On the hunt for a picturesque winter getaway with photo ops at every turn? These 7 Instagrammable destinations in India need to be on your radar ASAP! By Naina Atri
Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
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The Mughals, the French and British all chose Gulmarg, an idyllic little town in the mountains of Kashmir, as their relaxing hideaway. Today, Gulmarg has become India’s leading ski resort, attracting tourists from around the world. The snow-capped mountains set against the backdrop of clear blue skies burn in the memory of any mind. Nestled on top of Mt. Apharwat, Gulmarg has seen many a love affair, including those of cult-favourite Bollywood movies, from Bobby to Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani.
Gulmarg is home to the world’s highest ski lift, the Gondola, which rises to a height of 3,980 meters. It offers breathtaking views as it transports skiers to slopes that promise exhilarating runs. There are also hiking trails to take — one leads to the Alpather Lake, which stays frozen from November to June.
Fun Fact: The name Gulmarg, meaning meadow of flowers, is attributed to Yousaf Shah Chak, a 16th-century ruler. He would frequent what was then known as Gauri Marg with his beloved queen, Habba Khatoonm, a famous poet a.k.a ‘The Nightingale Of Kashmir’.
Munnar, Kerala
Dubbed as the Kashmir of South India, the charms of the town nestled in the Annamalai Hills are best experienced in the winter. Located at the confluence of the Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundaly rivers, Munnar’s winning sight is the rolling tea estates. And yet the verdant scenery isn’t all that Munnar has to offer =- captivating waterfalls such as the Atukkad Waterfalls, the Kundala Lake, national parks, ancient temples, and majestic forts. There are so many views to behold and capture in Munnar.
Zuluk, Sikkim
Sikkim‘s little hamlet, Zuluk, found on rugged terrains was once a stop on the legendary Silk Route. Located at an elevation of 10,100 feet on the lower Himalayas, Zuluk is an off-beat destination that promises a getaway packed with stunning views. The renowned curves of the Zig-Zag road take one to the Thambi Point, from where one can see the expanse of the eastern Himalayas, including Kanchenjunga. Interact with the locals who are said to have an abundance of folklore to share as you discover Sikkim’s hidden gem.
Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
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Chilly winters at the sprawling salt marshes are an unmissable and unforgettable experience. While the vistas of one of the largest salt deserts in the world should be reason enough to convince you, winters in the Rann of Kutch have something else to offer — the Rann Utsav. The winter festival is a grand celebration of Gujarat‘s dynamic cultural heritage. Local handicrafts, music, dance and camel safaris are just a few of the many exciting elements of the Rann Utsav.
If you do go, try to make sure you get to witness a sight that truly inspires and captivates, a full moon night at the White Desert.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang, located in the eastern-most state of India i.e. Arunachal Pradesh, has all the elements that make up the perfect winter wonderland — misty hilltops, idyllic towns, and sparkling lakes. Quiet monasteries and the fact that the area will be less crowded make Tawang a calming escape from the bustle of everyday life. If you plan your trip in the month of January, you may be able to witness the three-day Torgya festival. The festival is a celebration of the new year, with dances and rituals performed by trained Buddhist monks. It is believed that celebrating the festival chases out evil spirits which usher in diseases and misfortunes, which makes Tawang the right vacation to kickstart the new year.
Auli, Uttarakhand
A winter trip to Auli is the stuff movies are made of. Though temperatures drop down to around -8 degrees Celsius, there is still a lot to do. Watch the sunrise (or set) from the hills of Joshimath, Pandukeshwar, and Gopeshwar, take in the majesty of the peaks of Nanda Devi or the Hathi Parvat, and frolic in Auli’s pristine white snow. Auli also boasts of Asia’s longest ropeway ride, thrilling skiing slopes and an artificial lake, one of the highest in the world.
Andaman Islands
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If you can’t handle the biting cold, head on over to the Andaman Islands. Laze around in stunning beaches and when you’re reading for some adrenaline, there are a ton of water sports to choose from. Snorkelling, banana boat rides, scuba diving, underwater walking, parasailing, or jet skiing, to name a few. The Annual Tourism Festival held usually in the month of January makes a trip to the islands all the more fun. The vibrant cultural festivities along with the talents of the local artists make the already famed beauty of the archipelago an all the more desirable destination.
Related: 4 Places In Kolkata That Provide Instagrammable Photo Ops!
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