Travelogue India
Best Places To Visit During Winters In India-(Part 1)
Winter vacations are coming and everyone is planning for the vacation trip. Here are the best 25 places to visit during winters in India:
1. Thajiwas Glacier, Jammu, And Kashmir
Witness the beginning of snowfall in Kashmir in December as you go about the glacial sighting in this winter wonderland. The weather at the meadow of gold, Sonamarg, drops down to subzero levels during this month.
Visit the undiscovered Thajiwas glacier, located just 7 kilometers. Sledge rides, snowboarding, and skiing are the best things to do in December here. Sport a red Santa Claus coat and hop onto a sledge singing ‘jingle bells’ with breathtaking hills on the backdrop at one of the best places to visit in December in India.
Cost of sledge cart with shoes: INR 150 to INR 300
Cost of stay: INR 2500 per night onwards
Famous Food: Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, Yakhni
What To Buy: Shawls, handicrafts, cardigans, carpets and other woolens, stone-carved jewelry, embroidered bags
Where To Buy From: National Highway 1D, Sonmarg Market
How To Reach: After reaching Sonmarg from Srinagar by road, one can trek all the way up to the glacier or hire a pony to reach up the top.
2. Dawki, Shillong
The place becomes heavenly in December with a pleasant temperature ranging from 12 to 20 degrees. Shillong is the only hill station in the country which is accessible from all sides. The water of Unmgot river in Dwaki is so clear that a boat floating on it, seems like it’s flying in mid-air. Shillong definitely needs to be added to your list of top tourist places in India for winter. You can also, relish the sweet and juicy oranges at the border town near the river.
Cost of stay: INR 500 per night onwards
Famous Food: Khao Suey, Thukpa, Jadoh, Jhur Kleh, Makham Bitchi
What To Buy: Oranges
How To Reach: The nearest airport to Dawki lies in Guwahati which is located at approximately 200 kilometers of distance. One can cover the distance in between either via private cabs or hiring the helicopter services.
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3. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Tall deodar trees, towering mountains, curvy roads, and heavy snowfall, Manali is one of the best places in India during December. A paradise for newlyweds and snow lovers, this hill station is also a great place for adventure sports in Manali like paragliding, ice skating, rappelling, and rock climbing. One can also do Lamadugh Meadows, Solang Valley, and the Koshla-Treeline trek during the month of December.
Cost of stay: INR 800 per night onwards Famous Food: Red rice, river trout, masala omelet, Sidu, Babru, Patande
What To Buy: Prayer wheels, Kullu cap, Tibetan handicrafts, woolen clothing, shawls, thangkas
Where To Buy From: Old Manali market, Himachal Emporium, Tibetan Market, Manu market, The Mall Road
How To Reach: The nearest airport lies 50 kilometers from Manali in Bhuntar that is well-connected with Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla. The nearest railway station lies in Pathankot which is 285 kilometers from Manali. One can hire private cabs or take public buses from both the places till Manali.
4. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
The picturesque town of Dalhousie is one of the best places to visit in India during December. But what makes it one of the best places to visit in December in India? With its snowflake covered Deodar forests, the view is absolutely quintessential! This gorgeous winter destination becomes a ramp opened to the chilly breeze with a view of snow-capped mountains. Additionally, all the trekking enthusiasts must visit Dalhousie in December to attend the National Himalayan Winter Trekking Expedition.
Winter Trekking Expedition date: 10 December 2019- 6 January 2020
Cost of stay: INR 1000 per night onwards
Famous Food: Madra, LuchiPoti, Sidu, Dham, Aktori
What To Buy: Copper and silver diyas, Tibetan carpets, Kullu shawls, bags, handicrafts, souvenirs
Where To Buy From: Gandhi Chowk, Tibetan Market, Himachal Handloom, and Crafts Centre
How To Reach: The nearest airport to Dalhousie is Gaggal airport which is around 13 kilometers from the destination and the nearest railway station is in Pathankot which is 80 kilometers from Dalhousie. One can take private cabs, local buses, or luxury coaches to travel from the airport, railway station, or other destinations to Dalhousie.
5. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
How could we miss out on the most beautiful place to visit in December, the Queen of Hill Stations—Shimla! Let’s go for a colonial walk in the most romantic getaway in India. Walkthrough the snow floors with long boots and visit the Chail town. You will encounter immense peace beyond the crowd of Shimla. This is one of the magical places to visit during Christmas in India.
Click the perfect selfie with your loved one at the best honeymoon destinations in India in December. Take a joyride at the Winter Sports Festival in Shimla—enjoy the natural ice-skiing and hanging balloons to enjoy the pleasant Shimla weather in December.
Cost of ice skiing: INR 100 per person
Cost of stay: INR 2100 per night onwards Famous Food: Madra, Dhaam, Sidu, Thukpa, Babru, Chha Gosht, Mash Daal, Chicken Anardana
What To Buy: Handicrafts, woolen materials, wood items, handmade paper, wooden tables, handicrafts, jewelry, antiques
Where To Buy From: The Mall Road, Himachal Emporium, Tibetan Market, Lower Bazaar, Lakkar Bazaar
How To Reach: Shimla is home to the Jubbarhatti Airport which is approximately 20 kilometers from the city and well-connected with main cities such as New Delhi and Chandigarh. The nearest railway station is the Kalka station which is located around 96 kilometers away from the city. One can hire a private cab or take a local bus that runs regularly from the airport, station, and other cities of the country in order to reach Shimla.
6. Auli, Uttarakhand
The snow-clad peaks of the Neelkant, Mana Parbat, and Nanda Devi give an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the hills which will make your toes freeze, especially at the time of Christmas. Want to learn skiing at one of the best skiing places to visit in December? Well, then you’ve to add Auli to your list of places to explore in December.
It is the time when you can start learning this thrilling adventure sport. And if you think skiing is your thing, you must attend the National Championship of Skiing held in February at Auli.
When: Skiing could be done from December to March and Championship is being held in February in 2020
Cost of skiing: INR 500 for two hours; hire an instructor in INR 1,000
Cost of stay: INR 3200 per night onwards
Famous Food: Dal, leafy vegetables, rice, bal mithai
What To Buy: Souvenirs, handwoven shawls, woolen caps, blankets, gifts
Where To Buy From: Lower Market
How To Reach: After reaching Rishikesh via bus from Delhi, one can either opt for a shared taxi or hire a private cab till Joshimath. From Joshimath, one can either continue their journey by road in a cab or go for a more fun option i.e. the cable car that runs from Joshimath to Auli and offers impeccable views. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant airport of Dehradun.
7. Chopta, Uttarakhand
One of the best places to visit in India during winter, Chopta offers a panoramic view of snow-laden Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. One can feel the freshness and romance in the air of Chopta. It isn’t just a destination to watch mesmerizing snowfall, but also a great trekking destination for adventure lovers.
Cost of stay: INR 1200 per night onwards
How To Reach: Chopta has a well-connected road network that allows buses, taxis, and private cars to access this hill station very easily. The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport and the nearest railway station is in Haridwar. One can easily hire a public transport from both the airport and the railway station.
8. Binsar, Uttarakhand
Binsar is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places to visit in winter in India. In the lap of statuesque and breathtakingly beautiful peaks of Nanda Devi, Pachachuli, and Trishul, lies the sleepy hill town. Binsar is mainly known for the serene and dense forests of the Binsar wildlife sanctuary. One can admire the panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath and Nanda Devi from Zero Point in Binsar.
Cost of stay: INR 1000 per night onwards
Famous Food: Madve ki roti, Bhaang ki khatai, Kaudh ke daal, Kumaoni roti, Aloo ke gutke, Palak ka kapa
What To Buy: Souvenirs, wooden products, sweaters, Rhododendron squash, local honey, handmade soap
Where To Buy From: Binsar nature gift shop, Finest Himalaya, Jagnath gift center
How To Reach: Binsar is well connected to the major cities of the country by road. The nearest airport to Binsar is located around 152 kilometers from Binsar in Pantnagar and the nearest railway station is approximately 120 kilometers in Kathgodam.
9. Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir
The best part, the temperature in December just touches the freezing point. Explore Gulmarg and go skiing on the fresh snow. Gulmarg is one of the best places to visit in December. It is just 56 kilometers from Srinagar and is considered as one of the most beautiful places to visit in North India in December.
Cost of stay: INR 1000 per night onwards
Famous Food: Rogan Gosh, Modur Pulav, Matschgand, Yakhni, Dum Olav, Kashmiri Muji Gaad, Aab Gosht, Goshtaba
What To Buy: Spices, Kashmiri tea, Pashmina shawls, walnut wood items, copperware, paper mache artifacts, carpets
Where To Buy From: Zaina Kadal Road Market, Lal Chowk, Badshah Chowk, Residency Road
How To Reach: Home to an international airport namely Sheikh ul Alam, Srinagar is easily accessible by airways. This airport is located only 15 kilometers from the main city and one can find taxis and buses covering the distance between the two. For those traveling by railways, the nearest railway station is the Jammu Tawi or the Udhampur Railway Station. Apart from this, Sringara also has a well-connected road network that links with all the major cities of the country.
10. Nagoa Beach, Diu
The virgin beaches of Diu are so breathtaking in December that you’ve to see it believe it. The temperature ranges from 16 degrees to 23 degrees Celsius. Bonfire on the pristine beaches creates wonders as Diu is out of the ordinary honeymoon destinations in India in December. The uncharted union territory of India has a unique festival which, starting in December, can accompany you on your exciting trip.
Diu is one of the cheapest places to visit in India in December, so get your bags packing!
Cost of stay: INR 1800 per night onwards
Famous Food: Jetty Rolls, lobsters, saltwater fishes, crabs, multi-cuisine food items
What To Buy: Ivory carvings, pearl jewelry, souvenirs, shells, brass artifacts, bangles, terracotta pen stands, bamboo baskets, cashew nuts
Where To Buy From: The Town Square Bazaar, The Maharaja Super Market, The Princess Park, beach markets
How To Reach: Diu is easily accessible from the major parts of the country by rail, air, and road. The Diu Airport connects this destination to other cities via airways while the railway station in Veraval is the nearest to Diu for those who are traveling by train. Diu also possesses an amazing road network that links this union territory with other major cities of the country. From buses and taxis to private cabs, one can opt for either of these options to travel by road.
11. Small Vagator, 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 the best feeling you can have during new years! The list does not end here—loudest EDM party, the feast of St.Francis Xavier, and Sunburn Music Festival come complimentary. The place has exactly everything to offer what you expect for a kickass Christmas and New Year.
Cost of stay: INR 800 per night onwards
Famous Food: Chicken Xacuti, Goan Squid Fry, Goan Fish Curry, Bebinca, Pork Vindaloo, Fonna Kadi, Chicken Cafreal
What To Buy: Cashewnuts, spices, handicrafts, wooden furniture, painted tiles, feni
Where To Buy From: Anjuna Flea Market, Mapusa Market, Panjim Market, Calangute Market Square, Mackie’s Night Bazaar
How To Reach: Goa is home to a wide network of airways, railways, and roadways that connects well with major cities of the country. Goa is home to Dabolim Airport and Margao railway station, each with facilities of taxis and local buses that make commuting to the main city much easier.
12. Mylapore, Chennai
Chennai is hotter in other months, but it is one of the most popular places to visit in December in India. Sip coconut water, stroll along the longest beach of India & feel the pleasant breeze through your hair. And coconut water isn’t the only beverage to quench your thirst here, Pondicherry, just 2 hours from Chennai, offers cheap booze! Spend some bugs for the love of music while traveling to Chennai. Madras Music Festival and 89th Annual Conferences and Concerts is one of the best places to visit in India in December.
Cost of stay: INR 1300 per night onwards
Famous Food: Idli and Sambhar, Uttapam, Dosai, Ponganalu, Vada, Milagaai Bhajji
What To Buy: Crockery, Costume, Jewelry, Silk Saris, Kanchipuram saris, souvenirs
Where To Buy From: Chingari, Sakyaa, Rasi Silks, Trishla Planet, Mylapore Tank, Sukra Silver, Giri Trading, Palam Silks
How To Reach: After reaching Chennai, one can use any mode of local road transport such as buses and taxis in order to reach Mylapore. Mylapore is linked well with the major cities, Chennai airport, and railway station.
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