Bhubaneswar: Are, you looking for places to see snowfall in India. I also know that it gets very disappointing when you visit a place with the hopes of revelling in the snow, but the weather fails you. Therefore, we made this list of top travel destinations in India where you are guaranteed to see snowfall in the winter season.
Gulmarg
One of the standout destinations of Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg is a popular one with tourists who want to see staggering views of snow-carpeted hills around. It lies about 9,000 feet above the sea level, making it a definite choice for winter travel and skiing. A large number of local and international tourists visit here to learn how or hit the slopes to ski.
Best time to visit Gulmarg
While Gulmarg is an all-year-round destination, it is most spectacular in the winter. The snow-clad vast mountain range in front sets the scene and is best viewed from the gondola. Gulmarg is the most popular skiing destination of India, which therefore puts it high on the travel map in India.
Best Way to get to Gulmarg
Srinagar is the closest air junction from Gulmarg. From here, cabs are available to reach the base, Tangmarg. The road winds up along the hillsides until you hit a vast plateau. The journey is incomplete until you take the gondola up to Aparwath and Kungdoor.
Manali
Thronging with visitors in the summer, Manali does not lose its sheen during wintertime either. In fact, it is one of the most feted towns to see snow in India. Not only is the main town covered in a carpet of snow in winter, the higher passes close by, especially Rohtang, become the central draw for snow-themed recreational sports.
Best time to visit Manali
Perennially pleasant to travel to, Manali has a special draw in the winter. The streets are covered in snow, and even if it fails to be snowy during your visit, a short drive to the higher altitudes lands you amidst snow-covered hills. The summers are therefore a good time to visit, too, as Manali stays cool and offers respite from the blazing heat of the plains.
Best Way to get to Manali
The closest airport to Manali is situated about 50km away in Bhuntar. Ample cabs are available to cart you to Manali from here. Most people like to take the overnight buses from Delhi that take over 12 hours to reach, but they tend to be convenient.
Leh
Leh single-handedly headlines as the leading tourist destination of Jammu and Kashmir. It is accessible in the winters only by air, as the town lies 13,000 feet above sea level. Winters here are surreal. There are few visitors, and you, therefore, get to see a new dimension of Leh up close and personal.
Best time to visit Leh
While visiting during the summer means Leh is easier to access and offers relief from the summer heat, the wintertime is an idyllic escape and makes the journey worth every minute.
Best Way to get to Leh
Though the three-day Manali-Leh drive is popular with travellers from across the world, accessibility in winters is only by the air. The Leh airport is well connected to Delhi.
Auli
Staggering views of the Himalayas from any point in Auli, plus an opportunity to learn how to ski make this one of the best places to see and enjoy snow in India. Come winter, and oak and deodar trees get covered in a sheet of white, making the whole topography magical.
Best time to visit Auli
Auli is a world-class destination for skiing, ensuring that it gets steady footfall from visitors in the winter. However, it’s equally charming in the summertime to beat the heat.
Best Way to get to Auli
Dehradun is the closest airport to Auli, but the drive from here takes a good seven hours, even though the distance doesn’t seem so much. If you’re connecting via rail, then Haridwar is a good base point.
Mussoorie
Looming over the Dehradun valley, Mussoorie is one of the most charming hill stations and best places to see snow in north India. Located at the foot of the Himalayas, it gets snow only in the deep winter, but it’s worth your while to travel there for a glimpse.
Best time to visit Mussoorie
Mussoorie is one of the finest family destinations in India. It is a well-known hill station for the summer, but the winters are equally beautiful.
Best Way to get to Mussoorie
The closest airport to Mussoorie lies in Dehradun, and it is also well connected by train to major cities in India. North Indian towns have bus services to the hill station as well. Otherwise, Dehradun is a veritable base that offers regular car and bus service to Mussoorie.
Shimla
When it comes to winter getaways, nothing matches the popularity of Shimla. Therefore, if you want to see snowfall in Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is not going to disappoint you.
Best time to visit Shimla
The best time to plan your visit is, however, between December and February but don’t be surprised if you see the city swarmed with tourists; like you many others consider Shimla to be the best place for a snow experience in Himachal.