December is the time of the year when everyone is all set to plan a holiday. This makes finding a place without the peak season crowd difficult. Fortunately, India has plenty of gorgeous places that you can explore without having to worry about too many visitors there. We’ve compiled a list of offbeat winter destinations in India that you must visit. Let’s take a look at what each destination has to offer you.
7 Offbeat Winter Destinations In India
- Lava – West Bengal
- Auli – Uttarakhand
- Megamalai – Tamil Nadu
- Spiti Valley – Himachal Pradesh
- Gokarna – Karnataka
- Rann of Kutch – Gujarat
- Mayodia – Arunachal Pradesh
1. Lava, West Bengal
One of the lesser-known winter destinations in India is Lava. This quaint little village is in West Bengal and has picturesque landscapes that’ll leave you stunned! From here, you get the most breathtaking view of Mount Kanchenjunga. You’ll find rich flora and fauna once you reach Lava. Nature and animal lovers can enjoy activities like bird watching and exploring the wildlife at Neora Valley National Park. If you plan a winter trip to Lava, you’ll be fortunate enough to witness the snowfall in this beautiful village. The entire place is surrounded by misty hills, lush green valleys, and trekking trails that you can explore.
Places To Visit: Pedong, Neora Valley National Park, Lava Monastery, Loleygaon, and Changey Waterfall.
Things To Do: Trekking, photography, hiking, and bird watching.
2. Auli, Uttarakhand
Are you fond of winter sports? Then you’re surely going to have an amazing time vacationing in Auli. This hill station has some of the best skiing resorts in India. Auli is a place where you can enjoy both outdoor activities and the wonders of nature. For all those who want an adrenaline rush, this place has plenty of challenging opportunities for you. You’ll get to enjoy the longest Gondola ride in Asia while enjoying panoramic views of the hill station. The sight of snow-capped mountains like Kamet and Nanda Devi Parvat will take your breath away. In cold months, Auli is nothing but a winter wonderland!
Places To See: Trishul Peak, Gorson Bugyal, Narsingh Temple, Nanda Devi National Park, and Vasudhara Falls.
Things To Do: Skiing, trekking, ropeway ride, camping, and river rafting.
3. Megamalai, Tamil Nadu
It’s hard not to marvel at the scenic beauty of Megamalai. This hidden gem of Tamil Nadu is also known as Paccha Kumachi (Green Peak). You get to witness the majestic Varusanadu Hills from here. This place has numerous waterfalls and dams that you can explore. If you’re looking for an offbeat winter destination in India, you should definitely plan a trip to Megamalai. It’s located almost 1,500 m above sea level. Megamalai is the perfect romantic getaway for all those wanting to enjoy a quiet time amidst nature. You’ll be taken aback by the aromas of cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper plantations here.
Places To See: Suruli Falls, Maharaja Mettu View Point, Mangala Devi Temple, Iravangallar Dam, and Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary.
Things To Do: Trekking, nature hikes, and bird watching.
4. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
If you’re looking for a place to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh is the perfect place for you. The snow-laden mountains, beautiful gorges, and lush green forests make it look surreal and enthralling. At Spiti Valley, you can become one with nature and enjoy some amazing outdoor adventures. The magnificent mountains here are dotted with vibrant and old monasteries that are worth exploring. A trip to Spiti Valley would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you!
Places To See: Monasteries like Kay and Dhankar Gompa, Baralacha Pass, Chandratal Lake, Pin Valley National Park, and Nako Village.
Things To Do: Mountain biking, trekking, camping, star gazing, and river rafting.
5. Gokarna, Karnataka
All those who love beaches and are looking for offbeat winter destinations in India, your search has finally come to an end! Gokarna has plenty of beaches and is not too crowded with tourists. This place will definitely satisfy your urge to travel and give you a memorable vacation. The golden sands and blue waters at the beaches here are enough to rejuvenate you inside out. There are many other places you can explore like religious shrines, temples, forts, and waterfalls. To make the most of your trip, visit here in winter when the weather is pleasant for you to go sightseeing.
Places To See: Beaches like Kudle and Paradise, Murudeshwara Temple, Sathodi Falls, and Mirjan Fort.
Things To Do: Trekking, surfing, scuba diving, parasailing, and camping.
6. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
The weather in Kutch during December is just perfect for a vacation. This entire white desert looks magical and breathtakingly beautiful in cold months. Many tourists visit here in December to attend Rann Utsav, the cultural festival of Gujarat. There are plenty of activities you can enjoy in Kutch. Right from spotting Siberian flamingos, and watching colorful folk performances, to photography, this place has many exciting things for you. So, don’t forget to include Kutch on your list of offbeat winter destinations in India.
Places To See: Kutch Museum, Kalo Dungar, Dholavira, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, and Mandvi Beach.
Things To Do: Paramotoring, ziplining, ATV Bike rides, rock climbing, and rifle shooting.
7. Mayodia, Arunachal Pradesh
A winter wonderland with green forests and huge mountains, that’s Mayodia in Arunachal Pradesh. This hidden gem is a snow-lovers abode! So, a winter trip here is totally worth it. And if you’re planning a budget vacation, you won’t find any other place as beautiful as Mayodia. It’s located around 2,655 m above sea level and has picturesque views that are worth capturing in your camera. The height of this region gives trekkers and hikers many opportunities for challenging excursions. If you’re seeking a peaceful time in nature, go and explore the many orange plantations here.
Places To See: Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mayodia Pass, Bhismaknagar Fort, Mehao Lake, and Nehru Van Udyan.
Things To Do: Trekking, mountain biking, hiking, bird watching, and fishing.
Summing Up
Winter is right around the corner and there’s much more you can do than curling up in your blanket and going into hibernation mode. A vacation in cold months is just the thing you need to relax and rejuvenate yourself. These were the 7 offbeat winter destinations in India that you must visit. Pick your favorite place, pack your bags, and hurry, a wonderful adventure awaits you!
FAQs
Which Is The Best Place To Visit In Winter In India?
If you’re looking for offbeat destinations, then Lava, Auli, Megamalai, Spiti Valley, and Gokarna are the best places to visit in winter in India.
In Which Part Of India Are Winters Pleasant?
Winters are pleasant in places like Auli, Rann of Kutch, Mayodia, and many more in India.
Which Is The Coldest Place In India?
Dras in Jammu and Kashmir is known to be the coldest place in India.
In What Part Of India Are The Winters Very Mild?
The southern part of India has mild winters as it’s surrounded by waters on all sides. This helps to moderate the temperature in that region.
Which Is The Hottest City In India In Winter?
Churu in Rajasthan is one of the hottest cities in India, even in winter.
Which State Is Hottest In India Even In Winter?
Lakshadweep, Rajasthan, and Pondicherry are some of the hottest states in India even in winter.
Which Country Has Best Winter?
Some of the countries worldwide with the best winters are Finland, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Thailand, and many more.
Which Is The Coldest Month Of India?
December and January are two of the coldest months in India.
