It's that time of the year when hill stations receive snowfall, camel safari in deserts seems pleasant, and beach vibes are at their vibrant best. So, here is the list of destinations that look more beautiful and offer great holidaying experience when visited during winter.
Khajjiar
Not for nothing is Khajjiar known as 'mini Switzerland of India', which looks even more stunning during winters when it snows. The thick rim of pine trees that borders one end of the snow-covered meadow with snow-capped mountains in the backdrop would remind you of the picture you stopped by at while scrolling through your Instagram. Only after you explore Khajjiar in winter will you know how different and stunning it looks during in this season.
Best way to reach:
Reach Dalhousie and then take a bus or hire a taxi to Khajjiar, which is only 24 km away.
Mussoorie
It's a year-round destination for honeymooners and mountain lovers, especially for the travellers in the nearby north Indian towns and cities. And thanks to its elevation (approx 1,800 metres), Mussoorie gets covered under dense cover of snow during winters. And that's when the snow-clad landscape of Mussoorie is at its beautiful best. Whether it's the Mall Road, Lal Tibba, or the famous Kempty Falls; everything just looks picture perfect. To add to the beauty, Mussoorie witnesses very less visitors in winter. So if you are planning to travel to some easily accessible hill station and experience snowfall, Mussoorie is the place to be.
Best way to reach:
Although Jolly Grant Airport and the railway station in Dehradun are the nearest air and rail link, respectively, travelling by road remains to be the best way to reach Mussoorie. Buses and taxis are easily available from the nearby cities of Chandigarh, Dehradun, and Delhi.
Shimla
If there's one hill station in India which has served as go-to destination for tourists over the years, it's Shimla. Also known as 'Queen of Hills', it's so popular that the peak tourist season often means huge crowds and traffic jams which eventually overshadow the charming beauty of this hill station.
And just in case you also felt the same, we'd rather suggest you travel to Shimla this winter when it snows and see the difference yourself. With everything covered in the blanket of snow, Shimla resembles a toy-town from some Hollywood flick. With almost every facility a tourist can expect, Shimla is just the right kind of winter destination for couples and honeymooners.
Best way to reach:
The best way to reach Shimla in winter is by road. Frequent bus services are available from the nearby cities of Chandigarh, New Delhi, Amritsar, and more. Also, travelling by the toy train to Shimla in winter is a great experience. The narrow gauge train plies between Kalka and Shimla, and the journey can take up to 6 hours.
Auli
For someone who has already been to places like Shimla and Mussoorie in winter, Auli in Uttarakhand can be a great alternative. Located at an elevation of around 2,800 metres above sea level, Auli boasts of the famous Auli-Joshimath cable car ride, mind-boggling scenic vistas, and views of the towering Himalayan peaks. This makes it perfect destination during the summer months for those who wish to escape the heat.
But very few realise how stunning Auli looks during winter. Yes, it's cold, but for those who are ready to bear with anything to witness how this hill station looks and feels when covered in snow, that's the time to visit this place. The ski resorts come alive and even the otherwise 'usually beautiful' landscape of Auli seems like a piece of land straight from some hill town in Europe.
Best way to reach:
Travel to Rishikesh by bus or taxi, both of which are available from the nearby towns and cities. From Rishikesh, take an early morning bus to Joshimath or board a shared cab. Joshimath is about 8-9 hours from Rishikesh. From Joshimath, Auli is only accessible by cable car in winter as the Joshimath-Auli road remains closed due to snowfall.
Zuluk
Did you wish to visit Spiti in winters but just can't seem to do it? Why not try Zuluk in winter? Located in eastern Sikkim at over 10,000 feet, the tiny hamlet of Zuluk, which once served as transit point for travellers on the ancient Silk Route, is home to the gorgeous views of snow-clad Mt. Kanchenjungha and the nearby Himalayan peaks. Although, equally beautiful in summers, Zuluk is least crowded during winter and you can easily get a cosy homestay for a very nominal price.
Another highlight is the road from Zuluk to Lungthung which has over 32 hairpin curves that promise one adventurous road journey if you dare to take one.
Best way to reach:
Road is the best mode of transport to reach Zuluk. If you're travelling from Gangtok, it's just a 4-hour journey which can be covered in a shared cab or taxi. If you're travelling from NJP railway station or Bagdogra Airport, it's a 6-hour journey to Zuluk via the town of Rangpo which also serves as the entrance point for those travelling to Sikkim.