Top places to go for winter holidays in India

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Tourist from around the world throng India throughout the year owing to its sheer size and captivating diversity. There is vast room in India to suit the taste of all kind of travelers. Although, tours to India are demand all round the year, winter season beginning October and lasting till February are considered to be the best time for vacations in India. It is often said that some of the greatest treasure trove of Indian tourism are at their spectacular best during this season. Winters also herald the beginning of the peak season for holidays in India. Compiled below is the list of 9 destinations to go for incredible holidays in India during winter this season.

Kerala

Ketuvallams are iconic of Kerala backwater tourism

A treat for all seasons, it’s when the monsoon departs that Kerala true natural splendor is at its apogee. Kerala is renowned for its backwaters, beaches, spice gardens and abundant wildlife. It’s in winter that Kerala, ‘god’s own country’, becomes a hotspot for honeymooners and romantic couples from around the world owing to its scenic beauty manifest in its mystical landscapes and alluring beaches and backwaters.

Goa

Goa is India’s most popular beach destination and a favorite of overseas travelers

Travelers often find it impossible to believe that Goa, a tiny emerald ensconced between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghat is a part of India. An innate lackadaisical ambience untypical of India and the cosmopolitan hospitality along with the colonial legacy of Goa make it a truly unique and global beach destination and a famous haunt of global nomads.

Kashmir

Kashmir, fondly referred to as the “paradise on earth”, offers scintillating natural beauty. A mesmerizing jewel in the crown of Himalayas, Kashmir is renowned for its lush Mughal Gardens, glittering Dal Lake and picturesque environs. Some of the most popular destinations in Kashmir include Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Srinagar and Sonmarg. Kashmir also happens to be one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in India owing to its lush surrounding, tranquil mountain-escapes, and breathtaking adding to the concoction of romance and serenity.

Ananda in Himalayas

Overlooking undulating Himalaya and Ganges, Ananda is an internationally renowned destination spa

Recognized around the world for its rejuvenating spa and Ayurveda treatments, Ananda in Himalayas near Rishikesh is one of the most sought after destination spa in the world. Winner of several prestigious awards and accolades, Ananda in Himalayas is an oasis of restoration, renewal, and peace. Ananda Spa focuses on the ancient wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda, with an assortment of bespoke therapies and activities.

Ladakh

Ladakh is one of the ultimate adventure destinations and a favorite of  travel photographers

There’s nothing like a road trip to Ladakh, popularly known as the last Shangri la. Considered the ultimate adventure destinations and every photographers dream destination, road trip to this high altitude snow desert also entails driving on the highest motorable road in the world.

Rajasthan

Sam Sand Dunes near Jaisalmer

An amazing concoction of colors, royalty, tradition and romance, Rajasthan is a favorite haunt of overseas tourists in India. There is so much to see and do in Rajasthan that even seasoned travelers find it hard to pick and choose from plethora of options. Resplendent fortresses, floating palaces, Sam sand dunes, spirituality and tradition weave an alluring experience of vacations in Rajasthan. The most popular destinations in Rajasthan include Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Ranthambore and Pushkar among others.

Andaman Island

Havelock Island in Andaman is a major destination

Recently opened up for tourism, the pristine islands of Andaman and Nicobar are a veritable oasis for tourists and naturalists alike. The islands of Andaman and Nicobar are hilly in places fringed with coconut palm, covered with tropical jungle and interspersed with flat stretches of crescent shaped beaches offering a serene retreat to the travelers.

Lakshadweep

Bangaram Island is one of the few attractions open to tourists in Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is one of the world’s most spectacular tropical island systems. 32 sq. km of land spread over 36 islands surrounded by 4200 sq. km of lagoon rich in marine wealth. Dotted with swaying coconut groves, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, friendly hospitality and salubrious climatic conditions, Lakshadweep is fast becoming a global beach destination in India.

Delhi

Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sprinkled with spectacular monuments, lush gardens and an array of architectural marvels, New Delhi is best visited during winters. Activities such as sightseeing, nightlife, eating and shopping form essential of things to do in Delhi and there are plenty of them to keep even a fussy traveler busy. Delhi also houses 3 fascinating World Heritage Sites: Humayun’s Tomb, Red Fort and Qutub Minar Group of Monuments. A city of contrast, Delhi’s diversity manifests itself in the old world charm of the walled city and modern Lutyen’s Delhi. Recently constructed Lotus Temple and Akshardham Temple are spectacular monuments high on the list of to do things in Delhi.