The best winter destinations in India for December and January are Gulmarg, Auli and Manali for snow, Jaisalmer, the Rann of Kutch and Udaipur for desert and heritage, Goa, Alappuzha and Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) for beaches and backwaters, and Hampi for history. Pick by what you want: snow, sun or sightseeing.
December and January are peak season for most of these places, so prices rise around Christmas and New Year. Below are 10 destinations with what to do, how to reach, the best time within the season, and a quick comparison table.
Best winter destinations in India: quick table
| Destination | State/UT | Best for | Nearest airport | Suggested stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulmarg | Jammu and Kashmir | Snow, skiing, gondola | Srinagar | 3 to 4 days |
| Auli | Uttarakhand | Skiing, Himalayan views | Dehradun (Jolly Grant) | 3 to 4 days |
| Manali and Solang | Himachal Pradesh | Snow play, Atal Tunnel drive | Bhuntar (Kullu) | 4 to 5 days |
| Jaisalmer | Rajasthan | Desert camps, fort | Jaisalmer or Jodhpur | 2 to 3 days |
| Rann of Kutch | Gujarat | White Rann, Rann Utsav | Bhuj | 2 to 3 days |
| Udaipur | Rajasthan | Lakes, palaces | Udaipur | 2 to 3 days |
| Goa | Goa | Beaches, New Year | Dabolim or Mopa | 3 to 5 days |
| Alappuzha | Kerala | Houseboats, backwaters | Kochi | 2 days |
| Swaraj Dweep (Havelock) | Andaman and Nicobar | Beaches, snorkelling | Port Blair | 3 to 4 days |
| Hampi | Karnataka | Ruins, cycling | Toranagallu (Ballari) | 2 to 3 days |
1. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Gulmarg sits at about 2,650 m and is around 56 km from Srinagar. In winter its meadows are covered in snow, and it is India’s best-known ski destination. It has hosted the National Winter Games and the first Khelo India Winter Games in 2020.
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The main draw is the Gulmarg Gondola. Phase 1 runs from Gulmarg to Kongdoori, and Phase 2 continues up Kongdoori Mountain towards Apharwat to around 3,950 m. Book gondola tickets online in advance during peak weeks, and carry proper snow boots and gloves. Srinagar airport is about 53 km away by road.
Best for: Skiing, snowboarding lessons and a first proper snow holiday. January usually has deeper snow than early December.
2. Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli is a ski resort in Chamoli district at around 2,800 m, about 6.6 km from Joshimath. It is run by the state’s Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam and hosted the first South Asian Winter Games in 2011. The slopes work for beginners as well as experienced skiers, and the views of the Garhwal Himalaya are a big reason to go.
To reach Auli, fly to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport or take a train to Rishikesh or Haridwar, then drive via Rudraprayag and Joshimath. It is a long mountain drive, so plan a night halt on the way. Check road and weather updates before you leave, as snow can close stretches.
Best for: Beginners who want ski courses at lower crowds than Gulmarg. Late December to January is the safest bet for snow cover.
3. Manali and Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is the easiest snow trip for travellers from North India, with overnight Volvo buses from Delhi and flights to Bhuntar near Kullu. Solang Valley, about 14 km from Manali, has winter ski schools and snow activities.
The 9.02 km Atal Tunnel, opened in October 2020, cuts the Manali to Keylong route by about 45 km and makes a day trip to Sissu and the Lahaul side possible when the road is open. Heavy snowfall can shut the road beyond Solang, so keep a buffer day.
Best for: Families and first-timers who want snow within a road trip from Delhi or Chandigarh.
4. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Winter is the only comfortable time to visit Jaisalmer, as days are mild and nights get cold. Jaisalmer Fort, part of the UNESCO-listed Hill Forts of Rajasthan, is a living fort with shops, homes and havelis inside. The Sam sand dunes, about 40 km from the city, are where most desert camps, camel rides and jeep safaris operate.
Jaisalmer has a railway station with trains from Delhi, Jaipur and Jodhpur. Its airport has limited flights, so many travellers fly into Jodhpur and drive across, which takes most of a day. Pack warm layers for evenings at the camp.
Best for: A night in a desert camp with folk music and clear skies.
5. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
The White Rann near Dhordo is a vast salt desert that looks its best on full-moon nights. The Rann Utsav 2026 to 27 runs from 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027 at the Tent City in Dhordo, as per Outlook Traveller. It has folk performances, a craft bazaar, food stalls and excursions.
Bhuj is the gateway, with an airport and a railway station. From there, the Tent City is a road journey north. Visitors need an entry permit for the White Rann, and Christmas and New Year are among the busiest weeks. Day trips cover Kala Dungar, the Ajrakh printing village of Ajrakhpur and the UNESCO site of Dholavira.
Best for: Culture, crafts and the full-moon view of the salt flats.
6. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur’s lakes and palaces are pleasant to explore in winter sunshine. Spend a morning at the City Palace, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola in the late afternoon, and walk the old city lanes around Jagdish Temple. Kumbhalgarh Fort and the Ranakpur Jain temples make a good full-day trip.
Maharana Pratap Airport at Dabok has direct flights from major metros, and Udaipur City railway station connects to Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. Lake-view hotels fill fast around New Year, so book early.
Best for: Couples and slow sightseeing without long drives.
7. Goa
December is Goa’s busiest month, with Christmas services, beach parties and New Year events in North Goa. For a quieter trip, stay in South Goa at beaches like Palolem or Agonda, and visit the churches of Old Goa and the spice farms near Ponda.
Goa has two airports: Dabolim in the south and Manohar International at Mopa in the north. Madgaon and Thivim are the main railway stations. Room rates are highest between 20 December and 1 January, so book weeks ahead or travel in mid-January.
Best for: Beach time, nightlife and a New Year holiday.
8. Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kerala
Alappuzha lies on the edge of Vembanad Lake and is the base for Kerala’s houseboat cruises through the backwaters. Winter brings dry, pleasant weather after the monsoon, which makes an overnight houseboat stay comfortable.
The town is about 60 km south of Kochi. Cochin International Airport is about 78 km away, and Alappuzha railway station is around 4 km from the town centre. Book houseboats through operators approved by Kerala Tourism, and confirm what meals and hours are included.
Best for: A relaxed one or two-night break, easily combined with Munnar or Kochi.
9. Swaraj Dweep (Havelock Island), Andaman
Havelock Island was renamed Swaraj Dweep in December 2018. It lies about 41 km north-east of Port Blair. Radhanagar Beach, also called Beach No. 7, was named Asia’s best beach by Time magazine in 2004 and received Blue Flag certification in 2020.
Fly to Port Blair, then take a government ferry or a private cruise such as Makruzz or Nautika to Govind Nagar jetty. Ferries depend on weather, so do not book a flight out on the same day as your return ferry. December to January is a popular window for snorkelling and scuba diving.
Best for: Clear water, diving and a beach holiday away from the Goa crowds.
10. Hampi, Karnataka
Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, has the ruins of the Vijayanagara empire spread across boulder-strewn hills. Do not miss the Virupaksha Temple, which is still in worship, and the stone chariot at the Vittala Temple. Hire a bicycle or a moped to cover the sites, and watch the sunset from Hemakuta Hill.
Hosapete, about 13 km away, is the nearest railway station. The closest airport is at Toranagallu near Ballari with limited flights, so many travellers take an overnight train from Bengaluru instead. Winter is the right time to go, as summer days in Hampi get very hot.
Best for: History lovers and photographers.
How to plan a winter trip in India
- Book early for peak dates. 20 December to 2 January is the costliest window for flights and hotels in almost every destination above.
- Check road and weather advisories. Snow can close roads to Gulmarg, Auli and Solang. Follow state traffic police and district administration updates a day before travel.
- Keep buffer days. Mountain roads and island ferries can be cancelled at short notice.
- Pack for the place. Thermal innerwear, waterproof boots and gloves for snow; light layers and a warm jacket for desert nights.
- Protect your eyes. Snow, sand and sea all reflect strong sunlight, so carry UV-protected sunglasses, for example from Indian label Rawbare, along with sunscreen.
If you are starting from Mumbai and only have a weekend, our list of hill stations near Mumbai has shorter options. For those who want to turn travel into a career, see our list of high paying jobs that let you travel.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best place to visit in India in December?
For snow, Gulmarg and Manali. For desert culture, Jaisalmer and the Rann of Kutch. For beaches and New Year, Goa and the Andaman Islands.
Where can I see snowfall in India in December and January?
Gulmarg, Auli, Manali and Solang Valley usually get snow in this period, though snowfall is never guaranteed. January generally has more reliable snow cover than early December.
When is Rann Utsav 2026 to 27?
The Rann Utsav 2026 to 27 runs from 1 November 2026 to 7 March 2027 at the Tent City in Dhordo, Kutch, according to Outlook Traveller.
Which winter destinations in India are good for families?
Manali, Udaipur, Goa and Alappuzha are easy to reach and have a wide range of hotels, which makes them suitable for families with children or elderly parents.
Is January a good time to visit Goa?
Yes. The weather stays dry and pleasant, and rates usually drop after the New Year rush, so mid-January can offer better value than December.
Sources: Outlook Traveller, Gulmarg (Wikipedia), Swaraj Dweep (Wikipedia), UNESCO: Group of Monuments at Hampi.
