With the winter season fully underway, if you want a getaway from the fast-paced city life of Delhi and enjoy a long weekend to simply unravel or spend quality time with your loved ones, here are your goto destinations to take in that winter snow and relish a nice hot cup of coffee or tea.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla, with just being 342 kilometers from Delhi, remains a crowd favorite for the winter season. Covered in snow and ice during the months of December and January, Shimla makes for a gorgeous snowfall destination. You can get to this winter getaway from the road or train and the nearest railway station is only 1 kilometer away from the center of the town. Some of the prime places to visit here include the Viceregal Lodge, the Mall Road and try ice-skating on the Ride Road.
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Nainital is amongst one of the best places to visit near Delhi if you want to take in some snow. About 304 kilometers away from Delhi, the nearest airport is located at Pantnagar, which is about 65 kilometers from Nanital. If you want to travel by train, the nearest railway station is located at a distance of 34 kilometers at Kathgodham. The best way to get to this small town is through road either through taking the bus or self-driving. You can spend some time in the stunning Himalayas from the Snow View Point, do some shopping at the Tibetan Market and take a walk along the Naina Lake.
ALSO READ: 2020, the year to travel, explore & discover: Top ten destinations that are a must!
Kanatal, Uttarakhand
A gorgeous hill station near Delhi, the tranquility of Kanatal creates the perfect setting to enjoy a nice weekend away with your family and friends. At a distance of 320 kilometers from Delhi, the nearest railway station is at Dehradun and Jolly Grant, at a distance of 92 kilometers, is the nearest airport to Kanatal. By road, Kanatal is well connected to Delhi and other neighboring cities.
At Kanatal take in a natural beauty around and visit the Snow Adventure Zone. Additionally, sightseeing, trekking, and sky walking are some of the must do’s. The Sukandari Devi Temple is a popular tourist destination spot.
Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Dalhousie also called the Switzerland of India, is one of the most beautiful places to visit during the winter. About 559 kilometers away from Delhi, the nearest domestic airport to Dalhousie is in Pathankot located just about 75 kilometers away. If you take the train, located about 80 km away is the Pathankot railway station. To reach Dalhousie by road, besides self–driving, there are regular bus services from Delhi and nearby cities.
Among the must-visit places are Panjpulla, Chemera Lake and Dainkund Peak is the place to be if you want to enjoy a good hike.
Auli, Uttarakhand
Whether you want to enjoy that snowy adventure or simply read, relax, and enjoy a beautiful view, Auli offers you one of a kind experience. About 520 kilometers away from Delhi, Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Auli situated at a distance of 286 kilometers. If you want to travel by rail, the nearest railway station is in Rishikesh about 264 kilometers before Auli. By road, you can avail bus services or self-drive till Joshimath. A cable car is the only mode of transportation from Joshimath to Auli in the winter season.
Auli is a popular skiing destination in India but you can also go for numerous treks in the hills of Garhwal Himalayas, visit the Gurso Bugyal, enjoy Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat and Kamat Kamet.