"If you are a cold-weather devotee like me, there are many beautiful destinations, within India, to enjoy the blissful chill & the sight of quiet, drifting, magical snow," says Mayur Sanap/Rediff.com, "and give mainstream places like Manali, Shimla a miss."
Whether you want to plan a quaint vacation or revel in outdoor adventures like skiing or trekking, Auli has a well-established tourism infrastructure offering diverse experiences, well worth travelling there for.
The rugged landscape of Kaza, in Spiti Valley, is hypnotisingly pretty, no matter the season. But it is during the colder days that this place turns into a complete dreamland. Exploring its stunning valleys, quiet villages, ancient monasteries during the snowfall season is enthralling.
Sitting on the banks of Baspa river, taking in the epic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks, while you sip on garam garam chai, is a peek at heaven. Yes, the refreshingly crowd-free village of Chitkul offers all these small joys.
Partly in Nepal and partly in the Indian state of West Bengal, Sandakphu is a unique spot to witness the grandeur of Mt Kanchenjunga. With a motorable, all-weather road, it is easy to reach this gorgeous village, especially during days when it comes alive under a layer of snow!
Aru village has all the makings of an idyllic snowy paradise: Thick pine forests, old-fashioned wooden houses, the scenic Lidder river, and sweeping vistas of the surrounding Himalayas. This is Kashmir done well during peak season time in the Valley.
Abs gorgeous landscape, pristine lakes, and incredible hospitality of locals... Lachen has everything you would expect from a whimsical wintertime getaway. The extra-special perk is the fact it’s away from other bustling tourist spots in Sikkim.
While this small town in Lahaul valley, on the Manali-Leh highway, does draw considerable crowds during summer months, but winter is an ideal season to enjoy the lovely snowfall and some of the cosy cafes and restaurants in peace. Local delicacies Siddu (stuffed steamed bread), Chana Madra (spicy chickpea curry) and Chu Tagi (Ladakhi pasta like dish) taste even more satisfying on cold days!
The stunning silence of a thick snowy terrain shrouded in mist, perked up by soothing chants from Buddhist monasteries, make for a soul-nourishing experience in Arunachal's picturesque town of Bomdila, especially during the less touristy period in the colder months.