Anamika Mishra has rightly said, “Winter is not a season, it’s a celebration”. Winter brings a feeling of joy. Winters inspire us to travel more as the atmosphere is pleasing and we get to see a different side of our beautiful earth. Misty mountains and lakes, blue skies, grey beaches, all of this give a great aesthetic for amazing pictures. Another reason to travel can be the sun. At times, the sun can slow us down and make us lazy, especially with the high temperatures in India, which makes it impossible to visit places. Travelling in winter allows us to roam around and visit monumental and historical sites and also witness the real-life stories of the local people there.
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So where to go? Here are some best places to visit this season.
1. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Escape to the hilly abode of Tawang. Located near the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh, Tawang is famously known for its Buddhist monasteries. Surrounded by the enthralling ranges of Gudpi, Tawang Valley, and Madhuri Lake, hikers should never miss the chance to conquer the majestic Gorichen Peak when visiting this place. March to September is the most ideal time to visit this beautiful hill station, however, if you are a skiing and snowboarding enthusiast, winters are the best time.
2. Lava, West Bengal
Lava is a small town situated in the Kalimpong district in West Bengal and is one of the few places in the state where we can see snowfall. Lava is best known for its natural beauty and it attracts many nature enthusiasts and adventurers. It is surrounded by dense pine, birch, and juniper trees and is a popular destination for bird watchers and butterflies. The Lava monastery is the main attraction of this place. Other tourist attractions are Changey Falls, Neora Valley National Park, Tiffin Dara Viewpoint, and Nature Interpretation Center.
3. Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh
If you want to escape to the tranquillity of the Himalayas, Jibhi fits the spot. Jibhi is located on one of the most historical routes in Himachal, between Kullu/Manali, Shimla, Rampur, and Kinnur. It is situated below the Jalori Pass in Tirthan Valley and is an ideal destination to escape from boring city life. Adventure lovers can hike on short trails to paths leading deep into the forest, see breathtaking waterfalls and wander along the river banks.
4. Dhanushkodi, Tamil Nadu
For mythological explorers, this place is a must-visit site. Dhanushkodi has a lot of significance and is directly connected to the epic Ramayana. This place is an abandoned town and is located at the south-eastern tip of India, in the state of Tamil Nadu. The town was wiped out during the 1964 Rameshwaram cyclone and since then, remains uninhabited. But still, many tourists visit the place, just to marvel at the fact that the travel time from here to Sri Lanka is just two hours. The most famous tourist attractions are Dhanushkodi Beach and the Ramsetu. Gulf of Mannar National Park is one of the few marine national parks in India and it consists of about 21 islands. Another attraction that adventurers love is Pamban Island. But for that, you have to cross the Pamban Bridge, which is India’s first sea bridge.
5. Khonoma Village, Nagaland
Located 20 kilometres from Nagaland’s capital Kohima, Khonoma is the first green village in India as well as Asia. During the British Colonial period, this village had shown fierce resistance, earning the title “the Warrior Village”. It is also famous for its nature and forest conservation initiatives since 1998. Hence it can be said that this place is one of the hidden gems of Indian tourism. The best time to visit Khonoma is during the Hornbill Festival in December. All the tribes across the state gather during this festival to celebrate their culture and customs. Hence it’s the ideal time for tourists to learn about their culture and enjoy the local delicacies offered along with the flora and fauna of the village.
6. Peermade, Kerala
Lying in the Idukki district of Kerala, Peermade is blessed with abundant greenery, winding streams, and mesmerizing waterfalls. This plantation town got its name from Peer Mohammad, a Sufi saint and a close associate of the Travancore royal family. The main attraction of this place is the plantation sites where coffee, tea, rubber, cardamom, etc. are grown. The Summer Palace of the Rajas of the Travancore is also an important monument there. One the summer residence of the royal family, this place has now been converted into a government guest house. One of the best trekking sites is Grampi, situated 4 kilometres from Peermade, and is adored by the trekkers as it offers breathtaking sights at the peak. You can also take long walks or cycle through the plantations.
Travelling allows us to open our minds and accept the world as it is. It gives us a new way of living and gives us a purpose to move forward. Travelling affects you on a mental and emotional level and you find peace through it. Hence, whenever you feel like life is not fair, or you want to escape the pressure, just pack your bags, find a destination, and start your journey.
Written By : Ashwathi Anoopkumar
Author’s Bio :
Ashwathi Anoopkumar is a student pursuing her Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism. She has a content writing
experience of 1.8 years and has written for multiple genres.
