During winter, Indian attitudes chilly colors the scenes of India white and this white look gives new look to the hills and valleys making it look like paradises wrapped in snow. The Himalayas and the hilly regions of the Western Ghats are a few of the many locations in the subcontinent that one can easily find the snowfall which results in splendid spectacles and emotionally charging adventures. Well, this is the appropriate time to take you through some of the most beautiful destinations to be witnessed receiving snowfall in India. Let’s discover top 7 beautiful snowfall places in India.
1. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Situated in the soppy and undisturbed landscape of the Kashmir valley, the tourism hotspot of Gulmarg even reveals itself as an ideal snowfall places in India to experience snowfall during the winter. This place is famous for its snow and best skiing opportunities, during winter the whole area is covered by heavy snow and converts into a sheet of white magician for skiers. The aerial tramway or the cable car commonly known as the Gulmarg Gondola which is amongst the highest cable cars globally, is a joy for the adventurous souls as well as the people who want to feel at one with nature whilst savoring the beautiful sights of snow-clad mountains.
How To Reach
By Air: Gulmarg does not have its own airport; however, Srinagar airport that is hosts regular flights to/from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore is the nearest. It is approximately 56 kilometers, about a two hours and thirty minutes’ drive from Srinagar and one can hire a taxi or a private car preferably pre-booked.
By Road: Local transport available in Srinagar includes regular buses and taxis to Gulmarg and many other places as well. The influence of the ground travel is that it allows for the sighting of various views on the road in
cluding during winter when the environment surrounding the road may be icy.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the region would be during the winter season, specifically between December and February, as the place is said to receives a lot of snow during those months. All types of winter sports appropriate for the season are best practiced during this period, including skiing or snowboarding on snow covered terrains. Another important local celebration is the annual Gulmarg Winter Festival held in January where traditional music presented together with winter activities.
2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, Manali rest to be one of the favorite destinations among the travelers who want to enjoy snowfall in India. When the chilly winter lept in, the beauty of this graphical town becomes more stunning with snowy blanket covering each and every corner of this hill station and that is make Manali one of the most beautiful snowfall places in India. Some of the wonderful locations for Snow are Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass near Manali, such places are famous for Skiing, Snow Boarding and of course enjoying a Snow filled vacation.
How To Reach
By Air: The closest to the town is Kullu-Manali airport in Bhuntar, approximately 50 kilometers from the town of Manali. There are several airlines’ companies operational, which provide flights to Bhuntar Airport and the two main cities are Delhi and Chandigarh. Manali is easily accessible by road, one can hire a taxi from the airport or can avail the bus facility from here to Manali.
By Road: Manali is a very accessible place on roads from the cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. From these cities one can avail of the public conveyance like the bus and taxi to Manali. Road transport from Delhi take about 12-14 hours to reach Haridwar, depending on the specific location and the type of transport used.
Best Time to Visit
Snowfall is experienced in the months of October and February, it is advisable to visit Manali; during the period from October to February. December and January are actually snowy months, in which Manali is covered with snow and the landscapes are mesmerizing. Trekking, skiing snow boarding and any other adventurous sports are also popular at this time.
3. Auli, Uttarakhand
Situated at an altitude of over 2500 meters, Auli is an off-beat slopes destination in Uttarakhand with natural snow coat and mesmerizing views. During winter, Auli turns into a Mecca for skiing lovers and is full of people eager for new emotions and winter tales. Next to Nanda Devi and Mana Parvat surrounded by snowy layers Auli is famous for receiving quite a lot of snow and thus offering everything for the adventurous tourist from thrilling activities to touching moments of solitude among most beautiful snowfall places in India.
How To Reach
By Air: The nearest airport to Auli is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is slightly over 279kms, from Auli. After reaching out to the airport, you can then be able to hire a taxi that will take you to Auli. It can take a relatively short time commuting through the road that will take approximately 7-8 hours.
By Road: The village is most easily accessed by road from Joshimath, about 16 kilometres away to the south-east. Joshimath is well-connected by roads with all the major cities in Uttarakhand and has a well-developed transport infrastructure. Nearest Airport: – Pantnagar Airport Nearest Rail head:- Rishikesh Road Transport : Buses and taxis are readily available from Joshimath to Auli.
Best Time To Visit
Touring is most ideal within the period December – February for snow fall. During one of the seasons the slopes are heavily coated with snow and are favourable for skiing or snow boarding. The annual skiing fest is celebrated in Auli in the month of January where many celebrities and skiing aficionados from across the world participate.
4. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla remains the capital city of Himachal Pradesh and boasts of colonial aura; and the perfect access to some of the most pristine snowfalls in North India. The ridge and Mall road in Shimla convert to snow during winters and tourists get to have a look at the tiny town wrapped up in white. The nearby places such as Kufri and Narkanda are also famous for experiencing skiing, tobogganing and snow sightseeing along the snow tipped valleys. Shimla is nearest snowfall places in India from Delhi and Chandigarh.
How To Reach
By Air: The air connectivity of Shimla is low, but the nearby airport is Jubbarhatti Airport which is approximately 22 KMs away. Otherwise, it has very few direct flights, most of which are from Delhi to Jubbarhatti Airport. The travel to Shimla can be done by a taxi, pre-booked at the airport or by state transport buses.
By Road: The city has got good road connectivity which connects to the neighboring cities like Delhi and Chandigarh etc. From these cities, one can hail taxis and take standard buses to reach Shimla. It is a distance of about 250 kilometers and the journey by road from Delhi may take about 8-10 hours.
Best Time To Visit
Shimla is best to be visited in between the months of December, January, and February for snow. The town and its surrounds – including places such as Kufri – is covered in snow during this period, making it beautiful for one to visit. December too is lively with the Christmas and New Year welcoming special helping to the charm.
5. Gangtok, Sikkim
Further south from it, in the northeastern region of India, up in the heights of the Eastern Himalayas, there is the hill station and present capital of the Indian state of Sikkim – Gangtok. Well known as the mesmerizing city with fascinating sights and views and the Buddhist monasteries, Gangtok also gets a spell of snow during winters. Gangtok is surrounded by beautiful and fascinating landscapes, such as Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La Pass where one can see mountains with snow and frozen lake, which is very beautiful snowfall places in India.
How To Reach
By Air: There is only one civilian airport in Sikkim and it is located in Pakyong, however; the nearest airport heading to Gangtok is the Bagdogra airport in West Bengal, about 125 kilometres away. There are several flights daily to and from Bagdogra Airport and people can easily get connected to other cities and regions such as Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai. While you are in Gangtok, there are numerous options available for transportation for example car rentals can be hired from Bagdogra airport or prior online bookings for cars can be made as well. The road trip takes between 4 and 5 hours to complete due to the distance from the city.
By Road: Gangtok is by road access connected with Siliguri and Bagdogra. Direct buses and taxis are available at Siliguri/ Bagdogra which is the gateway to Gangtok. The land voyage also brings opportunity for admiring the splendid views of the Eastern Himalayas.
Best Time To Visit
The temperature in Gangtok starts dropping from December and January experiences occasional snowfall while the towns of Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La Pass receive frozen snow during the same period. I also wanted them to cover winter season because it is less busy, and the scenery looks stunning with snowy mountains and frozen lakes.
6. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
This is one of the beautiful snowfall places in India situated in the northeastern part of India and has a distinct flavor that is associated with the monasteries and Buddhism. When the latter is covered with snow, the district filled with the Tawang Monastery and mountain peaks seems to become even more serene. Even the way to reach Tawang has its own share of thrill with barely any developed infrastructure and breathtaking topography of sheer mountain ranges and valleys.
How To Reach
By Air: Salonibari Tezpur Airport is the closest to Tawang situated at a distance of 317 kilometers through rail and road. The next nearest airport is the Salonibari Airport which is located nearly 172 kilometers away and one can easily get a taxi or a bus to get to Tawang. It takes roughly 8-10 hours by car, but this greatly depends on the mode of transport, the network, and the location of the respective countries.
By Road: Tawang is surrounded by motorable roads from Tezpur which is situated in Assam. It is possible to hire public transport from Tezpur to Tawang or book standard Industry jeep which is more frequent and pass through Mountains.
Best Time to Visit
Snowfall in Tawang remains from the end of December to February. Winters are quite capturing with snow clad mountains and the Tawang Monastery, a major tourist attraction for photographers. The only drawback is that road access may be restricted due to weather – the road area remains covered with snow during the winter.
7. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand
For those desiring to take locations not very famous for snowfall, but is still full of beautiful and tranquil locations, then Munsiyari in Uttarakhand standing with its tall days of Kumaon Himalayas. Munsiyari is famous for its garden-like views of the Panchchulli Range and Milam Glacier, and for its above imagery, when it snows in winters, the region turns into a beautiful white sheet of snow. Around Darkot and Betulidhar, some nearby villages, tourists have the possibility to enjoy the bad weather and snow and to communicate with the inhabitants.
How To Reach
By Air: Pantnagar airport of neighbour state Uttarakhand is the closest airport situated at a distance of 300 km. The nearest airport available to Pantnagar is Delhi Airport and other airports connected to Pantnagar Airport are also available. One has to reach Pantnagar Airport which is approximately 320 Km from Munsiyari either avail a taxi or take bus. The road trip takes about 10-12 hours although there are other faster means available.
By Road: Munsiyari is a road destination and easily accessible by cars and buses from Almora and other places of Kumaon division of Uttarakhand. Public transport is available in the form of ordinary buses as well as taxis ply through these roads and one gets quite accommodating views of the Kumaon Himalayas.
Best Time To Visit
Munsiyari is recommended for travelling and tourism during December to February for snowfall. Winter season is the best time to have snow trek to Panchachuli hill tracts and get to see many other natural beauties of Himalayas.
General Tips:
Clothing: Various unpredictable weather conditions prevail during the winter months in these areas so pack thick winter clothing such as long coats, warm woollens, gloves and strong shoes.
Road Conditions: This may require alerting the fact that travels particularly during the winter months can be harsh due to poor road conditions especially if the area is at a higher altitude. Ensure that you check the local weather conditions and possibly have a waiting time to get the most out of it.
Festivals and Events: If your travel plans include visiting the island, make sure to check the local fairs and occasions before you make your final decision. The attraction of visiting them during the festive season or any cultural event that depicts the winter period is even more appealing.
Choosing the right time to visit depends on what you seek in terms of snowfall, travel experiences, and recommended destinations in India that boast beautiful snow.
Local Transport: Upon reaching these destinations, firstly local taxis and shared jeeps are more utilized for local use and travelling in the region for sightseeing. You can pre-arrange transport or when getting an accommodation your host can assist in arranging this kind of transport.
So, if you want to have the best winter experience and enjoy the beauty of snowfall in these beautiful places in India, it is quite important to plan your journey well and the best means of transport to use.
Conclusion
From the northern royal heights of the Himalayas to the serene northern eastern parts of India, one can find numerous snowfall destinations best suitable for all those willing to feel the charm of winter. Therefore, be it adventure skiing, snowboarding, or spending a dream-like winter in a long romantic stroll across the snowy plains, these places will not fail to dazzle your senses and fill you with forever lasting memories. It is time to make the magic of winter section come true and visit snowfall places of India where you personally can observe the miracle of nature. To help, plot your travels, pack your gear, and get ready to experience the beauty of incredible India in the snow during winter.
