Winters are synonymous with holidays. Bidding goodbye to a year and welcoming another is a time for celebrations and getaways. Our country is blessed with plenty of splendid hill stations spread from north to south, and east to west. Go through the list below, to find out the 10 best hill stations to allure you with winter charm.
Kashmir, Where Heaven Descends
Beauty of fluffy white snow is what attracts tourists to Kashmir in winters. Of course, temperatures can stoop to sub-zero levels and leave you shivering and shaking. But if you love playing with snow and cozying inside woolens, Kashmir is the ultimate winter destination for you. Places like Gulmarg, Sonmarg and Pahalgam welcome you with blankets of snow. This is the time for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
Shimla, A Tourist Fairyland
The capital of Himachal Pradesh is no less than Kashmir when it comes to attracting tourists with winter charm. Kufri near Shimla is the place to go for enjoying some action in snow. This magical land has a host of attractions such as the apple orchards of Rohru, scenic beauty of Narkanda, and the high-altitude Shaily Peak, which all glimmer in winter. Though weather can play spoilsport with your plans, Shimla is the ideal winter destination, provided you are game for some adventures and changes in schedules.
Manali, The Gem Of Himachal
Another amazing winter destination, Manali, is also the proud possession of Himachal Pradesh. Along with capital Shimla, Manali is also a favored destination of snow seekers. It will be intoxicating to land in Manali during a heavy snowfall. All around, you will find white magic. A visit to Rohtang Pass will be impossible in winters, but there is enough snow around that you won’t miss the mountain pass. Added attraction of visiting snowy places in winter is that it will be less crowded. You get the best offers in hotels, and tour packages.
Dharamsala, For A Piece Of Peaceful Land
As Dharamsala is not as frequented by tourists as other destinations in Himachal, it still retains its virgin charm. Dharamsala is a place that exudes serene charm. No hustle-bustle, no mad rush of tourists, just tranquil nature and you. In winters, the place comes alive with the beauty of snow in the surrounding hills. Tibetan monasteries in Dharamsala will give you a spiritual high, and a respite from worries. A trek to nearby Triund Hills can also be an invigorating experience.
Darjeeling, The Tea Capital
Darjeeling in West Bengal is not a place where snow is abundant in winters. But pleasant cool climate added with the number of tourist attractions makes it ideal for those who love cold weather, but can’t bear extreme snowfall. Vast expanse of tea estates make Darjeeling look wonderful in any weather. Toy train ride through the tiny town is a different experience. View of nearby snowy mountains from Tiger Hills will be a wonderful experience in Darjeeling in winters. Although it rarely snows in Darjeeling, temperatures can linger on above zero. So be careful to pack your woolens.
Mussoorie, Jewel In The Crown Of Uttarakhand
Mussoorie is an amazing winter destination in Uttarakhand. Pine valleys and beautiful hills of Mussoorie have tempted many tourists, who fell for its ethereal surroundings. Literature buffs will be quite familiar with the beauty of Mussoorie through books of famed author, Ruskin Bond, who resides here. Viewing snow-capped Himalayas from vantage points in Mussoorie will be exhilarating.
Mahabaleswar, The Pride Of Maharashtra
You don’t necessarily need to go all the way north, to enjoy winters. Mahabaleswar, in Maharashtra, is ideal for a quick winter getaway for people from south and central India. This beautiful hill station is best enjoyed in rainy season, but winters give the best climate. Beauty of winters in Mahabaleswar is due to the ample supply of strawberries available during this season. Watch strawberry farms, roam around in the countless high altitude viewpoints, and relax in the lap of nature.
Gangtok, The Virgin Beauty Of Sikkim
The northeastern state of Sikkim is a recent entrant in tourist circuits. With travel facilities galore, Sikkim and its charming hill areas have now got umpteen followers. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is one place where you can enjoy enough of fresh mountain air and cool climate. Though places like Tsomgo Lake and Nathula pass can be tricky during winters, Gangtok is a pretty hill town from where immense beauty oozes out.
Coorg, Coffee Capital Of Karnataka
Coorg is a marvelous hill station in south India for a winter trip. Famed as the coffee destination of Karnataka, Coorg is also an abode of priceless beauty. It has majestic lakes, waterfalls, viewpoints, and there is even an elephant camp where you get to feed elephants. Beauty of Coorg is in its simplicity and innocence. There is no pomp and splendor around this hill station. Just soak in the bliss of unblemished nature.
Munnar, Winter Capital Of Kerala
Down south, there is the tiny hill station of Munnar nestled amidst the Western Ghats in Kerala. Known for its tea estates and fascinating viewpoints, Munnar is a far cry from the crowded and hyped tourist places. In winters, temperatures go down, making it pleasant for long treks and mountain climbs. If you wish to explore the best of majestic Western Ghats in winters, Munnar is the best option.
So, are you filling up your bags with woolens for a trip to a hill station? If you are, now is the perfect time to visit. For a hassle-free trip to the top 10 hillstations in India, get in touch with
Fortune Tours. They offer you plenty of tour packages to make your trip a memorable experience.