Akin to the popular Indian television commercial that goes by the famous punchline, “why should boys have all the fun,” an advertisement that is brightly and positively received, here’s a thought that strikes the mind about the current season being experienced up in the North of the country.
Why should only those in the North have all the wintery fun? Who doesn’t like the winters? The touch of chilly air, lighter temperatures, the great lively feeling, and above anything else, for that matter- the much-needed escape from the brutal and often, back-breaking heat- all of these make the winters the favorite time of the year for most of us.
Isn’t it?
To elaborate more, why should it even happen that those who happen to be in the rest of the country should be bereft of the soothing, comforting and rejoicing comfort that the winters bring?
While much of the North, at this point in time, is soaking in the pleasurable blanket of cool climate, a phenomenon that’s a wonderful escape from the exasperating heat and humidity in India, there are, of course, other regions that would feel that they are missing out from all this fun.
But while surely, one can always trade places, what about those who might be experiencing trembling hands and that bout of nervousness and anxiety with the coming of the winter? Surely, it goes without saying that extreme winter or a sudden drop in the temperatures may not exactly be a perfect idea for everyone.
So in that scenario-what are the alternatives? To put it succinctly, what are the best places to visit in India during the winter?
For a country that is as magnificently beautiful as it is culturally attractive, there’s hardly a dearth of the best places to visit in India during winters.
Munnar, Kerala
Kerala is about as charming as it is naturally abundant with beauty. It is a land that takes the concept of education as seriously as it takes pride in contributing to the philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (India’s stance at welcoming the guests from all over).
In that regard, the serenely beautiful Munnar, in Kerala is actually a destination that can be visited actually anytime during the year. There’s also great fun in visiting Munnar during the time of winter. The reason that the temperatures, during winters, drop down to as low as 11 degrees celsius makes the famous Kerala destination an ideal choice among enthusiasts and lovers of winter sports. Whether it is trekking, rappelling, or even rock climbing, you can do it all here during the winters.
Puducherry
Puducherry is a fascinating destination in India, and it’s not only down to the fact that it happens to be among the places whose beauty stems from its serene state of silence. But also because of the fact that given the sheer footfall among the tourists that happen to be magnetically attracted to its quaint charm from the rest of the world, Puducherry stands apart from the rest.
Generally, to a better part of the population in India, Puducherry is considered an alternative to France: if you can’t go to France, you end up visiting this charming and colorful French colony down south of the country.
With several tourist destinations such as the Basilica of the sacred heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and a world-full of culinary attractions, Puducherry is almost always a hit, especially during the winters.
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
The magnificent spread of the Thar desert and the gentle sounds created by the humming bells hanging around the camel’s neck- you just feel zapped in this enigmatic puzzle called Rajasthan, unbothered by what’s happening around you!
Inarguably speaking, Rajasthan is truly among the best places to visit in India during winters. If you happen to visit the famous land of majestic castles, forts, havelis and temples, especially during the winters, then you can experience the charm at the very place that most from any other part of the country would avoid during peak summers: Jaisalmer.
The hauntingly captivating land of the Jaisalmer fort- built way back in 1155 AD- has the perfect winter allure; the quiet gush of the sandy winds, combined with the nip of winter produces something no less than a moving piece of poetry.
Moreover, the journey from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur or vice-versa, perhaps in a jeep amid like-minded company can be ever so memorable!
It may not be wrong to say that time goes by very slowly when you are one with the inexpressible opulence of Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, something that cannot be done full justice to in words.
Hampi, Karnataka
Few spots in India are as physically attractive as they are worhty of being captured in an abundant set of photographs.
One of the best places to visit in India during winters, Hampi in Karnataka is still not exactly part of the mainstream tourist attraction centres, and perhaps this newness stemming from the fact that predominantly, many from around Karnataka or down south visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site adds to its relatively unexplored charm.
This otherwise hot place actually becomes quite marvelous during the winters and offers a unique ensemble of touristic attractions, such as- puppet shows, temple parades and lots of Insta-worthy moments that beckon your attention!