Imagine
waking on a misty morning, wrapping a fog sheet all over, you walk over the
lanes just in search of the chill that inscribes- winter is here!
There are
many among us who just love to hide beneath quilt or enjoy the aroma of a hot
coffee during winters but some daring ones pack their bags and head to the
place where they can challenge the freeze and enjoy the flakes of snow.
When we talk
about winter holidays in India, several eye-catching and picturesque places,
common and uncommon, emerge on our mindscape. But why repeat same places again
and again. This time do something different to quench your thirst and discover
what sets below mentioned names apart from others.
10
Great Places to see Snowfall in India
Auliauli
If you like
to give your skiing skills a test or are a freaking skiing beginner then Auli
is an ultimate stopover. With a deep in temperature, the place comes alive like
a dreamland. Known as ‘bugyal’, in local dialect, it lies enroute to Badrinath
(just 16 km away from Joshimath). Though Auli is full of panoramic sights, from
forest surrounding to lofty peaks, but what makes it one of the best snow
destinations in India are its 2500 to 3000 meters high skiing slopes that give
tough competition to various international ski places.
Pahalgam
Perched at a
height of 8,957 ft above the sea level, Pahalgam is one of the pristine snow
beauties in the country. Everything about this natural splendor is exciting:
riverside location, snow-capped peaks, freezing weather conditions and
surrounding calmness as well as skiing. But the real magic of Pahalgam lies
within its quiet long treks that provide you a tranquil snowy escape away from
the madness of mainland.
Gulmarg
What better
location you can think to see snow fall in India other than Gulmarg? Situated
around 880 km away from the national capital, tourists can easily access this
pristine snow beauty from Srinagar. Snowy peaks in the backdrop, freezing
winds, blooming varieties of flowers and vast snow cover for skiing as well as
a breathtaking ride in world’s highest cable car (Gondola) are not-to-be missed
charms. A trip to Gulmarg is, however, incomplete without enjoying Kashmiri
dishes and a visit to Alpathar Lake and Tangmarg – a beautiful tourist spot
just 1 km ahead.
Patnitop
No idea of
snow winter holidays in India is complete without mentioning Patnitop, a
tourist point in the district of Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir. This hilltop
place is quite close to Pir Panjal range and is nestled in Lower Himalayan
Range. Thus it is full of abundance of natural beauty, revitalizing sights and
of white snow cover. Along with skiers and nature lovers, Patnitop also
enthrall trekkers. It will take around 3 hours to reach this exotic destination
from Jammu.
Manali
Despite
being one of the most sought hill stations in India, the appeal of Manali never
fades among tourists. Its emerald meadows, crystal clear rivers and the dancing
drama of snowy slopping mounts and blue sky over the horizon are just
unparallel. And with the onset of winters, the appeal only grows giving
tourists’ pleasure of skiing and ice-skating. Situated at a distance of 270 km
north of Shimla, Manali is nestled in River Beas Valley at a height of 2,050
meters above sea level.
Shimla
If you are
running short of time but wants to enjoy snow fall in its full bloom then
Shimla is an excellent place to throng. Wait till mid-December and you will see
the place in a new avatar with a sheet of white cover fetching hordes of
vacationers and honeymooners. Being the main gateway to Himachal Pardesh,
explorers can also extend their journey to various other destinations of the
state like Kufri, Manali and Naldehra from Shimla.
Nainital
Planning a
trip to Nainital in winters? A good choice if you want to enjoy the chill
factor around Delhi. Lying 274 km from the national capital city, Nainital not
only serves as a refreshing weekend escape but is also quite popular among
newly-wed couples. But the best time to visit the place is December to January
when Nanda Devi Peak looks stunning in a white cover and you can feel the chill
in the breeze while following snow-covered trekking routes. A leisure walk
along the iconic Naina Lake is also a must thing to do to complete your hoary
experience in Nainital.
Kufri
Kufri, a
skiing hotspot, is one of the popular winter holiday destinations in India in
comparison to other places. This little quaint yet captivating region of
Himachal Pradesh transforms into a heaven during winters. The white snow spread
all over gives a very refreshing and chilly look. And cherries on the pasty
cake are the tall deodars and pines as well as the postcard beauty of the
surroundings.
Munsiyari
Nestled on
the shores of Goriganga River, Munsiyari is a new discovery for tourists in
Uttarakhand. With the name that means ‘place with snow’, it is full of
mountains, glaciers, trekking routes and awe-inspiring natural beauty, making
it a paradise for explorers, high-altitude trekkers and nature lovers. If you
want to explore the richness of Johar Valley then it is the place to throng.
Munsiyari is situated 125 km away from Pithorgarh and the enroute is full of
beautiful panorama and cascades.
Dhanaulti
A drive of
24 km from Mussoorie will take you to Dhanaulti, another picturesque hill
station of Uttarakhand. Perched high on 2286 meters, the place is known for its
tranquility and dark beauty of deodar, oak and rhododendron forests. Though it
is a round-the year hangout place but if you really want to enjoy Dhanaulti in
its full bloom then winter is the best period. With white carpet below your
feet and a canopy of green shade at your eye’s horizon, have some mood-setting
snow activities like tic-tac snow or sticky glue.
About PRABISH BISHUNGKHE
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