Underrated Winter Destinations in India

Winters in India are an enchanting season- the country’s mostly tropical climate undergoes a charming change in the later months from November to January. From snow-capped peaks to sunny, pleasant beaches- India has a myriad of underrated winter destinations that will give you a cozy vacation away from the humdrum of daily life.

Udupi, Karnataka

A pristine coastal city located in the south-western part of Karnataka, Udupi is often overlooked when beach towns of India are discussed. Nevertheless, if you want to avoid the crowd of popular tourist attractions without compromising on quality, Udupi is the perfect choice for you! The city is known for the famous Udupi Krishna Temple, unique cuisine, and beautiful beaches like Malpe and Kapu. While Malpe is known for its water sports facilities and silver sands, Kapu is a great option if you want to catch glorious sunsets from the Kapu Lighthouse, which is over 120 years old and offers guided tours. The cuisine in Udupi is famous for its variety of vegetarian options. Do not forget to drop by St. Mary’s Island and see its distinctive basalt formations that are a rare sight in any other part of the country. The most convenient way to travel to Udupi would be via train or bus from Bengaluru. The latter is well-connected to all major cities of India by air and rail.

Dzukou Valley, Nagaland

Tucked amongst the tranquil corners of the Northeast, Dzukou Valley is one of the most underrated winter destinations in our country. The place would make for a perfect getaway if you love trekking and the stunning sights the activity often offers. The main attractions in the valley include the valley floor, which is home to rolling green hills, winding streams, and the beautiful Dzukou Lily (monsoon bloom).  While the lilies are only visible during the monsoon, winter is a great time to visit the valley for clearer sights and comfort while trekking. You can choose between two trekking routes depending on your physical capacity- the Viswema Trail (easier) or the Zakhama/Jakhama Trail (steeper, shorter, more challenging) to reach the valley. To reach the Dzukou Valley, travel to Dimapur by air/train, then go to Kohima by road, from where you can travel to the trek base at Viswema or Zakhama by car. As is evident, Dzukou is tailor-made for adventure lovers.

Diu, Gujarat

Off the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat, Diu is a historic island town known for its Portuguese heritage, forts, lighthouses, and beaches. The Diu fort is a 16th-century Portuguese citadel that offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. You can also visit St. Paul’s Church, a stunning 17th-century Baroque church. The beaches in Diu, like Nagoa and Ghoghla, are quiet and peaceful; they are the perfect place for a day of leisure. The Naida caves near the Diu fort are not to be missed either- they offer a beautiful network of caves and caverns with unique rock formations and sunlit canyons. Experience an unexpected mix of Portuguese and Gujarati influences in the food and architecture of the town. You could also opt for heritage city walks that are very well-planned and offer a wholesome glimpse into the town’s history. The place is well-connected to all major cities of India by air and train.

Hampi, Karnataka

Hampi is famous across the country for housing the enchanting ruins of the historic Vijayanagara Empire. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a place that is becoming increasingly popular amongst Indian tourists. The ruins of majestic temples and palaces stretch over 4000 hectares. Hampi has very pleasant weather in the later months of the year, making it one of those underrated winter destinations that you should consider the next time you are planning a vacation. To truly soak in the spirits of the bygone era, visit sights like the Virupaksha Temple, the marvelous Lotus Mahal, and the marvel that is the Stone Chariot. The boulder-strewn landscapes along the Tungabhadra River make for an experience that you will never forget. The best way to reach Hampi would be by road from Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka. The latter is well-connected to all other major cities of India.

Mawlynlong, Meghalaya

Known as Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynlong is yet another place that will give you a glimpse of the treasure trove of beauty that the Northeast of India offers. The Living Roots Bridge is the primary attraction that the place offers- head there to witness the stunning natural formation of tree roots that entangle to form a single root bridge. Simply wandering through the village provides a profound sense of tranquility as you can explore the immaculately clean pathways, lush greenery, and traditional Khasi homes. Mawlynlong is often combined with Dawki, famous for its turquoise Umngot River, where boating rides provide a stunning view. Both places are a one-day trip from Shillong, the most popular destination in Meghalaya. Mawlynlong is amongst the most underrated winter destinations in India, one that you definitely should not miss!

All these places would make for a perfect getaway from the noise and crowd of popular tourist spots in India. Head to these underrated winter destinations for a memorable, cozy winter this year!