1. Kashmir – For Snow-Covered Landscapes and Mountain Experiences

Kashmir is one of the most appealing choices for travellers who want to experience winter in its snowy form. During the colder months, the region’s mountain scenery, frozen landscapes and traditional surroundings create a very different atmosphere from Kerala.

Srinagar, Gulmarg and Pahalgam are among the popular places to include in a Kashmir holiday. Gulmarg is particularly known for winter activities and skiing, while Srinagar offers experiences around Dal Lake, Mughal gardens and local markets.

Popular places to visit:

• Srinagar

• Gulmarg

• Pahalgam

• Sonamarg

• Dal Lake

• Shankaracharya Temple

Why visit in winter?

December to February is a popular period for travellers looking for snow experiences. Gulmarg is a major attraction for winter sports, while the surrounding mountain scenery makes the journey memorable.

Best suited for: Couples, families, honeymoon travellers and people interested in snow experiences.

Travel tip: Snowfall is weather-dependent, and road conditions can change during winter. Keep some flexibility in your itinerary and carry suitable winter clothing.

2. Himachal Pradesh – A Classic Winter Holiday in the Mountains

Himachal Pradesh offers several choices for a winter holiday, from lively hill stations to quieter mountain destinations. If you enjoy cold weather, scenic drives, mountain views and the possibility of snowfall, this state deserves a place on your list.

Shimla and Manali are two of the most popular destinations. Shimla is known for its colonial-era architecture, Mall Road and nearby viewpoints. Manali offers mountain scenery, cafés, adventure activities and access to nearby snow destinations.

Popular places to visit:

• Shimla

• Manali

• Kufri

• Solang Valley

• Dharamshala

• Dalhousie

Why visit in winter?

December to February is the winter season in Himachal Pradesh. Snowfall occurs in several areas, and visitors can explore winter activities depending on local weather and operating conditions.

Best suited for: Families, couples, honeymoon trips and travellers interested in mountain holidays.

Travel tip: Do not assume that every town will have snowfall during your travel dates. Check local weather and road updates before visiting snow points or planning adventure activities.

3. Rajasthan – Forts, Palaces and Desert Experiences

If you prefer comfortable sightseeing over cold mountain weather, Rajasthan is an excellent winter option. Its historic cities, grand forts, colourful markets and desert landscapes offer a holiday filled with culture and architecture.

Jaipur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer are among the most popular destinations. You can explore royal palaces, walk through traditional markets, enjoy local food and experience the atmosphere of Rajasthan’s desert regions.

Popular places to visit:

• Jaipur

• Udaipur

• Jodhpur

• Jaisalmer

• Pushkar

• Ajmer

• Mount Abu

• Bikaner

Why visit in winter?

Winter is considered one of the best seasons to explore Rajasthan. The daytime conditions are generally more suitable for sightseeing than the intense summer heat, although nights can become quite cold.

Best suited for: Families, couples, heritage lovers, photography enthusiasts and cultural travellers.

Travel tip: If you are visiting around Christmas, New Year or a major festival, arrange accommodation and transport in advance. Rajasthan’s winter season attracts many visitors.

4. Meghalaya – Hills, Waterfalls and Scenic Villages

For travellers who enjoy green landscapes, mountain roads and peaceful natural surroundings, Meghalaya is a beautiful winter choice.

Shillong, Cherrapunji and Dawki are among the best-known destinations in the state. You can explore scenic viewpoints, visit waterfalls, discover caves and experience the region’s distinctive village culture.

Popular places to visit:

• Shillong

• Cherrapunji

• Dawki

• Mawlynnong

• Nongriat

• Umiam Lake

• Mawsmai Cave

Why visit in winter?

The winter months offer a different experience of Meghalaya, with cooler conditions and opportunities to explore its landscapes. Waterfall flow and appearance can vary depending on recent rainfall, so do not expect every waterfall to look the same throughout the season.

Best suited for: Nature lovers, couples, families with older children and travellers who enjoy scenic road trips.

Travel tip: Some attractions involve walking, trekking or long road journeys. Check the difficulty and travel time before including them in your itinerary.

5. Gujarat – Heritage, Wildlife and the White Rann

Gujarat is a rewarding winter destination for travellers looking beyond the usual hill stations and beaches. The state brings together historic cities, religious destinations, wildlife experiences and the remarkable landscape of the Rann of Kutch.

The White Rann is one of the region’s most recognisable attractions. During the winter season, the Rann Utsav offers visitors an opportunity to experience local culture, traditional performances, handicrafts and the surrounding landscape.

Popular places to visit:

• Ahmedabad

• Rann of Kutch

• Bhuj

• Statue of Unity

• Dwarka

• Somnath

• Gir National Park

• Vadodara

Why visit in winter?

Winter is a popular time to explore Gujarat, especially the Rann of Kutch. The seasonal festival and cooler sightseeing conditions make it a good choice for a varied holiday.

Best suited for: Families, cultural travellers, photography enthusiasts and people interested in heritage and religious destinations.

Travel tip: Check the official Rann Utsav schedule, accommodation options and access requirements before travelling. Festival dates and arrangements can change from season to season.

6. Goa – Beaches, Food and a Relaxed Winter Break

Not every winter holiday needs to involve cold weather. If you would rather enjoy sunshine, beaches, coastal food and relaxed evenings, Goa is a familiar and convenient choice for travellers from Kerala.

Goa has a mix of lively beach areas, quieter coastal stretches, Portuguese-influenced heritage and local markets. You can spend your days exploring different beaches, visiting historic churches or simply enjoying time by the sea.

Popular places to visit:

• Baga Beach

• Calangute Beach

• Anjuna Beach

• Candolim Beach

• Fort Aguada

• Basilica of Bom Jesus

• Panjim

• Palolem Beach

Why visit in winter?

The period from November to February is generally popular for beach holidays in Goa. The season also brings festive celebrations around Christmas and New Year.

Best suited for: Friends, couples, families and travellers looking for a beach holiday.

Travel tip: Popular areas can become busy during the Christmas and New Year period. Compare accommodation locations and transport arrangements before confirming your trip.

7. Andaman Islands – Beaches, Island Hopping and Marine Experiences

For a tropical island holiday, the Andaman Islands offer a different experience from mainland destinations. Clear coastal waters, beaches, boat journeys and opportunities for water-based activities make this region attractive to travellers looking for a relaxed holiday.

Port Blair, Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island) and Shaheed Dweep (Neil Island) are among the places commonly included in island itineraries.

Popular places to visit:

• Port Blair

• Swaraj Dweep

• Shaheed Dweep

• Radhanagar Beach

• Cellular Jail

• North Bay Island

• Baratang Island

Why visit in winter?

The months from October to May are generally considered a popular travel period for the Andaman Islands. December and January can be suitable for beach activities and island exploration, depending on sea conditions.

Best suited for: Couples, families, honeymoon travellers and people interested in beaches and marine activities.

Travel tip: Ferry schedules, sea conditions and activity availability can affect your plans. Allow enough time between island transfers and confirm arrangements before travelling.

8. Golden Triangle – Explore Delhi, Agra and Jaipur

If you enjoy history, architecture and city sightseeing, the Golden Triangle is a practical choice for a winter holiday in North India.

This popular travel circuit connects Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Each city offers a different experience, from historic monuments and Mughal architecture to royal palaces and traditional markets.

Popular places to visit:

Delhi

• India Gate

• Qutub Minar

• Red Fort

• Lotus Temple

• Humayun’s Tomb

Agra

• Taj Mahal

• Agra Fort

• Mehtab Bagh

Jaipur

• Amber Fort

• City Palace

• Hawa Mahal

• Jantar Mantar

• Jal Mahal

Why visit in winter?

The cooler months are generally more comfortable for exploring outdoor monuments and moving between cities. However, fog can sometimes affect visibility and transport schedules, particularly during winter mornings.

Best suited for: Families, first-time North India travellers, history enthusiasts and short group holidays.

Travel tip: Plan enough time for travel between cities, and check train and flight schedules before finalising the itinerary.