If you can only travel in India once a year, travel between November and February. The monsoon has passed, the skies are clear and most of the country is at its most comfortable.
Here are the places we send people in winter, grouped by what you want from the trip.
1. Where Should You Go for Heritage in Winter?
Rajasthan is at its best: sunny 22–25 °C days, cool nights, and the desert camps at Sam and Khuri are open. Further south, December to February is the only really comfortable window for Tamil Nadu's great temples at Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Thanjavur and Madurai.
Heritage picks
- Rajasthan: Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer
- Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur
- Tamil Nadu Temple Trail
- Hampi and Badami
- Khajuraho and Orchha
2. Where Can You Find Warm Weather in Winter?
Kerala (Kochi, Munnar, Alleppey) and Tamil Nadu's coast stay warm all winter. Munnar is cool at night and lovely by day. Mumbai and Goa are dry and sunny.
3. Where Can You See Snow in India in Winter?
Gulmarg in Kashmir is India's best snow destination, with skiing from January to March. Auli in Uttarakhand also has ski slopes, and the Chopta–Chandrashila trek becomes a beginner snow trek. Manali's Solang valley usually has snow from late December, and Tawang in Arunachal often does too.
Snow picks
- Gulmarg and Sonamarg, Kashmir
- Auli and Chopta, Uttarakhand
- Solang and Sissu, Himachal
- Tawang and Sela Pass, Arunachal
4. Which Spiritual Trips Are Best in Winter?
Varanasi's sunrise boats are magical in winter mist, and November brings Dev Deepawali. Ayodhya is pleasant for darshan, and Prayagraj hosts the Magh Mela every January–February. Ujjain and Omkareshwar are comfortable for elderly travellers from November to February.
5. Where Is the Best Wildlife in Winter?
Kaziranga opens in November, and winter is good for rhino, elephant and migratory birds. Bandhavgarh and other Madhya Pradesh tiger reserves reopen in October. Morning safaris are cold, but the light is beautiful.
