Winters are also the time of festivities and a feel good spirit. They also make for a good time to go on a vacation with your family, or even all by yourself.
1. Rajasthan: Jaipur – Jodhpur – Jaisalmer
With the most staple and obvious number of places to visit in winter in India, this circuit finds itself gathering quite some hustle bustle from all the tourist rush its temperature and deserts were keeping away till now. Dotted by countless Havelis, Palaces and Forts, winters are an ideal time to enjoy strolls through its specimens of history. While history and architecture keep you busy through the day, Desert Safaris and lakes make their way to your itineraries by evening. These pink, blue and golden cities of India, are one of the top destinations for winters, not only for all their landmarks but also their rich cultural and shopping experiences. Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Udaipur, Jaipur – the count of best places in Rajasthan in winter is too long, but these places are at their best in winters and cannot be missed.
2. Goa: North Goa – Panjim – South Goa
Goa is amongst the most popular places to visit in December in India. The casinos in Goa become wilder during this month which is why the place got it’s name as the ‘Las Vegas of India’. The fireworks and the trance music with sand tickling your toes is best feeling you can have during new years! The list does not end here—loudest EDM party, feast of St.Francis Xavier, VH1 Supersonic and Sunburn Music Festival come complimentary. The place has exactly everything to offer what you expect for a kickass Christmas and New Year.
P.S: The Saturday night market in Arpora which stays awake till dawn is a must visit.
3. Shimla
There is nothing like spending a romantic vacation with your special someone in the midst of snow. Shimla is a quintessential winter holiday destination in India. The colonial character, snow covered peaks and good accessibility makes it one of the hottest destinations for honeymooners in the winter season. However, you could enjoy a vacation in Shimla in winter months even if you are alone and looking for some adventure. Shimla is considered one of the best destinations for a skiing holiday in India. Let’s go for a colonial walk in the most romantic getaway in India. Walk through the snow floors with long boots and visit the Chail town. You will encounter immense peace beyond the crowd of Shimla. Click the perfect selfie with your loved one at the most erotic honeymoon destinations in India in December. Take a joyride at the Winter Sports Festival in Shimla—enjoy the natural ice-skiing and hanging balloons.
4. Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India and a well known, protected animal reserve. It is known for housing more than half of the world’s one horned rhinoceros and that’s not even it. It is also an important tiger reserve, with a large density of tigers present within the national park. Apart from these animals, there are also leopards, foxes, deer, flying squirrels, pelicans, hornbill and plenty of other floral and faunal speices, which would more than make up for a pretty exciting and enjoyable trip. One of India’s most bio-diverse regions, this place comes alive in December and January.
5. Gulmarg
Adventure seekers, you cannot miss out on Gulmarg in winter season. This gorgeous winter destination in India is situated in Kashmir and is best known for skiing. I wouldn’t be boasting, if I didn’t have to but Gulmarg is truly a paradise for adventure freaks. During the winter season, the entire town of Gulmarg is blanketed with a thick layer of snow. The lofty mountains thus convert into a skiing arena. There are two points (Kongdori and Apparwath ridge) from where one can try skiing in Gulmarg and both these points are connected by a cable car called Gulmarg Gondola (Asia’s largest cable car project). The snow-clad town of Kashmir is indeed a perfect destination for a winter holiday in India.
6. Gujarat: Ahmedabad – Kutch – Gir
Winter is the best time to explore the white desert to see the salt turn blue under the moonlit sky. A stay at a tent in the outskirts of Dhordo village is an enchanting experience. Kutch becomes alive during December with loads of celebrations—The Kutch Festival. The only festival which extends for two long months is held in this salty land. Visit the Rann Utsav for an everlasting experience. Gir, the only remaining home to the Asiatic lion, is also avoided in summers and welcoming and pleasant during winters, while Ahmedabad, under the cover of an industrial and commercial hub, tend to surprise one with its heritage and architectural marvels with the Sabarmati ashram, forts, temples, mosques lake and a swaying minaret. These best places to visit in winter in Gujarat are surely going to make your winters different and memorable.