Winter is not just a season it’s a month to explore snow-capped mountains, golden deserts, and coastal cities of India. We all know India is blessed with diversified locations and winter gives you an unforgettable journey. In this blog, we will explore India’s Winter Wonders. Let’s begin the journey!
Gulmarg, Kashmir: A Snowy Paradise
Do you know, that Kashmir has its own serene beauty and you can plan the trip throughout the year? Gulmarg is a winter wonderland of Kashmir where tourists visit to explore the fresh snow, wooden houses, skiing, cable rides, snowboarding, and the serene beauty of Kashmir. Gulmarg romanticizes the couple’s trip and at the same time adventurous trip for the adventure lover.
Things to do
- Doesn’t matter if you are an adventure lover or not, just try these things at least once in your life:
- Ride of second highest and longest Cable Car at Gulmarg’s Khandoori. (For Khandoori, prior booking is required)
- Skiing for both beginners and experienced. You can take a training of 30 minutes at Rs. 3000/- and rent out jackets & boots.
- Sledge Ride with a stunning snow view.
- Snowmobile Riding
- Drung Waterfall in Tangmarg, is the most popular place to visit in winter. The waterfall is situated in between the mountains and the water freezes in winter.
- Apharwat Peak situated near LOC is the most beautiful place to explore the snow in winter. While on the way, you can visit Alpather Lake which freezes in winter. (For Apharwat, prior booking is required)
- Seven Springs and Strawberry Valley are situated in between the snow-capped mountain and a place to take a nature walk.
- Maharani Temple, Baba Reshi, St. Mary Church, Gulmarg Golf Course, Bota Pathri, Maharaja Palace, Children’s Park, Khilanmarg, and Firozpur Nallah are the most popular destinations.
How to reach
- Nearest Airport: Srinagar Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Railway Station
Rann of Kutch: A Mirage of Magnificence
Rann of Kutch, popularly known as the ‘White Salt Desert of India’ is widely famous in winter. The famous ‘Rann Festival’ which organized from December to February and people across the world visit to experience the winter in the white desert. For this two-month festival, people start booking in advance to explore the Rann Utsav. Winter is near, so start booking.
Things to do
- Rann Utsav organized by the Tourism Corporation of India Limited where you can explore the culture program, traditions of Rajasthan, Rajasthani Food, Camel Safari, Camping under the sky, and many more.
- Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Kutch Bustard Sanctuary & India Wild Ass Sanctuary are the best places to explore the largest saline seasonal wetlands and the variety of wildlife.
- Mandvi Beach, Bhuj is one of the serene and relaxing places to visit.
- The 18th century Aina Mahal Palace (Hall of Mirrors) was built in the 18th century and Prag Mahal are one of the places to visit in Kutch.
- Narayan Sarovar, Bhuj, a religious place in Hinduism where the five holy lakes (Man Sarovar, Pampa Sarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar, and Pushkar Sarovar) combine in one place.
How to reach
- Nearest Airport: Shyamji Krishna Verma Bhuj Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Bhuj Railway Station
Jaisalmer: Where History Meets Golden Sands
Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and renowned as a ‘Golden City’ has a mesmerized beauty of heritage, culture, architecture, and deserts. In winter, tourist visits to explore the desert beauty, forts, camping in the Thar Desert, sand dunes, camel ride, and cultural evening. You can plan a trip to Jaisalmer with friends, family and your partner.
Things to do
- If you love the architecture, then explore, Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon ki Haweli, Nathmal ki Haweli, Vyas Chhatri, Bada Bagh, Tazia Tower and Badal Palace.
- In winters you can enjoy adventure activities in the desert of Jaisalmer like, Quad Biking, Camel Riding, Desert Safari, Sand Dunes & Dune Bashing in Thar Desert, and Camping.
- The Desert Festival of Jaisalmer is the most awaited festival and you would love to see the sand dunes, and competitions like camel racing, turban tying and many other cultural events.
- Gadi Sagar Lake and Amar Sagar Lake are famous tourist spot which is surrounded by temples.
How to reach
- Nearest Airport: Jodhpur Airport
- Nearest Railway Station: Jaisalmer Railway Station
Gangtok, Sikkim: Serenity in the Eastern Himalayas
Gangtok, the Capital of Sikkim situated in the Eastern Himalayas or we can say in the lap of nature. The misty mountains, Buddhist monasteries, serene nature, rivers, waterfalls, and crystal clear water. The state has a boundary with China and the best part is you can’t take mineral water over there which means drinking crystal-clear water from the waterfalls.
Note: Remember to carry your identity proof, as it is required in every place you visit. You can’t visit the place without passes from the government.
Things to do
- Nathula Pass, an Indo-China border where you feel so patriotic and the Army Man briefs the history and also about the Silk Route. While return pay a tribute at the temple of Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial, an Army Man who is protecting us even after his death.
- Hanuman Tok, Ganesh Tok, Ranka Monastery, Himalayan Zoological Park and a ropeway where you can see the entire city.
- Tsongma Lake, where you can do ropeway and click a picture with Yak. The serene lake and picturesque view of lake surrounded by misty mountains mesmerized you.
- Zero Point, Lachen and Lachung are must visit places, embrace yourself with the beauty of nature. While on the way, don’t forget to visit the famous Gurdwara, the only place where weight grows.
- Mall Road, a perfect place for shopping, to eat Momo’s and take a walk.
How to reach
- Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport (You can take a taxi to reach Gangtok which is 126km away from this place)
- Nearest Railway Station: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station
Puducherry/Pondicherry: A Tranquil Coastal Getaway
Puducherry is a city located on the coast of the sea, where you can experience the beauty of French Town. The place is perfect for the couple to enjoy the island, and beaches and enjoy the French Food.
Things to do
- Paradise Beach, to reach this island take a boat ride and enjoy the beauty. After reaching you can enjoy water sports too.
- Promenade Beach and Serenity Beach gives a picturesque view and you can spend your time sitting near the beach and under the sky.
- Auroville, a spiritual township famous for Matrimandir which is a golden sphere structure and famous spot to explore.
- Aurobindo Ashram, famous for spirituality and meditation. This is the perfect place to relax your soul.
- Other famous tourist spots are, Arikmedu, Botanical Garden, Bharathi Park, and Chunnambar Boathouse.
How to reach
- Nearest Airport: Puducherry Airport (also known as Puducherry Civil Aerodrome)
- Nearest Railway Station: Puducherry Railway Station
Final Thought
India has a diversified landscape and you can’t explain the beauty with words. In this blog, I mentioned only the Top 5 Places, but there are many more on my list that I want to live with my audience. Meanwhile, explore these places in winters and share your experience.
Pack your bag and explore the unexplored places with Hema.