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If you are someone who wants to make your winter experience unforgettable, pack your belongings and embark on a lifetime of adventures to some incredible places this winter.
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, spend the winters at some iconic national parks. (Ladakh witnesses season’s first snowfall. (Image: News18)
As the chilly wind and freezing temperatures set in, we all look forward to scrumptious meals, celebrations, and even vacations. In the middle of winter’s chill, we all like cuddling up in a blanket with a cup of coffee. But travellers always look forward to stepping out from the comfort of their homes and trying something more adventurous and exciting. If you are someone who wants to make your winter experience unforgettable, pack your belongings and embark on a lifetime of adventures to some incredible places this winter.
From winter wonderland to winter festivals, let’s delve into the list of some things that you must experience in India this winter.
Rann Utsav, Kutch, Gujarat
Visit the biggest salt desert in the world, the Rann of Kutch, to experience one of India’s most vibrant winter festivals, Rann Utsav. This cultural extravaganza, held annually for over three months in the White Desert of the Kutch district of Gujarat, is a must-see destination in Gujarat. The Rann Utsav comes alive with folk dances, musical performances, handicrafts, delicious cuisines, camel rides, and even adventure sports. During your visit, you can also stay in luxury tents and indulge in stargazing under the clear desert sky.
Enjoy snowfall in the Himalayas
During winters, the Indian Himalayas turn into a white wonderland when they get covered in a thick blanket of snow. There is nothing better than indulging in the beauty of winter from the laps of the snow-laden mountains. To experience this enchantment, you can visit Manali in Himachal Pradesh for paragliding in Solang Valley or hiking all the way to Jogini waterfalls or flock to Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir for winter sports activities such as skiing, gondola rides, and snowboarding. Another popular destination worth visiting is Sikkim’s Yumthang, which is home to frozen lakes, hot springs, and rolling meadows. Trust us, you will be mesmerised by the immaculate beauty in the snow.
National Parks
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, there is no better way to spend the winters than at some of India’s most iconic national parks. Renowned for its population of majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan can be your go-to place for winter travelling. It is home to sloth bears, deer species, leopards, marsh crocodiles, and a vibrant diversity of reptiles and birds. You can also flock to Bandhavgarh in Madhya Pradesh or Bharatpur’s Keoladeo National Park to see animals in their native environments.
Maha Kumbh Mela
Considered the oldest and largest religious gathering in the world, the Kumbh Mela draws millions of devotees from all walks of life to the sacred river. This event is more than just a pilgrimage; it is a cultural extravaganza and a spiritual experience that showcases the rich diversity and spiritual depth of India. There are typically three types of Kumbh Melas, and among them, the Maha Kumbh Mela is considered the most auspicious. This mela takes place every 12 years, and this year it will be held from January 13, 2025, to February 26, 2025, in Prayagraj. Plan a trip to this place, as the vibrant atmosphere, filled with devotees, saints, sadhus, and pilgrims, creates a truly unforgettable moment worth experiencing.
Attend Winter Festivals
Another thing to do in India during winter is taking part in well-known winter festivals and learning about the local culture. There are a number of fascinating winter festivals that are enthusiastically and heartily observed throughout India. From Arunachal Pradesh’s Ziro Festival of Music and Goa’s Sunburn Festival to Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival and Himachal Pradesh’s Manali Winter Festival, this winter festival brings warmth and cheer to the chill of winter.
