With the festive holidays waning, most of us are looking forward to the winter vacation. For those who like to plan early, here are our five favorite places you might want to visit.
Havelock and Andaman and Nicobar Island
Now called Swaraj Dweep, this island is easily accessible from Port Blair, the A&N capital. The island is famous for its calm beaches that are hit by the azure waves of the Bay of Bengal. The popular beaches here are Radhanagar Beach (Blue Flag Beach), Elephant Beach and Kalapathar Beach. It offers a variety of water sports. You can also go snorkeling and diving here.
Oli, Uttarakhand
Auli is one of the top winter attractions in Uttarakhand, especially for the ski slopes, suitable for both novice and experienced skiers. A five-meter ski lift connects the core town of Joshimath to the Gorson slopes. Surrounded by coniferous forests, Auli offers a panoramic view of some of India’s highest mountain peaks.
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
At first glance, the undulating desert looks like an empty space. But you slowly realize that it has its own attractions. Jaisalmer, located on the edge of the desert, is a perfect getaway if you want to enjoy the Indian desert. Enjoy the medieval fort and other buildings, go camping in the desert, and enjoy the local cuisine, handicrafts and music.
Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg, a beautiful hill town, is a popular tourist destination. This region is famous for its lush green coffee plantations and is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. In addition to the stunning environment, the area is known for hosting adventurous sports such as rock climbing and trekking.
Gangtok, Sikkim
The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok wonderfully balances the past and the present. Take a look at the monasteries by day and enjoy the music in the bars in the evening. Mt Kanchedzonga overlooks the city and on a clear day you can enjoy a panoramic view of the snow peaks from different viewpoints. With special permission, head to Nathu La, a mountain pass on the Indo-China border. Don’t forget to check out the local handicrafts if you love shopping for ethnic goods.