There are two kinds of people in this world – those of us who will probably dust the cobwebs off our winter woollens and hunt for our boots the second the mercury dips even a little bit, maybe even take a trip to the south of India where winters are pleasantly cool and do not resemble hell freezing over for all of time. Then there are those of us who squeal with excitement and prepare for those freezing nights and make all kinds of plans that involve staying in the cold for as long as possible, embracing the chilled arms of winter and wishing it would never end.
Now if you belong to the latter group of people, who truly channel their inner Elsa to claim that the cold never bothered you anyway, here are some drop-dead gorgeous winter getaways in India, that you must visit at least once in your life, to experience the beauty of the North.
1. Auli
Location: Uttarakhand
Places to visit: Take in the picturesque view of the renowned peaks around you such as the Mana Parwat, Mount. Nanda Devi, Nar Parvat, Dunagiri, and Kamat; spend time at the Auli Artificial Lake, or visit the lush green pastures of Gorson Bugyal. Hiking and camping along the Kuari Pass Trek is also something you should look into if you’re a big nature enthusiast!
Where to stay: Xra Cottage for Rs 1,995 per night
2. Tawang
Location: Arunachal Pradesh
Places to visit: Tawang Monastery is the second-largest monastery in the world perched at 3,000 meters above sea level, that is over 400 years old and set right in the middle of one of the breathtaking views you can imagine; Madhuri Lake is one of the remotest lakes that’s cosied in the arms of the rocky mountains and is situated 20 km from the city’s centre; Gorichen Peak – the highest peak of Arunachal Pradesh 22,500 feet above sea level!
Where to stay: Bumla Inn for Rs 899 per night
3. Dalhousie
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Places to visit: Khajjiar – a town that’s also known as a ‘Mini Switzerland in India’, the destination is one that will leave you gaping in awe at it’s green and picture-perfect meadows, as well as the opportunities for adventure sports like zorbing and trekking; Satdhara Falls – located at 2,036 meters above sea level, the name of the place has been derived from the seven springs nearby that boast of therapeutic properties that are known to cure several ailments; Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary – home to an exotic list of species of flora and fauna including Himalayan Black Marten, Barking Goral, and many more.
Where to stay: Hotel Dalhousie Hills for Rs 1,500 per night
4. Gurudongmar
Location: Sikkim
Places to visit: Gurudongmar Lake – the second highest lake in India, which is situated in the Northern region of Sikkim, is known to reach temperatures as chilling as the weather of Jökulsárlón Lake in Iceland; Ravangla – Maenam Top Trek – because nature lovers are bound to get some serious workout on the hills while being around sceneries right out of a movie.
Where to stay: Tenzing Retreat for Rs 1,800 per night
5. Spiti
Location: Himachal Pradesh
Places to visit: Take to the Leh – Manali Highway to enjoy the thrill of mountain biking in the roads that wind with every turn you take, skirting the base of peaks, Key Monastery – one of the biggest and oldest monasteries that has a lovely collection of ancient books and murals, and is one of the top tourist spots in the vicinity; Kunzum Pass – connecting Kullu and Lahaul Valley, the pass can also be used to visit the Moon Lake at Chandratal and offers a stunning view of the Chandra Bhaga ranges.
Where to stay: Nihal Cottage for Rs 900 per night
Also Read: Places to visit in bangalore
Images: Shutterstock