Winters are around the corner and for a person like me; it is one of the most awaited time of the year. The chilling winds of nights don’t bother us. We wait for the sparkling sun, the warm afternoons, the cosy evening with our jackets wrapped around, a beautiful evening by the side of a campfire and a cup of coffee, well hot chocolate in my case. Definition of a perfect season.
By this time of the year, you have already been done with your summer vacation memories and need a set back from your daily routine. It is one of the best times of the year to go on a lovely vacation.
And what place is better to spend the vacation with your family and friends, than a country like India. India is the best nation to spend a winter vacation because the country has different weather conditions in different parts unlike, western nations, where the cities are covered under a blanket of snow. India’s versatile weather conditions give you a better option to explore the country during winters. Here is a list of some of the best destinations to spend a winter vacation:
1. Rajasthan
Rajasthan has a lot to offer during winters. The state is most of the desert and is not the perfect destination to spend a summer vacation. Hence, it is best to plan a winter vacation here. The Pink City Jaipur, The Golden City of Jaisalmer, The Lake City of Udaipur and much more.
The state has lots of architectural marvels ageing back to Rajput & Mughal periods. Apart from this, Rajasthan’s hospitality is in itself a tradition and a must-experience thing. Rajasthan Folk, food and everything else makes it one of my favourites on the list of top tourist destinations across India.
2. Kerala
Also known as the ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerela is the greenest part of India, encompassing a south Indian heritage in itself. The state has a moderate climate throughout the year and thus, a perfect vacation spot for winters. It is one of the tops visited tourist destinations, across the year and has a lot more to offer than just destinations. Kerela’s customs and traditions are unique.
A different part of Indian culture and history is housed in the state. During a Kerala trip, you can choose to relax on tranquil beaches, stay in a treehouse in Kerala, take a backwater tour and do so much more.
3. Auli
If you love skiing or are looking to give it the first try, then don’t go looking for any other place than Auli valley of Uttarakhand. Auli has amazing skiing slopes and has recently gained a lot of popularity to match with Manali & Shimla, to become one of the top winter tourism destinations.
4. Shimla
If you would ask your parents or uncle-aunty, about where they spent their honeymoon, there is a good amount of chance that they will say ‘Shimla’. Shimla is one of the coldest, oldest and yet most beautiful hill stations of India. It has been the most favourite honeymoons spot for Indians since generation and even till today it holds the charm. However, you can spend a vacation in Shimla, even if you are single or with friends. It is also famous for its skiing slopes.
5. Goa
Goa is the most loved tourist destination in India. In India, there is a general tendency that if you have not been to Goa as a bachelor, then your life is meaningless. Goa is famous for its beaches, club life, night parties, sea-food, foreign tourist crowd, and most importantly for the extra-ordinarily cheap alcohol. The atmosphere is electric especially during the time of New Year and Christmas.
6. Andaman
If you are not the party person, don’t like to spend your days on crowded beaches and nights in over-crowded pubs, but rather want a peaceful vacation on sea-shores, then Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the right destinations for you. Winter is the best time of the year to enjoy the exotic marine life of the islands. And while on an Andaman trip, do not forget to try snorkelling with an elephant on Havelock Island.
7. Lakshadweep
Another option to enjoy the lovely beaches is Lakshwadeep group of islands. Situated in the Laccadive Sea amidst, it is a group of 39 small islands at a distance from the coast of Kerela. The island territory has a moderate temperature for most of the year, secluded beaches, reefs and gorgeous marine life to explore.
8. Nainital
Nainital is yet another hill station city, situated at the foothills of the Great Himalayas in Uttarakhand at a height of 2000 metres. Nainital is the best place to spend an amazing holiday amidst the snow-capped peaks during the snowy season. Romance is already in the air and the streets are fairly less crowded, which adds to the experience.
9. Corbett National Park
If you are a nature and wildlife lover, then along with a vacation to Nainital, you can also plan a visit to Jim Corbett National Park. It is situated in Nainital district and is one of the most famous wildlife reserves of India. It is a sizeable population of tigers and several other wild animals. It is good to be visited at any time during the year however, wintertime is particularly special. During the foggy mornings, a slight nip in the air, it is a greater probability of spotting wild animals.
10. Ladakh
Ladakh may be last on this list, but it is on the top of the list of every single travel and adventure seeker. A bike ride to Ladakh is the current item on the bucket list of every single young Indian. The craze of bike-riding, hiking, trekking and mountaineering has made Ladakh as the top tourist loved destination in the country. While Ladakh is beautiful during all times of the year, it is best to see Ladakh in winter if you want to see the place in its raw beauty.
