17 Winter Destinations In India To Head To This Year

Okay, seeing Manali right up here as the first option might deter you from going further down the list because you might be thinking, “Are these guys basic?”. We are and but we are also not. Manali is a great spot for winter because it’s been doing this for years and years. Sure, you might have an offbeat location, but if you are travelling with friends or family, you might want to pick a place that offers everything. There’s snowfall, there’s a bit of adventure out there in the form of trekking and paragliding, and there’s also snowy picnics and bonfires.

Accommodation Options: The Lama House, Zostel, and Larisa Resort

Nearest Airport: Kullu Manali Airport in Bhuntar. However, for a more adventurous trip, fly to Chandigarh or Delhi and then take the HRTC bus to Manali.

Okay, we love Auli. It’s one of those picturesque hill stations that will have you wishing you had a winter home here. It’s popular for its skiing resorts and classes, and even if skiing in the Alps is on your bucket list, there’s no harm in getting a preview here. You can sign up during the snowy months of December to March for the skiing classes and learn the sport. The crowd that comes here are also slightly on the younger side, so you might also run into some cool people and make friends.

Accommodation Options: The Cliff Top Club, Tattva Resort, and The Royal Village

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Domestic Airport, Dehradun, and then take a local cab to Auli.

Okaay, trade the white snowy plains for the white sandy beaches of the Andaman Islands. Deep blue seas, tropical jungles, and the aforementioned beaches that stretch and curve for miles are what make this a chill-out winter vacation. You can hit up the beach in your swimsuit and get some vitamin sea, or trade it for a gear and go scuba diving or snorkelling. Make sure to do island hopping to Havelock, Neil, and Baratang while also doing beach hopping from Radhanagar Beach to Elephant Beach.

Accommodation Options: SeaShell Resort and The Barefoot Hotel

Nearest Airport: Direct flight to Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair.

If camping is your idea of a winter vacation, Rann of Kutch will welcome you to its white desert, turning blue under the moonlight. This astonishing sight isn’t one to be missed, and winter is the perfect time to catch a perfect glimpse of this magical phenomenon. The two-month-long Kutch Festival will also greet you with all the music, food, and entertainment you want for your vacay.

Accommodation Options: The Fern Residency in Bhuj for a comfortable stay, and of course, camping at the Rann of Kutch festival.

Nearest Airport: Bhuj Airport, then take a local cab to the Rann of Kutch.

Everyone knows Leh to be the trip of a lifetime. It’s on all our bucket lists, and we’re on an everlasting lookout for that perfect time to breathe in the green beauty of this hilly paradise. If you’re looking to add a little more adventure to your winter trip goals, Leh will welcome you with a frozen lake trek, mesmerising mountain backdrops, and temperatures as low as -14 degrees Celsius.

Accommodation Options: The Grand Dragon, The Bodhi Tree Hotel, Zostel, and The Gawaling

Nearest Airport: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh.

Yes, that very Diu of Daman and Diu fame (hello CBSE Geography classes) is a great winter destination that boasts some of the best beaches in the country. Oh, and these beaches are formed by the mighty Arabian Sea, so like you’re just one really long swim away from reaching one of the Gulf states. The temperature ranges perfectly between 16 and 23 degrees, making it perfect for a breezy winter vacation if you’re not in the mood to spend your winter tucked in a blanket.

Accommodation Options: Sugati Beach Resort, The Fern, The Fort House and Kostamar Beach Resort

Nearest Airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (Ahmedabad Airport) is the nearest International airport. Alternatively, fly to Rajkot domestic airport, Gujarat, then take a local cab to Diu.

There’s plenty to do in Coorg, that’s for sure. You can trek through the hills and coffee plantations, embark on wildlife safaris, visit local Tibetan settlements, and tuck into delicious Pandi curry – it’s all there! With mild temperatures that don't go below 6°C, go here a chilly winter but not freezing!

Accommodation Options: You can check out these star properties 

Nearest Airport: Fly into Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, and take a taxi or rent a car and drive down here

The other coffee county (the original being Coorg) is quite popular amongst Bangaloreans (and Kanadigas). It’s got brilliant roads for a good road trip, gorgeous homestays and is in fact a short distance from Bangalore. Besides, it’s very tough to say no to lush green coffee estates, waterfalls dotting the landscape, and the highest mountain peak between the Nilgiris and the Himalayas! As usual, we’ve done all the hard work, so all you need to do is pack your bags and go! Here are a few of our favourite things to do in Chikmagalur.

Accommodation Options: Villa Urvinkhan. For other spots, check out these homestays in Chikmagalur

Nearest Airport: Fly into Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, and take a taxi or rent a car and drive down here

Warm days, chilly nights, and the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) are all the right reasons for a weekend getaway to Jaipur this winter. Spend your time shopping at Jaipur's famed bazaars or soak in the history at its many forts and palaces; Jaipur won't disappoint you. 

Accommodation Options: Castle Kanota and The Hosteller

Nearest Airport: You can fly directly to Jaipur International Airport

Another Rajasthan tourist hotspot, Udaipur, is truly magical this time of the year. The drop in night temperatures and the beautifully lit-up lakes and forts make for a very calming winter getaway. Don't miss out on the stunning light and sound show at Kumbhalgarh Fort and the Shilpgram Utsav that happens in the last week of December. 

Accommodation Options: Rosie's Retreat Homestay, Hotel Sarovar, The Banjara Hostel, and Taj Lake Palace

Nearest Airport: Take a direct flight to Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur

Panchmarhi is a hill station in central India in the state of Madhya Pradesh and it’s popularly known as Satpura ki Rani (Queen of Satpura). The hillstation is magical with waterfalls, caves, trekking trails, and plenty of nature. The temperature ranges from 9° to 14° Celsius, so it’s the perfect getaway without it being too cold. Do also check out the Satpura National Park when you're there.

Accommodation Options: WelcomHeritage Golf View and The Summer House

Nearest Airport: Fly to Raja Bhoj Airport, Bhopal and take a bus/cab from there

Mukteshwar offers some of the best views of the daunting Himalayas and is a great place to visit if you have a penchant for exploration. Apart from chilling and relaxing in the pristine hills, you can head to Chauli ki Jali for a day of adventure activities like rock-climbing, zip-lining, and rappelling. It snows here in January and February, so plan your winter trip accordingly.

Accommodation Options: Dyo - The Organic Village and The Chirping Orchard 

Nearest Airport: Fly to Pantnagar Airport and take a taxi from there

Situated around 250 kilometres from Delhi, Lansdowne is one of our favourite hill stations for a quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the cities. Go on a jungle safari, take a nature walk, camp under the starry night sky, and just marvel at nature's bounty when you're in Lansdowne. It's kind of perfect for a getaway. It also snows sometimes in December, so be prepared to layer up!

Accommodation Options: Blue Pine Resort and Wood's Retreat

Nearest Airport: You can fly directly to Jolly Grant Dehradun Airport and take a taxi from there

Shop your hearts out at Sister's Bazaar, hike to Lal Tibba, satiate your sweet tooth at Landour Bakehouse, and get lost amongst books at Rokeby Manor's library. Landour is all this and so much more. And the winter fog makes it absolutely breathtaking. The fact that it's close to Mussoorie and you don't have to worry about supplies is a bonus.

Accommodation Options: Rokeby Manor and La Villa Bethany

Nearest Airport: You can fly directly to Jolly Grant Dehradun Airport and take a taxi from there

With temperatures dropping to -9° Celsius during winters and a thick sheet of snow covering the whole landscape, Parashar Lake in Himachal Pradesh is a heaven for all trekkers and camp lovers out there. The trek goes through dense deodar and pine forests, and the scenic beauty on your way up looks awesome. Remember to layer up well, carry ample food, and probably hire a guide to help you out on this winter trip. 

Accommodation Options: Just book a tent at the Parashar Lake area. It's the best way to soak in the natural beauty

Nearest Airport: Fly to Chandigarh and then take a taxi or drive down to Parashar Lake base camp via Mandi

From music festivals to happening casinos, Goa becomes the ultimate hotspot for teenagers and families alike to wind down and party up. Beaches, shacks, trance music, and incessant drinks make Goa the Las Vegas of India. Winters make Goa the hub for people nationwide to fly down and enjoy the perfect weather. But for all the information on Goa, check out LBB's Guide To Goa!

Just a heads up, be prepared to shell out extra money everywhere and for crowded beaches because December to February is actually peak tourist season in Goa.

Accommodation Options: Check out this list of beach resorts in Goa

Nearest Airport: Fly directly into either Manohar International Airport in North Goa or Dabolim Airport in South Goa

Jim Corbett National Park transforms into a bird-watching heaven every winter, and the cool weather makes hiking and walking in the woods a pleasing activity. There are amazing resorts inside and outside the park that'll make your winter trip very comfortable, and the delicious Kumaoni food will keep you satiated. 

Accommodation Options: Taj Corbett, Welcom Hotel Jim Corbett, Postcard Hotel, and Lebua Corbett

Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport. Alternatively, fly down to either Delhi or Dehradun and then drive down to Jim Corbett National Park.