusiasts. Every December, the National Himalayan Winter Trekking Expedition is organized in the town. Escape the crowds and enjoy a snowful winter. It serves all purposes for a quiet end of the year or the beginning of the new. Stay at a cottage, enjoy the weather, go for walks and have a wonderful time.

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Delhi

Magical throughout but enhanced in the cold season, next on our list of top winter holiday destinations is, Delhi. Blessed with vast history, a number of architectural marvels, and scenic beauty, Delhi is best visited during winters. There are 3 fascinating World Heritage Sites: Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort and Qutb Minar Group of Monuments. A city of contrast, Delhi’s diversity is seen in its old world charm and the modern Lutyen’s Delhi. Sightseeing is high on the list of to do things in Delhi. The delicious food is all the more appetizing in the cold weather, which you must not miss.

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Auli

The ski capital of India, Auli is one of the places you must not miss for winter holidays. To start with, the snow clad peaks of the Neelkanth, Mana Parbat, and Nanda Devi are an awe-inspiring panoramic view. The thrilling sport of skiing is available for both experts and at an amateur level. There are many short courses which lets you have a go at the sport. The National Championship of Skiing held in January at Auli is the star highlight of the winter. Ride the Gondola to the very top of the Aparwahat peak for a spectacular view. Romance is in the air so you can have a thrilling vacation.

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Sonamarg

Kashmir is heavenly in winters. Of the many beautiful places in India, one that takes the crown of the most loved places for winter holidays is, the beautiful Meadow of Gold, Sonamarg. Witness the undiscovered Thajiwas glacier, on a short trek while here. It’s a true marvel of nature. Enjoy heavy layers of snowfall as the hill station enjoys sub-zero temperatures. Get into snow fights, build snowmen or enjoy sledge rides, snowboarding and skiing. Nothing less than a winter wonderland, gear up for a thrilling vacation. Family time, romance or just a vacation, Sonamarg is perfect for all. Enjoy unforgettable experiences.

Lakshadweep

The tropical bliss made of dreams, Lakshadweep is an archipelago of more than a lakh islands spread over the Laccadive Sea. Winters are unknown here which is why we list among the best holiday destinations, perfect to escape the cold. It’s sunny, soothing and thrilling. If you are up to escape cold, snow and everything cold, here is your favorite holiday destination. The spectacular tropical islands are blessed with heritage of ecology, culture and adventure. Breathtaking in every way, the marine world is the highlight of Lakshadweep. Adventures are available in abundance which include swimming, diving, snorkeling, wind-surfing, and kayaking and so much more.

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Rann of Kutch

If you would like an out-of-the world destination for a winter vacation, explore the white desert of the Rann of Kutch. It is ethereal in the full moon night as the sea of salt turns a magical blue. The entire winter season, from November to February, Kutch celebrates The Kutch Festival. The Rann Utsav as it fondly called, is an unforgettable experience. The festival has a carnival like setting, where colorful tented camps are set in contrast to the stark barren lands. There are a number of things to try. Go on jeep safaris, spot wildlife and enjoy the simple life of the rustic villages.

Jaisalmer

Winter is the only time when you can enjoy a vacation in a desert. This through brings us to the next destination, Jaisalmer. Settled on the boundary of the Thar Desert, the royal city of Rajasthan is pretty amazing. The majestic Jaisalmer Fort, known as the Sonar Quila seems rising out of desert. The massive fort and city is a treasure of old houses, magnificent havelis, temples and a cultural legacy that is quintessentially Rajput. The Thar Desert offers exciting experience of entertaining camel safaris, sand dunes bashing and camping amid the panoramic sight with some fond experiences of local culture. Also, the Desert Festival is a exciting festival celebrating the desert which you must attend for the fondest experiences of local culture.

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Goa

Goa is amongst the most popular places to visit in winter in India. In fact, it would not be wrong to say that you have not enjoyed winter holidays, if you have not visited Goa. The cold is not a known concept here, as it’s sunny, blissful and energetic. The beaches are crowed with families, love-birds and singles. There are a number of watersports to try. The nighttime is when the beach haven comes to life. There are a number of parties, pubs, clubs, casinos and some of the popular music festivals of the country for fun. Delicious treats, drinks, trance music with sand tickling your toes is something you cherish forever. The end of winter is marked with the Goa Carnival, a spectacular celebration of the Portuguese roots of the state.

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Varanasi

As old as civilization, Varanasi is a city of spiritual bliss. The winter season is the best time to visit Varanasi. The pleasant weather gives you the luxury to explore without fatigue. The sun peeking out from the fog, spreading its golden glory is a feast for the eyes. An early morning boat ride adds a jewel to the crown. Ganga’s level is the least harmless, sights are beautiful and there are immigrant birds that come to visit you all the way from Siberia. Also it’s the time for Dev Dipawali, Vasant Panchami, Holi and also Ram Leela. The spicy food and street delights make your time aswesome.

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Khajuraho

One of the brilliant treasures of India, Khajuraho is known for being an architectural masterpiece. The town settled in the heart of Madhya Pradesh is a thrilling winter holiday destination. The cool weather makes exploring all the more fun. The Khajuraho monuments are inscribed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. The carvings and sculptures are considered to represent the motif of Kamasutra. However the erotic carvings are just the outward appearance as the inside depicts a world of spirituality and abstinence. It is believed that the temple architecture represents the phases of life. Not just the old monuments, there is thrilling adventure and abundance of natural beauty. The extravagant Khajuraho Dance Festival marks the end of winter in the town. Do attend it for its breathtaking visual appeal and the vast legacy of dance in India.

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Alleppey

Winters are quite synonymous with romance and when you think of a loving vacation, India’s own Venice, Alleppey is where you should be. Settled on the backwaters of Kerala, the picturesque town is perfect for a visit. The weather is warm and lovely, you will forget the cold. Go on a houseboat cruise across the backwaters. Indulge in the therapeutic bliss of Ayurveda. Spend time exploring the rare ecology, nearby villages and go for a quick sightseeing tour. The Alleppey beach is amazing to explore. Go for walks, witness the splendid sunrise and sunset.

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Udaipur

Rajasthan’s “City Of Lakes” Udaipur is impressive throughout the year but it’s the cold that amplifies its beauty. Fondly known as the “Venice of the East’, the town is settled at the base of the Aravalis and enjoys weather that is fabulous. The town has magnificent gifts like Lake Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Monsoon Palace and Jag Mandir. For art lovers, there are amazing events at Shilpgram Arts and Crafts Festival to explore local traditional crafts. Go for a boat ride on the Pichola Lake, attend a puppet show or savor the mouthwatering delights. Udaipur is one of the best winter holiday destinations in India.

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Pondicherry

For a French vacation in India, Pondicherry is where you should be. The beautiful beaches, pleasant weather, French cuisine and ancient buildings add on to the charm of the great location. What more is, it’s one of the best places in India for winter. Other attractions include Auroville, Aurobindo Ashram and numerous churches are certainly a must visit in Pondicherry. When India enjoys the cold winds, the beach town is warmed by bliss. Cycle through the town, grab delights at cafes and bakeries or relax on the shores with your favorite book. You can also stay at the Aurobindo Ashram for dew days, meditate or try some pursuits.

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Shillong

The capital of Meghalaya, the abode of clouds is very much a loved winter holiday destination in India. Referred as the Scotland of East, the scenic town is amazing. The verdant beauty is the biggest lure. There are a handful of scenic waterfalls, ancient caves, crystal-clear lakes and so much more. Start the day with trekking. Go boating on the beautiful Dawki Lake. Don’t stop at the capital, go for day trips to Cherrapunji, Mawsynram, unforgettable is the word for a vacation in winter here. Stay at a treehouse, go camping in forests, exploring caves, trekking or attending some local festivals.

[ Plan your winter holiday with our best customized packages ]

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Debasree

A travel writer by profession and self-professed addict to literature, momos, dancing, music and travelling, Debasree Chakraborty has all interesting things to share. Go through her penned down travel experiences and collected intelligence in her write ups. Read on!

15 Awesome Winter holiday Destinations in India that you must not miss