Best Winter Destinations in India: Here's your travel guide

As the temperature heads southward, the festive season also kicks in in India. Summer gives way to the autumn, and we enter the Dussehra- Diwali season in India. In a month’s time, winter signs in officially. And we are ready to welcome Christmas and New Year. In south India, it’s the only time when one can enjoy the weather. One the other hand, though it’s a bit cold in north India, it’s not too cold. Besides, if one loves snowfall, this is the season. Moreover, winter brings in the many hues of nature. From white landscapes in the north to lush green in the south, it’s a celebration of various shades of nature. No wonder then winter is the best season to travel in India. So, if you are wondering about the best winter destinations in India, here’s your travel guide, culling from my experiences.

Owing to my health conditions, summers are typically difficult times for me to travel. But come winter, I’m in my elements. At the drop of a hat, I’m ready to pack my bags. From Dussehra to New Year, we do at least three long trips every year. For us, the best winter destinations are in south, east and west India. However, sometimes, we head north as well.

{For more such destination guides, check out: Best Hills Stations in India}

Factors for choosing best winter destinations in India

Of course, where you want to head depends on the purpose of your travel. We pretty much travel for all kinds of reasons. While we love monuments and exploring historic ruins, we also head to mountains, sometimes for relaxing and some other times, for light adventure. Relaxing on a beach soaking in the sunshine is not off our list as well. Besides, every now and then, we head to a place just to enjoy a cultural experience.

However, when it comes to the winters, we are a bit choosy. Unless it’s about witnessing snowfall sometimes, we generally limit ourselves to comfortable temperatures. Coming from hot and humid places, we like sun and rain on our skin than chilly wind and snowflakes. So, what kind of weather you like? That will determine the kind of best winter destinations you will choose in India.

Some important factors for choosing your best winter destinations:

Weather considerations: Generally, temperature and humidity play important role in deciding about destinations. During winters, south, east and west India become pleasant for travel. However, if you love snowfalls, this is the time to be at a hill station in Himachal or Kashmir. {For reference on state-wise weather conditions, check out: India Weather}
Monuments and historic ruins: In India, most of the places with significant architectural heritage or archaeological ruins are in the south, central and west India. So, choose best destinations like Hampi (south India), Khajuraho (central) and Jodhpur (west) during the winter season. However, some destinations like the Jaipur- Delhi- Agra circuit in north India, are also good for winter.
Leisure and relaxation: For a relaxing sojourn in winter, head to best beach destinations in south India, like Goa, Gokarna, or Andaman. For that matter, backwaters of Kerala and Coastal Karnataka are also great.
Cultural experiences: During the winter, head to best destinations like Goa for Christmas- New Year; Kutch for Rann Utsav; Nagaland (north-east India) for Hornbill Festival; Jaisalmer for Desert Festival; Konark for Dance Festival; Ayodhya/ Varanasi for Diwali and Kullu/ Kolkata/ Mysore for Dussehra and Pushkar for Camel Festival.

Best Winter Destinations in India

1. Shimla:

Shimla has been famous since the 19th century, when it began serving as the summer capital of British India. Now, Shimla is more popular as a hill station than as the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. It’s an all-weather destination. Its cool weather and scenic beauty attract millions of tourists every year, especially during the summer holidays. But come winter, it experiences snowfall, and has a very different charm. For best snow experience, one should venture out of the city towards Kufri and Narkanda.

Besides, with great cafes and restaurants, Shimla offers a delectable culinary experience. So, it’s but obvious that Shimla counts among the best winter destinations in India. {For your Shimla planning, here’s the guide: Shimla Best Places}

Must visit/ do: Mall Road || The Ridge- Christ Church || Viceregal Lodge || Jakhoo Hill/ Temple || Riding the Kalka- Shimla Toy Train.
My most cherished memories: In Shimla, I loved walking around the Mall Road, especially towards the Ridge from the Scandal Point. Having chicken soup at one end of the Ridge, enjoying coffee and snacks at the Indian Coffee House, watching theatre performances at Gaiety Theatre, shopping and eating cakes and pastries are among the fond memories.

2. Spiti Valley:

For snow lovers and adventurers, Spiti is one of the best winter destinations in India. It offers a breathtaking landscape in both summer and winter. Though the location is the same, the landscape completely transforms from grey to white in the winters. Culturally rich, Spiti is home to the old Tabo and Lhalung monasteries, which are among the first 108 monasteries established by Rinchen Zangpo in the 10th century.

Apart from the cultural experiences and scenic landscapes, Spiti offers thrilling experiences like winter sports, stargazing, spotting snow leopards, etc. {If you are planning a trip, here’s your guide: Spiti Valley in Winter}

Must visit/ do: Khab Confluence || Nako Village || Tabo Monastery || Dhankar Monestry || Kaza Village || Kibber Village || Key Monastery || Langza Budha Statue || Komic Monastery.
My most Cherished Memories: Although we enjoyed the entire road trip, we cherished our stay in Kaza village the most. Though the approach road was a bit difficult, the stay was wonderful. Facing the mountains and an open riverbed, the mud house was built in a traditional style. The small flower-filled farm in front of it made our days even more special.

3. Srinagar- Gulmarg:

‘If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this,’ wrote Amir Khusro, the Indian scholar, poet, and singer. And you truly feel this when you visit Kashmir. If you want to enjoy snow, this is among the best winter destinations in India. While a frozen Dal Lake is the charm of Srinagar, Gulmarg turns into a winter wonderland. The blanket of snow spread all over the valley looks mesmerizing. Plus, it’s a paradise for winter sports and snow-activity lovers.

Must visit/ do: Srinagar: Dal Lake || Mughal Gardens || Hazratbal Shrine. Gulmarg: Go skiing, Gondola ride, Go hiking/ trekking, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve.
My most cherished memories: My favourite memory of Srinagar is taking that shikara ride on Dal Lake one evening and plucking lilies in the lake. In Gulmarg, I loved taking the gondola ride to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the valley, and skiing in the snow.

{For more details on Kashmir, read more: Best places in Kashmir}

4. Delhi- Agra- Jaipur:

The next set of best destinations for winter is a circuit- Delhi- Agra- Jaipur. Since these three destinations are close to each other, and can be covered in one trip, I put them together. With temperatures soaring between 32°C and 41°C, visiting them during the summer season can be quite challenging. But as winter settles over North India, they reveal their most captivating form.

Ruled by hundreds of kings and dozens of dynasties, Delhi has been a capital city since 1020 AD. Today, along with its world class monuments, Delhi is also a true potpourri of people and cultures, with residents coming from every corner of India. {For a detailed guide, read further: How to explore Delhi}

Agra has more than just the Taj Mahal — it’s a city where travellers come to visit iconic and world famous monuments, serene gardens, bustling market streets, and rich heritage. {For planning purpose, here’s our article: Agra- Taj Mahal}

Known as the ‘Pink City’, it is a busy and bustling destination divided into two parts—the old city and the new city. While the old city has preserved its historical charm with ancient monuments, traditional bazaars, and heritage structures, the new part has all the features of a modern urban area, such as shopping malls, offices, bars, and clubs, etc.

Must Visit/ do:

Delhi: Red Fort || Qutub Minar || Humayun’s Tomb || India Gate || Akshardham temple || Jama Masjid || Lotus temple || Hauz Khas village.
Agra: Taj Mahal || Agra Fort || Tomb of Akbar || Itimad-Ud-Daulah || Fatehpur Sikri.
Jaipur: Amer fort || Hawa Mahal || City Palace || Jantar Mantar || Nahargarh fort || Jaigarh Fort.

5. Jodhpur- Jaisalmer:

Since desert destinations are extremely difficult to visit in the summer, winter months are the best time. So, let’s head westwards, and reach Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. Though they are not very close to each other, they are doable together in 4-5 days. Both the destinations offer stunning architectural heritage and a rich cultural experiences. For a unique desert night safari, Jaisalmer is the only place in India.

Must visit/ do: Jodhpur: Mehrangarh Fort || Umaid Bhawan Palace || Jaswant Thada || Mandore Garden. Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer Fort || Patwa Ki Haweli || Gadisar Lake || Desert Safari. {To know more, do check out: Reasons to love Jaisalmer}
My most cherished memories: I would never forget that sight of the Mehrangarh Fort majestically sitting over that hill. Among my favorite memories of Jodhpur is that evening walking around the old city enjoying the hustle and bustle of the city. Though I have not been to Jaisalmer yet, Suvendu told me about his amazing desert safari experience there. The camel ride into the desert, watching the sunset followed by cultural programs were surreal experiences for him.

6. Varanasi- Ayodhya:

Varanasi is the best place to meditate, be thoughtful, and spend time with yourself in quiet reflection. Because watching the mortal remains of fellow humans burn to ash will immerse you in a deep sense of spiritualism. Located on the great river Ganges, it’s one of the oldest cities in the world and a popular Hindu Pilgrimage. {If you are planning a trip, here’s your guide: Varanasi on the ghats of Ganges}

Not far from Varanasi, Ayodhya is another important Hindu pilgrimage famous for the birth place of Lord Ram. The recently built Shriram Janmabhoomi Temple is in the travel list of most devote Hindus. If you have more time on hand, Prayagraj is not far either.

Must visit/ do: Varanasi: Kashi Vishwanath Temple || Assi Ghat || Dashashwamedh Ghat || Manikarnika Ghat || Sarnath || Boating in the Ganges || Roam around its crowded streets. Ayodhya: Ram Mandir || Hanuman Garhi Temple.
My most cherished memories: Spending time at the Ghats of Varanasi, attending arti, and taking a boat ride in the Ganges. Besides, not to forget having yummy street foods such as Banarasi Chaat, Malai toast, Banarasi Lassi, Banarasi Paan, etc.

7. Amritsar:

Amritsar, the city that BBC called ‘The Indian city where no one goes hungry.’ Founded in the 16th century by a Sikh Guru, it’s popular for the Golden Temple, rich spicy food, and warm hospitality. The Golden Temple is the main center of attraction in the city, which is the most spiritually significant place for the Sikhs.

As a side-trip, one can visit Wagah Border, a place having important historical value. Besides, the iconic Amritsari Chole-Kulche will make your journey flavorful. Truly, Amritsar is among the best winter destinations in India. {For planning purpose, here’s our complete article: Amritsar- Golden Temple}

Must visit/ do: Golden Temple || Jalianwala Bagh || Partition Museum || Wagah Boarder.
Most Cherished Memories: We went to Amritsar on Diwali. Since the Golden Temple’s foundation stone was laid on Diwali, the Sikh community commemorates the day with exquisite decorations. We had a great time there, soaking in the festive vibes and sitting peacefully at the temple for a long time.

8. Udaipur- Chittorgarh:

Udaipur is like a beautiful poem, a feeling, an old-world charm for us that fills our heart with joy. It is one of the places that is close to our heart where we would like to spend our peaceful time. Since there are seven lakes surrounding the city, it’s known as the lake city of India. The picturesque view with combination of lakes, mountains and sunsets makes it ‘the most romantic spot on the continent of India’, as dubbed by British Administrator James Tod. Undoubtedly, Udaipur stands out as one of the best winter destinations in India one should visit.

As day trips from Udaipur, one can visit Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Ranakpur and Nathdwara. Depending on how much time you have, you can have various permutations and combinations. {If you are planning to visit Udaipur, here’s your guide: Udaipur- Best Places}

Must visit/ do: Udaipur: Lake Pichola || Fatehsagar Lake || Rana Pratap Memorial || City Palace || Gangaur Ghat || Jadish Temple || Sajjangarh Palace. Chittor: Chittorgarh Fort.
My most cherished memories: In Udaipur, my favourite thing to do was witnessing sunsets from different places. First, take a two-wheeler ride on Rani Road towards Shilpgram alongside Fateh Sagar in the evening, find a spot, and watch the sunset. Second, sit quietly at Fateh Sagar Paal and enjoy the view. And third, go to Lake Pichola, take the last boat ride of the day, and soak in the beautiful sunset.

9. Kutch:

Among the usual preferences for mountains and beaches, we would like to add a desert as well. More than the sandy landscapes, Kutch is famous for its white salt flats. Spread across 7500 sq. kms, they are the world’s largest salt flats. This fascinating landscape attracts millions of travelers from all over the world every year to experience this natural wonder.

Apart from the salt flats, Kutch has a lot more to offer, including beaches, rich crafts, and historical landmarks. Since it’s a desert area and has an arid and semi-arid climate, summer is extremely harsh and definitely not the best time to visit. Considering its climatic conditions and its unique feature, Kutch is also in our list of the best winter destinations in the western India. {To know more, do check out: Kutch- Best Places}

Must visit/ do: Salt flats – Dhordo || Aaina Mahal || Prag Mahal || Dholavira UNESCO world heritage site || Road to Heaven || Mandvi Beach || Vijay Vilas Palace.
My most cherished memories: Last year, taking a drive on the ‘Road to Heaven’ was truly fascinating. The narrow road passes through the lake, with water and salt flats on both sides, making it incredibly picturesque. On the way, we came across a lovely flamingo by the roadside and spent some time observing it.

10. Coastal Gujarat: (Dwarka- Somnath- Gir)

Western coast of Gujarat is a wonderful journey for many reasons. Starting with Dwarka, moving to Somnath and Gir National Park, one can also cover Diu and Ahmedabad in the same trip. But Dwarka- Somnath- Gir is a composite circuit doable in 4-5 days. While Dwarka is one of the four holy sites (Char Dham) for Hindus, Somnath is also a historically important temple devoted to Lord Shiva. {For your planning purpose, here’s our article: Dwarka Temple, Gujarat}

Not far from Dwarka, one can also visit Nageshwar, one of the 12- Jyotirlingas devoted to Lord Shiva. Besides, only a few kilometers away from Dwarka lies Beyt Dwarka submerged under the Arabian Sea. It’s the erstwhile mythological capital of Lord Krishna.

Gir National Park boasts of the last home for the Asiatic Lions in the wild. Best part is, the chances of lion sighting in the forest is very high here. So, it’s absolutely worth visiting this national park. If one has some more time, Diu is not far either. It’s lovely tropical beach destination, much like Goa.

Must visit/ do: Dwarka: Dwarkadhish Temple || Nageshwar Temple || Beyt Dwarka. Somnath: Somnath Temple. Gir: Gir National Park.
My most cherished memories: When we used to live in Ahmedabad, we visited this circuit many a times with friends. The journey from Dwarka to Somnath along the Arabian coast was always enjoyable.

11. Coastal Karnataka: (Gokarna- Udupi- Mangalore)

Coastal Karnataka is quite unexplored, maybe due to its hot and humid weather. From Karwar in north to Mangalore in south, it’s a beautiful journey along the Arabian Sea coast. Lush green landscapes of the Western Ghats, pristine but less-travelled beaches and cute little towns (like Gokarna and Udupi) make Coastal Karnataka an amazing journey.

Owing to overcrowding in Goa, travellers are slowly moving from Goa to Gokarna. Gokarna is popular among adventurers, and Udupi is popular among religious and nature lovers. If you are a nature lover or beach lover, Udupi and Gokarna are the best winter destinations for you. In spite of all the unique attractions, Coastal Karnataka is quite underrated in India.

{To know more, here’s our road trip experience: Coastal Karnataka Road Trip}

Must visit/ do: Murudeshwar Temple || Gokarna: Om Beach || Kudle Beach; Udupi: Srikrishna Math || Malpe Beach || Kemmannu Hanging Bridge || Delta Point; Mangalore: Panambur Beach.
My most cherished memories: Although we stayed in Gokarna for only a short time, having coffee at Namaste Café and taking a stroll at Om Beach are things I would love to experience again. In Udupi, walking to Delta Point and watching the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Sita River was another truly cherished moment.

12. Goa:

One of the most popular locations among domestic and international travellers, Goa is famous for its white-sand beaches, churches, and active nightlife. Plus, it’s a place for festivities too. Among the major festivals are Christmas Carnivals, Shigmo, New Year, Ganesh Chaturthi, Sunburn Festival. So, Goa would be in everyone’s top of the list of best winter destinations in India. While north Goa is popular for its parties, south Goa has more peaceful beaches. Read more: North Vs. South Goa.

In Goa, summer and monsoon temperatures are quite high, about 37 degrees, with high humidity. Whereas, winter is relatively milder with a maximum temperature of about 28 degrees. Therefore, winter is the most feasible time to enjoy Goa.

Must visit/ do: Calangute- Baga Beach || Anjuna Beach || Basilica of Bom Jesus || Se cathedral || Fort Chapora || Fontainhas || Mandovi River Cruise || Palolem Beach || Dudhsagar Waterfall || Spice Gardens.
My most cherished memories: The evening spent at Palolem Beach was one of my favourite moments in Goa. Walking from one end of the beach to the other and witnessing the stunning sunset at the clean and less crowded Palolem Beach was something I will always remember. Another wonderful experience was hiking through the jungles to reach the secluded Butterfly Beach one afternoon.

13. Hampi:

Since ancient and medieval times, Hampi has been a true world heritage. If you are a history and heritage lover, Hampi is one of the best winter destinations in India for you. In Medieval times (14th century AD), under the Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi was a prosperous capital city. The famous traveler Ibn Battuta mentioned in his travelogue that it was the second-largest city in the world after Beijing.

Hampi, which covers an area of 41.5 square kilometers, is home to over 1600 intriguing monuments along the Tungbhadra riverside. This UNESCO World Heritage Site will definitely amaze you. The historic ruins of the city and cultural significance of the place will definitely make you content as a traveller.

{To know more, here’s a detailed reading: Hampi, a true world heritage}

Must visit/do: Virupaksha Temple || Hemakuta Hill || Tungabhadra River || Vitthala Temple (Stone Chariot) || Lotus Temple || Elephant Stables || Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.
My most cherished memories: I haven’t visited Hampi. However, Suvendu has visited, and gives rave reviews of the place. Climbing up the Hemakuta Hills to have a panoramic view of the area and visiting the riverside are among his fond memories.

14. Andamans:

Situated in the Bay of Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar islands are a tropical paradise. Despite having roughly 37 inhabited islands, tourists primarily visit three of them—Havelock, Neil, and Ross—aside from Port Blair. It offers breathtaking beaches with glistening water, and enjoy a variety of water sports. In fact, the most interesting things that appeal to the tourists here include kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and myriad other water sports. These are factors that take the Andamans to the list of best winter destinations in India.

Must visit/ do: Port Blair: Cellular Jail || Ross Island || Corbyn’s Cove Beach. Havelock Island: Radhanagar beach || Elephant Beach || Kalapather Beach. Neil Island: Laxmanpur Beach- I & II || Bharatpur Beach.
My most cherished memories: Snorkeling under the sea surface has to be the most cherished memory for me. Due to my spine issue, I couldn’t go for scuba diving, but snorkeling made my trip. I truly enjoyed experiencing the under-sea life. Spending the New Year in Port Blair was wonderful as well. I loved the way the government had organized a fair and a fire cracker show to celebrate the occasion.

15. Cochin- Alleppey:

The 11th-century city of Kochi has a long history of trade with the outside world. Because of its importance in commerce, it was often under foreign influence, which made Kochi quite diverse. It has an interesting amalgamation of different religious groups—Hindus, Christians, Muslims, and a small Jewish community—along with other minorities.

Located between Laccadive sea and Vembanad Lake, Alleppey is a very special place. Serene Vembanad Lake, with floating houseboats and crisscrossing canals lined with beautiful coconut trees make it one of the best winter destinations in India. To experience the backwaters best way, visit a village located near the lake and ask a local boat owner for a ride. A morning or evening boat ride will give you glimpses of the daily life of villagers with a beautiful sunrise or sunset. {Read more: Alleppey Backwaters}

Must do/ visit:

Cochin: Fort Kochi || St. Francis Church || Chinese Fishing Nets || Mattancherry Palace.
Alleppey: Boating in the backwaters || Alappuzha Beach || Arthunkal Beach || Arthunkal Church.

My Most Cherished Memories:

In Cochin, one evening, with our friends- Sajith and Anu, I remember walking around the Fort Kochi area. Exploring Fort Kochi bit by bit was such a wonderful experience!

In Alleppey, among our most favourite experiences was walking around the village in the evening and observing the villagers engaged in household chores, men returning and parking their canoe-style boats near their homes, women cleaning fish for dinner, and others performing evening prayers. After that, we went near the lake, sat quietly there watching the surreal sunset.

16. Mahabalipuram- Pondicherry

Built between the 7th and 8th century, a group of monuments in Mahabalipuram are among the best in south India. They were part of the great Pallava kingdom. It’s quite incredible how these temples still survive on the shores of Bay of Bengal even after 1400 years! Today, part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, they are stunningly beautiful and original in architecture.

At about an hour’s drive, one can reach another beautiful destination- Pondicherry. A former colony of the French, Pondicherry has a cosmo-culture. Even after independence, the town retains its French vibes with scores of French-style buildings and cafes. However, Pondicherry is more famous for Auroville, a center for alternate lifestyle experimentation. Besides, the beaches of Pondicherry are peaceful and serene.

Must visit/ do: Mahabalipuram: Panch Rath temple || Shore Temple || Arjuna’s Penance || Descent of the Ganga. Pondicherry: Auroville || Shri Aurovindo Ashram || French Quarters || Promenade Beach (Rock Beach).
My most cherished memories: I have not visited this beautiful destination. But from what I have heard from Suvendu, the French Quarters in Pondicherry is quite special and equally interesting are the beaches of Pondicherry.

17. Madurai- Rameswaram:

Two of Tamil Nadu’s most important Hindu pilgrimage sites are close to each other on the coast of Bay of Bengal. Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai and Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram are both architectural gems and iconic places of faith as well. Apart from the towering gateways (Gopuram), Meenakshi Temple is famous for its 1000- pillar hall. The architectural beauty and the hues of bright colours make the hall stand out.

As a day-trip from Madurai, one can visit Rameswaram, one of Hinduism’s Char Dhams, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Once done with the temple visit, one can move around the sacred town, and also visit Dhanushkodi, 20 kms away. The stretch from Rameswaram to Dhanushkodi is extremely picturesque with the sea flanking both sides. Besides, it’s also famous for the mythological bridge (submerged now) built by Lord Ram. {For a detailed guide, do read: Rameswaram Travel Guide}

Must visit/ do: Madurai: Meenakshi Temple || Palace. Rameswaram: Ramanathaswamy Temple || Dhanushkodi || Arichal Munai || Pamban Bridge.
My most cherished memories: Reaching Pamban island over which Ramanathswamy Temple is situated, was itself quite an experience. Though the iconic train line connecting the mainland with the island was under renovation, the view from the bus was also spectacular.

18. Puri- Konark- Bhubaneswar:

“Odisha—India’s best-kept secret” is the tagline of Odisha Tourism, and believe me, it is the perfect tagline. Odisha has lots of things and places that you can really enjoy—temples, beaches, food, culture, dance, and more. But somehow it is quite underrated. Puri is a coastal city, one of the Hindu Char Dham sites and famous for the Lord Jagannath Temple. While Bhubaneshwar is home to many old temples, Konark is well-known for its Sun Temple.

Puri, Konark and Bhubaneshwar are places that you can club together and make a plan to visit. Odisha has a tropical climate with considerable humidity. Therefore, it’s good to visit Odisha in the winters. {For your planning, here’s an helpful article: Odisha Golden Triangle}

Must visit/ do: Puri: Jagannath temple || Puri Beach || Raghurajpur Craft Village. Konark: Sun Temple || Chandrabhaga Beach. Bhubaneshwar: Lingaraj Temple || Rajarani Temple || Nandankanan Zoological Park || Khandagiri & Udaygiri caves || Eat Rasgolla at Pahala.
My most cherished memories: In Puri, I love visiting at the Puri Beach. Sitting quietly on the sand, grabbing some Jhal Muri, and watching people enjoy the sea. In Bhubaneshwar, my favourite memories include visiting Nandankanan—meeting all the lovely animals, and eating Rasgolla at Pahala.

19. Guwahati- Kaziranga National Park

Wildlife lovers, this is for you. Kaziranga National Park is one of the oldest wildlife conservancy reserves of India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros, the 430 sq. km. jungle is among the least disturbed natural habitats. The gorgeous deep green forest with swamps, water bodies, grasslands is the perfect place to experience wildlife in winter.

Kaziranga never disappoints anyone; it’s almost sure that one will come across a rhino or an elephant among other animals. Summers are warm and muggy. On the other hand, winter has a nice, dry, and moderate weather, making it ideal for wildlife experience. So, Kaziranga is obviously on our list of the best winter destinations in India. {To plan better, here’s your travel guide: Kaziranga National Park}

To visit Kaziranga, one has to go via Guwahati, capital of Assam. While in Guwahati, take a glimpse of the great Brahmaputra river and visit the famous Kamaksha Temple.

Must visit/ do: Elephant Safari/ Jeep Safari exploring the flora and fauna of the forest
My most cherished memories: Though I haven’t visited Kaziranga yet, Suvendu often talks about his elephant safari in the jungle. Witnessing majestic Rhinos in their natural environment was an amazing experience for him.

20. Kohima- Dzukou Valley

In all of north-east India, Kohima, the capital of Nagaland is a special place, especially in winter. In December, the Annual Hornbill Festival is organized in Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima. Kohima itself is a nice historic place to explore. Not far from Kohima, Dzukou Valley is a great trekking option for adventure seekers. Apart from the rolling hills and lush green forests, Kohima offers a different cultural panorama than rest of India. So, I would definitely keep this among the best winter destinations in India.

Must visit/ do: Hornbill Festival (Kisama) || Kohima War Cemetery || Kohima Cathedral || Dzukou Valley
My most cherished memories: Though I have not been to Kohima, I have heard from Suvendu about his wonderful experience of the trekking in Dzukou Valley. {Read more: Dzukou Valley Trek}

Honourable Mentions (the next best list)

By no means, I mean that this is the ultimate list of best winter destinations in India. However, this covers most of the destinations. Wherever I have combined two or three places together, I have kept in mind that one can visit them in a matter of 4-5 days. Apart from the elite list above, I would list a few more as honourable mentions.

For snow experience, one can visit Manali or Auli. One can also check north Sikkim (Lachen- Lachung) and Tawang for road conditions. If roads are open, these are also among the best winter destinations.
One may also plan to visit Mussoorie, especially to witness the Winter-line sunset
Kolkata- Sundarbans is a great combination as well. Experience the oriental charm of Kolkata and take a boat ride in the mangrove forests of Sundarbans National Park.
For heritage lovers, ‘Khajuraho- Orchha- Jhansi’ is an amazing option in the winter
Beach lovers actually have more options like Lakshadweep, beaches in Kerala, Odisha
For festivals, best winter destinations are: Ajmer- Pushkar (Camel Festival), Ahmedabad (Kite Festival/ Uttarayan). If one counts November as winter, one can head to Varanasi/ Ayodhya for Diwali.

Concluding Notes

To summarize, one can head extreme-north of India for snowfall experience. But visiting a snow destination is never a comfortable trip. For a leisure trip, head south, especially to the beach destinations or plan to explore the great monuments/ archaeological sites of India.

From north to south, India has so many different kinds of places of interest that listing them all in one article is always a difficult task. But this is an effort to help travellers make their own bucket list of winter destinations. To reiterate, this list of best winter destinations is not a comprehensive list. So, please add to this list and also share with us.

For any information about these destinations, do write to us. We are just a call/ text away!

Best Winter Destinations in India: Here’s your travel guide