There are many winter destinations even in a tropical place. The scene is so true for a country like India. Come the summer and everybody has plans for one or the other hill station or snow adventure. The cool high altitude places puts the unbearable heat of the plains on somewhere forgotten and absolute bliss of the welcoming winter is on. It feels like somebody is constantly humming lines like these on back of his mind:
“”The rest is where
“I” is either satiated
Or suffocated
Here, I avow
My “I” is merged
In the Pristine of Nature
I am at rest now
Even if it is
Just for a while!””
Such places, kind of which the poet is talking about, might include the following:
Auli
Lying on the way to Badrinath, Auli is a popular winter destination in Uttarakhand, more popular for its adventure of Ski. Bugyal is the local name for the place by which locals will brag about it. The meadow is also a part of popular trekking trips. Apart from Ski and Trekking, tourists can also enjoy views and boating in the artificial lake. Being surrounded by pilgrimages like Badrinath, Kedarnath, Joshimath, Nandaprayag, Rudraprayag; Auli is a must visit for tourists and pilgrims alike. April is best season to visit but skiing is good in November.
Gulmarg
Another popular Ski (winter) destination, Gulmarg is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Known for having the highest Ski lift (Gondola) in the world, the place has more than 1300 metres of vertical panoramic views of the Himalayas. To make best use of the snow for skiing, choose the month of January and February to travel up this point and have fun. Do not get startled by occasional sights of soldiers as the place is very near to the India-Pakistan border.
Diu
One of the 8 Union territories of India, Diu is gaining more popularity for its tourism than ever before. Very near to the southern coast of Gujarat, the place had a long association with the Portuguese culture. The town of Diu houses Diu Fort and an Old Portuguese cathedral that are popular attraction for tourists. Enjoy the beach and island fun here.
Mount Abu
More popular as the only hill station of the state of Rajasthan, this place is well known for its scenic appeal and some old temples. A centre for spiritual activities, Mount Abu is a place where people find peace of mind. A part of Aravalli Hills, the place holds natural attraction for tourists coming to Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, etc.
Haflong
North-eastern region of India is very popular for many tourist places and adventure activities loved by thrill seekers. For a winter destination, Haflong in Assam is a nice place to try. Located in the Dima Hasao District, it is known for Haflong Lake and Jatinga Bird Watching. Photography becomes a passion of travellers just by instincts.
Kerala
A part of southern India, Kerala does not need any kind of introduction due to its huge popularity as “God’s Own Country”. Backwaters, popular beaches, spa and spiritual healing and many tourist destinations like Munnar, Kochi, etc are integral tour of any Kerala tour. You can also opt to choose to visit in a particular time during “The Elephant Festival”, Thissur Pooram is on the show. Culture insights of Kerala are a major pull for tourists from abroad along with exciting the domestic tourists.
Shimla
Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a well known amongst popular winter places of India. Tourists’ spots that are visited here include The Mall, Christ Church, Jakhu Hill, Shimla State Museum, Summer Hill, Tara Devi Temple, Junga, Mashobra, and many others. Reached by Air, Railways and Roads, Shimla remains crowded for all of the summers and most of the winters.
Manali
In Himachal Pradesh, this place is closely tours along with Kullu for tourism in this area. Among many winter destinations, Manali is visited more for its religious value. Located in the Beas river valley, it is well enjoyed by the people of India as well as abroad for tourist attractions like Hadimba Temple, Vashishta Temple, Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley, Van Vihar and more.
Corbett national Park
Located near Nainital, Jim Corbett National Park is a popular spot for enjoying wildlife tourism. Tigers are obviously the main attraction and icing on the cake is the elephant safari. Jeep rides are also there but one can imagine what will be more fun to do. The vast diversity of the oldest national park of India allows scope for birding as well if you are also engaged in bird watching. Not good to visit in Monsoon, the summers and winters are quite enjoyable here. You can add this to your list of winter destinations if you planning for winter holidays!
