World Tourism Day: From Srinagar To Darjeeling, 7 Iconic Winter Spots To Chill

World Tourism Day is observed on September 27. The United Nations has set this day aside to promote awareness about the contribution of the tourism industry in uplifting a country’s economy and also to highlight underrated vacation spots.

Winter is undoubtedly the best time for sightseeing and travelling far and wide. Unlike summer there’s no sweltering heat, no harsh rays of the sun that may play spoilsport. If you are in the mood for planning a vacation, here are some of the iconic winter spots in India you can consider.

Not for nothing is Kashmir known as paradise on earth. Whether you are spending a day or two or a week in Kashmir’s capital, the spectacular sight of the frozen Dal Lake and snow-capped mountains is sure to take your breath away!
While visiting Srinagar, don’t forget to pay a visit to scenic spots such as the Shankaracharya Temple, or stroll at the Shalimar Bagh (also known as the Garden of Love)! Also, hop on to an airlift gondola, to view the snow-tipped peaks, up from the air!

Once designated as the summer capital of India during the British Raj, Shimla is one of the most iconic winter tourist destinations in India.
Whether you are craving the sight of snow or want to savour the chilly air, Shimla is one of the few places which embodies the wintry beauty of India.
Travel to the Summer Hills to catch the unforgettable sight of fog-covered mountain peaks. If in the mood for golfing, pay a visit to Annandale.

Want to spend winter in the lap of the Himalayas? Plan a vacation to Ladakh! Ladakh is a place that comes alive during winter.
The austere beauty of snow-encrusted valleys, cold desserts, intimidating gorges, and tranquil monasteries is a sight for sore eyes!
In Ladakh, you can enjoy a sole bike ride from Manali to Leh. Or ski on the frozen Pangong Lake. You can also visit the Hemis National Park to catch a glimpse of the legendary snow leopard.

No mention of winter holiday spots is incomplete without at least a mention of this iconic and magnificent hill station! If you have a penchant for mountaineering, climb Tiger Hill to witness the sight of the first rays of the sun touching the peak of Mt Everest! That’s an experience of a lifetime.
If you want to enjoy the sight of lamas (Buddhist monks dancing), pay a visit to the Ghoom monastery. Also - don’t forget to enjoy a hearty breakfast at Keventers - Darjeeling’s 100-year-old heritage cafe!

Looking for an affordable yet heavenly beautiful winter vacation destination? Look no further than Ooty! Often hailed as the ‘Queen Of Hill Stations’ this serene hill town in Tamil Nadu can give Kashmir stiff competition when it comes to scenic beauty.
Get lost in a sea of blossoms at the Rose Garden which houses 3600 varieties of the flower! Or enjoy a day of horseback riding at the Shooting Point.
If craving a spooky experience, you can stay at the luxurious Fernhill Royal Palace, the resort where the 2001 film ‘Raaz’ was shot!

Also known as Vishakhapatnam, this city in Andhra Pradesh is known for having both mountains and sea beaches - a rare combination! While visiting Vizag, you can plan a trip to the lush Araku Valley. Don’t forget to savour a cup of coffee and a plate of bamboo chicken! If in the mood for hiking, visit Kambalakonda!

Looking for a fulfilling yet affordable winter getaway? Pack your bags and head for Panchgani, a quaint little hill station, located in Maharashtra. Bordered by the five hills of Sahyadri, this hill station is an exquisitely beautiful and criminally underrated winter tourist spot.
While visiting Panchgani, you can visit the Table Land Viewpoint. Perched 4,550 ft above sea level, this is considered Asia’s second-longest mountain plateau. If you are a lover of art, don’t forget to visit the Devrai Art Village!