25 Best Places to Visit in Winters in India and Things to Do

Winters are pleasant at India; with the cool breeze and the warm sun, a vacation at India is going to be ever cherishing. Winters starts from mid of November to February in India and you can have the lots of things to do during winter season.

Not only sightseeing and attractions but winters comes up with many festivals and events that you can explore. In Kerala, you can enjoy the Cochin Carnival and Goa is famous for its annual fest of Goa Carnival. New Year and Christmas Celebration is the major festival throughout the world and you can celebrate it in India too. If you are planning to visit India during winter season then below listed options can help you. Find below 25 Best Places to Visit in Winters in India and things to do.

1. Wandering through the Chronicles of Delhi

The heart of India, Delhi is distinguishing with a confluence of the old Mughal tradition and the glitters of modern India. While Old Delhi is still elegant with the Jama Masjid, memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, Raj Ghat and Red Fort, New Delhi is glamorous with the Akshardham Temple, Lotus temple and the Laxmi Narayan Temple along with the India Gate and the Rashtrapati Bhawan. While the aroma of butter chicken, biriyani, rumali roti and chaats of the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk beckons, the stunning shopping malls of New Delhi cannot be ignored.

India Gate - Delhi
Delhi

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Delhi Travel Guide

2. Explore the Symbol of Love in Agra

Sightseeing in Agra is easier during winter. The pleasing climate of winter allows you to spend time at any of the monuments like the Taj Mahal, Baby Taj, Tomb of Akbar, Mariam Tomb, Fatehpur Sikri, and others. If you are a nature lover, you can choose to spend time in some of the Mughal gardens of the land.

Taj Mahal view in Winters
Taj Mahal view in Winters

Winter is one of the best times to visit Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary and bear rescue facility inside it. If you desire to enjoy Agra luxuriously, you can choose to stay in luxury boutique hotels or enjoy Agra and other regions as a part of any luxury train itineraries.

Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary Agra

Also Read :

Agra Travel Guide

3. Sail through History in Jaipur

Jaipur is a grand historical land, which gets a crisp beauty during winter. The city of Jaipur was a destination planned for royals. You can find numerous palaces, havelis, forts, and other structures used by royals to enjoy the winter from scenic vantage points. The history, culture, and cuisine of Jaipur would engulf you into the historic beauty of Jaipur.

Jal Mahal Jaipur City in Wintersipur City in Winters
Jaipur City View in Winters

Thanks to the climatic condition, you can find many interesting tourist activities like village safari, boating, exploration, and so on. If you have a holistic vacation in mind, you can choose to enjoy Jaipur as a part of the Golden Triangle tour (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) or the winter Jaipur circuit (Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer).

Boating in Jaipur

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Jaipur Travel Guide

4. A Tropical Culture destination – Mumbai

Winter is more of a warm tropical season in Mumbai. This pleasing climate allows tourists to enjoy all the facets of Mumbai’s culture. If you are looking for a lazy winter vacation, choose sightseeing, luxury dining, lazy afternoons sailing, museum visits and so on.

Gateway of India Mumbai

If you want adrenaline pumping into your vacation, you can choose to enjoy the extremes of Mumbai like flamingo spotting, lake camping, trekking, horse galloping, and so on. There are numerous winter getaway spots closer to Mumbai like Alibag, Matheran, Karnala bird sanctuary, Karjat, and others.

Matheran Maharashtra

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Mumbai Travel Guide

5. Colorful Chaotic Winter at Varanasi

Varanasi the sacred city of Hinduism gets the fame from hundreds of temples stacked in mazes with stripes of alleys filled with markets. The early morning Ganges boat ride would be more enchanting with the foggy chill climate.

Boating Varanasi at Winter Morning
Varanasi in Winters

Winter embraces the religious beauty of the land, and you can find yourself relishing in many cultural and religious festivals in the temple. Apart from these, the religious rituals, holy practices, and the iconic Ganga Aarti will remain beautiful throughout the year.

Ganga Aarti

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Varanasi Travel Guide

6. Enjoy White Winter at Auli

Auli gets a winter fairytale look with snow in every direction. The main attraction of Auli during winter is skiing. Apart from skiing, Auli is also famous for other tourist activities, like snow trekking, view from Kwani Bugyal, riding the longest cable car of the continent, catching a panoramic view of snow peaks of Himalayas, and so on.

If you are the adventure type, you can visit Auli in January to take part in the National Championship of Skiing. Those who love luxury visits can choose to stay in one of the many ski resorts of Auli. Are you not the snow lover? You can still choose Uttarakhand and visit Nainital instead of Auli, to enjoy a lush green winter.

Auli Uttarakhand

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7. Adrenaline Rush in Manali

Winter in Manali has numerous emblematic elements like snow valleys, Himalayan peaks drenched in snow, and the long list of adventure activities. Manali is indeed an adventure spot throughout the year.

Hadimba Devi Temple in Manali

However, winter adds more thrill and rush to your vacation with numerous adventure activities like to horse riding on snow valleys, skiing, paragliding, zorbing, exploration, trekking, camping, mountain pass biking, and others. If you love exclusive nature spots, try visiting Great Himalayan National Park and Chandertal Lake. Manikaran is famous for hot Sulphur-bath, which is quite a retreat from the glazing snow.

Paragliding in Manali

Suggested Tour :

8. For a Tibetan Infused Winter Vacation - Dharamshala

Dhauladhar ranges add the enchanting beauty to Dharamshala, making it a refreshing destination to enjoy winter with snow and green. The place is filled with deodar and pine foliage, thereby improving the natural diversity of the region. Apart from the religious festivals and Himalayan Festival, Dharamshala’s winter is famous for camping, trekking, valley exploration, and others. Top sights to visit in Dharamshala during winter are Aghanjar Mahadev temple, Kangra Valley, Dalai Temple Comple, Gyuto Monastery, and others.

Dharamshala in Winters

Suggested Tour :

9. A Glimpse of India's Kamasutra at Khajuraho

Exploring the temples of the Khajuraho group of monuments is much easier when the sky is clear and the climate is pleasingly warmth. The emblematic beauty of winter in Khajuraho is the Khajuraho dance festival, which present the ancient forms of dances of the country.

Parshvanatha Temple, Khajuraho

Stay back in the evening to enjoy the light and sound show inside the complex. Winter is not just for temple exploration. If you are looking for a laid-back time in Khajuraho, hit the tribal and folk art museum, enjoy birdwatching at Raneh Falls, bath at Pandav waterfalls, drive to Ajaigarh Fort, and others.If you are looking for some exploration time, take a safari through the Panna National Park.

Panna National Park MP

Khajuraho Travel Guide

Suggested Tour

10. Spot the Imperial Eagle at Bharatpur Bird sanctuary

Winter is the prime time to visit Bharatpur bird sanctuary as the migratory and local birds flock this region. More than 230 species of birds can be spotted here, including the Imperial Eagle, pelican, ducks, geese, coots, wader, greater spotted eagle, and others. Take up nature walks with experts to spot numerous birds.

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary in Winters

Also Read : Top 20 Bird Sanctuaries in India

Apart from birds, you can find a few mammals, amphibians, and reptiles in the park. If you are into architectural exploration, visit Deeg Palace and Lohagarh Fort.

Lohagarh Fort Bharatpur

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Bharatpur Travel Guide

Suggested Tour :

11. The Fusion of Old and New Culture at Ahmedabad

The city of Ahmedabad is a hidden beauty. This city is the place for culture lovers to enjoy the combination of old and new in this mesmerizing city of clean beauty. Do you know that the city has more than 50 mosques, tombs, and other historical monuments? Trekking through the old city is a rewarding experience. If you are interested in learning about the freedom struggle history of the land, Sabarmati Ashram is a good spot to visit. Take a walk through the narrow alleys with bustling cultural scenes, museums, and contemporary architecture. After all, Ahmedabad is the country’s first urban world heritage site recognized by UNESCO.

Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad
Sabarmati Ashram, Ahmedabad

12. Humid Winter with One-horned Rhino in Assam

Winter is always recognized as a pleasing climate for Assam. However, visit Kaziranga national park to experience hot and humid winter. This sanctuary is located along the shores of Brahmaputra in the Karbi Anglong hill region. Famous for being the site with more than two-thirds of the world’s population of the one-horned rhino, this park gets a lot of tourism crowd during winter. The most common activities in this park for tourists are trekking, safari, elephant ride, boat ride, and others. Winter is the right time to spot other mammals with ease in this park.

Kaziranga National Park
One Horned Rhino

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13. Himalayan Beauty in Gangtok

The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok is famous among winter travelers for its natural beauty of white mountain backdrops and emerald green pastures and meadows. Winter is the right time to enjoy many fantastic celebrations and fiestas including the food festival of Gangtok.

Gangtok City from Ganeshtok

The flowers might not be at bloom during winter but, the nature is very flourishing. Phurchachu hot springs, Zemu glacier, Seven Sister Waterfalls, and Goecha la are some of the natural beauties to visit during winter. Apart from these, explore monasteries, take part in religious activities, and enjoy the cultural beauty of the land.

Goecha La Trek, Sikkim

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Suggested Tour:

14. Embrace the Colonial Ambiance of Kolkata

Of course, the festivals and celebrations of Kolkata would add more colors to your winter vacation. However, the charm of your vacation is not entirely due to the celebrations. The climate and nature have their impact too. Starting from malls to golf courses, every single tourist attraction will be at prime beauty during winter.

Apart from gazing at monuments and structures, you can visit eco-tourism urban park, science city, and other destinations. If you wish to enjoy the culture of the land, explore the busy lanes of the city, visit pubs, enjoy shopping, and do not forget to taste the Bengali cuisine.

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15. Chilled Out Vacation at Snow Land of Shimla

Winter is no joy if you do not enjoy snowfall. Shimla experiences heavy snowfall and sub zero temperatures at winters which enhance the beauty of the Queen of Hill Stations. While strong coffee with Himachali cuisines of cha ghosht, patore and khoru are delicious at the shivering cold, the exhilarating skiing and ice skating keeps you heated. The Bajinath Shiva Temple and the Jakhoo temple, dedicated to Lord Hanumana are of religious importance here, while the Kinner and Kalopa are a photographer’s paradise with snow capped hills and cold desert mountains.

Shimla View in Winter

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16. A Warm Walk Through the Sands of Rajasthan

If the scorching heat of the deserts scare you, checkout the jewels of royal Rajasthan at winter. While the Pink City of Jaipur is a must visit to check out the mighty Amber Fort, the amazing Hawa Mahal with 983 balconies and enjoy regal elephant rides, the Lake City of Udaipur is ecstatic with palaces amidst waters.

Rajasthan Desert Safari

Enjoy camel rides and stay at desert camps at Jodhpur while Jaisalmer offers you the real feel of Rajasthan with folk song and dances and bustling markets at the Golden Fort of the city. Shop till you drop here with handicrafts, boutique apparels and leather shoes.

Sand Dunes Jaisalmer
Sand Dunes Jaisalmer

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17. A Trip to Graceful Gujarat

Winters are considered to be the best time to be at jungles. Gir forest of Gujarat is the only place in India where you can see lions in their natural habitat. While Kutch is a unique land lying over the Tropic of Cancer offering wonderful handicrafts and is also a blend of varied customs, folk songs and dances, the 2000 years old Buddhist caves of Uparkot exhibits the serene lifestyle of the monks.

Gir National Park Gujarat
Gir National Park Gujarat

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Suggested Tour : 12 Days - Gujarat Wildlife Tour

18. A Casual Vacation at Goa

The Goa beaches can be the best place to enjoy the warm sun in the chilly winters. Spend some lazy moments on the soft sands, rejuvenate yourselves with Ayurvedic treatments and spas or boost your adrenaline with paragliding or bungee jumping. The beach parties of Goa accompanied with quality wine and spicy sea food, a crusade to the old churches or romantic moonlight cruises, Goa is a fun place to be in India.

Paragliding Goa
Paragliding Goa

Goa Travel Guide

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Luxury Tour: 7 Nights 8 Days Mumbai to Delhi Tour Maharajas Express Train

19. An Enriched Exploration to Karnataka

Be it the Silicon Valley of Bangalore or the Palace City of Mysore, a tour of Karnataka is always colourful and vibrant. While the Indo-saracenic styled Mysore Palace boasts of imposing sculptures, mahogany wood ceilings, silver gateways, the aura of sandal wood fills its air. Bangalore is impressive with numerous gardens, like the Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park while the metamorphic formations of the Peninsular Gneiss are an amazing creation of nature.

Ooty in Karnataka
Ooty in Karnataka

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Suggested Tour: 3 Days - Karnataka Tour - Bangalore Hasan

20. Shimmering Beauty of
Beaches in Andaman

Unless it is the peak monsoon season, you can rely on Andaman and Nicobar Island to pamper you with nature and cultural beauties. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprise of 572 islands, each famous for unique elements like the beach, fishing, adventure activities, exploration, bird watching, trekking, and so on.

Corbyns Cove beach, Andaman

Winter is the right time for a nature trail walk, beach camping, limestone cave exploration, candlelit beach dinner, and other exotic activities. If we turn towards water adventure activities, the list is long and amusing with activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, sea walking, coral swimming, lagoon swimming, fishing, kayaking, boating, cruise, and so on.

Scuba Diving Andaman

Andaman Travel Guide

Suggested Tour

Also Read: Top 20 Places You Must Visit In Andaman and Nicobar Islands

21. Lesser-known Paradise at Lakshadweep Island

While Andaman gets most of the attention, the Lakshadweep group of Island is a slice of heaven waiting for explorers like you. With the winter climate at the peak, the place gets crowded with tourists who are interested in the culture and adventure activities. The top water activities to try during winter are snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, fishing, coral spotting, parasailing, yacht sailing, and others. Out of the water, the island beholds a realm of natural beauty with pristine white beaches, flourishing islands, and cultural hotspots. The cuisine of the land is intriguing and rich. Most of the explorers love to jump from island to island to enjoy hidden exotic beauties.

Lakshadweep Beach with Kids

Lakshadweep Travel Guide

Suggested Tour :

22. The Trysts with Nature at Tripura

Know the rich culture of India visiting Tripura, the homeland of various tribes. Experience true tribal life at the Tripura villages; dancing to the folk songs in unique red and white coloured attires. While the ravines of Chittangong Hills takes you close to nature, the Hindu and Buddhist sculptures of Pilak reflects the old glory of the place. Mui Borok, the traditional platter of Tripura is yummy with the cuisines of rice, steaming bamboo shoot stews and meat roasts.

Baramura Eco Park Tripura
Baramura Eco Park Tripura

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23. An Amazing Journey to Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh brings with it the wildness of Bay of Bengal, the heritage of ancient India and the divinity of South India. While the 14th century Golconda Fort reminds you the power of Hyderabad monarchs, the charming minaret of Charminar honours the first four caliphs of Islam. While Hussain Sagar Lake is the pride of the country, being the largest artificial lake of Asia, the Tirupathi Balaji temple of the state is a sought after pilgrimage, visited by millions of devotees every year.

Gorges of Gandikota Andhra Pradesh
Gorges of Gandikota Andhra Pradesh

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Andhra Pradesh Travel Guide

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24. A Holy Expedition to Tamil Nadu

The temple state of Tamil Nadu is a gem of temple architecture, with the shrines like Meenakshi Temple, Brihadeeswarar temple, Kapaleeshwarar temple and the Chola temples; which are just not worship spaces but hot seat of Dravidian designs.

Meenakshi Amman Temple
Meenakshi Amman Temple

While the breathtaking beauty of Kanya kumari refreshes your stressed mind and soul, the Princess of the Hill Stations, Kodaikanal gifts you rare sights of Kurinji, the purple-blue hued flower that blooms in every 12 years.Stroll at the second longest beach of the world, Marina Beach as the wild waves touch your feet or fill your bags with bright silk saris; Tamil Nadu is perfect for a winter holiday.

Kodaikanal

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Suggested Tour :

25. Cruises Over the Backwaters of Kerala

Kerala, the God’s Own country offers you the golden opportunity to rekindle your love or start the new journey of life with your loved ones. Stay on the houseboats of Alleppey, over the crystalline backwaters to know the real flavour of nature.

Kerala Backwaters India
Kerala Backwaters India

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While the Chinese fishing nets and the mesmerizing sunrise and sunset at the beaches Kochi are spellbinding experiences, the Periyar National Park stands as an epitome of natural bounty.

Chinese Fishing Net, Cochin

The Western Ghats of Kerala will be loved by bird watchers, as it is a nest to almost 500 species of birds, including Indian darter, little Cormorant, egrets, herons and kingfishers; the Kumarakom bird sanctuary of Kerala is world famous.

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

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India is blissful and also an owner of golden chronicles; tour this ancient land to be fascinated and thrilled.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which is the best place to visit in winter?

A. There are many places to visit during winters in India. Some of the best places to visit during winters are Shimla, Auli, Jaipur, Mussorie, Varanasi, Dharamsala, Agra, Delhi, Khajuraho, Ooty,Wayanad, Munnar, Coorg, Lakshadweep Islands, Kovalam, Pondicherry, Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Kumarakom, Rann of Kutch, Goa, etc.

Q. Where should I go in December in India?

A. There is list of places that you should definitely try out to visit India during December so that you can enjoy your winter vacations hopefully. Some of the places where you can go in December in India - Thajiwas Glacier and Srinagar in Jammu And Kashmir, Dawki in Shillong, Manali, Dalhousie and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, Auli, Chopta, Binsar and Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand, Leh in Ladakh, Nagoa Beach in Diu, Small Vagator in Goa, Mylapore in Chennai, Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island, Kovalam Beach in Kerala, Rann Of Kutch in Gujarat, Wayanad in Kerala.

Q. Where should I go in January in India?

A. There are many places to visit in India during the month of January. But some of the places which are worth to visit during January are Jaipur, Hampi, Jaisalmer, Munnar, Varkala, Vagamon, Pondicherry, Khajurao, Kochi, Gokarna, Mawsynram, Havelock Island, Kutch, Bikaner, Auli, Kalimpong, Chadar Trek, Kalpetta, Phawngpui, Kabini, etc.

Q. Where should I go in February in India?

A. There are many places to visit in India during the month of February. Some of the places which you should specifically visit in February are Goa, Mumbai, Agra, Puri, Thekkady, Kaziranaga National Park, Udaipur, Varanasi, Kodaikanal, Gulmarg, Kutch, Ludhiana, Kolkata, Jaisalmer, Shekhawati, Delhi, Jodhpur, etc.

Q. Which hill station is best in December?

A. December is the month of winter in most parts of India. So the hill station which are best to visit in December are Thajiwas Glacier, Dawki, Manali, Dalhousie, Shimla, Auli, Chopta, Binsar, Mukteshwar,Leh, Srinagar, Tawang, etc.

Q. Where does it snow in winter in India?

A. During winters there is snowfall in few parts of India. Some of the places which has snowfall during winters are Pahalgam and Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Patnitop, Ladakh, Nainital, Auli, Munsiyari, Dhanaulti, Almora, Chopta, Shimla and Kufri, Manali, Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Katao, Tawang, Darjeeling and Lambasingi.

Q. Which Indian states experience snow in winter?

A. Few states which experiences snowfall in winter are Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal.

Q. Which places have snowfall during winter?

A. The places which has snowfall during winters are Pahalgam and Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Patnitop, Ladakh, Nainital, Auli, Munsiyari, Dhanaulti, Almora, Chopta, Shimla and Kufri, Manali, Dalhousie, Khajjiar, Katao, Tawang, Darjeeling and Lambasingi.

Q. Is winter right time to visit Shimla?

A. Yes,winter is the right time to visit Shimlawhich lasts between November and February as Snowfall season in Shimla starts in late days of December and lasts through month of February.

Q. Which are best places to visit in winter in India with family?

A. Some of the most popular places to visit in winterin India with family are Goa, Mount Abu, Puri, Darjeeling, Shillong, Khajurao, Delhi, Agra, Dharamsala, Jodhpur, Rann of Kutch, Coorg, Manali, Dalhousie, Wayanad, Shimla, Srinagar, Mylapore, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Sikkim, Kochi, Munnar and Ooty.

Q. What are the famous festivals to celebrate in India during winter?

A. Lohri, Bihu Magh, Makarsankranti and Gujarat Kite festival, Thai Pongal, Nagaur Fest, Jaisalmer Desert Fest, Bikaner Camel Fest, Manali Carnival Fest, Kutch Rann Mahotsav, Goa Carnival, Konark Dance Festival, Mount Abu Winter Festival, Hornbill Festival, Magnetic fields Festival of Rajasthan, Baisakhi, Onam, December Music Festival, etc. are some of the famous festivals to celebrate in India during Winter Season.