26 Best Places To Visit In Winter In India: Fabulous Indian Winter Destinations

Last Updated on March 5, 2023 by Soumya

Winter travel in India can be fun especially if you choose your destination right. This awesome list of the best places to visit in winter in India curated by travel experts will help you do exactly that and so much more.

India is a huge country with varied landscapes and climates. Winter holiday destinations in India can vary from sunny warm beaches to snowy mountains to magnificent world heritage sites.

In this extensive winter bucket list collated for travelers like you, you will learn.

• All about the best places to visit in winter in India from all corners.
• Tips from seasoned travelers to help you plan a memorable trip to each of these places.

If you are a history lover, I am sure you will love our post on the most magnificent Indian palaces. It will definitely add to your collection of the best winter holiday destinations in India. If not, read along to find a healthy mix of nature, art, and culture.

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Best places to visit in winter in Western India

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Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Editor’s choice

One of the best places to visit in India during winters (also one of my favorites) is Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Temperatures drop to early twenties and exploring all the history in and around Ahmedabad becomes a pleasant experience.

The walled city of Ahmedabad is as old as 600 years and is India’s first UNESCO heritage city. It is not only home to Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram but is also the perfect example of Indo-Islamic fusion architecture. You can easily spend a couple of days exploring the city.

If you are here for longer, try taking some great day trips from Ahmedabad. The Sun Temple of Modhera, Queen’s Stepwell at Patan, ancient town of Vadnagar, and the Harappan ruins of Lothal are all close by.

Also read: 21 Best things to do in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Best places to visit in winter in Southern India

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Hampi, Karnataka

Editor’s choice

Winter season is a boon to be traveling in and around southern India and the UNESCO heritage site of Hampi is no different.

Once a prosperous ancient capital city of the Vijayanagara Empire, Hampi stands in ruins today. It is a sprawling archaeological site located by the River Tungabhadra amidst a scenic landscape dotted with boulders.

There are several things you can do in Hampi including checking out Hampi’s stunning temples, taking a coracle ride on the Tungabhadra, bouldering, or strolling through the impressive royal enclosures. And you should absolutely not miss the Vijaya Vittala Temple with its iconic stone chariot. Or the Virupaksha Temple for its mind-blowing frescoes and pet elephant!

It is also during winters that the Festival of Hampi or Hampi Utsav is celebrated. Puppet shows, musicals, fireworks, and an entire gamut of cultural activities happen during Hampi Utsav in first week of November. No doubt, Hampi is a traveler’s delight during winters.

Recommended: Best things to do in Hampi India

Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu

Recommended by Bhushavali from My Travelogue by Bhushavali

Every Chennai-ite’s favorite hangout destination is a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Mamallapuram located right in the outskirts of Chennai.

Mamallapuram or Mahabalipuram is a group of rock-cut monuments that was built in 7^th-9^th CE during the Pallava dynasty. Famous spots within the archaeological complex include the Shore temple and the Arjuna’s Penance Panel.

Arjuna’s Penance is an architectural and cultural marvel filled with the carvings of several gods, celestial beings, fables and more. The most identifiable sculpture in this panel is of course the elephant. The realistic rendition of baby elephants between the legs of an adult elephant is especially adorable.

You need at least one complete day to see all of Mahabalipuram. Being an open-air monument beside the beach, summers in Mahabalipuram can get a bit unbearable. Winter is a good time to go in order to avoid the extreme heat, except for the few days when the north east monsoon causes very heavy rainfall.  

Hyderabad, Telengana

Recommended by Sonakshi and Mainak from Places in Pixel

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Hyderabad, also known as ‘the land of Nawabs’, is a historical city in the Southern India. It is a must-visit destination for travelers with an inclination towards history and culture.

The city of Hyderabad is filled with some of India’s most impressive examples of Islamic architecture. It is also famous, not just in India but in many parts of the world, for its delicious ‘Hyderabadi dum biriyani’.

The only not-so-happy aspect is that Hyderabad is pretty hot and unpleasant during the summer months. But the advent of winter makes it easy to explore this densely populated old city. For instance, the short hike to the top of the famous Golconda fort is a delightful experience in winter but quite unenjoyable in the sweltering heat of summer.

When in Hyderabad (especially during winters), don’t miss visiting Chowmahalla Palace, Charminar, Golconda Fort, Ramoji Film City, and Qutub Shahi Tombs.

In addition, do try out Irani chai (especially from the shops around Charminar) and the famous Paradise Biriyani from one of its popular outlets in Secunderabad.

Gokarna, Karnataka

Recommended by Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Gokarna is India’s upcoming beach destination that is increasingly getting more popular. And for good reasons. What makes Gokarna so popular is its laid back atmosphere as well as a variety of things to do.

There is not just one beach in Gokarna but more than six. Some are so remote that they can only be accessed by boat or on foot. Besides relaxing at the beach one can also do the popular Gokarna beach trek, visit local markets, or explore the small temple town nearby that is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.

The festival of Shivaratri in Feb-March sees huge celebrations here as thousands of pilgrims flock to the temples in town. The highlight of this festival is the holy chariot procession that goes through the entire town.  

Gokarna is a great winter holiday destination in India for those looking to escape the cold of the north. Gokarna’s climate in winter is perfect with pleasantly warm temperatures.

Outside of the festival time, Gokarna is a sleepy little town and the perfect place to unwind yourself from the chaos of India.

Allepey, Kerala

Recommended by Trijit from Budget Travel Buff

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Alleppey, a serene backwater town in Kerala, is one of the cheapest places to visit in India.

Even though Alleppey receives tourist footfall all year round, the best time to visit Alleppey is in winter when the temperatures are low, ranging between 17ºC to 32ºC. Houseboating, boat rides, and other tourist activities are in full swing and a light jacket is enough even at night.

Winter is the best time to enjoy Allepey’s stunning natural beauty and indulge in numerous outdoor activities. The main tourist attractions of Alleppey include its famous backwaters, lagoons, beaches, and avenues for various adventure sports.

And your trip to Alleppey is incomplete without a houseboat trip in the backwaters. It feels like heaven when the houseboat glides through the serene backwaters alongside a verdant green stretch of paddy fields – an absolute visual treat for the eyes!

Don’t forget to rejuvenate your body and soul with Ayurveda while you are here. There are several ayurvedic spa centers that offer therapies, massages, and other treatments with medicinal oils.

Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar

Recommended by Pooja from Fairytale Studios

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Havelock Island is among the most visited islands in Andaman and Nicobar. And is an incredible mixture of white-sand beaches, beautiful nature and under-water activities. 

Temperatures on Havelock are mostly in the higher thirties °C (nineties °F) throughout the year. But winter ushers in cooler periods and is ideal for a visit to this beautiful island. Even under-water visibility is better during this time that aids in a perfect scuba diving experience in the crystal-clear waters around Havelock Island.

Since the weather in winter is not too hot and humid, you can opt to stay for longer on the pristine beaches of Havelock Island. Rent a scooter and take a tour of the entire island on your own. If you are a seafood lover, you will go gaga over the huge variety of sea-food that is sourced here during winter.

Havelock Island in India is the perfect winter destination for you to soak in some winter sun and enjoy the festive season.

Munnar, Kerala

Recommended by Diana from The Globetrotting Detective

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Munnar is one of the prettiest natural wonders of God’s own country, the Indian state of Kerala. It’s located as high as 1,600 m (5,200 ft.) in the Idukki district of Kerala.

Munnar and the villages around Munnar are extremely peaceful and quiet. They are surrounded by never-ending, picture-perfect tea plantations, lush green forests and valleys, dramatic hill ranges, sparkling waterfalls, rare flora, and fauna. They offer a plethora of activities for the visitors.

If you are fond of tea, then you have probably heard of Munnar. Some of the best tea in India is made here. Tea plantations of Munnar are definitely a highlight; the most famous ones being Pallivasal, Chinnakalal, and Kolukkumalai.

Last but not least, there are huge national parks in Munnar. Eravikulam National Park is a pretty one where you can even spot wild animals if you are lucky.

Winter is absolutely the best time to visit Munnar. The average temperature in winter is 23 °C (73.4 °F) and the place is lush green after the rains. It rarely gets cold in Munnar but you can carry a light jacket for your morning explorations.

Thanjavur Tamil Nadu

Recommended by Khusboo from Munni of All Trades

Thanjavur, formerly known as Tanjore is one of the most popular destinations of Tamil Nadu. Home to the renowned Brihadeeswara temple, Thanjavur Maratha Palace, bronze foundries, Tanjore paintings and the dancing dolls, Thanjavur holds a prominent position in the arts and culture scene of South India.

A little known attraction is the Vaduvoor Lake which is famous for attracting thousands of migratory birds from Russia, Europe and the Americas every year during the winters. Their bird walk is easily one of the best things to do in Thanjavur.

Winter is considered to be the best time for a trip to Thanjavur for multiple reasons. Most of the temples require you to enter the premises barefoot. This becomes especially tough during the summer season when temperatures soar to 36°C (97°F).

During winters, Thanjavur is lush with greenery, enjoys a pleasant climate and gives you the opportunity to go beyond the monuments and explore its natural beauty. Thanjavur is great in the shoulder months (end of October or early February) if you wish to avoid crowds and rains.

Best places to visit in winter in Eastern India

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Golden Triangle of Odisha

Recommended by Claudia from The Visa Project

The Golden Triangle tour in Odisha connects the capital city of Bhubaneswar, the beach and pilgrimage destination of Puri, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Konark Sun temple. While visiting India on a tourist visa last December, I did the golden triangle tour and I highly recommend it.

Winter is the best time to do this tour since, at other times of the year, the weather is usually hot and humid.

If you are flying to Odisha, you can start from the capital city, Bhubaneswar. It is home to many ancient temples like Mukteswara, Rajarani, and Lingaraja. The 2nd-century rock-cut caves of Khandagiri are definitely worth a visit. So is the Shanti Stupa at Dhauli.

Puri is one of the four main pilgrimage destinations for Hindus owing to the presence of the 13th-century Jagannath Temple. Although non-Hindus are not allowed inside, they can see the structure by paying a nominal fee from the Raghunandan Library. You can stroll or swim at the golden beach at the edge of the town, and enjoy a camel ride as well.

An hour-long bus ride from Puri takes you to the 13th-century Sun Temple of Konark. Even though it is in ruins ruins, its architecture is awe-inspiring. If you visit in winter, you can also watch the Konark dance festival, a five-day celebration of India’s classical dances.

Related: The other sun temple of India in Modhera Gujarat

Dawki, Meghalaya

Recommended by Anjali from Travel Melodies

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Dawki in Meghalaya is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in winter in India. A beautiful little town nestled in the West Jaintia Hills, Dawki is around 95 km from Shillong and just about 2 km from the Bangladesh border.

Dawki is best known for Umngot River, a glassy stream that has earned a position in the cleanest rivers list of India. You must have seen dreamy pictures of boats cruising down the emerald-green river that’s so clear that you can easily see the riverbed.

If you want to enjoy and capture an Instagram-worthy picture like the ones you have seen, the winter months of November – January are the best. That’s when the river is clear as crystal! Taking a boat ride in a mirror-like lake (it literally feels as if the boat is floating in the air) is a one-of-a-kind experience!

The famous Dawki Suspension Bridge over Umngot River serves as the only road route between India and Bangladesh and is of great value, historically. Built by the British in 1932, it remains one of the busiest trade routes between both countries for coal and limestone. Don’t forget to visit the Dawki-Tamabil Border, an international border that’s friendly and welcoming.

Mangalajodi, Odisha

Editor’s choice

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Mangalajodi in Odisha is a lesser-known nature reserve that is best suited for birders and nature lovers. Located on the northern shores of the brackish Chilika Lake, Mangalajodi turns into a paradise every winter.

More than 200 species of birds flock to Mangalajodi from Eurasia and the Arctic every winter. Between Novemeber – February, this small swampy village turns into a birding heaven. They feed, breed, and raise their young ones. You can watch most of them from very close quarters of your small boat called Nauka.

The best way to visit Mangalajodi is to stay overnight at the ecotourism guest house in the village. And do a couple of boat tours in the swamp, one in the morning and one during dusk. These are the times when the birds and up and about: looking for feed, jumping in and out of water, being cacophonous.

Refer to our Mangalajodi bird sanctuary guide to plan your trip here.

Mon District, Nagaland

Recommended by The Travelling Slacker

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If you want to go slightly out of your comfort zone in the Indian winters, Mon District in Nagaland, the abode of Konyaks, should be your best bet. It is not the average tourist spot and it can be challenging if you are on your own. But the ruggedness is the true beauty of it. 

Konyak Nagas are still famous as the “tattooed headhunters” although they have moved on from that life. There are still a few people in their 80s and 90s who have the experience and memories of “old ways” and you can meet them when you are in Mon.

The region is centered around the town of Mon, which is a dusty little town but the primary attractions are villages like Hongphoi and Longwa. Hongphoi is where you can meet many elderly ex-headhunters. Longwa on the other hand is a large village on the Indo-Burmese border, with half the village practically in Myanmar. It is also the best place to explore Konyak culture. 

The best way to get to Mon District is through Sivasagar district of Assam. The nearest major airport is Dibrugarh and you’ll find accommodation in Mon town and Longwa village.

Gangtok, Sikkim

Recommended by Allan from Live Less Ordinary

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Located in the lofty heights of Sikkim province, Gangtok is not only the perfect base for exploring the Indian Himalayas, but is also a fascinating town in itself. As the capital of Sikkim, the former British hill town remains a quaint and characterful destination with a mix of Bhutan, Tibet, and Indian Bengal.

In the back hills of Sikkim is the Enchey Monastery which is home to local Tibetan monks. The town otherwise centers around New Market and Mahatma Gandhi Market which is Gangtok’s pedestrianized zone. Here locals and tourists mingle at the shops and restaurants. You will also find places to organize guides and tours further in Sikkim.

Excursions in Sikkim are a must from Gangtok with some of the most exciting escapades close by. The list includes Kangchenjunga, the world’s 3rd highest mountain, Rumtek Monastery, and Changu Lake found on the remote borders to China. 

Gangtok is cold in the winters and there is always the chance of snow in the mountains. This makes it a wonderful winter holiday destination in India. 

Best places to visit in winter in Northern India

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Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Recommended by Subhadeep from My Travel Frames

When in India, there is one place that every traveler wishes to visit and that is Varanasi or Banaras. You may fall in love Banaras or hate it for the crowd and chaos but you cannot ignore its eternal appeal.

An endless stretch of happening ghats, a maze of narrow alleyways, the charm of daily morning and evening arati, the charisma of auspicious Kashi Vishwanath Temple and delicious street food are surely going to make a permanent impression in your heart.

The best time to visit Varanasi is during winters when the sun is not harsh and the air is crisp and cold. The early morning mist gives an enchanted feel to the ghats. It is absolutely magical to experience a wintry sunrise at the Subah-e-Banaras in Assi Ghat.

An early morning boat ride on the Ganges is even more beautiful in the winter because of large flocks of migratory birds that gather here. And of course, you never get tired of walking the quaint streets or the endless ghats of Varanasi.

Additionally, Banaras is home to the famous festival, Dev Deepawali that is held at the beginning of winter every year. And then come the festivals of Makar Sankranti, Basanti Panchami, and Holi that you can thoroughly enjoy when in Banaras.

Orchha, Madhya Pradesh

Recommended by Emma from Emma Jane Explores

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Travelling to India in winter can be a shock to the system as it definitely gets cold up north. But the weather remains pretty mild in Orchha. Whilst it is always fun to explore the major cities, a visit to this little town is a great way to explore the country’s rich history and get a little off the beaten path in India.  

Orchha is located in Madhya Pradesh, around 8 hours’ drive from Delhi and just under 5 hours from Agra. Considering the region has a very proud and long history, there is plenty to explore here – particularly in terms of ancient architecture.  

One of the most impressive sights here is the imposing and beautiful palace-fort of Raja Mahal. It is utterly enormous and looks great in photos, its high walls well-preserved though weathered by the elements. Also worth exploring is the Ram Raja Temple, easily recognizable by its domes standing up against the horizon.  

Because the weather is comfortable in winter, Orchha is very much an outdoors city with markets and stalls lining the small village where tourists can buy souvenirs or get henna tattoos. Those wanting a cultural experience can visit the main temple in the city to watch a religious ceremony or even take a home cooking class with one of the local families.

Taj Mahal, Uttar Pradesh

Recommended by Sally from our3kidsvtheworld

A trip to India is not complete without a visit to Taj Mahal, the number one tourist attraction. With tourist attractions of this caliber, expect a large crowd of tourists to share the experience with.

Winter is the prefect time to visit the Taj Mahal especially with kids. Not only will the crowds be a little less but you’ll also miss the oppressive heat of summers. The best time to visit is at sunrise. You’ll need to arrive early at 5.30am and the gates will start seeing people through approximately 6am – give or take. It’s India time after all. 

I recommend a private tour for seeing the Taj Mahal. Like all things in India getting organized can be a bit confusing if you haven’t been before. Local guides also possess a wealth of information regarding the history of Taj Mahal built in 1632 by the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Editor’s choice

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And last but not the least on our list of the best places to visit in India in winter is Manali, Himachal Pradesh. With fresh snow covering those hilly slopes, Manali becomes a winter wonderland every year.

Even though summer is a great time to visit Kullu-Manali, these places are great for winter too. Especially for those who wish to engage in winter sports such as skiing, sledging, and riding on snow scooters.

There is just so much going in this small town even in the cold months. Manali Winter Carnival, an amazing display of local culture and cuisine, is usually held in the months of Jan/Feb.

If you aren’t here during the festival, don’t worry. You can still stroll the streets of Old Manali, visit the Tibetan monasteries, take a dip in the hot springs of Vashisht after which you can satiate your hunger at one of the many cafes/restaurants in Manali.

Did we miss some of your favorite winter destinations in India? Do you think this list could be even longer? Let us know in the comments below and we will make sure we add them on our itinerary next time.

More India Resources

• 17 Most beautiful royal palaces of India
• Experience the colors of India with these 18 colorful experiences
• Why do you need to see the stepwells of Western India?

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