Winter travel is always dreamier; the time seems slow, and everything around you is pleasantly colder. Winters bring a different exploration energy, be it a trip with friends, family, or a solo trip to the mountains. The best winter vacations happen when you explore unique cultures, enjoy pristine landscapes, and try out delicious regional food.
To help you unwind better, our travel and exploration experts have gathered all the information on where to stay, how to reach, what to eat, and most importantly, how to save on travel bookings. The list of places covers everything from regal Rajasthani beauty, Maharashtrian lush greenery, and magical Sikkim. You will definitely book your next trip after going through it, so let’s get started!
Top 10 Winter Destinations for January – March 2026
- Gokarna, Karnataka
- Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
- Jawai, Rajasthan
- Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
- Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
- Kaas Plateau, Maharashtra
- Barot, Himachal Pradesh
- Gorkhey, Sikkim
- Chail, Himachal Pradesh
Discovering local culture, winter festivals, and scenic landscapes make these the ultimate best places to visit in winter in India! Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, these destinations rank among the best places to visit in winter in India for a memorable seasonal experience.
Gokarna, Karnataka: Best Places to Visit in Winter in India
For people who want a slightly warmer escape from the winter, Gokarna is one of the best places in South India to visit in January. This quiet town with rocky trails, endless beaches, and not too heavy crowds, is what most people want Goa to be. Gokarna can be easily accessed via Gokarna Road Station (10 km from the city), and Goa’s Dabolim Airport is 130–150 km (3–4.5 hrs) north, making long weekends highly doable.
Pleasant temperature and clear skies make the first quarter of the year the perfect time to visit the crisp mornings, calm seas, and lovely waterfalls. The weather is also great for the famous Om Kudle Trek, giving off a great offbeat, bohemian vibe to the travelers. The trek can even be extended to other popular trails, including the Belekan, Paradise, and Half Moon ones. This 3 to 5-hour cliffside trail will give you a glimpse of Gokarna’s untouched coves. After discovering the Hidden treasures, you can head inland and enjoy the marvelous rocky caves in Yana and the magnificent Vibhooti Falls. Don’t forget to experience the fisherman mornings at Belekan, surf lessons, and fresh seafood cafés at Gokarna, and enjoy a simple and scenic winter escape.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Om–Kudle coastal trail
Belekan–Paradise–Half Moon trek
Yana Caves + Vibhooti Falls loop
Sunset cafés on Om Beach
Mirjan Fort half-day stop
Best Time to Visit Gokarna
January–February: Dry, cool weather
February–March: Clear seas, great treks
Gokarna Travel Budget
Approx Rs 6,000 – Rs 10,000 for a 3 Day solo trip
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 6.5% off on flight and stay bookings with MakeMyTrip Gift Cards from GYFTR
Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh: Top Winter Destination in January
Ever been to Switzerland? If you haven’t and want to, just book a bus to Khajjiar, and you’ll experience the Alps right in Himachal. Apart from the beautiful views of the Dhauladhar mountain range, Khajjiar is also famous for its huge grassland, central lake, and huge cedar forests. The town’s central lake and grasslands have clear weather but a soft wintery feel in the first quarter of the year, and if you’re lucky, you can even experience snowfall during your visit, especially along the Dalhousie–Khajjiar stretch, making the meadows feel like a quieter, more accessible version of Switzerland.If you’re planning a serene getaway, Khajjiar is one of the best places to visit in winter in India where the weather is great around this time.
Travelers usually club the trip with Dalhousie or Chamba because most hotels in Khajjiar are small, family-run stays near the meadow, while the neighbouring towns offer easier access and dining options. You can explore the Kalatop sanctuary trails through a small 5 Km trek that you can even cover via horse rides (can be Rs 1000+/person). Despite its small size, Khajjiar is one of the most easily scalable destinations that delivers a break perfect for slow travel, snow fights, and quiet, scenic views. With direct routes from Pathankot and Dalhousie, plus a growing number of boutique hotels in Khajjiar, it’s an easy and rewarding early-year getaway.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Khajjiar Lake & meadow
Kalatop Sanctuary trails
Snow viewpoints near Dalhousie
Khajji Nag Temple
Chamba Valley detours
Best Time to Visit Khajjiar
January–February: Snowy, scenic meadows
February–March: Clear skies, crisp walks
Best Time to Visit Khajjar
Meadow snow walks
Kalatop forest trek
Temple visits
Horse riding meadows
Lake photography
Khajjar Travel Budget
Approx Rs 7,000 – Rs 12,000 for a 4-Day Solo Winter Trip
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 13% off on Bus Bookings with FlixBus Gift Cards from GYFTR
Jawai, Rajasthan: Best Winter Vacations in India
If you’re someone who loves winter but not the snow, loves adventure, but not the mountains, you can practically hear Jawai calling out to you. Jawai is perfect for wildlife lovers, because you can find roaming leopards in the granite hills, rather than searching for them in the dense forests. With the Jawai Bandh reservoir at the centre, the town is a mix of rocky hills, wetlands, some settlements of the Rabari people of Rajasthan, and grasslands that stay pleasant and bustling with wildlife from January to March.
The leopard Safari in Jawai has always been the main attraction for travelers, as the sightings are much more common than both sunrise and sunset, especially around Bera. The view of the granite hills is magnificent, leading to many stays, ranging from boutique camps to premium Jawai resort options, being really close. The ‘Bandh’ itself attracts migratory birds and crocodiles in winter, creating a wildlife mix rarely found in one compact region. Cultural walks with Rabari families, sundowner hilltop views, and guided trails add depth beyond the core Jawai leopard safari Bera circuit. Give yourself a lovely escape during winter with Jawai’s best resort bookings and a tranquil vacation.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Jawai leopard safaris
Jawai Bandh sunset views
Rabari village walks
Granite Hill treks
Migratory birding trails
Best Time to Visit Jawai
January–February: Cool, peak sightings
February–March: Clear days, active wildlife
Jawai Travel Budget
Approx. Rs 12,000–Rs 25,000 for a 2-day safari trip (stay + drives).
Gift Card Discount
Enjoy an additional 13.5% off on Jawai Bandh Resort booking with MakemyTrip Hotel Vouchers from GyFTR.
Jodhpur, Rajasthan: Winter Holiday Destination in India
If you love to enjoy heritage walks, royal architecturel and a not too sharp winter experience, pick up your phone and book your tickets to Jodhpur right now. Jodhpur not only takes you on a regal walk, but takes you back in time with towering ramparts and bustling bazaars. In winter, the sky is clear, and the temperature is perfect for exploring Mehrangarh Fort’s massive courtyards, the marble glory of Jaswant Thada, or the never-resting Clock Tower market, where spice shops, textile sellers, and century-old snack counters keep the old-city energy alive. Stepwells or Baolis, like Toorji Ka Jhalra, are also great gathering spots with cafes and havelis, which are remodelled for stays.
But if you want to explore the Jodhpuri tradition to the core, take a walk through Navchokiyya and Brahmpuri (vibrant, historic neighborhoods in Jodhpur). You will find the most authentic blue house clusters with artisanal workshops, tea stalls, and rooftops that offer stunning fort views. For a quiet experience, you can even go into Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, Ranisar and Padamsar lakes behind the fort, or take short excursions to Osian’s desert temples. For those who love the winter winds but not the snow, Jodhpur is a winter-friendly cultural escape rich in colour and history.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Mehrangarh Fort
Toorji Ka Jhalra Stepwell
Clock Tower & Sardar Market
Jaswant Thada
Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park
Best Time to Visit Jodhpur
January–February: Cool, clear skies
February–March: Pleasant days, ideal walks
Jodhpur Travel Budget
Approx. Rs 7,000–Rs 14,000 for a 3-day cultural trip.
Gift Card discount
Get an additional 5% off on your Jodhpur Travel Package with DPaul’s Gift Cards from GyFTR
Orchha, Madhya Pradesh: Offbeat Winter Destinations in India
What if there was a winter destination that had beautiful, historical relics and ruins at every walkable step? Guess what? You have arrived at Orchha, a riverside heritage town where Bundela-era forts, palace murals, temple spires, and slow village life make it a beautiful town to cover on foot. Set along the Betwa River and just 45 minutes from Jhansi, it is one of the best and easiest heritage trips to plan from January to March.
Visiting the Orchha Palace is a must. You can lose yourself in Raja Mahal’s murals and Jehangir Mahal’s panoramic Jhakhoras at this beautiful castle that is only a walkable distance from the Betwa River. You can spend the entire day at the palace and head back to the river to watch the glowing sunset on the monumental Chhatris. If you have a knack for exploring the local life, you should explore the old-town lanes behind Ram Raja Temple. You will find old brass shops, attar sellers, local Poha-Jalebi stalls, and rooftop lookouts, which are rarely found on tourist maps. Travelers often base themselves at a boutique Orchha resort or heritage stay like Amar Mahal Orchha, known for its courtyards, arches, and fort-facing terraces. Enjoy regal walks and the pristine architecture of Amar Mahal in Orchha on your visit, and give the year a historically refreshing start.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Orchha Fort & Palace
Betwa riverside chhatris
Ram Raja Temple
Laxmi Narayan Temple
Old bazaar lanes
Best Time to Orchha
January–February: Cool days, clear views
February–March: Pleasant walks, golden light
Orchha Travel Budget
Approx. Rs 6,000–Rs 12,000 for a 2–3 day cultural trip
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 6.5% off on hotel bookings with MakeMyTrip Gift Cards from GyFTR.
Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh: Best Places to Visit in Winter in South India
If you want to visit a place that is bustling with stonework and natural history, then you need to visit Lepakshi. One of South India’s most beautiful, striking heritage villages, known for its Vijayanagara-era stonework, vivid frescoes, and a serene, mythology-rich atmosphere that feels untouched by commercial tourism. This trip will add such a rustic rural vibe to your winters that you will not even want to leave. Just 3 hours from Bengaluru, and approximately 30 minutes from Hindupur, it’s an easy winter day trip that blends architectural brilliance with quiet rural charm.
Admire the huge Lepakshi Jataayu on the entrance of the village and start the tour with the Veerabhadra Temple, home to the famous hanging pillar, richly painted ceilings, Natya and Ardha mandapas, and a sprawling unfinished Kalyana Mandapa that glows beautifully under the soft winter sunlight. A short walk away, you can find the massive monolithic Nandi and the iconic Nagalinga carving, which are both amazing photo points if you want a memorable click. Beyond the temple complex, Lepakshi’s back lanes reveal sculptor workshops where the Lepakshi handicrafts are brought to life. Without the summer heat, Lepakshi is perfect for slow exploration, photography, and temple walks.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Veerabhadra Temple
Hanging pillar & frescoes
Monolithic Nandi
Nagalinga carving
Sculptor back-lanes
Best Time to Visit Lepakshi
January–February: Cool, clear mornings
February–March: Pleasant days, ideal walks
Lepakshi Travel Budget
Approx. Rs 2,500–Rs 5,000 for a day trip (travel + food).
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 13% off on bus bookings with FlixBus Gift Cards from GyFTR.
Kaas Plateau, Maharashtra: Winter Travel Hotspot in India
Kaas Plateau is a really unique winter destination. While it’s mostly known for the beautiful monsoon wildflower bloom, but its equally beautiful as a quiet, offbeat winter escape. While the famous floral carpets appear between August and October, the January–March window opens the plateau into a calmer landscape of open grasslands, rocky beds, and sweeping views of the Western Ghats under clear blue skies. Just an hour away from Satara and almost 4 hours away from Pune, it’s a fairly easy destination to cover in the winter season, and can also be clubbed with stops like the Thoseghar Waterfalls and the Chalkewadi windmill ridge.
A fine benefit of the winter season is that the crowd is really lower than in the peak season. You can easily enjoy lower walks, photography-friendly horizons, and clear vantage points overlooking the valley. The plateau’s basalt-rock surface, seasonal ponds, and endemic shrubs look lovely even without the famous flowers. With few food or stay options atop the plateau, most people base themselves in Satara, using Kaas as a half-day exploration zone that blends nature with peace.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Kaas Plateau viewpoint trail
Seasonal ponds & rock beds
Thoseghar Waterfall loop
Chalkewadi windmill ridge
Valley lookouts
Best Time to Visit Kaas Plateau
January–February: Clear skies, cool walks
February–March: Warm days, open trails
Kaas Plateau Budget
Approx. Rs 3,000–Rs 7,000 for a Satara-based 1–2 day trip.
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 13.5% off on Hotel Bookings with MakeMyTrip Hotel Vouchers from GyFTR.
Barot, Himachal Pradesh: Best Winter Destinations in Himachal
If valleys give you butterflies, take the hint and book a trip to Barot. This beautiful village, nestled in the Uhl or Chohar Valley, is surrounded by dense pine forest, water streams, and the ridges of the Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary. For introverts, Barot is truly an offbeat winter retreat far from Himachal’s busy tourist circuits. The weather stays fairly clear during the first quarter of the year, making it ideal for travelers who prefer slower landscapes, riverside walks, and small, locally run homestays.
The beauty begins on the way itself as the drive is truly scenic. Mandi to Barot is about 61–66 km (1.5–2.5 hrs), while Joginder Nagar’s narrow-gauge railhead sits 40 km away, connecting the region to the Dharamshala and Kangra routes. Once in Barot you need to enjoy the trout fishing experience, supported by licensed angling zones and quiet picnic spots along the water. You can also explore quiet and adventurous trails leading to Hatingri Ridge, Winch Camp viewpoints, and cedar-lined sections of Nargu Sanctuary, perfect for winter birdwatching and photography. Don’t expect to be disturbed by the internet, network, or much machinery. Just enjoy nature and a raw winter experience at Barot.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Uhl River trout fishing
Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary
Jhatingri ridge views
Winch Camp trails
Riverside camping spots
Best Time to Visit Barot
January–February: Snowy, quiet valley
February–March: Clear skies, easy walks
Barot Travel Budget
Approx. Rs 5,000–Rs 10,000 for a 2–3 day winter trip.
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 13% off on Bus Rides with FlixBus Gift Cards from GyFTR
Gorkhey, Sikkim: Hidden Winter Getaway in India
If you want to enjoy a truly natural escape into nature, then the best destination is Gorkhey, a quiet riverside village tucked deep inside the Singalila ridge, known for its pine forests, homestay warmth, and scenic trails that link West Bengal and Sikkim. At a height of 2350m, Gorkhey is primarily reached via walking, making it a wonderful place for intermediate trekkers. Most trekkers descend from Phalut to Gorkhey in about 4–6 hours, following a forested route that opens suddenly into a valley split by the Gorkhey Khola river.
The settlement in Gorkhey is really tiny, with around 30 families in total, and the experience here is all about slowing down. With wood-fired kitchens, warm plates of dal-bhat, streams singing at every hour, and homestays overlooking terraced fields, there is a lot to experience and quietly unwind in this solemn place. From here, travelers often continue 5 km (2–3 hrs) downhill to Ribdi for jeep connections or take short walks to Samanden’s meadows, riverside trails, and viewpoint ridges. With a limited network and no commercial hotels, Gorkhey is ideal for trekkers and offbeat explorers seeking an unplugged Himalayan village stay
Popular Tourist Attractions
Phalut–Gorkhey forest trail
Gorkhey Khola river valley
Samanden meadow walks
Rhododendron bloom (spring)
Pine-forest viewpoints
Best Time to Visit Gorkhey
January–February: Quiet, crisp forests
February–March: Clear trails, cold nights
Gorkhey Travel Budget
Approx. Rs 4,000–Rs 8,000 for a 2–3 day trek-based visit (stay + meals + local transfers).
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 6.5% off on homestay bookings with MakemyTrip Gift Cards from GyFTR.
Chail, Himachal Pradesh: Winter Vacation in Himachal Pradesh
Remember the huge house of Ranchhodas Chanchad from 3 idiots? Yup, that’s in Chail, along with scenic views of hills, forests, and quiet wildlife that mesmerize you in the January winters. For people who find Shimla overcrowded and not too escape-y anymore, Chail is the alternative that you are looking for. Sitting at roughly 2,250 m, it stays crisp from January to March, with occasional snowfall and clear views across the Shivalik hills.
The drive is one of the best parts of the destination. Shimla to Chail is about 2 hours via Kufri or Kandaghat, making it an easy weekend getaway with far fewer crowds. The Chail Palace, built by the Maharaja of Patiala, sets the tone with sprawling lawns and colonial-era architecture, which gives you some amazing clicks for your Instagram stories, while the world’s highest cricket ground sits tucked in a pine ridge nearby. For capturing a beautiful sunset or sunrise, travelers usually hike to Kali ka Tibba, a temple that offers panoramic views of the valley, and if you don’t want to miss the sunset, you need to book the Kali Tibba Resort way in advance during this season. Nature enthusiasts spend time in the Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, exploring deodar-shaded trails, birding spots, and quiet forest corridors. Winter evenings are perfect for bonfires at heritage hotels or eco-camps, giving Chail a peaceful, slow-travel vibe perfect for escaping the corporate hassle.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Chail Palace
The highest cricket ground
Kali Ka Tibba
Chail Wildlife Sanctuary
Pine forest trails
Best Time to Visit Chail
January–February: Cold, light-snow chances
February–March: Clear walks, crisp views
Chail Travel Budget
Approx. Rs 6,000–Rs 12,000 for a 2–3 day winter trip.
Gift Card Discount
Get an additional 13.5% off with MakeMyTrip Hotel Vouchers from GyFTR
Travel Tips for Winter Travel Destinations India 2026
Planning your trip after creating a nice list of the best places to visit in winter in India becomes smoother when you understand how fast conditions can shift across mountains, coastal towns, and valleys, especially in valleys. Whether you’re visiting the best places to visit in January in India or building an itinerary around the best winter holiday destinations, your major concern while travelling to places up north should be preparing for the weather and easy transportation. When you don’t succumb to the weather and reach the best winter destinations on time, without skipping, that is what makes the best winter vacations more memorable than ever.
The best destinations in India, like Gokarna, Khajjiar, Chail, Barot, and Gorkhey, require well-insulated and layered clothing. So what should you pack? Start with thermals. If you want to show off your outfits, you should be warm inside, but make no mistake, you will definitely need more layers. More necessities include a windproof jacket, gloves, socks, and a cap for hill stations (all of this above the biking gear if you’re riding). For coastal areas like Gokarna, some light woollens would be enough for windy nights. Carry cash for remote markets where digital payments may not work and keep basic medication handy if you’re prone to motion sickness, altitude nausea, or sudden weather-triggered headaches. A compact first-aid kit with ORS, band-aids, painkillers, cold tablets, and anti-nausea meds is essential for all winter destinations 2026.
Another thing to note is that if you’re making a New Year travel plan, getting your hands on stays would be really difficult. Which is why early bookings are not just smart, but necessary, especially if you are with family and need to book hotels and homestays. MakeMyTrip Hotels Gift Cards give you additional savings on premium or boutique stays in the best holiday destinations in January. You should start booking these early in November, that is, right before the peak pricing begins. You can get easy availability, and with MakeMyTrip Gift Cards or DPauls Gift Cards from GyFTR, you can score easy additional discounts on winter travel offers and New Year Holiday Packages. If you want a more grounded travel, closer to the scenery, you should go for FlixBus Gift Cards.
Remember, don’t overpack. Go for light and well-insulated clothes, along with power banks, and good, waterproof, yet light hunter boots for mountains, and good walkers for coastal areas. Do not rely solely on mobile networks in offbeat regions. Download offline maps before arrival. Respect local temperature warnings, avoid late-night winter drives, and never trek without checking sunrise times, or to keep it simple and safe, without a good instructor (being a know-it-all is not good in the mountains).
Winter Travel in India During January to March
It is the best time to explore Winters in India, that is the simplest answer. The reasons are many. For snow lovers, there are peaks and valleys laden with snowy blankets, and for coastal areas and central plains, windy nights and clear day skies are perfect for heritage walks and country escapes. These months mark peak clarity across hill stations, making them some of the best destinations in winter in India, where the air feels cleaner, mountain silhouettes sharpen, and sunlit valleys create perfect photography weather.
For snow seekers, Khajjiar, Chail, Barot, and Gorkhey are the best places to visit in January in India. Snowfall in these destinations, with the clear grounds of Khajjiar and the valleys of Gorkhey, really offers picture-worthy sceneries that can be anything, from your desktop wallpaper to your living room’s centerpiece. Daytime temperatures remain pleasant in most regions, while nights dip sharply in the hills, ideal for those planning the best winter vacations or scouting the best winter holiday destinations for 2026. Plus, there is a slight math for travelling in this quarter, and that is savings. Many platforms launch New Year offers, early-bird promotions, and limited-period booking benefits. This is when MakeMyTrip Gift Cards and MakeMyTrip Hotels Gift Cards become extremely valuable, helping secure premium stays at lower rates in the best holiday destinations in January. For those booking packages or experiential tours, DPauls Gift Cards often unlock seasonal savings, while FlixBus Gift Cards simplify intercity winter travel, especially if you are heading to remote valleys up north, or just a quick getaway to the coast.
Travelling during these months also means fewer weather disruptions compared to the peak monsoon and smoother access to trekking routes, forest trails, and coastal drives. Yes, a few destinations get a little too much snow, but that’s what you are travelling for, right? So enjoy the entire
FAQs About Best Places to Visit in Winter in India
What are the best places to visit in winter in India for Jan–Mar 2026?
Gokarna, Khajjiar, Jawai, Jodhpur, Orchha, Lepakshi, Kaas Plateau, Barot, Gorkhey, and Chail are popular winter destinations 2026.
Which are the best places to visit in January in India for a calm trip?
Khajjiar, Orchha, Lepakshi, Kaas Plateau, and Barot are ideal for a peaceful January holiday.
What are the best destinations in winter in India for families?
Jodhpur, Orchha, Chail, and Gokarna work well for comfortable family winter vacations.
What are the best winter holiday destinations on a budget?
Lepakshi, Kaas Plateau, Orchha, and Barot are budget-friendly winter destinations.
Where can I do a leopard safari in Jawai?
Leopard safari in Jawai is best done near Bera, known for frequent sightings.
What are the best places in South India to visit in January?
Gokarna and Lepakshi are among the best places in South India to visit in January.
When should I look for winter travel deals and New Year holiday deals?
Early January usually offers winter travel deals, new year holiday deals, and new years vacation package savings.
What should I pack for the best holiday destinations in January?
Pack thermals for hill stations, light layers for coastal areas, and basic winter essentials.
Are these good options for solo best winter vacations?
Yes, Gokarna, Barot, Orchha, and Gorkhey are suitable for solo winter travel.
Why travel in Jan–Mar for winter destinations 2026?
These months offer clear skies, pleasant cold, and ideal conditions for the best winter holiday destinations.
Conclusion
This new year, it’s better to unwind and slow down with a sweet and cool winter travel plan. Enjoy super clear skies, quieter trails, warm meals, and landscapes that feel freshly reset for the new year. It’s a season that brings out the best in snowy hill retreats and gentle countryside hideaways alike. If you’re planning your next break, this is the moment to go. From coastal escapes to Himalayan retreats, this list of the best places to visit in winter in India is perfect for every kind of traveler. Get additional savings on your winter destination plans with Travel Gift Cards from GyFTR, and make every winter trip more memorable and affordable.
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