Winter months are just 2-3 months away in India. Are you planning to explore some wonderful winter destinations in India this winter season? India is a beautiful country to explore throughout the year, but during winter months, the northern and northeastern regions have extremely cold weather. Major high-altitude regions of India like Kashmir, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Darjeeling experience heavy snowfall from December to March month.
In this blog, we at ASAP Holidays are going to share the top 10 winter destinations in India that can be explored with family, friends, partners, and solo. At the end of the blog, we will also share some useful winter special travel tips with you for your smooth travel experience.
10 Best Winter Destinations in India to Visit
In India, you will find plenty of winter destinations with dramatic white landscapes, snow-capped mountains, frozen lakes, waterfalls and rivers, cozy cafes, and thrilling winter activities. If you’re living in the Delhi NCR region, some places are quite close to you. You can reach there either by your own car/bike or public transport like buses, trains and flights. Here are the names of top winter destinations in India to explore this winter season (November to March):-
1. Gulmarg, Kashmir
The Sufi poet “Amir Khusrau” regarded Kashmir as “Heaven on Earth”. Gulmarg is one of the most picturesque towns in Jammu and Kashmir, known for its dramatic landscapes, crystal clear freshwater lakes, snow-capped mountains, Gondola ride, and fresh snowfall. Gulmarg experiences extreme cold weather in the winter season with temperatures ranging from minus 10 degrees Celsius to minus 15 degrees Celsius in day time.
- Major attractions in Gulmarg: Gulmarg Gondola Ride, Alpather Lake, Ice-Skating Rink, Horse Riding
- How to reach Gulmarg: Hire a cab or taxi from Srinagar Airport to reach Gulmarg. It is approximately 57 km away from the Sheikh Ul Alam International Airport.
2. Leh, Ladakh
Leh is one of the most beautiful cities in the administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh. It is among the best winter destinations in India to visit. Among bikers, Leh remains the center of attraction due to its scenic beauty and dramatic landscapes. Being a high-altitude region in India, the winters are extremely harsh here and make it difficult for tourists to travel. Many major parts of the region remain closed till the summer. So plan your trip accordingly.
- Major attractions in Leh: Shanti Stupa, City Palace, Pangong Lake, Magnetic Hill, Kargil, Hall of Fame
- How to reach Leh: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is a domestic airport in Leh. Direct flights to Leh are available from various Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Chandigarh.
3. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
How can we miss Manali, when we are talking about the best winter destinations in India to visit? For every Indian, Manali is not just a word, it’s an emotion. Manali is a very common winter destination among all Indian families. The best way to explore Manali in winter is to pre-book your Manali tour package. It is best known for its winter carnival, Himachali food, snow-capped mountains, heavy snowfall, and hot springs. It is just 10-12 hours away from Delhi. By overnight bus journey, you can reach here and enjoy the snow with your family and friends.
- Major attractions in Manali: Solang Valley, Atal Tunnel, Manu Temple, Anjani Mahadev Temple, Skiing, Trekking
- How to reach Manali: Take an overnight bus from Delhi to Manali which costs you around INR 800-1000 per head. You can also reach here by flight, Kullu Manali Airport is the nearest airport to Manali.
4. Chopta, Uttarakhand
If you love exploring unexplored places in winter, Chopta is indeed a paradise for you. Located in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, Chopta is known as the mini Switzerland of India. It is also home to the world’s highest Shiva temple “Tungnath Mahadev Temple”. Chopta Valley is among the offbeat winter destinations in India with inches of snow, and jaw-dropping sunset and sunrise views. Chopta experiences heavy snowfall from mid-January to late March.
- Major attractions in Chopta: Chopta Valley, Tungnath Mahadev Trek, Chandrashila Trek, Deoria Taal
- How to reach Chopta: To reach Chopta, you need to take a bus to Haridwar/Rishikesh. From here, you need to take a taxi or bus to Rudraprayag. From here, take a direct personal taxi to reach Chopta Valley.
5. Sissu, Himachal Pradesh
Sissu is a getaway of Lahaul Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is just 40 minutes away from Manali and one of the best places to visit in India during the winter. Sissu experiences heavy snowfall during the winter season and sometimes due to heavy snowfall, roads get blocked by the BRO. You can reach here by private taxi or rented bike/scooty. On your way to Sissu, you will cross Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and the world’s famous Atul Tunnel. The road from Manali to Sissu offers mesmerizing views of snow-capped mountains.
- Major attractions in Sissu: Sissu Waterfall, Sissu Village, Sissu Lake, Sissu Snow Point, Raja Ghepen Temple, Ziplining, Keylong
- How to reach Sissu: You can get a direct HRTC bus from Delhi ISBT to Keylong Depot and deboard at the Sissu bus stand. Also, you can reach Manali first, and then hire a taxi or rent a bike to reach Sissu via Atal Tunnel.
6. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
To experience the best of Jaisalmer, you can consider various Rajasthan tour packages, including the best places of Rajasthan including Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer. Rajasthan is among India’s hottest states. The best time to visit Rajasthan is obviously winter. During winter, you can explore each location without worrying about heat waves, heatstock, tanning, and dehydration. Jaisalmer is one of the most popular cities in Rajasthan, known for its ancient haveli, forts, lakes, and vibrant Rajasthani culture. Jaisalmer is also known as the Golden City. If you love exploring forts, art, craft, music, and the history of Royal families, a trip to Jaisalmer is a must in winter along with family and friends.
- Major attractions in Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer Fort, Kothari’s Patwon ki Haveli, Bada Bagh, Gadisar Lake, Salam Singh Ki Haveli, Sam Sand Dunes Camps Jaisalmer
- How to reach Jaisalmer: You can take a direct train from Delhi to Jaisalmer which takes almost 12-13 hours. The nearest airport is Jodhpur airport. Roadway buses are available from various cities including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, and Alwar
7. Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is globally known for tea plantations and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Surrounded by snow-capped Himachalan mountain ranges, Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful yet underrated hill stations in West Bengal. During the winter season, Darjeeling experiences heavy snowfall making this place a winter wonderland. If you want to explore offbeat destinations and are tired of visiting Himachal and Uttarakhand, do visit Darjeeling this winter season.
- Major attractions in Darjeeling: Batasia Loop, Yiga Choeling Monastery, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Happy Valley Tea Estate, Tiger Hill
- How to reach Darjeeling: The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport which is approximately 2.5 hours by road from Darjeeling.
8. Kachchh, Gujarat
Kachchh is one of the best winter destinations in India to visit. Kachchh, Gujarat, is a unique travel destination that transforms into a magical landscape during the winter season. Known for its white salt desert, rich culture, and wildlife, Kachchh offers an unparalleled experience for travelers seeking both adventure and serenity. Kachchh is one of the best places to visit in Gujarat during winter. The winter months bring the vibrant Rann Utsav, a cultural festival showcasing Gujarat’s art, crafts, music, dance, and cuisine.
- Major Attractions in Kachchh: Aaina Mahal, Prag Mahal, Kalo Dungar, Vijay Villas Palace, Rann of Kutch, Kutch’s White Desert, Dholavira
- How to reach Kachchh: Bhuj Airport (BHJ) is the nearest airport to Kachchh, located about 80 km away. It is well-connected with major Indian cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
9. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty is a popular resort town in Tamil Nadu, known for its tea plantations and scenic road trips. This stunning town is among the best tourist places near Bangalore within 300 km. Being the popular hill station, you can easily reach here via train, bus, car, and flight. Compared to the busy summer season, winter sees fewer tourists, allowing you to explore the town peacefully and enjoy its natural beauty without much disturbance.
- Major Attractions in Ooty: Emerald Lake, Nilgiri Mountain Railway Line, Doddabetta Peak, Murugan Temple Elk Hill, Rose Garden, Pykara Waterfalls
- How to reach Ooty: Coimbatore International Airport (88 km away.) From Coimbatore, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Ooty. The journey by road takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
10. New Delhi, Delhi
Delhi is the capital city of India. Delhi is known as “Delhi Dilwalon Ki” because of its hospitality and loving people. It is one of the best winter destinations in India to explore. Delhi is best known for its food, Mughal-era architecture, and happening life. Here you can find various ancient temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, forts, museums, parks, and more. Major historical monuments like India Gate, Rasthrapati Bhawan, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Supreme Court of India, and more.
- Major attractions in New Delhi: Red Fort, Khan Market, JLN Stadium, Lodhi Garden, Lodhi Art District, Indian Habitat Centre, Connaught Place, Hauz Khas
- How to reach Delhi: Delhi is easily accessible by train, bus, and flight. IGI Airport is an international airport in Delhi.
Some useful winter travel tips
Before planning a winter trip to any desired destination, you need to learn about certain winter travel tips. By using such tips, you can enhance your travel experience for sure. Here are the following tips that you must follow as a responsible traveler:
- Layer your clothing.
- Carry insulated gloves and a hat.
- Use thermal socks and waterproof shoes.
- Keep hand warmers and a scarf.
- Pack a good moisturizer and lip balm.
- Stay hydrated regularly.
- Carry a compact first-aid kit.
- Protect electronics from cold temperatures.
- Book accommodations with heating.
- Check weather updates frequently.
Conclusion
India’s diverse winter destinations offer something for every kind of traveler, from snow-covered peaks in Kashmir and Leh to the cultural richness of Kutch. Whether you’re seeking adventure in Himachal, spiritual retreats in Uttarakhand, or the vibrant winter festivals of Delhi, each location provides a unique experience. Winter enhances the charm of these places, making them perfect for a memorable getaway. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bag now for your unforgettable winter trip and make some crazy memories for a lifetime.
FAQs
- Patnitop
- Kasol
- Manali
- Nainital
- Dehradun
- Rishikesh
- Mumbai
- Varanasi
- Jaipur
- Jodhpur
- Udaipur
- Bikaner
- Somnath
- Dwarkadhish
- Ujjain
Jammu Kashmir, Darjeeling, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh experience heavy snowfall during winter. You can plan your trip to these places from late December to Early March to see the live snowfall.
Yes, it is safe to travel to Leh-Ladakh in winter, but it requires careful preparation. The temperatures can drop to extreme lows, often below freezing, and many roads may be closed due to heavy snowfall. However, with the right winter gear, proper acclimatization to the high altitude, and travel planning, it can be a unique and beautiful experience.
- Dress in layers for better insulation.
- Carry thermal wear and windproof jackets.
- Keep your hands and feet warm with gloves and woolen socks.
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol at high altitudes.
- Pack waterproof footwear for snowy regions.
- Use sunscreen and lip balm to prevent dryness.
- Book heated accommodations in advance.
- Carry extra batteries for gadgets as they drain faster in the cold.
- Acclimatize properly if traveling to high-altitude destinations.
- Check weather forecasts regularly to avoid disruptions.
For your upcoming winter trip, ASAP Holidays would be the best choice. We are India’s leading travel agency with affordable travel packages for both domestic and international destinations. For more information, visit our website or call us at +91-11-40014001.
