Although some desire the warmth of the desert, others would rather gaze at snow-capped mountain peaks—fewer people, however, like the enjoyment of tropical beaches. Including a little of everything mentioned above, here is a list of the top ten destinations in India for winter travel. Schedule a trip to any of these locations for a picture-perfect vacation and take in the picture-perfect scenery!
Top 10 Places to Visit in Winters in India in 2023
Gulmarg, Kashmir
Image Source: Twitter
- Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 Days
- Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 12,500 to ₹ 14,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
- How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
- Things to Do: Golfing, Trekking, Bird Watching, Skiing, Snowboarding, Cable Riding
- Top Tourist Attractions: Gulmarg Gondola, Apharwat Peak, Alpather Lake, Maharani Lake, Drung Waterfall
Gulmarg, tucked away in the far north, is a mystical winter destination. Its lakes freeze during this time, and snow covers the entire terrain. For this reason, it's the ideal location to try out winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. You may try it at two locations: Kongdori and Apharwat Ridge. Furthermore, it is connected with the Gondola ride cable car service.
Shimla-Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
Image Source: Twitter
- Top Tourist Attractions: Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, The Ridge, Christ Church, Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Kalka – Shimla Railway
- Things to Do: Toy Train Riding, Rafting, Ice Skating, Skiing, Visiting Temple, Camping, Paragliding
- Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 6,400 to ₹ 9000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
- Ideal Duration: 2 to 4 Days
- How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
One of the best destinations to travel in winter in India is Shimla, sometimes referred to as the Queen of Hills and the capital of Himachal Pradesh. Because of the extreme cold that occurs at this time of year, snowfall is common. The availability of excellent coffee and the opportunity to attempt skiing and ice skating are two further major attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. Last but not least, because of its stunning scenery, it is a photographer's heaven.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Image Source: Twitter
- Top Tourist Attractions: Solang Valley, Jogini Waterfall, Hidimba Temple, Rohtang Pass, Parvati Valley, Old Manali
- Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 5,000 to ₹ 8,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing, and Meal)
- Things to Do: Sightseeing, Rafting, Zorbing, Paragliding, Horse Riding, Skiing
- Ideal Duration: 2 to 4 Days
- How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
Manali is one of India's most popular winter travel destinations because of its beautiful snow-capped mountains, towering deodars, winding roads, and frequent snowfalls. It provides breathtaking views of the Pir Panjal and Dhalaudhar mountain ranges are snow-covered nearly all year round. In addition, guests may discover affordable, cosy homestays and hostels with dorm beds here for as long as they want to stay.
Auli, Uttarakhand
Image Source: Twitter
- Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
- Top Tourist Attractions: Nanda Devi National Park, Trishul Peak, Vrish Badri Temple, Chenab Lake, Gorson Bughyal
- Things to Do: Skiing, Camping, Cable Car Riding, Trekking, Visiting Trishul Peak, Snowboarding
- How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
- Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 9,000 to ₹ 11,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing, and Meal)
Apple orchards, ancient oaks, and pine trees abound in Auli, the Indian capital of skiing. Three stunning mountains, Mana Parvat, Nanda Devi, and Kamat Kamet, can be seen there, perched at 2800 meters above sea level. Auli is well-known not just for its skiing but also for its 8th-century AD hill resort in the Himalayas.
Binsar, Uttarakhand
Image Source: Twitter
- Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 Days
- Top Tourist Attractions: Zero Point, Kasar Devi Temple, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bineshwar Temple, Khali Estate, Golu Devata Temple
- Things to Do: Bird Watching, Trying Authentic Cuisine, Forest Walk, Wildlife Viewing, Paragliding, Skiing, Trekking
- How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
- Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 5,500 to ₹ 7000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
One of India's top winter destinations is Binsar, a lesser-known hill station situated at an elevation of 420 meters. Few people are living in this quiet, picturesque small town in Uttarakhand. The breathtaking peaks of the Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, and Trishul ranges may be seen from here. The large diversity of plants and animals found inside Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is yet another attraction of this location.
Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Image Source: Twitter
- Top Tourist Attractions: Khajjiar, Chamera Lake, Panchpula, Ganji Pahari Trek, Satdhara Falls, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
- Things to Do: Paragliding, Trekking, Boating, Sightseeing, Hiking, Shopping
- Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 7,000 to ₹ 9,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing, and Meal)
- How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
- Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
Dalhousie, another hill in the Himachal Pradesh area, is a stunning winter getaway with valleys and slopes covered with snow. This town was founded in 1854 and is named for Lord Dalhousie. There's a strong colonial feel about it since it was significant to the British. Highlights also include waterfalls, meadows, forests, and valleys covered with pines, as well as Victorian and Scottish architecture.
Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Image Source: Twitter
- How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
- Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
- Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 5,000 to ₹ 8,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing, and Meal)
- Things to Do: Visiting Museum, Discover the Famed Film Shooting Location, Camel Riding, Offering Prayers at Temple
Part of Gujarat is the Rann of Kutch, also referred to as India's White Desert. It is well-known for its two-month-long Rann Utsav cultural festival and has a tortoise-like form. Travellers from all over the world flock here to see the huge stretches of the white salt desert and participate in adventure sports like hot-air ballooning. Furthermore, as the location is on the border between India and Pakistan, you can see some of Pakistan through Kutch.
Goa
Image Source: Twitter
- Top Tourist Attractions: Dudhsagar Falls, Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Aguada Fort, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Palolem Beach
- Things to Do: Beach Hopping, Water Sporting, Hot Air Ballooning, Exploring Goa Caves, Walking Amidst Green Plantation, Experiencing Sunset Cruise
- Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 9,000 to ₹ 15,000 for 3 Nights/4 Days (Includes Car, Sightseeing, and Meals)
- Ideal Duration: 3 to 7 Days
- How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
Goa doesn't have a set month to visit, although if you go in the winter, you may go to the Christmas festival. Here, the SUNBURN event is held in December as well. Aside from this, the loud music, delicious food, and wild crowd make Mumbai India's party capital a constant success. If you're not into parties, you may still enjoy the warm sun and nice beach throughout the winter weather.
Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Image Source: Twitter
- Ideal Duration: 1 to 2 Days
- Top Tourist Attractions: Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Toorji Ka Jhalra, Madore Garden, Umaid Bhawan Palace
- Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 9,500 to ₹ 11,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing, and Meal)
- How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
- Things to Do: Camel Safari, Exploring Forts, Zip Lining, Taking a Walking Tour to Ghantagarh, Rappelling, Tasting Authentic Cuisine
Jodhpur, commonly referred to as the "Blue City" of Rajasthan, dazzles everyone with its magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. It was once the capital of Marwar and is currently the second-largest city in the state. Attendees of the October Rajasthan International Folk Festival travel here from all around. What else? Everything in this area, including the walls, temples, and homes, is blue.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Image Source: Twitter
- Top Tourist Attractions: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Assi Ghat, Vishwanath Gali, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- Things to Do: Attend Ganga Aarti, Riding Morning Boat, Take a Holy Bath in the Ganges, Savour the Local Food, Go for Sightseeing
- Average Expense Per Person: ₹ 5,800 to ₹ 8,000 for 2 Nights/3 Days (Include Car, Sightseeing and Meal)
- Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 Days
- How to Reach: Air, Rail, Road
India’s spiritual centre and one of the oldest inhabited towns in Varanasi. It stretches across the winding Galis labyrinth and along the western banks of the Ganges. Every year, pilgrims travel here to meditate on the many holy ghats, recite hymns, and cleanse their souls in ashrams. Furthermore, religious rituals are organized by the community and are open for attendance.
Also Read: Top 10 Best Web Series of 2023 based on IMDB Rating
About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.