If a white winter is what you are wishing for, here’s some help. Check out the dream destinations to have snowy fun, all at a stone’s throw away from Delhi, the glitzy capital of India.
Nainital
By draskd
Nainital is one of the best places to see snow around New Delhi as it is just around 274 kilometers from the city and makes for a great place for snowfall. Added advantage of coming here is the you can see the Nanda Devi Peaks, have an amazing trekking experience and a brisk walk along the Naina lakeside, in short it’s a complete snowy holiday experience. The months of December and January are marked by snowfall, making the whole atmosphere even more romantic and is most preferred by honeymooning couples.
Best time to visit – December to January
Manali
By Nadir Hashmi
Located at a distance of 531 kilometres from New Delhi, this is yet another great place to enjoy snow during this season. With sloping mountains, clear blue rivers and green meadows, the picturesque beauty of Manali is breathtaking. Enjoy the snowfall, skiing and ice skating here during this month and the next, with temperature going as low as -7°C. Manali is truly splendid during this time with its snow capped peaks and surreal beauty and calls for a fun-filled and a relaxed vacation amidst the snowy mountains.
Best time to visit – December to January
Patnitop
By Sir Gavahad Gavin
About 112 km from Jammu (680 kilometres from New Delhi), this is a popular tourist destination, with surreal views of green valleys and snow-capped mountains. The fresh snowfall, with the snow as soft as cotton all around is sure to mesmerize you. Kick back, unwind and let nature allow you to rejuvenate your soul. For trekking enthusiasts, the long, winding roads provide a great opportunity to wander around and explore. From Jammu, it would take you around 3 hours to reach Patnitop.
Best time to visit – December to January
Auli
By Vikgup
Located at a distance of 16 kilometres from Joshimath (500 kilometres from New Delhi), this place is an important and most popular ski destination in the Himalayan mountains of Uttarakhand. To enjoy the eternal bliss of snow, visit Auli from December end to March. Often compared with best ski resorts of the world by foreigners, slopes of Auli provide enough thrills to professional skiers as well as novices. This place has attractions like the highest man-made lake, views of the beautiful Mt. Nanda Devi and the other mighty peaks of the Himalayas.
Best time to visit – December to January
Pahalgam
By Free Rider
Located at some 800 kms from Delhi, the resplendent valley of Pahalgam is natural splendour personified. And those of you looking for some white beauty and experience (yes, we mean the snowfall) this month-end, as the new year dawns upon you, you could be relishing the snow-peaked Himalayan ranges in the sub-zero weather conditions of this hill station. And hey, adventures such as skiing, trekking are waiting just round the corner for your zealous spirits this festive season.
Best time to visit – December to January
Kufri
By Sam Grover
This beautiful hill station in Shimla, around 390 km from Delhi, becomes surreal during the winter months. If you’re looking for a white Christmas or a New year, Kufri will certainly not disappoint you. Strap on your snow boots and head to explore the hilly terrain. Or you can unleash your creativity and make snow sculptures or graffiti or go sledding down a hill! That’s got to be truckloads of fun!
Best time to visit – December to January
Gulmarg
By batschmidt
What better place to see snow in India than in the Paradise of India itself? Around 880 km from Delhi, Gulmarg is a well known skiing destination and is quite easily accessible via Srinagar. As per CNN, Gulmarg is the heart of the winter sports in India, and is the 7th best ski destination in Asia. The Gulmarg Gondola is one of the world’s highest cable car, which operates at an altitude of almost 4000 m.
Best time to visit – December to January
Dhanaulti
By India Untravelled
With the winter coming on full blast, Dhanaulti can be a great choice to experience snow this year. Being just 220 km from Delhi, it’ll be at the max a nine hour journey by road, but totally worth it, all the same. The gently falling snow gradually covers the whole landscape with a carpet of white which makes for a very pretty sight indeed. Wrap yourself in snug layers of woolens and head out for some fun snow activities like freeze tag, or tic-tac-snow!
Best time to visit – December to January
Shimla
By Mani Babbar
One of the most preferred hilly destinations of India, Shimla never disappoints you when it comes to winters laden with a handful of joy called snow. Moreover, the picturesque town is just at a distance of 370 km from Delhi. As mid-December approaches, hordes of visitors throng the gradually whitening landscapes of Shimla in order to soak in the celebratory mood surging up with Christmas and New Year events. And, did we mention the amazing adventure sports like skiing and ice-skating that you can indulge into?
Best time to visit – December to January
Kausani
By Himalayan Trails Rajesh
Bring in the festivities amidst the snowy breezes that seldom fail to strike a chord with your holiday spirits. This small town is located at a distance of approximately 380 km and therefore it wouldn’t be tedious to reach it. Behold the snow-clad Himalayan peaks, a true visual delight for any tourist. Even though winter sports are a rare indulgence here, you would definitely not tire of the stunning scenic marvels that promise of a hopeful time ahead.
Best time to visit – December to January
