Is Winter In India Delayed This Year? What Are The Tourist Places In Focus This Season (Exploring Tourism In Winter In India Under Changing Seasonal Conditions)
So, it’s December and finally winter in India. Yes, this time, winter is delayed in India. Today, my hometown is likely to have a minimum temperature of 16 degrees Celsius. So, today, at last, the woolens are out of the closet and they are soaking in the terrace Sun.
For a few days, I have been keeping a close watch on the changing weather conditions.
The La Nina effect is a concern this season, and various updates from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) can be confusing (Updates in the next section). (The latest update is of heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi on 11th and 12th December 2024.)
So, this time, making up my mind about where to travel in India during winter is difficult.
But, for years, these winter months of December to February have been my favorite part of the year for traveling. I prefer to visit hill stations in India like Auli, Shimla, Darjeeling, and Gangtok in winter for the snowy wonder and festive fun.
However, you also have Goa, Pondicherry, and other hotspots in South India if you want to beat the chill. The average winter temperature in South India in December and throughout the winter remains between 18-30 degrees Celsius.
During the same months, various parts of North India experience a temperature of 2-18 degrees Celsius temperature. However, in higher altitudes, the temperature, of course, dips down to zero and sub-zero, causing snowfall.
Further, during winter, Eastern India has an average temperature of 16-17 degrees Celsius and in the western part, the same ranges between 20-25 degrees Celsius.
But is it going to be the same this year? What are the top winter holiday destinations in India this year under the changing weather scenarios? Here is a Dream and Travel Guide.
Winter In India | Updates You Need To Know Before You Pack Your Bags
A hell lot of updates are pouring in about winter in India this year. News about the cold season started coming in from the IMD from mid November. IMD came up with the predictions of the following parts of India getting affected by the La Nina effect.
- Northern India
- Northwest India
- Central India (Including Delhi-NCR)
Further, a few days back, a delayed winter in northern India became a matter of concern, and no immediate La Nina effect was visible. However, with now well into December in India, the effects of La Nina are going to get more prominent.
As I pen this article, I hear about the chances of at least a 3-degree Celsius temperature dip in northwest India. Also, very soon, Delhi and various parts of Chandigarh and Haryana will have dense fog.
| La Nina can lower temperatures and boost heavy rainfall. It is powerful enough to make a paradigm shift in the weather conditions of a region. |
So, if you are traveling to these parts of the country now, you need to exercise utmost caution.
Moreover, thanks to the La Nina effect, IMD predicts freezing temperatures and increased rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. In addition, a western disturbance will bring more snow to the hill stations in northern India.
| “A major weather shift is expected after the 11th or 12th of December when a western disturbance will trigger heavy snowfall in the northern hills.” India Meteorological Department (IMD) |
So, despite hill stations and snowy peaks being the first choice for winter holidays in India, this time, you need to really reconsider your winter vacation plan. In the upcoming sections, I will discuss the places you must visit and avoid this winter.
However, before that, we have shared a Dream and Travel update about how the geology of India makes winter special here. Let’s delve deeper.
Winter In India: How The Unique Geology Plays A Crucial Role In Weather And Tourism | A Dream And Travel Note
The geology of India is very crucial if we talk about winter or winter tourism in the country. Here, the focus is on the Himalayas and the Thar Desert.
The Himalayas And Tourism In Winter In India
The Himalayas work as walls against the chilly blows from Central Asia. So, India has a bearable and warmer winter than most other locations in similar latitudes.
Furthermore, the Himalayas are most important for winter tourism in India because of their natural abundance, biodiversity, and cultural vividness.
No wonder, before the La Nina effect became the talk of the town, places like Himachal Pradesh, Northeastern States, and Uttarakhand received a record advanced booking for winter travels in 2024.
Insiders in the hotel and hospitality in the Himalayan regions also confirmed that they were getting ready for a tourist influx in winter this year.
Thar Desert And Winter Climate And Tourism In India
The Thar Desert is another geological feature that impacts winter in India. It is the 9th largest hot sub-tropical desert in the world.
Further, thanks to the continental weather of the desert, there is a huge difference between the summer and winter temperatures.
Again, Thar Desert is the most happening winter tourism hub in India. In this season, the temperature drops to 20-25 degrees Celsius during the daytime. Further, during the nighttime, the temperature ranges between 5-15 degrees Celsius.
Moreover, winter is the time for Maru Mahotsav, or The Jaisalmer Desert Festival in the Thar Desert.
This festival has folk dance, music, and puppet shows. You cannot especially miss the Kalbelia Sapera dance (snake charmer dance) and the Ghoomar dance. It’s time to relive your Padmavat moments!
| The upcoming date for the Jaisalmer Desert Festival is 22-24 February 2025. |
In addition, this is the festival to try the best Rajasthani cuisines and have an immersive stargazing experience. The weather here remains clear in winter and you can even see the Milky Way along with the stars.
Winter Destinations In India You Must Avoid This Season | The La Lina Effect And More
It’s time to get back to the discussion of the La Lina effect and tourism in winter in India this year. So, here is a list of the places that will be affected by major weather changes.
If you have already booked tickets to these places, it’s time to cancel the tickets and look for alternative destinations (shared in the next section).
- Jammu and Kashmir (Severe winter conditions and long cold spells)
- Himachal Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Tamil Nadu (Heavy rainfall)
- Kerala
- Andra Pradesh
- Assam
- Bihar
⁕⁕ Dream And Travel Note ⁕⁕
La Lina can cause erratic weather conditions. Rainfalls, cyclones, and floods are common due to the La Lina effect. Despite the proactive measures from the risk management and urban development authorities, it often becomes fatal for tourists.
So, stay flexible with your travel itinerary and remain in touch with your travel management company constantly. This is important to know about the recent weather updates.
Offbeat Places To Visit During This Winter In India | Warm Places To Beat The Chill
Tourists love winter in India. In fact, according to studies, 55% of travelers in India prefer to travel during the winter months of December to February.
At the same time, 71% of Indian tourists prefer traveling independently. So, research and staying informed are crucial for them.
If you, too, want some guidance before planning a winter trip to India this year, you can check out the places I have curated.
Further, I have mentioned places like Bengaluru and Goa. Despite being prominent holiday destinations, these are off-beat choices as winter retreats.
⁍ Jaisalmer
Nearest Airport: Jaisalmer Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Jaisalmer Railway Station
Average Winter Temperature: 10-22 Degrees Celsius
Best Place to Stay: Rang Mahal Jaisalmer (5, Hotel Complex, Jaisalmer – Sam – Dhanana Rd, Jaisalmer, Contact No: 096672 22872)
Jaisalmer can be your go-to destination this winter to attend the Thar Festival. Further, it’s an important place to learn about the geology of the desert. Aakal, or the Wood Fossil Park of Jaisalmer is a great place to visit for the same.
| Architectural Wonders of Jaisalmer: ‣ Jaisalmer Fort ‣ Salim Singh ki Haveli ‣ Nathmal ki Haveli ‣ Patwon ki Haveli The Jaisalmer Fort is also known as the Sonar Quila or the Golden Fort. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the backdrop of the famous Satyajit Ray movie Sonar Kella. |
Further, amidst the stretches of the Thar Desert, the architectural wonders of Jaisalmer stand proud, telling the tales of Rajput history.
⁍ Pondicherry
Nearest Airport: Puducherry Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Villupuram Junction Railway Station
Average Winter Temperature: 25 Degrees Celsius
Best Place to Stay: Sri Aurobindo Ashram Accommodations (Park Guest House: +91413 2224644 / 2233644, Cottage Guest House: +91413 2233610, etc.)
Pondicherry is one of the best places to visit in India during winter with family. Sri Aurobindo Ashram is at the epicenter of a trip to Pondicherry.
It is a place for spiritual souls and to learn about the teachings of Rishi Aurobindo. He was a prominent freedom fighter who became a spiritual leader.
Other places of interest in Pondicherry are Rock Beach, The Sacred Heart Basilica, Auroville, etc.
⁍ Goa
Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Margao and Vasco-da-Gama Railway Stations
Average Winter Temperature: 20-30 Degrees Celsius
Best Place to Stay: Whoopers Boutique Morjim (House no 746, Ashwem Road, New Wada, Morjim, Contact No: 090492 85717)
Goa is the best place if you want to soak in the winter Sun. Here, Palolem, Calangute, Anjuna, and many other beaches welcome you for a relaxed retreat.
Other places to visit in Goa are Dudhsagar Falls, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Aguada Fort, etc.
⁍ Gokarna
Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Ankola
Average Winter Temperature: 15-28 Degrees Celsius
Best Place to Stay: Bobs Beach House (2, Kariappa Katte, Middle Beach, Dubbansasi, Gokarna, Contact No: 097439 35958)
Gokarna is home to the Mahabaleshwara Temple, a holy place for the followers of Lord Shiva. Legends have it that the temple deity is the Atmalinga, or the earliest Shiva lingam.
Further, you will love the beaches at Gokarna. Visit Half Moon Beach, OM Beach, or Paradise Beach here.
⁍ Bengaluru
Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru
Nearest Railway Station: Bangalore City Railway Station
Average Winter Temperature: 21-26 Degrees Celsius
Best Place to Stay: Zostel Bangalore (2032, 17th Main, 1st Cross Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Contact Number: 044 4011 5819)
Bengaluru, the “Tech City of India,” is also a popular holiday destination. You can visit the Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bannerughatta Biological Park, the Bangalore Palace, and Bull Temple here.
Further, there are many weekend retreats near Bangalore. So, from here, you can visit places like the Hogenakkal Falls, Shravanabelagola, Kabini, Nandi Hills, etc.
| According to the latest IMD updates, Bengaluru will have colder weather this winter. The winter season here has set in early this time in the city. |
Cheapest Places To Travel During Winter In India | Varanasi Leads The List | Traveling Under 50000 This Winter In India
Varanasi, the epicenter of spiritual tourism in India, is also one of the cheapest destinations to spend your winter vacation. The average temperature in Varanasi remains between 5-16 degrees Celsius during the winter months. So, your stay here will be comfortable.
Your days here will start with the mesmerizing Subah-e-Banaras experience. You will see the first lights of the Sun and morning prayers and aartis at the ghats.
Further, festivals like Makara Sankranti (Winter Solstice) and Margasirsa Purnima attract many religious souls to this holy city. (The upcoming date for Makara Sankranti is 14th January 2025, and Margasirsa Purnima is on 15th December 2024.)
| Why Visit Varanasi In Winter? Your days will be magical with Tulsi Chai in Kullad. Further, if you are a birder, you will find many winged friends from Siberia in Varanasi. Also, the Baati Chokha and Aloo Tikki Chaat taste even more delicious in winter. Thanks to Kashi Chat Bhandar, these street foods are popular in the country. (Contact No: 080904 21111, D 37/47, Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Godowlia, Varanasi). Did you know that Kashi Chat Bhandar was a special attraction at the Radhika and Anant Ambani wedding? Moreover, you can attend the Varanasi Hot Air Balloon Festival in winter. |
In fact, every day is like a festival and Varanasi and every nook here has a story to tell. Moreover, a 3-5 day stay at Varanasi during winter will cost you between INR 12000-30000.
Further, to make the trip most pocket-friendly, you can find accommodation at the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Varanasi. It is near the Varanasi Cantt Station, and the exact address is Vidhyapeeth Road, Near Nagar Nigam, Sigra.
⁕⁕ For booking, you can call them at 0542-2221639 or email them at bharatsevashramsanghavaranasi@gmail.com. ⁕⁕
Other Cheap Places To Travel In India Winter
If you already visited Varanasi last year, you can explore the following destinations this time. Here, I have picked places from Northern, Southern, Western and Eastern India.
⁍ Sarnath
Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport
Nearest Rail Station: Sarnath Railway Station
Sarnath Tour Package: INR 10000, Approximately
Average Winter Temperature: 5-15 Degrees Celsius
Best Place to Stay: Sujata Hotel Sarnath Varanasi ( Sri Lanka Buddhist temple, Sa 14/98-M-B-3, near Jambudvipa, Baraipur, Sarnath, Contact No: 096530 88461)
Sarnath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon. Further, the Lion Capital here is a symbol of ancient India, especially the pride of the Mauryan Empire.
The Ashoka Pillar (Lion Capital) or Ashoka Stambha, today synonymous with the identity of the country, came from here. The Wheel of Dharma, or Ashoka Chakra, now present in the Indian National Flag, also came from the Lion Capital or the Pillar of Ashoka in Sarnath.
⁍ Udaipur
Nearest Airport: Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur
Nearest Rail Station: Udaipur City Railway Station
Udaipur Tour Package: INR 15-28k
Average Winter Temperature: 10-25 Degrees Celsius
Best Place to Stay: Hotel Sarovar (Outside Chandpole, Hanuman Ghat, Pichola, Udaipur, Contact Number: 090161 30528)
Udaipur is a melting point for all types of travelers. The “City of Lakes” also has the most regal palaces, telling the tales of history and romance.
| Famous Landmarks in Udaipur ‣ Fateh Sagar Lake ‣ Bagore ki Haveli ‣ Udaipur City Palace ‣ Nagda ‣ Monsoon Palace |
Yes, it is a luxury travel destination. But the luxury is more in terms of the experience. The pocket-pinch here is much lesser compared to the gems this place has to offer.
Moreover, today, it is the chosen spot for destination weddings, with the likes of Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha or Siddharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani typing the knot here.
⁍ Darjeeling
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport
Nearest Rail Station: New Jalpaiguri
Darjeeling Tour Package: INR 15000
Average Winter Temperature: 6-14 Degrees Celsius
Best Place to Stay: Central Gleneagles Heritage Resort-The Mall Road Darjeeling (The, TATA Bungalow, Mall Rd, opp. Mahakal temple, Darjeeling, Contact No: 098310 71162)
Darjeeling, the Queen of Hill Stations, is a famous winter retreat thanks to the festive spirit. With Christmas and New Year approaching, it gets decked up in lights.
Further, it is home to Tiger Hills, and from the summit, you can see the most beautiful sunrise a vista of Mount Kanchenjunga. The other points of attraction here are the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Batasia Loop, Kurseong, Ghoom Monastery, Japanese Peace Pagoda, etc.
⁍ Puri
Nearest Airport: Bhubaneswar Biju Patnaik International Airport
Nearest Rail Station: Puri Railway Station
Puri Tour Package: INR 30000-35000
Average Winter Temperature: 16-28 Degrees Celsius
Best Place to Stay: Puri Hotel (A Personal Favorite with Many Memories) (Sea Beach, Puri – 752001, Contact Number: (06752) 222114, 223809, (033) 24612240, 24612249)
Puri, the home of Lord Jagannath, is one of the Char Dhams, or the four holiest Hindu pilgrimages in India. Puri also has the Sankaracharya Matha, where you can meet the Shankaracharya of Puri.
Further, the sea beach of Puri is peaceful, and it also has the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Konark Sun Temple, as an added attraction.
Moreover, if you are interested in history, you can visit the Udaigiri and Khadagiri Hills. These hills have 33 caves and were built by Jain Monks during the 2nd Century BCE reign of King Kharavela.
| Dream and Travel Note You can now take the Howrah–Puri Vande Bharat Express or Puri–Rourkela Vande Bharat Express to visit this holy site. The Vande Bharat Express departs from Howrah at 6:10 AM and reaches Puri at 12:35 PM. Further, from Rourkela, the Vande Bharat Express departs at 2:10 PM and reaches Puri at 9:40 PM. |
⁍ Hampi
Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport
Nearest Rail Station: Hospet Junction
Hampi Tour Package: INR 30000+
Average Winter Temperature: 14-30 Degrees Celsius
Best Place to Stay: Hotel Hampi International (Station Road, Hampi, Hosapete, Karnataka, Contact No: 092431 6111)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Hampi is famous for the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. You must visit monuments like the Virupaksha Temple, Lotus Mahal, and Vittala Temple.
These monuments look all the more appealing against the backdrop of Matanga Hill and the Tungabhadra River.
That’s pretty much from me about the places to visit in winter in India. Travel safely and explore various corners of the country. Happy journey!
