Table of Contents- Winter Destination
🌨️ Introduction
India’s Winter Destination season (November to February) offers a spectacular mix of snowy adventures, cultural festivals, and peaceful escapes. Whether you want snowfall in the Himalayas or sunshine at the beach, this travel guide has complete details, costs, and tips for each destination.
1. Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir – India’s Ultimate Snow Destination–The Snow Paradise of India
Why Visit: Surrounded by pristine white snow, Gulmarg is a winter fairytale. It’s India’s premier skiing destination and home to the world’s second-highest cable car ride — the Gulmarg Gondola.
- Weather: -4°C to 11°C
- Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, gondola ride, snow treks
- Gulmarg Gondola Price: ₹740 (Phase 1), ₹950 (Phase 2)
- Average Budget (4D/3N): ₹12,000–₹18,000 (budget stay + meals + activities)
- Best Hotels: Pine Palace Resort (₹2,500+), Khyber Himalayan Resort (₹10,000+)
- Nearest Airport: Srinagar (50 km)
✅ Tip: Book ski gear on rent at Gulmarg itself, starting from ₹500/day.
2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh – A Romantic Winter Wonderland–A Romantic Winter Wonderland
Why Visit: A charming blend of natural beauty, snow sports, and cozy cafes makes Manali a favorite winter destination.
- Weather: -2°C to 10°C
- Activities: Solang Valley adventures, hot springs, snow camping
- Rohtang Pass Permit Fee: ₹500 (if open)
- Average Budget (4D/3N): ₹10,000–₹15,000
- Stay Options: Zostel Manali (₹1,000), Snow Valley Resorts (₹3,000+)
- Nearest Airport: Bhuntar (50 km)
✅ Tip: Go snowmobiling in Solang — approx. ₹700 per ride.
3. Auli, Uttarakhand – The Skiing Hub of India
Why Visit: Tucked away in the Garhwal Himalayas, Auli is a quiet, snow-draped escape perfect for adventure and solitude.
- Weather: -4°C to 7°C
- Activities: Skiing, cable car rides, snow treks
- Cable Car Price: ₹1,000 round-trip
- Ski Equipment & Training (2 Days): ₹3,000–₹5,000
- Average Budget (3D/2N): ₹12,000–₹16,000
- Best Hotels: GMVN Ski Resort (₹2,000), The Tattva (₹4,500+)
- Nearest Airport: Dehradun (286 km)
✅ Tip: Auli is less crowded than Manali, ideal for beginners in skiing.
4. Goa – Sun, Sea, and Winter Vibes
Why Visit: Winter is the best time to enjoy Goa’s beaches, night markets, water sports, and vibrant nightlife.
- Weather: 20°C to 30°C
- Activities: Beach hopping, scuba diving, Christmas/New Year parties
- Sunburn Festival Ticket: ₹2,000–₹4,000 per day
- Average Budget (3D/2N): ₹10,000–₹14,000
- Stay Options: Hostels (₹600), Beach cottages (₹1,500–₹3,000), Luxury resorts (₹6,000+)
- Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport (Dabolim)
✅ Tip: Book New Year accommodations 1–2 months in advance to avoid price surges.
5. Jaipur, Rajasthan – A Royal Retreat in Pleasant Winters
Why Visit: Experience Rajasthan’s royal heritage without the summer heat. The Pink City is grand, colorful, and buzzing with life.
- Weather: 8°C to 26°C
- Activities: Forts, palaces, shopping, Jaipur Literature Festival (January)
- Entry Fees:
- Amer Fort: ₹100
- City Palace: ₹200–₹500 (museum access)
- Average Budget (3D/2N): ₹7,000–₹12,000
- Best Hotels: Umaid Mahal (₹2,000), ITC Rajputana (₹6,500)
- Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport
✅ Tip: Take a morning hot air balloon ride (₹1,500–₹2,000) for a cityscape view.
6. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat – Salt Desert Meets Culture
Why Visit: Visit during the Rann Utsav to witness a magical salt desert under moonlight, cultural performances, and desert camping.
- Weather: 10°C to 25°C
- Activities: Rann Utsav, cultural programs, camel rides
- Tent Stay (Rann Utsav): ₹6,000–₹10,000 per night
- Entry Pass (Rann Utsav): ₹100
- Average Budget (2D/1N): ₹7,000–₹10,000
- Nearest Airport: Bhuj (80 km)
✅ Tip: Visit during a full moon for an unforgettable night on the salt flats.
7. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – Spiritual and Snowy
Why Visit: Tawang is perfect for those seeking an offbeat snowy escape and a blend of Buddhist culture and nature.
- Weather: -3°C to 10°C
- Activities: Buddhist monasteries, Sela Pass, snow trekking
- Tawang Monastery Entry: Free
- Average Budget (4D/3N): ₹10,000–₹15,000
- Stay Options: Budget homestays ₹800–₹2,000
- Nearest Airport: Tezpur (330 km)
✅ Tip: Apply for the Inner Line Permit online before you go.
8. Munnar, Kerala – Misty Green Winter
Why Visit: Cool breeze, foggy mornings, and endless tea estates make Munnar an idyllic hill retreat during winter.
- Weather: 10°C to 25°C
- Activities: Tea garden walks, wildlife safaris, waterfalls
- Eravikulam National Park Fee: ₹200
- Average Budget (3D/2N): ₹7,000–₹11,000
- Stay Options: Tea Country Resort (₹2,500), Treehouse stays ₹4,000+
- Nearest Airport: Kochi (110 km)
✅ Tip: Book early morning tickets to see the rare Nilgiri Tahr.
9. Dalhousie, Himachal – Mini Switzerland of India
- Weather: -1°C to 10°C
- Activities: Snow walks, pine forests, colonial buildings
- Nearby Visit: Khajjiar (22 km)
- Average Budget (3D/2N): ₹8,000–₹12,000
- Stay Options: Grand View Hotel (₹2,200+), homestays available
- Nearest Airport: Pathankot (75 km)
✅ Tip: Trek to Dainkund Peak for panoramic snow views.
10. Andaman & Nicobar Islands – Tropical Paradise in Winter
- Weather: 22°C to 30°C
- Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling, beach visits, light & sound show
- Scuba Diving Cost: ₹3,500–₹6,000 (Havelock)
- Radhanagar Beach Entry: Free
- Average Budget (4D/3N): ₹15,000–₹25,000
- Stay Options: Symphony Palms (₹4,000+), Barefoot Resort (₹6,000+)
- Nearest Airport: Port Blair
✅ Tip: Book ferry rides between islands in advance via government site or Makruzz.
✅ Bonus: Winter Destination Travel Checklist
- Thermal wear, jackets, gloves (North India)
- Sunscreen & light clothes (Goa, Andaman)
- Power bank, local SIM
- Emergency contact numbers
- Book transport (trains, flights) 30–45 days in advance
🔚 Conclusion
No matter your travel style — snowy mountains, royal retreats, or warm beaches — India in winter offers unmatched experiences. With this detailed guide, you’re ready to pick your spot, budget smartly, and make memories for a lifetime.
✈️ Ready to Explore?
Book all your flights, hotels, and holiday packages easily on EaseMyTrip – your trusted travel partner for hassle-free bookings, best deals, and 24×7 support. Don’t wait — your magical winter escape is just a click away!