Best Winter Travel Destinations In India For 2022
Traveling to places during the summer months is common in India. The climate during these months is hot and humid in most parts of the country, which drives people to cooler places for vacations.
However, in recent years, several places have made a name for themselves as popular winter travel destinations. As tourism promotion took off extensively, a large number of these places became popular not just among Indians within the country but as a popular destination for those people traveling from other countries as well.
Best Time To Visit India
If you live abroad, the best time to visit India would be between September and March, with the months between October and January being the best part of this window.
Winter Destinations
A few destinations to the extreme north of India may be closed for travel between November and January as the lowered temperature and the snowfall may be dangerous for traveling.
But these are farther north and few. Most places are open for travel. As part of popularizing them, several activities and winter sports attractions have been added here as well.
Popular Travel Destinations In North India
India is a large country and has popular travel destinations across the length and breadth of its geography.
Here are some places for winter travel in North India.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
One of the most popular travel destinations for decades, this is the capital city of the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. A beautiful city for the summers and even during the winter months. Picturesque landscapes and scenic beauty coupled with the hospitality and food truly make it the Queen of the Hills.
- Mall Road
- Kufri
- Jakhoo Temple
Gulmarg, Kashmir
This is also known as the paradise for ski lovers. Some of the best slopes of snow for that beautiful ski glide that people crave are all here. beautiful arrangements are made for stays during ski holidays.
It’s a beautiful scenic place in the winter as much as in the summer months, so even if you are not into skiing, you can enjoy the crisp winter chill.
Auli, Uttarakhand
There is a treasury of destinations in this beautiful north Indian state and Auli is another beautiful winter destination for sports lovers. Skiing is very popular here.
Even if you are not into sports, this beautiful destination nestled in the gorgeous views of the Himalayas and the picturesque forests of pine trees and oak trees will surely sweep you off your feet.
Rohtang Pass
A fascinating place for winter travel especially if you are the adventurous kind. There are facilities for paragliding and skiing available here along with several treks to nearby destinations. This is the starting point of travel to Lahaul Valley and Spiti Valley.
Rishikesh
Besides being popular as a yoga destination this is a place also known for its water sports attractions. River rafting, bungee jumping, cliff jumping, and the flying fox are some adventure sports attractions.
North East India Winter Destinations
These are places on the eastern and northeastern front of India that are breathtakingly beautiful but have remained out of the notice of most people.
Here are some of the popular and lesser-known destinations.
Shillong, Meghalaya
A beautiful and serene capital city of the northeastern state of Meghalaya that means, ‘abode of the clouds. It is a natural paradise with beautiful gardens and picturesque landscapes. Comfortable hotels and great food make for a relaxed holiday.
- Elephant falls
- Laitlum Canyons
- Shillong Peak
- Dawki
Gangtok, Sikkim
It is a popular destination for Buddhist pilgrims but the picturesque landscapes and the cleanest city of India have so many things in store. You can see the majestic beauty of the Kanchenjunga from here and enjoy hiking and short treks from here if you love adventure and nature. Various options for water sports are available here.
- Tsomgo Lake
- Jakhri Falls
- Nathula Pass
- Rumtek Monastery
- Seven Sisters Waterfalls
Darjeeling And Dooars, West Bengal
Darjeeling has been one of the oldest hill stations in India and has always enjoyed the status of being the country’s tea capital. But the natural beauty and food are two other attractions here in addition to the lush tea plantations.
On the route to North Bengal, the Dooars region is a must-visit if you are traveling to this East Indian state of West Bengal for the first time. a reserve of natural and wildlife here is your chance to see elephant herds and rhinos from a close distance among other species of birds and wildlife.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
One of the most beautiful states of India, Arunachal Pradesh is located on the northeastern frontier of the country. This state is endowed with natural beauty. Tawang is a popular destination among others. The landscaped beauty and the snow-capped peaks surrounding the region along with festivals and cultural activities make for an interesting holiday during the winters.
Imphal, Manipur
This is the capital city of the eastern state of India, Manipur. Lush green and picturesque landscapes and a pleasant climate marks this beautiful city. There is a rich cultural and historical heritage of the state that is still preserved in its festivals and fascinating daily life.
South Indian Winter Destinations
The best time to visit the southern states of India would be in the winters when the weather is cool and pleasant. There are so many places to visit here with a rich cultural and historical heritage that one vacation may not be enough.
Ooty
This beautiful hill station is cradled in the Nilgiri Hills. The region is also dotted with tea and coffee plantations beside the beautiful greenery and forest of pine, eucalyptus, and coniferous trees. One of the most serene places to visit with many local attractions to enjoy.
Pondicherry
This is a celebrated destination for the remarkable Sri Aurobindo Ashram which is visited by people from the world over. But the natural beauty of Pondicherry is unmistakable. The oceanfront and the climate are two things that will make for a very pleasant vacation here.
Plenty of local attractions from shopping, food, and beach activities are available to complement your holidays further.
Kovalam
There is no part of Kerala that needs special mention because beauty is the second name for this state in south India. The beaches of Kovalam are pristine white and soft beside the beautiful turquoise color of the water.
There are some of the country’s best Spa resorts here that provide therapeutic massages and Ayurvedic treatments.
Andaman And Nicobar Islands
Just a little off the mainland coast of India, there is a cluster of islands, the Andaman And the Nicobar Islands. Home to one of the oldest tribes of human evolution, some of these islands is restricted from travel.
The rest of them is a heavenly experience. White sand beaches and a thick forest of coconut and trees will make a pleasant stay.
Plenty of water sports and activities await you here with some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling options.
Winter Travel In Western India
There are some beautiful destinations on the western side of India that attracts large numbers of tourists every year from all over the world.
Rajasthan
The sharp cold temperatures of the winter months do not take away the rich cultural heritage of the Abode of the Kings, Rajasthan.
Several cities are here that are a must-visit destination for you.
- Udaipur
- Jaipur
- Jaisalmer
- Ajmer
- Mount Abu
- Bikaner
- Alwar
Each place comes with a history and heritage of its own. There are some of the finest forts and palaces in this western Indian state that gives you a panoramic view of the entire city.
Besides the history, there is a natural reserve of wildlife at the Ranthambore National Park.
- Hawa Mahal
- Jantar Mantar
- Lake Palace
- Lake Pichola
These are some of the many names of places that should be on your list when you are in India. Like Kanha national park in Madhya Pradesh is again a good addition to the list if you are looking for the best wildlife trips in India.