Gulmarg
Its high elevation - 2650 m (approx.), there is a breathtaking combination of outdoor winter sports in Gulmarg like snowboarding, skiing, etc. And the real reason Gulmarg is our top place to visit in winters in India? There are gondola rides at the height of 14000 ft (approx.) that will fill your wanderlust soul with excitement. What more could you want in winters in India?
Shimla
The erstwhile summer capital of Britishers looks even more beautiful in winters. It is the capital town of Himachal Pradesh and is winter nirvana for honeymooners. Shimla is often called the "White Winter Queen of India" because this place is blanketed with snow during winters. Come in between mid-December-February to witness guaranteed snow in Shimla. It is when the famous town of Himachal Pradesh at its coldest; temperatures can drop as low that it goes into minus - truly a sight to behold. Feeling brave? Hit the trekking trails in Shimla and enjoy the Shimla Toy Train ride to witness splendid snow-flakes around you!
Manali
Work from home is mainstream - how about work from mountains? If that sounds like what you exactly want in winters in India, visit Manali. This adventurous hill town in Himachal Pradesh is often associated with honeymooners as Manali was once the honeymoon capital of India (No doubt it still is). It remains enchanting throughout the year, but Manali takes on a whole new dimension of wonders during winters. Expect paragliding, skiing, trekking in Manali in winters. Take a stroll around Mall Road, and eventually, you will witness the first snowfall from mid-November to the starting of December.
Auli
Glue your eyes on Auli because it is India's premier ski resort destination. Located in Uttarakhand, this is one of the best winter destinations in North India, where nature comes alive in all its splendor and glory. The bright and shining slopes, compelling sunrise and sunsets, trekking, skiing are the few reasons to visit Auli in winters. The sun does not rise for several weeks in Auli in December and January. Stop off at the claims to fame - Artificial Lake for Instagram-Worthy photos. If you find snow blocking your path to reach Auli, take Asia's largest aerial tramway from Joshimath. You can't miss embracing the dept of winters in Auli.
Agra
Exploring Uttar Pradesh's city is a dream you will never forget because it houses the Taj Mahal. It is the Seventh Wonder of the world and is a grandeur of love shown by Mughal Emperor - Shah Jahan for one of his beloved wives - Mumtaaz, upon her death in 1631. There is no other mausoleum like the Taj Mahal in the world as it incorporates the black calligraphy inlaid around its entrance. The epitome of love is a white marbled structure and is made up of the finest gemstones like lazuli, diamonds, jade, etc. Agra was once the capital of India during the Mughal era, becoming the hotspot for international tourists due to many Islamic architectures.
Coorg
Coorg is the place to escape from Urban life in winters and enjoy lush green winter vacations in India. Weekenders from Bangalore take full advantage of exploring the coffee plantations, cascading falls in Coorg. Kodagu (another name) merged with Karnataka state in 1956. In South India, this hill station is the perfect place for winters when you want to hike the verdant western ghats, stargazing at riverside camps. There is plenty to do and see in Coorg. At the Barapole river, you can enjoy river rafting. But the real pull is Coorg's colonial-style bungalows, where you can stay. The best ones are surrounded and have direct access to coffee estates. The cool breeze, child climate of Coorg in winters guarantees rejuvenation.
Darjeeling
Your hunt for the best places to visit in winters in East India should end with Darjeeling. Often called West Bengal's premier destination, Darjeeling is highly known for its emerald tea plantations and its high elevation because it provides glorious snow-flaked Kanchenjunga views. This town in East India will require a fair amount of willpower to resist trekking, mountaineering, paragliding, etc. You will be spoiled with choices in Darjeeling because the Toy Train Ride will give you the feeling of a scenic Sri Lanka train ride that runs from Kandy to Ella. However, snowfall in Darjeeling could be experienced anytime during December and January but not always! To see guaranteed snowfall, head to North Sikkim.