Winters are the best season to explore places in India especially for foreigners. The temperatures are blissful in this season. Know the top places to visit in India in winter from snow to balmy weather, from thrilling adventures to colorful festivals, the season witnesses all. India offers rich diverse experiences in a single season for all. If you are a snow lover, then escape to the Himalayas blessed with cold and snow. If you are a sun-lover then the beaches offer warm sun, cerulean waters, picturesque view, delightful food, water sports, and other amazement. From adventures to all kinds of things – wildlife, snow, water, camping, culture, history, and sightseeing are your pursuits, then winters in India is the perfect time to plan your trip and the above activities are the things to do in top places to visit in india for winter season.
Here is a list of Top Places to Visit in winter in India where you can experience Best Things.
1. Breathtaking Auli Skiing Championship 2020:
A winter wonderland, Auli is one of the most visited holiday destinations in north India in December. Snuggled in the snowy peaks of Uttarakhand, come winter and it becomes the ski capital of India. The town has earned enough fame to be counted among the best skiing destinations in the world. The slope of the hills, the amount of snowfall and the ski classes, make it an experience to cherish.
The slopes of Auli provide thrills to professional skiers and novices alike. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited takes care of the Auli Ski resort and conducts skiing lessons. The reason to visit in winters is just the adventure sports, but also the awe-inspiring beauty of Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat, and Kamat. Make a plan to visit and participate in Auli Skiing Championship (Feb-2020). Explore more Tours in Uttarakhand.
2. Experience the Scuba Diving at Port Blair:
Blessed by tropical bliss where cold seems a foreign concept, Andaman Islands offer an exploration of the marine world like never before. One of the best experiences of winters in India is scuba diving in the Andaman. The archipelago of 572 islands is surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Bay of Bengal.
The capital city of the islands, Port Blair is the best place for all kinds of water sports in India, especially scuba diving. Explore clear, shallow and warm water, picturesque coral reef and varied marine life. Experience the thrill of going underwater and swim and explore like a fish. A scuba diving trip to Port Blair, Andaman Nicobar islands is truly an adventure of a lifetime.
3. Explore Wildlife in Kaziranga National Park:
One of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries in India, Kaziranga National Park in assam is perfect for thrilling adventure tours during winters in India. Located in the blessed verdant environs of Assam, this national park is home to over two-thirds of the global population of the endangered Single-horned Rhinoceros. Also, it is home to a considerable population of Royal Bengal Tigers.
Game safaris are offered both on jeeps as well as elephant back. Elephant Safari in Kaziranga is an experience you must try. As a part of the wildlife, elephants can get you closest to other species. Winter is the best time to visit as it’s easy to spot wildlife in their natural habitats.
Are you natural lover? explore wildlife in India with IndianVisit.
4. Visit Hampi, 14th Century ‘Vijayanagara’ Great Empire in South India:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi treasures the ruins of the erstwhile capital of the mighty Vijayanagara Empire in Karnataka. This 14th-century city was ruined by Moghul forces, but even in its ruined state Hampi eloquently tells the story of its rich past and enchants the spectators.
It is set among the beautiful boulder-strewn terrain, on the Tungabhadra River banks. Explore the remains of palaces, baths, pavilions, markets, aqueducts and temples that are witness to Hampi’s rich past. The magnificent Virupaksha temple, the Vithala temple complex with its 56 musical pillars and stone chariot stand are some of the excellent specimens of erstwhile India. Stroll in the lanes of Hampi and experience the secrets of a kingdom lost to time. Liked the hampi, Explore more tour packages in Karnataka.
5. Unforgettable Luxury Train Excursions:
Luxury Train ride offers you the perfect opportunity to explore Indian specialty ‘luxury trains’ one of the best winter things to do in India. India has 5 luxury trains that recreate the way royalty used to travel in the earlier days. These trains operate mostly in the cooler months. The trains have several interesting routes that lets guest enjoy the diverse landscape, culture, heritage and the pleasures of luxury. True to their name, they offer journeys of unrivaled bliss.
You can opt for a train ride on Maharajas’ Express, Deccan Odyssey, Golden Chariot, Palace on Wheels, and Rajasthan Tourist Train. A luxurious train ride is one of the best experiences of India and in winter you have the vacation of a lifetime.
6. Watch the Greatest Music Festivals in India:
Come during winter and the thrill of Christmas and New Year is rising, India offers several music festivals. The Sunburn, NH Weekender, Goa International Jazz Live, Ziro Music Festival are few of the top names popular in international circles. Rajasthan has folk as well as mixed music festivals like the Magnetic Fields, Jodhpur RIFF, Rajasthan Folk, World Sacred Spirit Festival and many more.
Whatever be your choice, get ready for soulful music not just from India but some of the best of the world, uplifting beats, dances, and a carnival-like setting. Attending one of the music festivals in India is one of the most exciting experiences you can have only during winters.
7. Camel Safari in Jaisalmer:
Camel safari is one of the best things to do in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Jaisalmer settled on the brink of the Thar Desert offers exhilarating camel safaris. Go for safari excursions that range from few hours to many days. Tourism in Rajasthan offers you to know the best tourist places to visit in Rajasthan, India in winter.
Riding a camel in the windswept, Thar Desert has its charm. The rustling of sand, changing the shape of dunes and the glittering sun entice you. You can explore the desert life in the far-flung villages. Sunsets are especially magnificent in the desert. Even the dark is exciting, as you can try camping under the starry skies. Bonfire night, folk dance and music and delicious food make it an experience to cherish.
[Book desert festival jaisalmer 2020]
8. An Elephant Safari in Jim Corbett:
Not just a popular winter holiday destination in India but also a picnic spot in India in winter for families. Jim Corbett National Park is one of the best winter family holiday vacations in India. One of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in the country dates back to the 19th century. It is home to the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger species. On a safari, there are chances to witness more than 400 species of plants and 500 species of migratory birds. Apart from the ferocious Bengal Tigers, spot leopards, Himalayan black bears, pangolins, and many more.
Winter adds thrill to your visit. Try jeep safaris or hop on the back of an elephant as they take you on undisturbed viewing of wildlife. Combine the adventure with a stay at one of the luxury wildlife resorts. It is one of the best winter destinations in north India. Know more about Tourism in Jim Corbett.
9. Goa Carnival 2020:
Goa is a top place to visit in India in winter because the climate is blissful in this season. The Goa Carnival 2020, The biggest celebration of the state, is held in February every year. Introduced by the Portuguese, primarily as a Christian festival, the festivities are participated by the entire population. On the first day of the extravagant festivities, the legendary ‘King Momo’ leads the parade of street dancers, acrobats, clowns, and fire eaters and orders his people to ‘eat, drink and make merry’. There are carnival processions carried out throughout the state. People dress up in colorful costumes and perform along with the thematic tableaux. Street plays, band performances, and grand balls are part of the celebrations. It’s an experience that one must try out this place in winter vacations in India. Discover more about Tourism in Goa.
10. Bhimbetka Caves Paintings:
The Bhimbetka rock shelter transports its visitors, thousands of years back in time. It is known for the brilliance of Indian rock art. Settled in the lap of Vindhyanchal ranges there are about 700 hundred caves or rock shelters. Over 500 caves have walls adorned with beautiful red and white rock paintings that date back to the Stone Age. These pictures range from three different eras. Mostly they depict affairs of everyday life like hunting, communal dancing, childbirth, people performing household chores and religious rituals. It is also the second-best winter places in India in Amchha Khurd in Madhya Pradesh.
It’s a great pleasure to learn about the prehistoric times of India at this UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. The pleasant weather of winter makes your exploration mysterious and amazing.
11. Khajuraho Dance Festival 2020 and the Mystical Temple City of Khajuraho:
The Khajuraho temple complex of Madhya Pradesh is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of India. Built by the Chandela rulers over 200 years from 950 to 1150 BC, these temples are one of the most visited monuments in India. Out of the original 85 temples, only 22 are in a reasonable state of preservation. The temples belong to three different sects, mainly the Shiites, the Vaishnava, and the Jain.
There are rich carvings that depict the medieval lifestyle. There are sculptures of musicians, potters, farmers and of women, but the most talked-about feature of Khajuraho is the incredible erotic engravings. The Khajuraho temples represent the pinnacle of medieval architecture in India. Every year Khajaraho dance festival holds in khajaraho organised by the Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad. Khajaraho Dance Festival 2020 will be celebrated 22 Feb to 3 march in Khajaraho. Add this in your bucket list as you must explore this in winter places to visit while traveling in India. Browse the list of best places to visit in Madhya Pradesh (MP).
[Book Khajuraha Dance Festival]
12. Enjoy Hornbill Festival:
Nagaland has a rich tribal heritage. The Hornbill Festival held annually in December. Nagaland is one of the best places in northeast India to visit in winter to the celebration of the legacy. There are 16 tribes in the state, each one different from each other. As the Greater Indian Hornbill is a much talked about the bird in Naga folklore and folk songs, the festival has been named ‘Hornbill Festival’. All the Naga tribes gather in the Kisama Heritage village they display their own distinctive culture and traditions.
For 7 days the small village becomes an open-air theater where you can see folk dances, indigenous sports, parades, handicraft displays and even fashion shows and beauty pageants. The Rock Music Festival is a super-amazing. Do give a try to the delicious food, shopping, and activities.
13. Be a Part of the Famous Bikaner Camel Festival 2020:
Camel, the ship of the desert has its identity merged with the very fabric of Rajasthan’s culture. The love for the beast can be seen in the spectacular Camel festival of Bikaner. This festival will celebrate in 11-12 January 2020. The camels are groomed and decorated especially for the occasion. During this 2-day festival, competitions are held to find the most beautifully embellished and the fastest camel. Some camels even dance gracefully according to the directions given by their riders. The other more sporty ones take part in the polo match. In the evening famous artists give spell bounding performances of folk dance and song. That’s why this is one of the best tourist places in India in winter to see once in life. Explore Travel Guide of Bikaner with indianvisit and if you like bikaner book now Bikaner Tour Packages.
[Book Bikaner Camel Fair 2020]
14. Enjoy Tropical Bliss at Lakshadweep:
Lakshadweep is a spectacular group of tropical islands off the western coast of India in the Arabian Sea. The name means thousands of islands. Out of the 36, only 10 islands are inhabited. Picture-perfect golden beaches, cerulean waters, and remoteness are the main winter attractions of Lakshadweep in India.
The serene lagoons are perfect for a relaxing swim or basking in the sunshine. Fresh coconut and delicious seafood are the mouthwatering fares. Go exploring the underwater world and have a go at the exciting watersports. Agatti, Kadmat, Kavaratti, Bangaram Island, are the best places to visit in Lakshadweep archipelago. Forget winters and enjoy a balmy tropical vacation.
15. Experience a Different Way of Life- Backwaters in Kumarakom:
Kumarakom, the beautiful backwater town of Kerala is ranked among the top 50 best places in South India to visit in winter by the National Geographic Traveler. The backwaters make for a massive irrigation system of canal-linked lakes and lagoons.
The best way to explore the beauty of the backwaters is by hiring a houseboat. Kumarakom is set on the banks of Vembanad Lake and a cruise on a houseboat through this serene lake is surely something you don’t want to miss. While cruising on the backwaters, you get to have a closer look at God’s Own City. Romantic and blissful, this will surely be one of the fondest experiences of your holiday in the winter season in India by month. These are the top India tourist places in the winter season in India to visit.
[Browse Kumarakom Backwater Tours ]
Best India Tour Packages for Winter Season:
View More by Tour Themes
I would suggest adding Kinnaur and Spiti valley to it. Thanks for curating the list.
Thanks for sharing these wonderful winter destination in India