Top 10 Places To Visit In Winters In India

Top 10 Places To Visit In Winters In India

07

Jul
Jul 07,2025

Top 10 Places To Visit In Winters In India

With festivals all around the country, winters in India are a great opportunity to plan your vacations around the season. Whether for the Manali holi festival or the infamous Durga Puja in Bengal,  a romantic beach holiday, hill stations resemble postcard scenery, while the tropical beaches give perfect weather for outdoor activities, with sunshine and low humidity. Here are 10 places to visit in India this winter season. 

1. Shimla 

Shimla is a peaceful little hill station nestled in Himachal Pradesh and is located at a comfortable driving distance from Delhi and other major cities in the northern region. It is without any doubt one of the prettiest hill stations in the country. There are many exciting outdoor activities around this quaint little town. Transforming into a winter wonderland, Shimla has the most gorgeous hills and scenery in the whole of Himachal Pradesh. A few places are fun to visit: 

Best Places to Visit in Shimla - Summer hills, Johnnie’s wax museum, Tara Devi Temple, the scandal point, and the ridge. Chadwick falls. 

Best time to visit Shimla - Late December to early February.  

2. Manali

Over the last few years, Manali has transformed into a place loved by young people looking for more extended stays. With ambient cafes, good wifi availability for the tech-savvy people, small cafes and bistros, and convenient shops. Manali is considered to be one of the favorite neighborhoods for such people. In addition, many homestays and hostels offer dorm beds for a cheap price for longer durations, making it budget-friendly.  

Other places worthy of the scenic routes - Manali Mall Road, Manikaran, Vashisht Kund, Kheerganga, Kasol.

Perfect time to visit - December to March.

   

3. Gulmarg 

Located in the northernmost state of India, Gulmarg offers engaging activities like snowboarding and skiing to satiate trekkers’ hunger for the adrenaline rush.   

Some beautiful landscapes are - Alpather lake, Gulmarg biosphere reserve, Maharani temple, Aphrawat peak, and Drung waterfall. 

The best time to visit Gulmarg is from December to March. 

4. Ooty

Also known as Udhagamandalam, it is a popular hill station in Tamil Nadu, India, known for its picturesque landscapes, tea plantations, and pleasant climate. Its beautiful mountains are best to visit from September to November. Many popular city attractions are destined to keep you engaged, like the Ooty Lake and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway. In a matter of 3-4 days, the entire state of Ooty can be visited.

Some of the locations worth visiting are - Ooty Rose gardens, Pykara Waterfalls, Tea Factory, Kamraj Sagar lake, Stone house,

The best time to visit is - September to November. 

5. Ladakh 

Ladakh is the largest and the second least populous union territory of India. Its culture and history are closely related to those of Tibet. Experiencing the beautiful snowfall of the city can be planned between September and October. The Chadar trek in Ladakh can be done in January and February, with the frozen Zanskar River. Best known for its exotic, widespread views, a biking getaway can be thrilling. 

Fun places to visit in Ladakh - are Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, Tso Moriri, Shanti Stupa, and Magnetic Hills. 

Best time to visit - September to February. 

6. Nainital 

Nainital, the charming Himalayan lake town, is a picture-perfect hill station and one of the most popular in Northern India. Commonly known as the ‘Lake District’. This city, full of enchanting lakes and pretty mountains, is situated in the Kumaon Himalayas. The best time to visit this city is between March and June. A family trip just after the kids’ exams is the perfect reason to experience the beautiful mountains and lakes of the city. 

Popular places to visit in Nainital are - Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Eco Cave Garden, Goury’s House,  Tiffin Top.

The best months to visit are - December and January.  

7. Munnar

Munnar is a tranquil hill station, situated 1600 m above sea level. It is best known for its misty valleys, sprawling tea plantations, and vibrant biodiversity. 

The most popular city attractions are - Kalari kshthera, Rajamalai national park, Mattupetty dam, Anamudi peak, Kundala dam lake. 

The best time to visit Munnar - From September to March. 

    

8. Varanasi 

Varanasi is also known as Kashi, and it is a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Best known for its Hindu pilgrimage and the ancient temples, it is best known for the Vishwanath temple.  

The top five places to visit in Kashi are - Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Sarnath, Tibetan Temple, and Ganga Aarti. 

The best time to visit Varanasi is - November to February.

              

9. Dalhousie 

Dalhousie is a hill station near the town of Chamba in Chamba district in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated on five hills and has a beautiful range of mountains.

The best time to visit is from - October to March. 

The top places to visit are - Khajjiar, Dainkund peak, Panchpula, Chamera lake, and Kalatop wildlife. 

            

10. Rishikesh 

Popularly known for studying yoga and meditation. Temples and ashrams are known to spread all across the city and show a wide range of spiritual homes. Rishikesh offers several trekking and hiking trails. One of the rare places where you can experience ziplining and rock climbing. 

The top 5 places to visit are - Lakshman Jhula, Parmarth, Niketan, Swarg Ashram, Triveni Ghat, Neer Garh Waterfall.

The best time to visit Rishikesh is from - October to February.  

Conclusion

With a rich ancient heritage, India has ample places that are to be explored. Whether you have a knack for adventure and tranquility, or cultural immersion, these carefully selected places to visit in India in winter are surely a perfect choice to make your getaway memorable.

FAQs  

What are some of the top destinations in India for winter?

Shimla, Manali, Gulmarg, Ooty, Ladakh, Nainital, Munnar, Varanasi, Dalhousie, and Rishikesh are some of the top destinations in India. 

What is the best time to visit winter destinations?

The best time to visit the winter destination India is from September to early March.

What should I carry for a winter trip?

Overcoats, boots, gloves, and a cap to protect from the cold are required for a winter trip.

What activities can I do in winter destinations?

Ziplining, rock climbing, sightseeing, and temple visiting are all great activities to do on winter trips.