Even if you tend to go a little lower than snow falling range, you will see the trees in their peaceful and quite sleep. The witnessing of wildlife that is habitual to such low temperatures is a thing of beauty. From the capital of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla the anticipation of something better starts to hum around in the air. Those who want to see snow fall for the first time, this is your stop. Shimla in winters is like a child trying to go play and when the peak comes, the city makes everyone play.

Travel in Shimla

Going a little further above can be considered as a destination and not a journey. On the way above to Mandi, you will see why you chose to come here in winters. Cities like Kullu and Manali in the center of Himachal are special in peak summers too. But in winters, you will only see the people who really do love the nature here. Less crowded places and more peace of mind to connect to the oneness of surroundings.

Now, except for these sights and the unique experience of travelling and being there, many other things do come as bonus. Snow related activities like skiing and sledding cannot be experienced everywhere, so get your dopamine level a boost with them. Other than these activities, seeing professional play winter sports is quite amazing as you tend to choose and stick with your favorite team. Also, try to go during Christmas time and you will have your first proper Christmas with real snow. Live your rom-com now don’t just see others do it. Stay for a bit longer and you have sorted out your New Year plans. Bring your closed one together in an intimate place you all enjoy.

Now we go to the real deal, the cozy winter food. Some food can be availed anywhere but the great joy of eating it only comes in the place of origin. If haven’t taken a sip of tea or coffee in Himachal in winters, you haven’t really lived life enough. The cuisine is under-rated because not everyone goes in the winter season but once you go there, you would really just look ahead to the time you will eat next.

Sometimes there will be natural darkness and sometimes there will be the sunlight so bright that you may not imagine it and that sense of unpredictability will give you an important lesson of life. Also, advantage of having an adventurous image among your friends. No matter how much one can try, travelling to Himachal in winters is truly the best gift you can give yourself.

Travel in India

1. MANALI

Manali, generally known with the name of its sister city ‘Kullu & Manali’. More famous among tourists in summertime but during winters one can see this beautiful hill station covered snow. Situated in the middle of Himachal Pradesh, the mountain surrounds the city with their own comeliness. Also, the Rohtang Pass a few kilometers from Manali is one of the best spots to see the snow.

2. NAINITAL

An Uttrakhand city, known for its beautiful lakes and picturesque landscapes, also gets its fair share of snowfall every year. The loveliness of the city can be gathered by the fact that it was a hot spot even before the country’s independence. Also, a fun spot for other snow-related activities like skiing.

3. GULMARG

Situated in the newly formed union territory Jammu & Kashmir, it is one of the most popular places to witness snowfall in the country. If you ever wondered about the places where the action or romantic sequence happens in movies, you guessed it right, this is that place. After being converted into a blanket of snow during winters, snow-related activities like trekking and snowboarding are a must in this heaven.

4. NORTH SIKKIM

The problem with most hill stations is that they have snowfall only in winters and generally the traveling plans of people are for summers. But if you still want to see snowfall, don’t go any further than north of Sikkim. Places like Yumthang and Nathula have snowfall for almost all year. The only thing to take care of before traveling is to check the areas for heavy snow causing a shutdown.

5. SONAMARG

Sonamarg or ‘gold meadow’ in literal translation of its name, it is a place to visit for seeing the beauty of sun rays falling on the frozen lakes and glaciers. Rafting and trekking are some of the activities that can be experienced here. The snow here can be seen in early summers too, making it a popular spot for that time of the year.

6. LADAKH

Playing in snow and returning to the comfort of your hotel room is one thing and having to deal with snow in harsh but beautiful conditions is another. If you are an adventurer and an adrenaline junkie, there is no better place for you to go than Ladakh. The conditions in summers are relatively easy but winters here are for special tourists only.

7. SHIMLA

One of the places in India where you can go with your eyes closed. Capital of the state Himachal Pradesh, it is one of the most beautiful hill station with every facility available. The snow falls in perfect quantity for the tourists to enjoy and feel the pleasant surroundings. Neighboring towns like Kufri are also nice to visit for a day.

Travel in Shimla

College is one phase where you are neither a small kid nor an adult. And thus, meeting new people, seeing new things, and traveling to different parts of the country can really shape you as a person.

Here’s a list of destinations that you should definitely visit with your college friends.

1. Live your Jawani in Manali

Although, Manali is more popular for honeymoon, however, this is the time when you certainly have someone special or better, a group of friends in your life. In such a scenario, a trip to Manali can turn out to be amazing. And of course, it is the favorite destination of Bollywood and you too will have a big suitcase filled with memories. You can experience thrilling activities with your friends like that of river rafting, skiing, and paragliding to name a few.

2. Hit the Roads of Leh

This is the perfect trip for a group of friends regardless of their choices in life. It’s evident that no one ever returns disappointed from Leh.

The best time to go is while you are in college because after college it becomes quite difficult to get everyone together at the same time. And also, this is the time where you can cut yourselves some slack and try to find some meaning in life.

3. Experience the Adrenaline Rush in Rishikesh

This can be a trip where you wash away all the sins in the sacred and thrilling Ganges. The rapids in Rishikesh bring adventure seekers from across the globe. Embarking on a raft in the rapids of Rishikesh takes up a lot of courage and spurt of adrenaline. And you have this courage in college years and not while you’re working with all the responsibilities on your shoulders.

4. City of Dreams – Mumbai

As the name is self-explanatory, Mumbai is where people come from across the country to make a name for their own. This trip will help you to understand the competition and the race of mankind in the truest way possible.

Your Mumbai trip will be incomplete if you do not hope on a local train – uncomfortable yet productive experience.

Plus, college years are the best time to come to terms with real-life struggles. Walk around the streets of Mumbai and you will be able to compare the glitz with the struggle.

5. Dil Chahta Hai? Mumbai-to-Goa Road trip

Goa – It is that one destination that is on the bucket list of every college student. A road Trip to Goa from Mumbai and mimicking the same shots from DilChahta Hai is actually fun. Goa is the perfect place for both kinds of friends – party lovers and peace seekers.

Goa is not a place to be visited with girlfriend/boyfriend, I mean it’s not that much fun. It is best with your college gang.

Traveling is a beautiful experience and as you go along the way you make friendships that will last a lifetime. These trips will not only make you feel independent but also will change you in away.

Tell your squad to stop planning and actually just go for it since you go to college once in your life and these golden days won’t come back.

Enjoy the time before it slips from your hand!

Travel in India

Took an overnight Volvo from Delhi to Manali and reached in wee hours of the morning all excited about the day ahead. Having reached Manali we where supposed to reach Keylinga Inn in Pirni in Manali Naggar Highway to continue with our journey further towards the igloo campsite. After completing our registration process,we were briefed and provided with snow clothes. Also be aware that once at the altitude of the stay, it is difficult for one to find any phone services. Be ready to be cut off from the world and reconnect with nature in these quaint little stays.

After all the formalities, we boarded a shared 4WD car into the mountains towards the campsite, after 45 mins drive up the mountainous terrain crossing mesmerizing scenery of pine trees and curvy roads, finally, we reached a village. From here it was another 20 minutes walk towards the campsite wading your way in the snow. What? Am I in Iceland? Is the first expression I thought of on reaching the campsite which had small igloo huts with snow made benches and tables to sit around? Upon settling down, we headed for some snow fun. I did some skiing as well as tube sliding giving my inner child the edge. There were some locals making the igloos, I did try my hand in doing some. Funny, I ended up making one which could hardly accommodate human, yet it was worth the experience. After having a sumptuous lunch provided in the camp, rushed to make our snowman, after all, snow fun would seem incomplete without it. With the sun setting down, campfire with music was organised for all. Before hitting the sack after a fun-filled day and music with food-filled evening, we did some exploration the snow, soaking in the snow cladded mountain landscape of Manali in the moonlight. A sight to die for must say!! Our igloo were provided with all basic necessities of warm foam mattresses and hot water for first night in igloo stay.

After a warm night in our quaint little igloo, we woke next morning to crisp winter air and lovely breakfast spread awaiting us. After a hearty breakfast, we were headed back to base camp and then dropped off in Manali bus stand. Must say, what an awe struck experience. Thanks to the Team Destino’s India, who made all the arrangement for me for this memorable Trip.

1. Manali:

Manali is located in the Kullu Valley. Since it is nestled in a valley, you can be sure that you will be able to see mesmerizing visuals all around this little town. It has plenty of tourist attractions as well. When you’re looking for hotels in the hill station, you will find quite a few options which ensure that you are able to explore the hill station with ease. You can find budget hotels, as well as a luxury hotel, is in this little town.

Book your Holiday Package in Manali

2. Leh Ladakh:

Leh Ladakh is situated between the Himalayan Karakoram range. With such a beautiful landscape, you can be sure that it is actually much more interesting as compared to any other Hill station in India. Some of the places which you should definitely visit when you’re in Leh Ladakh include:

• Pangong lake
• Shanti Stupa
• Tso Moriri Lake

Book your Holiday Package in Leh-Ladakh

3. Shimla:

Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh in India. It is the most popular hill station in entire northern India. It is famous for its attraction of toy train as well as the ridge and also the mall Road where you can buy local souvenirs as well as shop for each and everything which you want. It is also frequented by couples on honeymoons. It is easily accessible all over India and that is why it has become one of the most famous hill stations in India.

Book your holiday package for Shimla

4. Dharamsala:

Dharamsala is another hill station which is located in Himachal Pradesh. It is also the residence of Dalai Lama. It houses the Tibetan government in exile. If you’re looking for a calm and cool place to spend your vacation, then this is the hill station which you should head out to. Some of the tourist attractions which you can visit include:

• Dharamsala cricket stadium
• St. John in the wilderness church
• War Memorial

Book your Holiday Package in Dharamsala

5. Dalhousie:

Dalhousie is a small hill station in Himachal Pradesh. It became famous during the British area. It houses plenty of colonial mansions. There are plenty of tourist spots to visit nearby. Some of the tourist spots which you should definitely frequent include:

• Khajjiar
• PanchPulla
• Satdhara falls

Thus, when you’re looking to visit the hill stations in North of India, these are the ones which you should visit. These are some of the best hill stations in entire India. Give wings to your travel dream and take out time to visit some of these amazing places at least once.

Have a memorable experience!

Few named famous destinations of India for your coming summer break are as follows:

Top 5 summer destinations of India:

Manali

Why?

The most visited hill station of India in Himachal Pradesh which is flooded with tourists year-round. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or simply looking for some rejuvenation with your family, Manali it is. On one hand, it acts as a stop-over for going on a road trip to Leh-Ladakh or the ideal destination for thrilling activities such as trekking, mountain biking, river rafting etc, Manali is your destination for the summer. The fascinating fact about this destination is that one can find snow even in summer seasons. Being one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in north India, it holds true to its beauty. From snow-capped mountains, raging Beas river to bordering pine forests, is what Manali is all about

How to reach:

Bhuntar Airport (50 Kms from Manali) is the nearest airport and Joginder Nagar (50 Kms from Manali) is the nearest railhead. Several government-run and private buses, as well as taxi operators, ply from New Delhi (560 Kms from Manali ) and Chandigarh( 307 Kms from Manali) towards Manali.

Top things to do:

• Head to Rohtang Pass and Solang valley for some snow fun and activities such as skiing, para-sailing etc.
• Looking for spirituality then head to Vashist Temple, Hadimba temple.
• Trek up to Jogini Waterfalls or Jana Waterfalls.
• To soak in the mesmerizing view of snow cladded mountains and alpine forests, Arjuna Gufa it is.

Auli

Why?

Widely known as the skiing destination of India. Not only restricted to skiing but has numerous treks to enjoy the splendid beauty of the snow-draped mountains. One can find a wide range of ski-resorts of India here in Auli. It is also home to Asia’s highest and longest cable car ride covering a distance of 4 Kms. The breath-taking views of the mesmerizing meadow are what makes it listed among the top summer destinations of India. Be you travelling as a couple, with family or with friends, Auli will definitely suit all your needs.

How to reach:

Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport which is well connected to major cities of India. Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun are the nearest railheads. Several government-run and private buses, as well as taxi operators, ply from above destinations towards Auli.

Top things to do:

• Enjoy Skiing at Auli ski resort
• Head to Gurso Bugyal for a mesmerizing view of peaks.
• Pay a visit to the largest artificial lake in Auli and ride the longest ropeway.
• Try not to miss visiting the unexplored Chenab Lake near Joshimath.

Gangtok

Why?

Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim is one of the cleanest city and hottest summer gateway in India. From monasteries, adventure activities like trekking to viewpoints is what this urban settlement has to offer. It also houses India’s top Himalayan Spa resort for some relaxation. To begin your journey to North-east India, Gangtok is one of the bases.

How to reach:

Bagdogra Airport (124 Kms from Gangtok) is the nearest airport and New Jalpaiguri in Siliguri (148 Kms from Gangtok) is the nearest railhead. From Bagdogra, Gangtok is a 20 minutes helicopter ride away and if travelling by rail, one can take varied private taxis or state-run buses towards Gangtok.

Top things to do:

• Do some monastery hopping with its famous Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery and Lingdum.
• Visit the Ganesh Tok and Hanuman Tok, Nathu La and Tashi viewpoints for some mesmerizing scenic views.
• Take a cable car ride from Deorali.
• One can visit the flower exhibition center in summers.
• Head to MG Marg market for shopping paradise, while here do not miss out the Golden Tips Tea showroom.

Tawang

Why?

Another unreal and unexplored part of North-east India in Arunachal Pradesh is Tawang to spend your summer. From being a major pilgrimage centre is one of the most visited tourist destinations. Famous for its yellow roof monastery, this small hill station is worth visiting.

How to reach:

Salonibari Airport (317 from Tawang) at Tezpur is the nearest airport and Tezpur railway station (315 km from Tawang)

Top things to do:

• Pay visit to the famous Tawang Monastery
• Head to the high-altitude pass of Sela Pass
• Never miss out the picturesque Shonga-Tser Lake and Pankang Teng Tso lake.
• Must visit the Nuranang waterfalls to see nature in its best form.

Coonoor

Why?

Not only the North part of India and North-east part of India is flooded with summer destinations but also the south part of India is nowhere behind. One such reflection of beauty is the hill station of Coonoor in Tamil Nadu. Despite the maddening tourist crowd in other parts of South India, this still lies in seclusion during summer. From the panoramic view of tea plantations, toy-train rides, winding roads overlooking the hills is what this hill station has to offer to leave you awe-struck.

How to reach:

Coimbatore is the nearest airport which is well connected to major cities of India and Mettupalayam is the nearest railhead which is 45 Kms from Coonoor. Several government-run and private buses, as well as taxi operators, ply from airport or railhead. The two-hour road journey to Coonoor is worth taking.

Top things to do:

• Head to sim’s park for plant sightseeing
• Explore viewpoints such as Dolphin nose and Lamb rock.
• Wanting to buy honey and spices, head to Keystone
• If an adventure enthusiast, pay a visit to the Hidden Valley
• Of course!! Without miss pay a visit to the age-old Wellington golf course.

If you are planning to experience the most spine-chilling adventurous activities in India, Destino’s India will help you in making your experience memorable.

Happy summer holidays people!!