Backpackers' Winter Holiday Destinations in India
Are you planning a backing trip to India? Find out some of the best backpack tourist destinations in India.
December is on its way and travel adventurers have started rummaging through different online travel magazines and online booking portals for the best travel packages in their favourite destinations for the festive season. Here's is a list of some of the best destinations to visit in December in India. Keeping the budget factor in mind there are exciting packages for making your winter holidays adventurous and memorable.1. Gangtok for the daring wanderers
Gangtok is one of the best places to visit in India for honeymoon located at a height of 1600 meters from the sea level where you can enjoy the amazing landscape surrounded by the snowy Himalayas, the tranquil Tsongmo Lake, The Ban Jakhri Falls and the peaceful nature that lulls everyone at its bosom. Sitting with a cup of steaming Darjeeling tea in the deck of a luxurious resort at the backdrop of picturesque landscape, you can make a memorable beginning of your conjugal journey. For adventurous couples, the ropeway ride from Tashiling to Deorali to and fro, and the water rafting on the turbulent Teesta River are challenges worth taking.2. Coorg- the Scotland of South India
One of the top places to visit in December in South India with family or friends is Coorg in Karnataka. Nestled within the gentle slopes of the Western Ghats, it's the verdure of this place which dominates the places of sightseeing at Coorg. Trekking along the slops of Kodagu hills can be a bonus to your winter vacation at Coorg. The place is adorned with a series of waterfalls The Abbey Waterfalls, The Iruppu Falls and the Burude Falls are some of the notable sightseeing places in Coorg. If you are a lover of water sports, try rafting across the Barapole River and if you just wish to spend your vacation without much loud activities you can simply enjoy the panoramic view of the all green surroundings from The Mandalpatti View Point. 3. Courtallam- The Spa of the South
Located at a height of approximately 167 meters above the sea level in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, Courtallam is known as the "spa of the south" as this place is home to numerous health resorts and spas surrounding the waterfalls and cascades. The place is visited during the months of December and January by tourists mainly for treating various health problems although honeymooners and ordinary tourists have an equal room for spending their leisure amidst the tranquil nature. Some of the must visit spots of Courtallam are The Peraruvi Waterfalls (falls from a height of 60 ft.), Chitraruvi Falls, Pazhaya Courtallam, Shenbaga Devi Falls (flows through a dense forest) and the famous Aintharuvi Falls which is a collection of five rushing streams. It has been proved that taking bath in the waterfalls of Courtallam heals many chronic ailments as the water of the falls contain high amount of minerals as they flow through rocky hills and forests. It goes beyond saying Courtallam offers itself as one of the best places to visit in South India with its idyllic beauty and therapeutic natural resource.4. Kohima welcomes you to the land of the Nagas
One of the best destinations to visit in India in December and January is Kohima. It is the land of the Naga warriors and is bestowed with a harmony of natural beauty and ethnic appeal. It is the land of the valiant Naga and Kulki tribes who have won a place in the pages of history for their victory over the Japanese soldiers in a fierce 64 day long war during the WWII. One of the most significant places to see in Kohima is the Commonwealth War Cemetery where many soldiers of the WWII are resting in peace. Apart from that, the other places of attraction are the Shilloi Lake, Kohima Zoo, Dzuko Valley and Japfu Peak, self-governed villages like the Khonoma Green Village and the Touphema Village. If you have the stroke of luck on your favour you may witness the extravagant Hornbill Festival which is the annual celebration of the rich ethnic culture of various tribes of Nagaland. On one side the serene natural beauty and on the other side the colourfully dressed indigenous people make the capital city of Nagaland your ideal destination to visit in December.5. The Mystic Appeal of the Roof of the World in December
Tibet, as it is known as the roof of the world, is place that is related to dizzying height, snow covered rugged terrains, Buddhist monasteries and a pacific silence hovering all over. It is the land of the Buddhist Lamas who are enlightened with the philosophies of Lord Buddha. It is an opportunity of a lifetime for any traveller if you visit this heavenly abode during the New Year. The Galdan Namchat Festival is held with fervor and sobriety in Tibet commemorating the birthday anniversary of the great Tibetan scholar and monk Tsonkhapa. He was the founder of the Gelukpa School of Buddhist philosophy which became prominent during the 14 th century and is now the dominant religion practiced across the central Tibet region. If you visit Tibet in the end of December, you can be a part of this vibrant event which marks the beginning of the New Year in the land of the Lamas. 6. Auli the traveller's paradise on earth
One of the best destinations to visit in India in December is Auli in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. Located at a height of about 2,500 meters above the sea level, Auli is a popular tourist destination and is growing as a flourishing skiing destination for adventure lovers. In the month of January this area is swathed in thick layers of snow and attracts tourists from all parts of the country for trekking the high mountains and skiing on the snowy valleys. It is also a favorite destination for pilgrims who want to seek spiritual solace in the places like Nanda Devi and Mount Neel Kant. You can enjoy the fun of plucking the famous Himachal apples from the orchards that you will come across en route to Auli. The glistening white slopes dotted with pine, oak and other coniferous trees under the clear blue sky makes it an ideal honeymoon spot during the winter months. There are various ski resorts and homestays where you will be welcomed with warm hospitality of the local people in a homely environment. 7. Assam welcomes you with its varied flora and fauna in this winter
Assam is known as the gateway to the northeastern India. Being a less explored part of the country, Assam has its distinguishable kaleidoscopic beauty with the great Brahmaputra River, the flora and fauna of the Kaziranga Forest, verdure hills and valleys bordering the state and its rich ethnic culture. The easy-going lifestyle of the local people is in keeping with the overall environment of the place. You can get to see the world's largest river island at Majuli stretching up to an area of 1250 Km. located at about 20 Km. from the Jorhat city. The serene environment of Majuli which is mostly inhabited by the tribal Assamese folks is the choicest destination of the tourists during the vibrant Raas festival which is the most popular festival here. You can plan an elephant safari in the Kaziranga National Park to see the world famous one-horned rhino which has earned this place the title of The World Heritage Site. Also you can spot sloth bears, leopards, Bengal Fox, swamp deer, hornbill and other wild animals. There are lodges and resorts in the forest area run by the government and private enterprises where you can book your accommodation before November to avail the best offers even in the peak season from November to May.8. An exclusive honeymoon to God's own Country in the New Year
Kerala devotedly called "God's Own Country" is the land of nature's unbounded treasures for its people. Bounded by vast water masses on all sides, this southernmost state of India is a honeymooners' paradise with palm tree beaches of the world famous Kovalam and Varkala extending for miles, rolling backwaters of Kumarakom and Alappuzha, gentle verdant slopes of Munnar, Wayanad or Idukki, spa resorts with specialized Ayurveda therapists and so many more to add to the list of attractions. Kerala is a land with the highest literacy rate in the country and a vibrant cultural mélange where Christmas, Onam and Eid are celebrated with similar devotion. Mouthwatering traditional Malayali dishes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian and served in banana leaves which is in keeping with the Malayali tradition are available at all the food joints. If you are going to tie the knot in this winter and have not yet planned your honeymoon trip, take this opportunity for your celebrating togetherness in Kerala during the New Year holidays.
India is a land which is blessed with nature's diverse climate, biota language, and culture but united with the feelings of nationality. Why not take a trip round some of the best destinations to visit in India during this winter holiday and experience some of the best moments of life?
About Author: Harsh Singh is a passionate traveller stung by wanderlust. Currently, he working as Content Writer at Flying Squirrel Holidays, which is a Kolkata based travel agency providing offbeat tours and travel packages to all corners of the world.
Good post you shared but you missed Agra from that list. It is most beautiful monuments of India where you can visit during winters. These places are also good for travelling but you must add taj mahal in that list.
http://www.thevisionholidays.com/same-day-taj-mahal-tour-by-car.html