Last updated: October 2026 Β· 3 min read
Winter is India’s peak travel season: clear skies, comfortable temperatures in the plains and snow in the hills. Here are 15 great destinations for November to February, grouped by the kind of trip you want.
For snow and mountains
| Place | State/UT | Best for | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gulmarg | Jammu and Kashmir | Skiing and the Gulmarg Gondola | Dec-Feb |
| Auli | Uttarakhand | Skiing with Nanda Devi views | Jan-Feb |
| Manali and Solang | Himachal Pradesh | Snow activities, Atal Tunnel trip | Dec-Feb |
| Tawang | Arunachal Pradesh | Monastery and snowy passes | Nov-Feb (check road conditions) |
For deserts and heritage
| Place | State | Highlight | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jaisalmer | Rajasthan | Sam sand dunes, golden fort, desert camps | Nov-Feb |
| Rann of Kutch | Gujarat | White salt desert and Rann Utsav | Nov-Feb |
| Jaipur and Udaipur | Rajasthan | Forts, palaces and lakes | Nov-Feb |
| Hampi | Karnataka | Vijayanagara ruins in pleasant weather | Nov-Feb |
For beaches and islands
| Place | State/UT | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Goa | Goa | Beaches, Portuguese heritage, Christmas and New Year festivities |
| Andaman Islands | Andaman and Nicobar | Radhanagar beach, scuba diving at Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) |
| Gokarna and Varkala | Karnataka and Kerala | Quieter cliff-top beaches |
For backwaters, hills and wildlife
- Alleppey and Kumarakom (Kerala): houseboat stays on the backwaters.
- Munnar (Kerala): tea gardens and cool weather.
- Ranthambore (Rajasthan): tiger safaris, open from October.
- Kaziranga (Assam): one-horned rhinos, best November to April.
Winter travel tips
- Book trains and flights early around Christmas and New Year.
- Carry thermal wear for the north; fog often delays trains and flights in north India in December-January.
- Check road and weather updates for hill routes before travelling.
- Pre-book safaris online; slots sell out.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best snow destination in India in winter?
Gulmarg is India’s top skiing destination; Auli and Manali are also popular.
Where can I go in India in December for warm weather?
Goa, Kerala, the Andaman Islands and Pondicherry stay pleasantly warm.
When is Rann Utsav held?
Usually from November to February at Dhordo in Kutch, Gujarat.
Keep exploring
Facts are based on widely accepted official, scientific and historical sources at the time of writing. Spotted something that needs updating? Let us know.
