21 Best Places to Visit in India in Winter

List Of 21 Best Places to Visit in India in Winter

Experience the wonders of India's multisensorial destinations with your family and friends, whether it's the sheen of the desert moon, the glint of the northern snow, or the glimmer of the coastal sun. Below, I will be listing the best places to visit during winter in india, along with their tourist attraction points. To know more, scroll down and read on.

Name Of The Places	Tourist Attraction Points
Auli - The Heaven on Skiing in Garhwal	Joshimath, Valley Of Flowers, Tapovan
Wayanad - The Green Paradise Of Kerela	Edakkal Caves, Banasura Heels, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
Jaisalmer - The Golden City	Jaisalmer Fort, Jain Heritage, Gadisar Lake
Dharamsala: The Little Tibet	Namgyal Monastery, Triund, Kangra Fort
Gangtok: The Land Of Monasteries	Ban Jhakri Falls Park, Hanuman Tok, MG Road
Darjeeling: The Queen of Hills	Happy Valley Tea Estate, Peace Pagoda, Tiger Hill
Gulmarg - Meadow Of Flowers	Gulmarg Gondola, Khilanmarg, Drung Waterfall
Varanasi: The City of Light	Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat
Rann Of Kutch: The Largest Salt Deserts In The World	White Desert Of Kutch, Shree Swaminarayan Temple Bhuj, Road To Heaven Rann
Nainital: The Lake City	Snow View Point, Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple
Sonamarg: Medow Of Gold	Krishansar Lake, Vishansar Lake, Gadsar Lake
Munnar: The Kashmir of South India	Blossom Park, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Pothamedu View Point
Manali: Valley of the Gods	Hadimba Devi Temple, Van Vihar National Park, Bhrigu Lake
Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Home To White-Sand Beaches	Chidiya Tapu Beach, Elephant Beach, Baratang
Shillong: The Scotland Of The East	Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, Laitlum Canyons
Hampi: A Rich Cultural Heritage	Virupaksha Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple, Lotus Mahal
Binsar: Offers Majestic Views Of Himalayan Peaks	Zero Point, Kasar Devi Temple,  Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Goa: Rome of the East	Aguada Fort, Baga Beach, Basilica Of Bom Jesus
Tawang: History Amid Natural Beauty	Sela Pass, Banggachhang Lake, Narurang Falls
Dalhousie: The Switzerland Of India	Khajjiar, Satdhara Falls, Ganji Pahari
Pondicherry: Quintessence of French Culture	Paradise Beach, Auroville, Promenade Beach

Review Of The Best Places To Visit In December In India 

The winter months are the best for travelling throughout India, as you can choose to see the "Land of Maharajas," Rajasthan, "God's Own Country," Kerala, or the tropical beaches of "Party Capital," Goa. So, here I have reviewed each of the above-mentioned places in detail, from where you can opt to visit your favourite place depending on your preferences. 

1. Auli - The Heaven on Skiing in Garhwal

India's most popular ski resort destination is Auli, a tiny but beautiful town. Auli's ski slopes are well-liked by both tourists and pros, having originally been built as a paramilitary base. Auli holds a number of snow adventure events in the winter. For ski enthusiasts, the best months to go are January to March. October to March is the best time of year for those who enjoy the outdoors.

At 2,800 meters above sea level, Auli is encircled by acres of oak and coniferous forests and provides sweeping views of several of India's highest peaks, including Nanda Devi (7,816 meters), the second-highest peak in the nation. Additionally, Auli is the entry point to the Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks, including the Hemkund Sahib Gurdwara. From here, hikers can reach well-known locations like Gorson Bugyal, Pangerchulla Summit, and Tapovan.

Adventure That You Can't Miss: Ropeway Ride and Skiing

2. Wayanad - The Green Paradise Of Kerela

Nestled among the Western Ghats mountains, Wayanad is a verdant paradise that defines the edge of Kerala's greener region. This land is rich in culture and history, and it is also immaculate and captivating. This lush hill station, which is 76 kilometres from Kozhikode's seashore, is home to numerous plantations, forests, and animals. The Wayanad hills form a large land mass that allows wildlife to roam freely in their natural habitat because they are adjacent to Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu and Bandhipur in Karnataka.

Wayanad is special because it is located in the Western Ghats on a beautiful, elevated plateau surrounded by mountains. The immense stretches of mist-capped mountains, verdant valley meadows, blue-water lakes, white-water springs, and wild forests encapsulate Wayanad's exceptional natural beauty.  The Neolithic era is represented in some of the ancient petroglyphs found in the Edakkal Caves in the southern Ambukuthi Hills. 

Adventure That You Can't Miss: Bamboo Rafting, Trekking Through Spice Plantations And Wildlife

3. Jaisalmer - The Golden City

The Indian state of Rajasthan contains the city of Jaisalmer, also known as "The Golden City". The town was the seat of the Bhati Rajput-ruled Jaisalmer State prior to Indian independence. Perched atop a yellow-hued sandstone ridge, Jaisalmer is home to the historic Jaisalmer Fort. This fort is home to multiple elaborate Jain temples as well as a royal palace. Sandstone with exquisite carvings is used to build a large number of homes and temples in both the town below and the fort. The town is located in the Great Indian Desert, also known as the Thar Desert.

The most anticipated and well-known cultural and colourful event in Rajasthan is the Desert Festival of Jaisalmer. There are organised competitions for Mr. Desert, Turban Tying, and Camel Racing. Every year, it takes place in February. The festival, which features Rajasthani folk music and dance, is highly popular with visitors from overseas. The Gair and Fire dancers are the main draw of the Jaisalmer desert festival celebrations. 

Adventures You Can't Miss: Quad Biking, Paragliding

4. Dharamsala: The Little Tibet

The largest Tibetan temple outside of Tibet, is located in the serene, spiritual city of Dharamsala. The Dalai Lama monastery hosts public lectures a few times a year and is well-known for its religious imagery. After your spiritual energy has returned, take a stroll through the beautiful Bhagsu Waterfall or ascend the hill to Triund for breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

While Dharamshala shares the state's natural beauty with other parts of it, its strong Tibetan identity makes it unique. Flags fly in the air, monasteries are dotted around, and monks are dressed in vibrant saffron robes. While there are many tourist attractions, Dharamsala is primarily a place to relax and take in the peace and tranquillity this place offers.

Adventures You Can't Miss: Paragliding, Trekking and Camping

5. Gangtok: The Land Of Monasteries

Stunningly beautiful, delightfully noisy, and shrouded in clouds, Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, also offers breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga in the distance. Many trekkers use the immaculate hill station, which is tucked away amid clouds and mountains, as their starting point when they ascend the Himalayan mountain ranges. The captivating prismatic beauty and the lovely winding hill roads are even more stunning from a cable car's bird's eye view.

Like everything else in the area, Gangtok is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery and is home to a number of natural landmarks, including Tsomgo Lake, Ban Jhakri Falls, Tashi Viewpoint, and more. The Enchey Monastery, Ganesh Tok, Do Drul Chorten Rumtek Monastery, and other locations are worth visiting. The Teesta River is one of the greatest places in Northeast India for white water rafting.

Adventures You Can't-Miss: River Rafting, Cycling on Silk Route and Goecha La Trek

6. Darjeeling: The Queen of Hills

West Bengal, an Indian state, contains the Himalayan city known as "the queen of the hills." It is well-known throughout the world as a travel destination because of the breathtaking view of Mount Kanchendzonga, the tea industry, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly known as the Toy Train. From Darjeeling, one can see the entire Singalila Range, Mt. Kangdong, the Bhutan Himalaya, and a portion of the Everest range. 

Darjeeling's distinctive features are its eye-catching valleys, meandering rivers, and lush green tea gardens. The popular hill stations' main draws are the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI), the Himalayan Zoo, Tiger Hill, Rock Garden, and Batashiya Loop. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, popularly called the "Toy Train," is a roughly 86-kilometer (53-mile) narrow gauge railway connecting New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling in West Bengal. Its gauge is 2 feet (610 mm). In 1999, UNESCO designated the century-old train as a World Heritage Site. 

Adventures You Can't Miss: Toy Train Ride, kayaking, and White Water Rafting

7. Gulmarg - Meadow Of Flowers 

At 8,690 feet above sea level, the town of Gulmarg is tucked away in the Western Himalayan Pir Panjal range. Translated literally as "Meadow of Flowers," it is surrounded by deep valleys, pine-covered slopes, verdant green pastures, shimmering snow-capped alps, and colourful meadows. A picturesque beauty, it is well-known for its 1927 ski resort, the second-longest cable car ride in Asia, the Gulmarg Gondola, and the highest golf course in the world. 

For those who enjoy the outdoors and an exciting adventure, Gulmarg is a true paradise. Known as the "heartland of winter sports," it provides a wide range of winter sports and sightseeing opportunities, including heli-skiing, horseback riding, snowboarding, tobogganing, and more. The ideal time of year to visit Gulmarg is between October and June, especially in the winter when the snow-covered terrain turns the area into India's top winter sports destination.

Adventures You Can't Miss: Heli-Skiing, Horseback Riding, Cable Car Ride and Snowboarding

8. Varanasi: The City of Light

For thousands of years, Varanasi has been the cultural hub of northern India and is intimately connected to the Ganges river. Hindus consider the city a major pilgrimage centre because they believe that dying there will lead to salvation. The city is well-known across the world for its numerous ghats, which are stone slab embankments and built-in steps along the riverbank where pilgrims perform sacred bathing. 

The primary cultural patron of Varanasi, the Kashi Naresh (Maharaja of Kashi), is an integral element of all religious festivals. The  Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats are particularly noteworthy because they are the locations of Hindu mortuaries and serve as archives for Varanasi's Hindu genealogical records. About two thousand temples dot the city's meandering streets, among them the Hindu deity Shiva's "Golden Temple," Kashi Vishwanath. 

Adventures You Can't-Miss: Boat Ride On Ganges and Watch Evening Ganga Aarti

9. Rann Of Kutch: The Largest Salt Deserts In The World

Don’t get confused with Great Rann of Kutch or Little Rann of Kutch.

A vast stretch of salt marshes that separates India and Pakistan is known as the Rann of Kutch. With a small portion extending into the Pakistani province of Sindh, it is primarily situated in the Kutch district of the Indian state of Gujarat. The Great Rann and Little Rann are its two divisions.

Numerous ecologically significant species can be found in the Rann of Kachchh region, including the flamingos and the wild ass that are frequently spotted in the desert. Rann is also a part of a few sanctuaries, including the Kachchh desert wildlife sanctuary and the Indian wild ass sanctuary. For those who love the outdoors and wildlife photography, it is a haven.

Adventures You Can't Miss: Desert Safari, Paragliding, Camel Rides, and Hot Air Balloon Rides

10. Nainital: The Lake City

Nainital, a popular hill station in Northern India, is a charming Himalayan lake town that looks like a postcard. Nainital, also called the "Lake District," is a town 2,000 meters above sea level and tucked away in the Kumaon Himalayas. Seven hills, collectively referred to as "Sapta-Shring," encircle this lovely town: Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi-Bandi, Naina, Alma, Lariya-Kanta, and Sher-Ka-Danda. 

The towering mountains and the lake's glistening waters make the town much more beautiful.  The emerald mountain lake Naini, which is home to the town's centre, is frequently dotted with vibrant sailboats. Mythology states that the lake was created when the eyes of the goddess "Sati" fell here while Lord Shiva was transferring her corpse to a new location. 

Adventures You Can't Miss: Boating at Naini Lake, Trekking at Cheena Peak, and Enjoying Ropeway 

11. Sonamarg: Medow Of Gold

Sonamarg, which means "the meadow of gold," is as close to heaven as it gets, with snow-capped mountains set against a breathtaking blue sky. The Sindh River runs through the valley. Ponies can be rented for the trip up to the Thajiwas glacier. Sonmarg provides the opportunity for nature lovers to relax amid its picturesque vistas, adventure seekers to experience an adrenaline rush through trekking and camping, and honeymoon couples to spend time cuddling up amidst its beauty.

Sonamarg is also the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes — Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. It is also the take-off station for the drive to Ladakh across Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range through which the Srinagar–Leh Road passes. Sonamarg is also a base for undertaking the yatra to the holy Amarnath cave during Sawan Purnima.

Adventures You Can't Miss: Trekking and Explore Baltal Valley

12. Munnar: The Kashmir of South India

Munnar is one of those breathtaking locations in Kerala that is impossible to capture in a single painting. Everything and anything in this place will excite us, like the rare plants and animals, tea plantations, mist, hills, valleys, streams, and waterfalls. It is a stunning tea town that is conveniently located between Kochi and Coimbatore in Kerala's Idukki district. The stunning hill station is perfectly situated in India's southwestern ghats. 

Whether it's tea or spices, this place is a shopping paradise for compulsive shoppers. This is where you can gather a variety of spices, including pepper, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, coffee, cloves, and nutmeg. Don't overlook these freshly made chocolates. Savour the liqueur-filled white, dark, and nut-filled chocolates.

Adventures You Can't Miss: Shikara Ride in Kundala Lake and Elephant Safari at the Carmelagiri Elephant Park

13. Manali: Valley of the Gods

Manali is a town in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh that is close to Kullu town in the Kullu district.  Manali, one of those unique hill towns that has captivated people's interest for ages, is nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Himachal Pradesh. Manali is one of those locations where the breathtaking scenery will enthral you.

Manali is like a fairy tale, a time machine that will take you to a place of luxury, devotion, and fantasy all at once. The breathtaking valleys and snow-peaked mountains are expertly positioned with the foliage and comfort that this place will bestow upon you. Once you pack your bags and arrive at this location, the elegance of the place will captivate you, making you want to return again and again.

Adventures You Can't-Miss: River Rafting, Skiing and Paragliding

14. Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Home To White-Sand Beaches

Situated at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, the 571 islands that make up the union territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to 37 inhabited islands. Among the many reasons to visit the stunning Andaman and Nicobar Islands are their sparsely populated beaches that open up to an ocean teeming with fascinating marine life and coral gardens. The century-old Cellular Jail, now a pilgrimage site, Ghandi Park, and Sippighat Farm offer a window into the past and present of these tranquil islands with an enigmatic and diverse past.

Adventures You Can't Miss: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling,  Mangrove Kayaking, Travel In Sea Plane, and Visiting Elephant Beach

15. Shillong: The Scotland Of The East

Shillong is one of the major cities in the northeast. The people of Shillong have a strong love for music and dance. Shillong observes several significant festivals, including Shad Suk, Christmas, Mynsiem Dance, and Nongkrem Dance. Restaurants in Shillong provide you with a variety of cuisines.

Shillong's local stalls serve a variety of regional dishes, including jadoh and jastem. Both Police Bazar's Trattoria and Motphran's Neolith are well-known eateries offering regional cuisine. In Shillong, some of the well-known Chinese and Indian eateries are Yalana, La Galerie, Barbeque, Wok, Kimpao, etc.

Adventures You Can't Miss: Hiking, Camping, Mountain Biking

16. Hampi: A Rich Cultural Heritage

One of the most important cities in Southern India, Hampi served as the final capital of the Vijayanagara kingdom. In the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, travellers were captivated by the magnificent temples and palaces constructed by its affluent rulers.

Situated in the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the southern bank of the Tungabhadra River. For travellers who have an interest in both religion and history, it is an absolute delight. People who visit the 4,100-hectare historic village of Hampi are still in awe of the ancient ruins that stand as reminders of a glorious past. The winter months of October through February are ideal for exploring Hampi, with the exception of the warm afternoons.

Adventures You Can't-Miss: Hiking & Camping, Visit The temples

17. Binsar: Offers Majestic Views Of Himalayan Peaks

From the seventh to the eighteenth centuries AD, the Chand Dynasty ruled Kumaon, with Binsar serving as their former summer capital. Perched at 2,420 meters above sea level, this quaint and idyllic hamlet is among the most picturesque spots in the Kumaon hills.

Because of its location, it provides breathtaking views of the magnificent Himalayan peaks, including Shivling, Panchachuli, Chaukhamba, Trishul, and Nanda Devi. According to the locals, Binsar got its name from the 16th-century Bineshwar Mahadev temple devoted to Lord Shiva.

Adventures You Can't Miss: Trekking, Kasardevi temple, Mountain Cycling, Camping, and Bird Watching

18. Goa: Rome of the East

India's Goa state is well-known for its beaches and holy sites. The Bom Jesus Basilica, Fort Aguada, an Indian culture wax museum, and a heritage museum are among the main tourist destinations. UNESCO has designated the Goa churches and convents as World Heritage Sites.

Goa's water sports, scuba diving, and bungee jumping activities also attract visitors from all over India. Goa, which is primarily known for its beaches, can make the ideal short vacation spot. The sunny weather and sandy beaches draw international visitors to the area. It also offers a variety of entertainment options, including nightlife and parties, which enhance an already wonderful vacation.

Adventures You Can't-Miss: Scuba Diving, Partying at Tito's Street, Sunset Cruise, and Hot Air Balloon Flight

19. Tawang: History Amid Natural Beauty

The charming town of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is a pure and unspoiled tourist destination, offering a striking contrast of nature's colour palette where dense emerald jungles give way to stark, icy peaks and snow-blanketed passes. Tawang takes you on an adventure that begins with travelling through zigzagging and winding mountain passes, including Sela, one of the highest motorable roads in the world, to get to the town.

Tawang is surrounded by majestic snow-capped mountain ranges on the east and sprinkled with charming Buddhist monasteries. The Tawang Valley is well-known as the home of the Monpas, one of Arunachal Pradesh's largest ethnic groups. Their handlooms, arts, and crafts have a rich history.

Adventures You Can't-Miss: Trekking, Wildlife Safari, Skiing and Hiking

20. Dalhousie: The Switzerland Of India

In Himachal Pradesh, Dalhousie is a well-known hill resort with views of the snow-capped peaks of the Dhauladhar ranges. It is comprised of five hills. Renowned for its meadows, thick forests, and waterfalls, this destination is particularly well-liked by families on vacation and honeymooners. Dalhousie has a charming old-world charm, captivating natural scenery, pine-covered valleys, and stunning misty mountains.

Its colonial past is recalled by the architecture of churches like St. Patrick's Church, St. John's Church, and St. Francis Church, which dates back to the Victorian and Scottish eras. In addition, Tibetan handicrafts, Chamba handkerchiefs, woollen Himachali shawls, and other trinkets are produced in Dalhousie. The primary market in the town, The Mall Road, is where you can purchase these. Without Khajjiar, a trip to Dalhousie isn't complete. Khajjiar, dubbed the miniature Switzerland of India, is only 21 km distant. The small hill town is well-known for its breathtaking views of verdant pastures and mountains blanketed in a blanket of snow. 

Adventures You Can't-Miss: Trekking, River Rafting, Paragliding and Ziplining

21. Pondicherry: Quintessence of French Culture

A popular tourist destination is Pondicherry. The city's numerous colonial structures, including churches, temples, and statues, along with the French-style avenues in the older neighbourhoods, help to preserve a large portion of the colonial atmosphere. Pondicherry is home to several large, historic churches, the majority of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Promenade Beach is home to several historic structures and monuments, including the Children's Park and Dupleix Statue, the French Institute of Pondicherry at Saint Louis Street, the Gandhi and Nehru statues, Le Café, the French War Memorial, the 19th Century Light House, Bharathi Park, Governors Palace, and the Romain Rolland Library.

Adventures You Can't-Miss: Surfing, Scuba Diving, Go Karting, Paragliding, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding and More

Conclusion

Those who don't travel only read a single page of the book that covers the world. You'll be more disappointed in yourself in the next twenty years for the things you chose not to do than the ones you did. Thus, remove the bowlines. Leave the secure harbour behind. Seize the trade winds with both hands. Explore. Dream. Discover. So, this was all about the best places to visit in India In Winter. After reviewing this article, I hope you now have all the information you need. However, if you have visited any of these destinations, you can share your personal experiences below in the comment section. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which place is warm in India in winter?

A. The Goa tropical surroundings come alive in December's wintry sunlight. Summertime in this state brings some of the highest temperatures; as the searing sun sets over the bay, it leaves an irresistible trail of warmth in its wake.

Q. Is there a winter holiday in India?

A. December is when most of India's winter celebrations occur. Every state in the union celebrates a flurry of festivities in the year's final month. December is a great month to travel to India because of the pleasant weather, exciting festivities, and festive atmosphere.

Q. How is Goa in winter?

A. Although this city is typically very hot and muggy, winter offers much more forgiving weather, which is perfect for people who enjoy being outside. Travellers from all over the nation swarm to this season of festivities and celebration in addition to the pleasant weather.