India has multiple beautiful destinations across its length and breadth. As the holiday season is here, many people will dream of celebrating Christmas in areas that are covered with snow as it will complement their festive cheer. As India is often associated with warm weather in certain areas, it also has several destinations where visitors can enjoy the magic of white Christmas during this time. There are majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and magical hill stations in the East, which help the travellers enjoy the magic of white Christmas. So, through this article, we shall visit some enriching places where you can celebrate a snowy Christmas this winter.
Here are the top destinations that you can visit for Christmas:
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
This city is also known as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations’. It is also one of the most popular hill stations, attracting visitors from all over the country. It was once a colonial town that transformed into a winter paradise during this time.
On the roads of Shimla, one will find pine trees covered with snow and historic architecture that looks very picturesque. If you plan on celebrating Christmas in Shimla, don’t forget to visit the renowned Christ Church, which is located on Ridge Road. The church is famous for its special services that take place during Christmas.
Alongside the church, you will also find the iconic Mall Road, decorated with lights and bustling with tourists and locals alike. The road is perfect for an evening stroll, as you will find eateries, restaurants, shopping centres, and more. Enjoy the festive spirit of the area. In addition to this, you can also enjoy an iconic toy train journey, which goes through the hills in the city, providing a beautiful view of this city.
Manali, Himachal Pradesh
The town of Manali is located in the breathtaking Kullu Valley. As soon as winter approaches, this city becomes a major tourist attraction. People flock to the city with their vehicles to enjoy the beautiful scenery covered with snow.
The temperatures drop to -1° and even further down, complemented by the snowfall in the area. The city offers a perfect mixture of adventure and festive spirit, making it a suitable place to celebrate these festivities. It has several snow-covered slopes, which make it ideal for different types of winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
You will also find Solang Valley, which is famous for its resorts and different adventure activities, located nearby. In addition, you will also find the famous Hadimba Devi Temple, which is easily recognisable owing to the movie ‘Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani’. During winter, even the local markets come alive as they are decorated with festive decorations and seasonal food, complementing the festive mood you are visiting.
Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
If we talk about destinations to visit for snowfall, one cannot forget the state of Jammu and Kashmir. In this state, you will find the quaint city of Gulmarg, nothing short of a snow lover’s paradise. It is one of the most sought-after winter destinations, as the snowfall creates a scenic view of the entire valley. Temperatures here fall to -4° and even lower, which, along with the snowfall, is perfect for a magical Christmas experience.
The city of Gulmarg is famous for several ski resorts offering breathtaking mountain views. In this city, you will also find the Gulmarg Gondola, renowned for offering spectacular views of the valley. Those looking for adventure can look for well-made slopes and enjoy the skiing experience. Those who do not wish to do so can simply grab a warm beverage and enjoy the serene views from their windows.
Everyone is familiar with Kashmiri hospitality, and Gulmarg is not an exception. The locals warmly greet visitors and make them feel at home while making them enjoy the local delicacies. The city offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich traditions that will make Gulmarg a memorable experience.
Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli, located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, is another hidden gem where you can head for your Christmas festivities. The city is located at an altitude of 2800 metres, allowing visitors to glance at the Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat Mountains, some of the tallest mountains in our country.
The city offers a perfect retreat for those seeking adventure and those willing to rest in the lap of nature. Like other destinations, you can visit Auli for skiing, as it offers several venues. Even professionals visit this place, as it is considered to be one of the best places for skiing in the country.
The city also boasts the ‘Auli Ropeway’, which allows visitors to enjoy scenic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also enjoy snow trekking, as there are multiple points where you can trek and enjoy the view. Auli is the perfect balance of stunning ambience and beautiful landscapes, allowing you to celebrate your Christmas away from the noise of modern cities.
Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
Another known hill station of Himachal Pradesh is Kufri, located near Shimla. This hidden gem has natural beauty and several adventure activities. It is located at an altitude of 2,743 metres and is full of greenery and stunning landscapes. And if you were to visit the city during this time, you would find it covered with snow, which makes it very appealing.
The city of Kufri derives its name from the word ‘kufr’, meaning ‘lake’ in the local language. It marks the starting point for the treks of Fagu, Shimla, Manali, and Rewalsar. You will be surprised to know that Kufri is a part of the famous Golden Triangle of Himachal Pradesh, along with Chail and Shimla.
This area is famous for winter sports like skiing and tobogganing, attracting several thrill seekers from across the country. Kufri also has Mahasu Peak, the highest point and breathtaking. Defining the beauty one can witness from the peak will be an understatement.
You can also visit the Indira Tourist Park, where you can stroll in the lap of nature and take Yak rides. You may also visit the Himalayan Nature Park, another major landmark of the city. One will always find tranquillity and serenity here, which is essential if you want to celebrate a quiet but snowy Christmas.
