10 Awesome Destinations To Visit in India during Winters
1. Shimla (Himachal Pradesh)
This beautiful hill station was the summer capital of the bygone British era and is currently the capital of the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is located in the northern part of India and is quite easily accessible by roads, air, and rail.
This place is truly a nature lovers paradise which is surrounded by dense pine forests and fresh mountain air. There are many hotels located near the main shopping area surrounding the mall road.
You can also find innumerable resorts and lodging facilities all over the place since it is a well known tourist destination.
Visit Shimla at any time of the year, since it is popular in summer, for tourists seeking cool weather, and in winter, it’s popular for the snowfall. There are a few interesting things to see especially the architecture, greenery, and culture.
Don’t forget to pack your winter jackets, stoles & shawls, gloves, and trekking shoes for enjoying some fun and frolic.
Some of the top sightseeing places in and around Shimla
- Indian Institute of Advanced Study
- The Mall Road
- Jakhu Temple
- The Ridge
- Green Valley
- Kufri
- Viceregal Lodge
- Annandale Army Heritage Museum
- Johnnie’s Wax museum
- Lakkar Bazaar
2. Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh)
This Hilltown is located in the upper region of the famous Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh. It is at an average altitude of 1,475 meters above the mean sea level.
The place is surrounded by a dense cover of greenery which includes deodar and cedar trees. This place is the seat of the 14th Dalai Lama of the Tibetan sect of Buddhism.
The picturesque surroundings and natural beauty of this place has made it a popular tourist destination for both the Indian and foreign tourists.
Discover some awesome places and products to inspire you and rejuvenate your senses as you slowly tread along the mountain alleys and inhale the fresh mountain air.
You will find some great hotels and restaurants offering some mouth-watering local and global cuisines. So pack your travel bags and winter clothes to visit this place and have a memorable time.
Some of the top sightseeing places in and around Dharamshala
- Dal Lake
- Kangra Fort
- Bhagsunag Falls
- Kangra Art Museum
- The Dalai Lama Temple Complex
- Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts
- Tea Gardens
- Gyuto Monastery
3. Jaisalmer (Rajasthan)
A unique and enchanting city in the middle of the Thar desert also known as the golden city. Jaisalmer is a prominent spot in Rajasthan which is composed of elegant forts, sand dunes, lakes, Jain temples, Havelis and mighty castles built with the golden-colored sandstone.
It is a major tourist attraction that offers wholesome experience for the entire family. Hop on top of a Camel and ramble along through the desert for an unforgettable experience.
The Jaisalmer Fort stands as a witness to the ancient engineering marvels and is surrounded by narrow winding alleys inhabited by people residing there for several generations.
There are many shops selling colorful handicrafts and Havelis that will take you back in time. Jaisalmer is a blend of a truly exotic Indian desert culture, heritage, and offers tons of adventure opportunities.
Explore Jaisalmer to enjoy quad biking, camping, desert safari, and parasailing at leisure in a peaceful and serene setting.
Some of the top sightseeing places in and around Jaisalmer
- Jaisalmer Fort
- Patwon ki Haveli
- Salim Singh ki Haveli
- Sam Sand Dunes
- Jain Temples
- Gadisar Lake
- Jaisalmer Fort Palace Museum and Heritage Centre
- Maharaja’s Palace
- Desert Culture Centre and Museum
4. Udaipur (Rajasthan)
This grand city is also known as the city of lakes. It is the crown Jewel of Rajasthan. It is nestled in the beautiful Aravalli hill range.
Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, this “Venice of the East” will mesmerize you and give you a taste of royalty and splendor. It is surrounded by four lakes that make it an enchanting tourist destination.
Also referred to as the Jewel of the Mewar dynasty it offers a visual treat to the eyes of the beholder. It is the historical capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar.
This city is located in the south part of Rajasthan near the Gujarat border. It is well connected by road, rail, and air. Immerse yourself in the food, culture, and traditions of this royal city and relish the beauty of Udaipur.
Some of the top sightseeing places in and around Udaipur
- City Palace
- Lake Pichola
- Sajjangarh Palace
- Fateh Sagar Lake
- Vintage Car Museum
- Eklingji Temple
- Saheliyon Ki Bari
- Jag Mandir Palace
5. Agra (Uttar Pradesh)
This is the home of the seventh wonder of the world “The Taj Mahal”. A historic city located close to the capital city of India, New Delhi. This city is located on the banks of the river Yamuna in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the most populous cities in Uttar Pradesh.
Apart from the Taj Mahal, you can visit the Agra Fort and enjoy some local delicacies in and around the tourist places.
Viewing the Taj on a full moon night will reveal its true splendor as a dazzling dream in marble. The white marble stone would reflect the soft glow of the moonlight to create a mesmerizing effect.
It is a popular global tourist destination and one of the most popular places to travel in India, because of the Taj and the Mughal era buildings along with other monuments. This should be a once in a lifetime place to visit on your bucket list!
Some of the top sightseeing places in and around Agra
- Taj Mahal
- Fatehpur Sikri
- Agra Fort
- Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb
- Tomb of Akbar
- Juma Masjid
- Mehtab Bagh
- Taj Museum
6. Gangtok (Sikkim)
Gangtok is the capital city of the state of Sikkim. It is a popular tourist destination which has a unique blend of modernity and tradition. It is a thriving town in the eastern Himalayas range and does enjoy a year-round temperate climate. This is a true nature lover's paradise.
This place offers a spectacular view of the Khangchendzonga and is the perfect base for travel through the state.
It was an important transit point for traders between India and Tibet and is a popular business center comprising of a mix of wonderful cultures and communities.
This place is the country’s first litter free zone. Enjoy the shopping, music and the carnival-like atmosphere to feel the pulse and beauty of the place. This popular trekking destination requires trekking gear to enjoy the true natural beauty of the wilderness and the rocky hills.
Some of the top sightseeing places in and around Gangtok
- Rumtek Monastery
- Do-Drul Chorten
- Enchey Monastery
- Tashi View Point
- Local Bazar
- Lal Bazar
7. Mysore (Karnataka)
Relish the royalty and the regal splendor of the erstwhile Vijayanagara kings in this beautiful and cosmopolitan city of Mysore.
The temperate climate, culture, food, and traditions will offer a unique experience of a lifetime. The majestic Mysore palace is world-famous and attracts hordes of tourists from across the globe on a daily basis.
Visiting this place during Dussehra, is truly mind-blowing, as you will get to witness the traditional cultures and festivities of the bygone royal era.
Decked up elephants and special lighting of the palace are simply mesmerising. You can enjoy some crispy dosas, hot uttapams, crunchy vadas and steaming hot coffee which is quite popular in this part of the world.
Some of the top sightseeing places in and around Mysore
- Mysore Palace
- Brindavan Gardens
- Mysore Zoo
- Chamundeshwari Temple
- St. Philomena's Church
- Jaganmohan Palace
- Lalitha Mahal Palace
8. Pondicherry (Union Territory)
Pondicherry is one of the seven union territories of India and is officially known as Puducherry. It was a former French colony that offers a combination of Indian culture and French architecture.
The French area of the town is dotted with mustard yellow colonial style buildings. You would find a number of cosy cafes and chic boutiques that offer a delectable collection of authentic French cuisine and beverages.
Strolling down these streets will give you some insight into the colonial Indo French culture, designs and traditions. It is also famous for its beaches since the Bay of bengal borders its vast coastline.
Read a novel, cycle or stroll around the cobble pathways to explore the place and do some shopping.
You will find many interesting things to do in pondicherry. It is about three hours drive from Chennai and is well connected by roads.
Some of the top sightseeing places in and around Pondicherry
- Paradise Beach
- Aurobindo Ashram
- Seaside Promenade
- Serenity Beach
- Promenade Beach
- Botanical Garden
9. Kovalam Beach (Kerala)
This is one of the most popular beaches in Kerala, South India. Kovalam essentially means a ‘grove of coconut trees', and the little town is filled with these beautiful palms.
It offers a splendid view of the mighty arabian sea and the lovely sunsets. This idyllic place is located around 13 km from the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala.
It is popular for the crescent shaped shallow water low tidal beaches, dotted with some awesome resorts, spas and ayurvedic massage centres. This quaint fishing village started attracting tourists in the 1930s and shot to fame during the early 1970s.
It still gets a lot of tourists from Israel, Europe, Russia and the rest of the world. Ancient ayurvedic style natural treatments and massages are some of its most popular indulgences along with yoga, meditation as well as other cultural activities.
It is also a shopping destination popular for the rich aromatic spices, Coir stuff, and wooden handicrafts that can make some memorable souvenirs.
Some of the top sightseeing places in and around Kovalam
- The Lighthouse beach
- Samudra Beach
- Hawa beach/Eve's Beach
- Halcyon Castle
- Vellayani Lake
10. Goa
The most popular beach Goa in India, is known for its sun, sand and sea. It is a tiny land on the west coast of India and was liberated from the Portuguese in 1961. The culture, food and architecture makes it a fascinating tourist destination.
This is a must sought after place during the winter as hordes of people come to bask in the warm sun and ring in the new year with its famous carnivals, festivals and party culture.
Goa is popular for its awe inspiring colonial style architecture including several villas, bungalows, and splendid churches.
Seafood is excellent in Goa with a wide variety of stuff available fresh from the sea. It also has one of the best nightlife in the country with discos, bars, cafes and clubs. Visit Goa to enjoy, the relaxed beach life.
Some of the top sightseeing places in and around Goa
- Calangute Beach
- Basilica of Bom Jesus
- Baga Beach
- Fort Aguada
- Vagator Beach
- Anjuna Beach
