Between the months of October through March, India is blessed with cool weather in the central, south, east and western parts of the country.
And the northern mountainous regions are blessed with heaps of snow and frost.
India is not only associated with humid temperatures or the history-infused palaces and forts. There are many places to visit in India that may overwhelm you with many winter activities and ideal staycation destinations.
If you ask where the best places in India to enjoy winter are, you will be pointed towards the Himalayan mountains, due north.
You can find excellent winter destinations in north India. In fact, in this blog, we will discuss some of the best ones to visit.
Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir
One of the most sought-after tourist destinations in India is Gulmarg. The northernmost state of Jammu & Kashmir is well-known for its natural beauty and snow-capped peaks. Most tourists come here to enjoy the cold weather and ski down the snow slopes. Gulmarg is also well-known for having the world’s second-highest cable car.
Places to see in Gulmarg:
- Baba Reshi Shrine
- St. Mary’s Church
- Alpather Lake
- Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve
- Ningle Nallah
- Maharani Temple
- Ferozepur Nallah
- Khilanmarg
When to visit Gulmarg: December through February
Auli in Uttarakhand
Known as the ski destination of India, Auli sets itself apart from other top winter places. The ski resort town is located 2,909 m above sea level. It displays breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains during the winter months. It also has the longest cable car in India. And it is where you will find the second tallest mountain in India – Nanda Devi at a height of 7816 m.
Places to visit around Auli:
- Nanda Devi National Park
- Joshimath
- Valley of Flowers
- Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib
When to visit Auli: January and February
Manali in Himachal Pradesh
If you want to be close to nature while not wanting to be in the cacophony of the city, come to Manali. It is one of the best winter destinations in India. It consists of luxury to budget resorts and hotels, you get to delve into snow activities not far from the main city centre. Some of the top winter activities in Manali are skiing, snowboarding, heli-skiing, sledging and many more.
Places to visit around Manali:
- Solang Valley
- Rohtang Pass
- Kullu
- Tosh
- Pulga
When to visit Manali: December through February
Shimla in Himachal Pradesh
By enjoying the snowfall and charming hill station of Himachal Pradesh, you can also get charmed by its history and heritage. Shimla is surrounded by cultural and architectural bliss. Shimla is famous for casual walks and beautiful pine and oak forests. It is surrounded by colonial-style buildings and it has relics of the past that lend it a distinctive ambience.
Places to visit around Shimla:
- Ridge Road
- Shimla Winter Carnival
- Toy Train Ride
- Kufri
- Mashobra
When to visit Shimla: December through February
Zuluk in Sikkim
From the northeast states of India, Sikkim is easily accessible from the mainland parts of India due to its hassle-less transport system from West Bengal. Zuluk is a beautiful hamlet in Sikkim at the east range, cut off from the city’s hustle life. Thus, making it a great winter destination in northeast India to be one with nature. One of the major attractions here is the hairpin roads called the silk route.
Places to visit around Zuluk:
- Thambi View Point
- Birds Eye View Point Zuluk
- Ganek View Point
When to visit Zuluk: December through February
Mussoorie in Uttarakhand
‘Queen of the Hills’ Mussoorie is one of the most appreciated hill stations in India. Reasons leading to its cool weather during summers and cold winters, yet not to the point it’s below 0 degrees. So, if you enjoy snow yet do not want to live in cold temperatures then Mussoorie is an ideal winter destination in north India.
Places to visit around Mussoorie:
- Kempty Falls
- Gun Hill
- Soham Heritage Art Center
- Camel Back Road, George Everest House
- The Mall Mussoorie
- Jharipani Falls
- Mussoorie Lake
When to visit Mussoorie: December through February
Narkanda in Himachal Pradesh
This beautiful town located on top of the mountain peak of the same name turns into a winter wonderland from November to February. This beautiful and secluded town is ideal for a getaway from tourist places. It is ideal for honeymooners. Despite being less populated by tourists, it offers tons of activities like skiing, horse riding and mountain biking.
Places to visit around Narkanda:
- Hatu Peak
- Hatu Mata Temple
- Stokes Farm
- Mahamaya Temple
- Tanni Jubbar Lake
- Jau Baug
- Kacheri
When to visit Narkanda: November through February
Takeaway
You know, India is blessed with so many types of topography, you’d probably need a year to explore the whole country. From the dramatic mountains of the north and northeast to the hills of the south and west India. If you are wondering where to experience snowfall in India? The states of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are the best zones.
So, what are you waiting for, winter season is just around the corner. Book your flights now!!!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which is the best place to enjoy snowfall in India?
Indian mountain states are excellent snowfall destinations. Some of the most popular places to see snowfalls are Himachal, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir.
What is the top winter activity to do in India?
Skiing is the top winter sport in India. There are many places in India that provide skiing opportunities for experts and beginners.
Where to visit for a romantic getaway during winter in India?
Srinagar in Kashmir is romantic. It has a cold misty ambience with bare trees and a beautiful lake. Houseboats or Shikaras are the best way to spend a day in Srinagar.
Which is the best Indian train journey during winter?
To see the snowfall and the gorgeous landscape, you can catch a toy train from Kalka to Shimla. The train will traverse through breathtaking towns, valleys and forests. Make sure to reserve the vista dome train coach in advance to watch the snowfall.
