Every season has its own charm. When monsoons pack off to leave the clear skies with a pinch of chill in the air, the weather is quite appealing for the travellers. We often wonder what are the best places to visit in winter in India. It is that time of the year when many people plan travel. The trigger for travel may vary from utilizing their leaves before they are washed off or to enjoy the tours to the fullest in the pleasant cold weather.
India is a country which can surprise you with its amazing treasures on your every tour. Here are five best places to visit in winter in India. Hope these places stand up to your expectations.
1. Bharatpur, Rajasthan – the unconquered fort and bird watching paradise
Winters between November to February is the best period to visit Bharatpur. It avoids the extreme heat of Rajasthan, but also you got to have the maximum number of migratory birds from the globe. This period offers the most memorable experience of bird watching. Bharatpur National Park (now known as the Keoladeo National Park) is UNESCO’s World Heritage site and a famous bird watching paradise.
It also has grasslands, woodlands, woodland swamps, and wetlands. Thousands of migratory waterfowl also come here for winter breeding. The migratory birds from Siberia and Central Asia include Flycatchers, Pipits, Cranes, Pelicans, Wagtails, etc.
2. Sundarbans, West Bengal – Spot Royal Bengal Tigers in the dense mangrove forest
Sundarbans is the pride of Bengal, with a pleasant weather during winters. Between Nov to Jan, you can experience nature and enjoy your stroll inside the mangroves. It is one of the richest and most balanced ecosystems of the country.
While you go for tiger spotting, other inhabitants include jungle cat, fox, wild boar and spotted deer. During this time, the natural beauty testifies its name ‘Sundarbans’ which literally means beautiful forests. You can also meet Olive Ridley turtles in Kanak Island, and beautiful birds in Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary.
Don’t miss to purify your spirit with the holy dip in Gangasagar.
3. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – To worship during special Ganga Festival on the river banks
If you are visiting this Hindu pilgrimage during the last week of November, you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy one of the most significant festivals of Indian Classical Music and Dance at the river bank of ‘Holy Ganges’. The festival brings celebrated artists like Pandit Birju Maharaj, Kailash Kher to perform in the fest.
Another attraction is of Dev Deepawali where you can have your prayers on the river bank amidst grand aartis with the river illuminated with countless diyas. The glittering river under the reflection of the city is breathtakingly beautiful.
Other than the regular city activities, these aspects make it one of the places to visit in winters in India, around November.
4. Bodh Gaya, Bihar – Feel blessedness and enlightenment in Buddhist pilgrimage
Bodh Gaya is the most revered of all Buddhist pilgrimage spot. It is the place of enlightenment of Lord Buddha. Bodh Gaya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where monks and tourists come for an experience of peace. Many meditation sessions are held in this religious centre.
Mahabodhi Temple, Bodhi Tree and Great Buddha Statue would definitely be on your travel list. Amongst a huge number of monasteries, Burmese Vihara Monastery displays Burmese architecture and culture. You may try picking some Sandalwood incense packets as souvenirs.
5. Kohima, Nagaland – Enjoy the premier Hornbill Festival
Kohima is the capital of the land of Nagas, the Nagaland. The fierce warrior tribe ‘Nagas’ have much more to share, especially during 1 – 10 December in their Hornbill Festival. The festival takes place in Naga Heritage Village, Kisama every year. The festival showcases the diverse culture and tradition of 16 Naga tribes. This ‘Festival of Festivals’ makes the state a tourist attraction from all over the world.
Other than the beautiful hills, you can also enjoy watching one of the most famous birds – ‘the great Indian hornbill’. The festival makes Kohima one of the best places to visit in winter in India, especially in the first week of December.
Of these places, how many places to visit in Winter in India have you already ticked? Explore one of these best destination to visit in Winter, and share your experience. Happy Winters with Indian culture!!