Places To Visit In India In Winter With Family | Winter Travel Guide
The winter of 2023-24 did not portray a happy picture for tourism in India. A lack of snowfall in winter hotspots like Manali, Shimla, and Dalhousie triggered booking cancellations and a “tourism meltdown.”
However, fortunately, these hill stations are not the only places to visit in India in winter. With such a diverse landscape, weather conditions, and stories hidden in every nook, you have many destinations to make the best of your winter vacation with your family.
Henceforth, , I have tried to keep the options as versatile as possible. I will talk about the beaches, hill stations, spiritual locations, and, most importantly, the off-beat destinations. Let’s explore!
Snow & Chill! The Best Places To Visit In India In Winter Await You
With the nip in the air, it’s time to brave the winter and chase the snow. Northern India has a lot of cool destinations where you can live your winter dreams.
However, some travelers want to escape the chill and look for a warm corner when the mercury goes down. Pondicherry, Goa, and many other parts of Southern and Western India will be the best winter retreats for them.
Further, many major festivals take place in India during the winter season. You have Magh Bihu, Pushkar Camel Festival, Ganga Mahotsav, etc., to soak in the festive fervor of the season.
In addition, many geological sites in India can potentially become the “UNESCO Global Geoparks.” Bhedaghat and Gandikota Gorge are such geological destinations. So, to end your year on a happening note, know your winter destinations, especially the ones you can enjoy with your family.
| The “Dekho Apna Desh” Program of the Indian Government has been a major boost to promoting tourist destinations in India. In fact, it will be an important tool for the building of Viksit Bharat@2047. Swadesh Darshan Scheme is another program where the central government assists state governments, union territories, and central agencies to develop tourist destinations. According to industry insiders, because of government programs like Dekho Apna Desh and Swadesh Darshan and infrastructure developments, travel operators expect more than a 20% surge in winter tourism in 2024-25. |
Hill Stations To Visit In Winter In India
“Despite all I have seen and experienced, I still get the same simple thrill out of glimpsing a tiny patch of snow.” – Edmund Hillary.
We all know that landscapes covered with snow and even the drizzle of snowflakes can be magical. So, let’s take you to the quaint villages, meadows, and valleys nestled in the mountains.
⁍ Auli
Location: Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit: Late December to March
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Auli Travel Package – INR 18-35K (Each Person)
Auli Ski Resort is the main attraction of winter tourism in Auli. Skiing through the picturesque slopes here is a dream come true experience for many professional and amateur skiers. You can also take part in the following winter activities at Auli.
• Trekking
• Snowmobiling
• Snowshoeing
• Rope Lifts
• Cable Car Rides
In fact, the Winter Games Federation Of India organizes the national championships in skiing in Auli.
Auli is also a favorite destination for the best views of the Nanda Devi Peak. Also, the Kwani Bugyal trek, to an altitude of 3,350 meters, is the most surreal thing you can do here. However, if you have young children and elderly people in your family, the Kwani Bugyal trek is not something you need to take up.
| ⁕⁕ Dream and Travel Notes: Auli is more than a snowy winter paradise. It has a historical and religious significance. If you are in Auli, you must visit the Shankaracharya temple in Joshimath. Adi Shankaracharya visited Auli in the 8th century AD, and built the temple then. There is a small Hanuman Temple in Auli. Lord Hanuman rested here while looking for Sanjeevani Bootis in the Himalayas. Auli has a connection with the Sino-Indian War of 1962. The people of Auli supported the Indian Army despite the attempts of Chinese troops to cross the border. Around 2 Kms from Auli is Badrinath, a major Hindu pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. Lord Vishnu is worshipped in Badrinath, where Lord Vishnu met Lord Shiva in the disguise of a child. ⁕⁕ |
⁍ Chopta
Location: Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit: November to December
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Chopta Travel Package: INR 18-40K (Each Person)
Chopta, one of the best places to visit in India in winter, is popularly known as the “mini Switzerland” of Uttarakhand.
The Bugyals or meadows here soothe your eyes with lush greenery. Also, the Chandrashila, Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Trishul, Bandarpunch, and Chaukhamba appear in full glory with snow caps.
Further, the Deoria Tal or Devariyatal near Chopta is a big draw for tourists who want an immersive experience.
However, it is probably most revered as the epicenter of Panch Kedar or five major sacred abodes of Lord Shiva.
Tugnath, just above Chopta, is a major trek route for devotees and trekking enthusiasts. Further, the Madmaheshwar and Kedarnath shrines are on the left of Chopta, and the Kalpeshwar and Rudranath shrines are on the right side of Chopta.
| Legends have it that the Chandrashila Peak has magnetic crystals that capture powerful energy. Lord Ram meditated at the Chandrashila Peak as penance for committing Brahmahatya by killing Ravana. |
⁍ Dharamsala
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: December to February
Nearest Railway Station: Pathankot
Nearest Airport: Kangra/Gaggal Airport
Dharamsala Travel Package: INR 13-17K (Each Person)
Before Dharamsala had the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, the highest stadium in the world, it bolstered its position as one of the best places to visit in India in winter.
You can experience nature in its full glory at Dharamsala. The Trihund Hill, Naddi View Point, Bhagsu Waterfall, and Kangra Valley are the biggest draws in this town in Himachal Pradesh.
However, this snowy wonderland stands out as a spiritual and religious hub with the Dalai Lama Temple Complex (Tsuglagkhang Complex), Gyuto Monastery, Tushita Meditation Center, Bhagsunath Temple, Aghanjar Mahadev Temple and the Church of St. John.
| The Dalai Lama Temple Complex in Dharamsala is Tibetans’ political and cultural epicenter in exile. Built in 1959, This complex is of utmost spiritual importance to Buddhists and truth seekers. |
⁍ Gangtok
Location: Sikkim
Best Time to Visit: December to February
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Siliguri
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra
Gangtok Travel Package: INR 10.5-17K (Each Person)
Boasting the majestic view of Mount Kanchenjunga, Gangtok transforms into a city of romance in winter. The coffee, cookies, and musical extravaganza at M G Marg ensure an unforgettable experience.
Further, with the city as your base, you experience nature and spirituality at its best in Sikkim. Don’t forget a trip to the Tsomgo Chho, Namchi, Temi Tea Garden (the best view of Kanchenjunga), Yumthang Valley, and Zuluk.
⁍ Darjeeling
Location: West Bengal
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP) or Siliguri
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra
Darjeeling Travel Package: INR 10-16K (Each Person)
Darjeeling is much beyond a beautiful hill station. It’s a living example of inclusivity with the fusion of Nepalese, Tibetan, Anglo-Indian, and Bengali cultures.
December to February are the best months to visit Darjeeling. Especially festivals like the Darjeeling Carnival, the Darjeeling Orange Festival, and Maghe Sankranti add a new lease of life to this winter wonderland.
Darjeeling is diverse, and the most surreal experiences here are watching the sunrise at Tiger Hill and the view of Kanchenjunga. Further, Lamahatta, Batasia Loop, the Japanese Peace Pagoda, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Ghum Monastery, and Barbotey Rock Garden are other major attractions in Darjeeling.
Moreover, don’t miss a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
| The Ghum Winter Festival 2024 will celebrate 25 years of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It will take place from 30th November to 8th December, 2024. |
Best Off-Beat Places To Visit In India In Winter
Do you want to explore some hidden gems in India this winter? Are you looking for places to visit in India in winter to beat the chill? We have got you covered.
⁍ Bhedaghat
Location: Madhya Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Nearest Railway Station: Jabalpur
Nearest Airport: Jabalpur Airport
Bhedaghat Travel Package: INR 20-22K (Each Person)
Bhedaghat in Madhyapradesh is one of the potential UNESCO Global Geoparks in India. It is also a Tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021.
Known as the “Grand Canyon of India,” Bhedaghat is home to dinosaur fossils, morphological forms, magnesium limestone, and volcanic rock.
| “The eye never wearies of the effect produced by the broken and reflected sunlight, glancing from a pinnacle of snow-white marble reared against the deep blue of the sky. Here and there, the Saccharine white limestone is seamed by veins of dark green or black volcanic rock; a contrast which only enhances, like a setting of jet, the purity of the surrounding marble.” – Captain J Forsyth on the rocks of Bhedaghat |
Further, the most beautiful thing about Bhedaghat is the Dhuandhar fall. It creates the illusion of smoke coming out of the Narmada River.
Another big draw of the place is the Chausath Yogini Temple. It is a 10th-century temple made during the Kalchuri Dynasty.
Myths have it that Mohammed Ghori destroyed the Yogini statues here but could not cause any harm to the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati sitting on the Nandi Bull. He got attacked by honeybees and left the place.
⁍ Gandikota Gorge
Location: Andhra Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: September to February
Nearest Railway Station: Jammalamadugu (Connected to the Vijayawada Junction)
Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru
Dharamsala Travel Package: INR 10-13K (Each Person)
Gandikota Gorge is another potential UNESCO Global Geoparks in India. The Pennar River has cut through the Erramala Hills and created gorges that look like the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
Gandikota also stands out for its historical importance, and the Gandikota Fort, ruled by the Kalyani Chalukyas, Delhi Sultanate, Cholas, and other kingdoms, was originally built by the Pemmasani Nayakas.
Moreover, you can explore the following places of interest at Gandikota.
• Jamia Masjid
• Madhavaraya Temple
• Yaganti Temple and its Pushkarini
• Raghunatha Swamy Temple
• Owk Reservoir
• Mylavaram Dam
Belum Caves, one of the ancient sites in India, is a huge attraction near Gandikota Gorge. These second-largest caves in India are million years old.
⁍ Pondicherry
Location: Union Territory of Puducherry
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Nearest Railway Station: Villupuram Junction railway station
Nearest Airport: Pondicherry Airport
Pondicherry Travel Package: 16-30k
The land of churches, temples, and art walks, Pondicherry has Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville at its heart.
Sri Aurobindo Ashram is the hub for being familiar with the spiritual activities of Rishi Aurobindo and The Mother. It has no entry fee, and it has few accommodation facilities.
Further, Auroville, an ideal township dedicated to the philosophy of Sri Aurobindo, was passed by UNESCO in a unanimous resolution in 1966. It is known as a “project of importance to the future of humanity.”
Explore The Beaches: The Best Tourist Places In India
Is the winter chill making your days gloomy? How about soaking in some Sun and enjoying the breezes passing through palm trees?
⁍ Palolem Beach
Location: South Goa
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Nearest Railway Station: Canacona Railway station
Nearest Airport: Goa Dabolim International Airport
Goa Travel Package: 10-28k (Each Person)
Palolem Beach will surely be on your list if you want to know the best places to see in South Goa.
You will adore the stretches of white sand in Palolem Beach, and the gentle beaches will offer you the most serene moments.
| “It’s a beach of white sand facing a blue bay between two headlands. This is also a fishing beach to ferry you across. They do offer to take you out to spot dolphins. Tourists have discovered Palolem and so there are a few shacks selling seafood snacks, souvenirs, and clothes.” The Government of Goa |
When traveling with family, you can enjoy activities like swimming, listening to music, and beach sports. Further, watching the sunset here is a one-of-a-kind experience.
⁍ Om Beach
Location: Gokarna, Karnataka
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Nearest Railway Station: Ankola
Nearest Airport: Goa Dabolim International Airport
Travel Package: 12-35k (Each Person)
Om Beach in Gokarna, Karnataka, gets its name from its unique shape formed by joining two crescents. “Om” is the sound of creation or the “Primordial Sound” according to Hindu Philosophy. So, this beach has a deep spiritual significance.
Further, Om Beach allows you to indulge in multiple activities. You can hike to the Rock of Peace, Om Beach Viewpoint, and Om Beach Rock View. Also, it is a popular place for watersports like surfing, parasailing, riding on banana boats, jet ski rides, etc.
However, if you want the quietest experience at Om Beach, watch the best Sunset scene by the Arabian Sea.
Deserts In India You Must Visit This Winter Vacation
The wonders of Indian deserts await you in the winter. From exploring the sand dunes and enjoying a camel ride to watching the stars at night, you have a lot of activities to enjoy during your winter vacation with your family.
⁍ Bikaner
Location: Rajasthan
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Nearest Railway Station: Bikaner Jn.
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport
Travel Package: 28-45k (Each Person)
Are you fascinated by taking a camel ride? Do the frames from movies like Jodhaa Akbar or Sonar Kella inspire you to explore the landscape on the ship of the desert? Bikaner is the best city in Rajasthan to realize your dreams.
Known as “Camel Country,” Bikaner has the best riding camels. The city also has the National Research Centre On Camel, showing the importance of camels in the locality and beyond.
Moreover, you have the famous Gajner Palace, Junagarh Fort, and Lallgarh Palace to explore.
| Plan a trip to Bikaner in January to join the famous Bikaner Camel Festival. In 2025, it will likely occur from 13th to 15th January. |
⁍ Rann of Kutch
Location: Gujarat
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Nearest Railway Station: Bhuj Junction
Nearest Airport: Bhuj Airport
Travel Package: 18-55k
The Rann of Kutch bustles with tourists from December to February due to the vibrant Rann Utsav. So, when the nip in the air makes the salt desert look even more dull, the colors of festivity add vibrance to the atmosphere.
| Dhordo in Kutch became the “Best Tourism Village” on 20th October 2023. The United Nations World Trade Organisation conferred this title to this humble village. |
The vast salt desert stands out with its vast landscape. Further, it’s a great place to explore wildlife with the presence of blackbuck, wild asses, flamingos, and chinkaras.
During your family trip to the Rann of Kutch, you can enjoy a camel ride and witness the best sunset views.
Spiritual Places To Visit In India In Winter
Winter is the season to make an inward journey. If you observe nature, you will notice a change in the rhythm. Everything is calmer with animals going into hibernation and the leaves returning to the soil for nourishment.
So, what is a better season than winter for a spiritual trip?
⁍ Fatehpur Sikri
Location: Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Nearest Railway Station: Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Kheria Airport, Agra
Entry Fee: INR 50 for Indians and SAARC and BIMSTEC Citizens, INR 610 for Other Foreign Nationals, Free for Children below 15 Years
The Fatehpur Sikri Fort complex, built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, is India’s proud UNESCO World Heritage Site . Along with its historical importance and architectural excellence, it also stands out for its spiritual significance.
It has the tomb of the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. Myths have it that Akbar had his male heirs by the blessings of the Sufi Saint. In gratitude, the emperor named his elder son Jahangir as Salim.
Sheikh Salim Chishti was a descendant of Moinuddin Chishti, one of the pioneers of Sufism in India. So, if you are on a spiritual quest to know yourself or connect with the forces of the universe, Fatehpur Sikri is your destination.
Moreover, Fatehpur Sikiri has Jama Masjid, built in 1751. It is a great place for worship, prayer, and introspection.
⁍ Varanasi
Location: Uttar Pradesh
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Nearest Railway Station: Varanasi Jn
Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
Travel Package: 9k-15k (Per Person)
Varanasi is the oldest city in the world, dating back to 2000 BCE. It is the spiritual hub of India. One of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism, Varanasi or Kashi is also the land of salvation.
According to popular beliefs, dying here will make you free from the pain of rebirth and another life.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is at the core of spiritual activities in Varanasi. The Maa Annapurna Temple and the deity there stand as the symbol of the divine feminine. Also, you must visit the Kaibhairav Temple, the protector of Kashi.
Beyond the temples, Kashi exudes spiritual fervor through its ghats and alleys. A visit to the Dashashwamedh Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat is bound to make you feel philosophical and ponder life’s journey.
| Manikarnika Ghat in Kashi has funeral pyres that are lit continuously. According to myths, fire has never been extinguished at this cremation ghat. |
What Is The Coldest Place In India? Is It Suitable For A Winter Trip?
Drass in Jammu and Kashmir is the coldest place in India and the second coldest in the world. It is unsuitable for a winter trip as the temperature drops to -45 degrees Celsius.
Further, most trekking routes here remain closed during winter. So, if you want to explore this Gateway to Ladakh, its landscape, and its wildlife, plan a trip between April and June.
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