All Articles 7 offbeat places to visit in India this winter

7 offbeat places to visit in India this winter

A man rowing a boat on the Kerala Backwaters, Alappuzha, India
Image: kyran low / Unsplash
By Tripadvisor21 Apr 2022 2 minutes read

With the arrival of Christmas, New Year's, and the holiday season, winter is the best time to travel and explore. Here is a list of the top 7 offbeat places to visit in winter in India.

1. Great Rann of Kutch

A man jumping on the Great Rann of Kutch salt flat in India
Image: Bhupendra Singh / Unsplash

Sprinkled with magical white dust creating a mystical atmosphere, Rann of Kutch is an exquisite destination to visit this December. Besides attending Rann Utsav, there is a lot more you can do. For a start, you can go for a desert safari to Kala Dungar, the highest point in Kutch. There, you can put your binoculars to work and try to spot Siberian flamingos. You will also enjoy a jeep tour or a camel safari in the pristine white sand desert, so make sure to put that on your list.

2. Gokarna

Horses running on a beach in Gokarna, India
Image: Thanuj Mathew / Unsplash

An alternative to crowded Goa, Gokarna is a laid-back little coastal town in Karnataka. To feel the waves on your feet and salty sea breeze in your hair, head to Gokarna Beach or the rocky Half Moon Beach. To seek Shiva’s blessings and admire the beautifully complex stone carving, visit Mahabaleshwar Temple. And to practice your photography skills and take in the beauty of the open greenery, Mirjan Fort is where you need to be.

3. Yuksom

Dubdi Monastery in India
Image: Chandrika B / Tripadvisor

Yuksom is a small yet magnificently beautiful village with a rich history to its name. Built in 1701, Dubdi Monastery is the oldest monastery in Sikkim. Set at the end of a 1082-foot-long rocky and steep path, it imparts divine serenity and is definitely worth the trek. If you’re looking for more thrilling experiences, take one of the many adventure tours that take you on rugged yet spectacular treks, camping experiences, and more.

4. Pondicherry

A woman cycling in the French colony Pondicherry
Image: photoloord Anu / Unsplash

From quiet beaches to ruins from the former French colony, Pondicherry has a lot to offer. In the pleasing climate of December, the best way to explore the city is to take a bike tour. Make sure to plan a visit to the Seaside Promenade in the evening, where you can enjoy a serene sunrise on the horizon. For an up-close and personal encounter with migratory birds, go to Ousteri Lake and find solace in nature.

5. Tawang

pangateng tso lake in India
Image: Management / Tripadvisor

Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is a scenic city bearing the charms of northeast India. This picturesque city is also the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama. Hence, divine Tibetan Buddhism can be traced throughout the city. Here, the must-see places are Tawang Buddhist Monastery and Taktsang Gompa. Adrenaline junkies should head to places like the Bumla Pass, Sela Pass, Nuranang Falls, and the ethereal Pangateng Tso Lake.

6. Spiti Valley

Spiti Valley, Marango Rangarik, India
Image: Daniel Burka / Unsplash

Located at an altitude of 14,931 feet, Spiti Valley is a hidden gem in Himachal Pradesh. It’s the place to be if you want to escape the hustle of the city or seek adventure and solace. The majestic mountains of Spiti are dotted with some of the oldest monasteries in India such as Key Monastery and Dhankar Gompa. Once you’re done exploring ancient Buddhist monasteries, head for an adventure trip to explore Spiti’s cold deserts and snowy mountains.

7. Alleppey

A houseboat in on the Alleppey backwaters in India
Image: Kunal Kalra / Unsplash

Known as the Venice of the East, Alappuzha (also known as its former name, Alleppey) is magnificent in winters. Blessed with outstanding natural beauty, swaying palm trees, stunning backwaters, and a huge network of lakes and waterways, this place is aquatic heaven. Make sure to take a boat ride on the labyrinth of brackish lagoons for a soul-soothing experience.

What are you waiting for? December is almost here, so make the best of this awesome weather, book your tickets, pack a bag, and get ready to go.


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