15 Incredible Winter Holiday Spots in India

Winter in India is as diverse as the country itself. While the northern region of the country experiences low temperatures and sometimes even snowfall, the tropical states of the south and west enjoy cool and pleasant weather in this season. In fact, most Indians welcome winter with open arms, after the dramatic rains and scorching heat of October. The best part is, depending on what you like, you can experience different kinds of winter holidays in this country. If you are planning to explore India in winter, here are the 15 best places to visit in winter in India.

1. Enjoy the Verdant Beauty of Kerala

Endowed with the splendid beauty of nature, Kerala is often referred to as “God’s Own Country.” This southern state of India is blessed with gorgeous backwaters, wonderful hill stations, and picturesque beaches. A trip to Kerala during the winters will take you to the idyllic backwaters of Alleppey, the tea plantations, and wildlife sanctuaries of Munnar, Thekkady, and Wayanad, and the peaceful, yet adventurous beaches of Kovalam and Varkala.

Highest Temperature in Winter: 25°C

Lowest Temperature in Winter: 10°C

2. Get Lost in Beautiful Karnataka

Come winter, the climate of Karnataka becomes cooler, attracting visitors from all over the country. Take a trip to the hill station of Coorg, where you can enjoy vast coffee plantations and gorgeous waterfalls. You can also visit Nandi Hills for its awe-inspiring views, Mysuru for its royal palaces, Gokarna for its breathtaking beaches, and Hampi for its stunning historical ruins and remnants.

Highest Temperature in Winter: 32°C

Lowest Temperature in Winter: 20°C

3. Soak in the Sun, Sand, and Surf in Goa

Known as the “beach capital of India,” Goa is a favourite amongst both Indians and foreigners. Goa’s white-sand beaches are perfect for relaxing and indulging in a variety of water sports as well. Then there are the parties and festivals that happen in winter, especially during December. But Goa cannot be confined to its beaches and parties. A small state in the west, you can experience the rich history and culture of Goa in its churches, monuments, and food.

Highest Temperature in Winter: 32.9°C

Lowest Temperature in Winter: 20.2°C

4. Get Mesmerised by the Magical Rann of Kutch

Located in Gujarat, the Rann of Kutch is one of the best places to visit during winter in India. The incredible stretch of salt marshland is a part of the Thar Desert. While watching the sunset during winter is amazing, the star attraction is on full moon nights when the entire place glows under the moonlight. You also get to be part of the Rann Utsav, where you can indulge in luxury camping, camel riding, and cultural entertainment.

Highest Temperature in Winter: 31°C

Lowest Temperature in Winter: 12°C

5. Tour the Gorgeous Hill Stations of Tamil Nadu

The hill stations of Tamil Nadu make for the best tourist place for winter in India. Home to ample eucalyptus trees and tea estates, Ooty offers a memorable holiday with a glimpse of the colonial period through its architecture. There is also Kodaikanal, which is known as the Princess of Hill Stations. Kodaikanal gives you the chance to visit the marvellous manmade star-shaped lake, while you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Nilgiri Hills with a visit to Coonoor, the second-largest hill station of Tamil Nadu.

Highest Temperature in Winter: 25°C

Lowest Temperature in Winter: 15°C

6. Indulge in the Royalty of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is synonymous with royalty, and the cities of Jaipur and Udaipur give you a glimpse of the same. The magnificent palaces and forts of these cities remind you of the bygone years when the land was ruled by Kings. Do pay a visit to Ranthambore National Park, a popular hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur in the past. Alternatively, you can take a break from the glamor of the palaces for a visit to Mount Abu, where you can enjoy the beauty of the hill station and indulge in numerous adventurous activities as well.

Highest Temperature in Winter: 27°C

Lowest Temperature in Winter: 10°C

7. Visit the Enchanting Land of Himachal Pradesh

If a snow paradise is what you have in mind for your winter holiday, Himachal Pradesh will not disappoint you. Pick any hill station, be it Shimla, Dalhousie, Dharamshala, or Manali. You will be welcomed by a calming environment that soothes the eyes and the mind. If you want to enjoy the beauty of Himachal without the crowds, you can opt for lesser-known but equally captivating places like McLedjang, Khajja, Spiti Valley, Rohtang La, Mashorba, and Kheerganga.

Highest Temperature in Winter: 13°C

Lowest Temperature in Winter: 0°C

8. Traverse the Beautiful Darjeeling

A part of the eastern state of West Bengal, Darjeeling is the “Queen of the Himalayas”. The emerald green tea plantations, the serene Buddhist monasteries, the colonial-era architecture, the captivating flora and fauna, and interesting people and cultures are what attract people to Darjeeling. Be it Kanchenjunga Mountain, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, or Tiger Hill, every place of Darjeeling exudes a charm like no other.

Highest Temperature in Winter: 25°C

Lowest Temperature in Winter: -2°C

9. Experience Tranquillity in Uttarakhand

Often referred to as Devbhumi, Uttarakhand is a place that oozes old-world charm. Enjoy the view of snow-capped mountains, idyllic villages, and verdant greenery while visiting Mussoorie and Dehradun. Then there is Auli, which is known as one of the best skiing resorts in India. You also get the most gorgeous views of the highest peaks of the Himalayas here. Do not forget to include camping, trekking, paragliding, and hiking in your itinerary. Ranikhet, Jim Corbett National Park, Chopta Valley, and Khirsu are some other places where you can enjoy the beauty of Uttarakhand.

Highest Temperature in Winter: 15°C

Lowest Temperature in Winter: 3°C

10. Lose Oneself in the Beauty of Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh, like the rest of Northeast India, is an enigma for most Indians. However, the land of enormous mountains, charming villages, picturesque lakes, and interesting tribal cultures is worth visiting, especially during the magical winter season. Head to Tawang to not only enjoy its beautiful waterfalls but also to take in its refreshing air. Ziro Valley is for those who love adventure and love being in the midst of nature. Nuranang Falls, Sela Pass, Along, and Roing are some other interesting places to visit here.

Highest Temperature in Winter: 14°C

Lowest Temperature in Winter: 8°C

11. Explore Exotic Nagaland

Surreal and exotic, the landscape of Nagaland is breathtaking. Apart from the natural beauty of the place, most people are attracted to Nagaland for its unique tribal cultures as well. Untouched nature, lush green forests, and astonishing mountain ranges are what await you at Nagaland. While you are not getting to know its various tribal cultures, you can indulge in hiking, trekking, and camping. Kohima, Dimapur, Wokha, and Mokokchung are some interesting places to visit in Nagaland.

Highest Temperature in Winter: 21°C

Lowest Temperature in Winter: 4°C

12. Traverse the Dreamy Valleys of Kashmir

Popularly referred to as “Paradise on Earth,” Kashmir, with its snow-covered valleys, is a dream winter destination for many. Admire the dramatic mountains while enjoying a shikara ride on Dal Lake, especially when the lake partially freezes during winter. For more excitement, visit the Zanskar River, where you can be a part of the Chadar Trek on the river that transforms into a thick blanket of ice. Do include Gulmarg in your itinerary for its adventurous activities, including skiing, cable car riding, hot air ballooning, and heli-skiing.

Highest Temperature in Winter: 10°C

Lowest Temperature in Winter: -8°C

13. Get in Touch with Your Adventurous Side in Andaman

A group of islands sprinkled across the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Islands are popular for both their natural beauty and ancient architecture. Spending time on the island will give you a chance to admire and appreciate its golden sand beaches, blue waters, abundant forests, rich mangroves, and mystical caves. Apart from adventurous activities like mangrove kayaking and glass-bottom boating, get ready to explore the rich marine life of the place with scuba diving, snorkelling, and sea walking.

Highest Temperature in Winter: 30°C

Lowest Temperature in Winter: 20°C

14. Relish a Serene Beach Holiday at Lakshadweep

Serene, glorious, and pristine, Lakshadweep offers an ideal beach holiday without the crowd. Located across the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep is made of a group of 36 islands, where you can enjoy watching the waves while lounging on the beach. You must also take time to enjoy sailing, diving, snorkelling, fishing, and boating here. You can visit Kadmat Island for its marine life, Thinnakara Island for its water sports, and Kavaratti Island for its glorious sunset.

Highest Temperature in Winter: 32°C

Lowest Temperature in Winter: 20°C

15. Relax on the Beaches of Puducherry

A Union Territory in the South, Puducherry is a quaint town that still preserves its French legacy through its colonial architecture, stylish boutiques, and tree-lined streets. Comfortably warm, Puducherry is the perfect winter holiday destination for those looking for a tranquil holiday. Home to some of the most peaceful beaches in the country, Puducherry has the perfect beach climate for surfing, parasailing, diving, and snorkelling.

Highest Temperature in Winter: 29°C

Lowest Temperature in Winter: 21°C

Conclusion

With so many best places to visit in winter in India, there is no reason to splurge your money on an international holiday. Each of the places mentioned above offers a cool climate and incredible attractions for a memorable winter holiday right here in India. If any of these places inspire you, check out Cleartrip, an online portal that can help with the great travel offers around hotel bookings, and flight bookings.

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