Top 8 Winter wonderlands to visit in East India

Winter is one of the most beautiful seasons, and especially in the beautiful regions of East India. This region turns into a sequence of stunning winter landscapes that provide an opportunity to leave the noisy world behind. Being one of the most beautiful regions of India, East India offers a wide range of locations for winter tours starting with snowy mountains and ending with clear lakes. Whether you are in the mood for an adventurous snow trip, a peaceful snow getaway, or an exploratory cultural snow experience, there’s a winter wonderland here that will warm up your heart.

East India is full of natural beauty and cultural heritage and that is why it is suggested to visit in the winter season. The hills stations, valleys and small towns of the region are covered with snow and mist during the winter and it is the best time to relax and rejuvenate. There are many things that a visitor can do in the country; from having a look at old monasteries and colorful bazaars to going on adventurous hikes and nature trails. Every destination is beautiful and has a rich culture that makes every traveler to have a wonderful experience while on the trip.

Here in this blog, we will be guiding you about the best places you should visit during the winter in East India. These places have been chosen for their scenic beauty, cultural appeal and the fairy-tale like atmosphere they possess in winter. So, no matter if you are going on a honeymoon, with kids or alone, these snowy places will be great to create marvelous memories. So, get your luggage ready, wear your warmest clothes, and do not miss the opportunity to discover the beautiful winter destinations in East India!

The following are the best 8 places to visit in East India where winter makes the atmosphere a beautiful wonderland.

1. Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling, also called the ‘Queen of the Hills,’ is perhaps the most popular winter destination in East India. The beautiful town now gets covered by a veil of mist during the winter and the view of the Kanchenjunga mountain range is all the more stunning. The tea gardens of Darjeeling are an additional bonus to the towns appeal especially when winter sets in because of their green hue against the white backdrop. Take a ride on the Toy Train that runs on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway or head to Tiger Hill to witness the sunrise.

Highlights:

Kanchenjunga Range: A broad view of the mountains covered with snow.

Batasia Loop: A railway track which spirals and provides scenic views.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: A UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Gangtok, Sikkim

Winter in Gangtok starts from December and continues up to February when the place is covered with snow. The climate of the place along with the picturesque views of the Himalayas and the rich colourful culture makes Gangtok an ideal place for winter vacations. The city also has Tsomgo Lake, which has yak rides, and Nathula Pass which is a border with China is closed during winter due to snow.

Highlights:

Tsomgo Lake: An ice covered lake with snow clad mountains for a backdrop.

Nathula Pass: A famous pass to travel with the snow activities.

Rumtek Monastery: A reputed monastery in Gangtok that has been attracting quite a number of travelers.

3. Shillong, Meghalaya

Shillong is one of the most beautiful regions in Meghalaya also known as the ‘Scotland of the East.’ In winter, the town is quiet, the hills around are enshrouded in mist and fog most of the time. The cool winter makes the tour of Elephant Falls, Ward’s Lake and the famous Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures more enjoyable.

Highlights:

Elephant Falls: A three tier waterfall with water cascading down the rocks and green vegetation around it.

Ward’s Lake: A beautiful lake with a good track for a walk.

Shillong Peak: The place that gave a bird’s eye view of Shillong.

4. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh

Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most unspoiled and beautiful places to visit in East India. During winter, the town is covered with snow and the mountain surrounding the town is very attractive. Tawang Monastery is one of the largest monasteries in India and has a very spiritual atmosphere, and the location is simply magnificent. Winter also has the chance to visit Sela Pass and Madhuri Lake which are also snow covered and gives a tranquil look.

Highlights:

Tawang Monastery: A monastery with an attractive view of the valley.

Sela Pass: A high altitude mountain pass that is famous for its snowy landscape.

Madhuri Lake: A nice lake with a background of mountainous snow-capped hills.

5. Pelling, Sikkim

Pelling provides some of the finest vistas of the great Himalayan range particularly during the winter season. This town is surrounded by monasteries, beautiful lakes and green hilly areas. The Pemayangtse Monastery is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Sikkim and it is both, historically and beautiful. The Khecheopalri Lake close by is considered to be divine and it looks all the more gorgeous when it is covered with ice during the winter.

Highlights:

Pemayangtse Monastery: A very old and calm Buddhist temple.

Khecheopalri Lake: A shrine at the lake with mountains covered by snow in the backdrop.

Rimbi Waterfalls: An attractive waterfall that is also running in winter.

6. Kalimpong, West Bengal

Kalimpong is a small and quiet town situated near Darjeeling, and turning into a winter wonderland with foggy mornings, low temperatures and gorgeous views. As it is a town with many colonial buildings it is perfect for those who want to get away from the noise and the crowd. Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery and Deolo Hill are calm during winter and provide beautiful vantage views of the mountains.

Highlights:

Deolo Hill: A vantage point, specifically a hill that provides a good view of the town and the neighbourhood.

Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery: A spiritual center with a Buddhist or Tibetan flair.

Kalimpong Cactus Nursery: A gorgeous botanical garden with some exotic types of cacti.

7. Lachung, Sikkim

Lachung is a small village located in northern Sikkim and turns into a snowy wonderland during winter. It is a village with a natural environment and a quiet environment with little or no disturbance. The Yumthang Valley also called the Valley of Flowers is very beautiful during winter with snow clad mountains ideal for trekking and photography.

Highlights:

Yumthang Valley: An attractive region of the valley having snow clad mountain ranges on both sides.

Lachung Monastery: A monastery where tourists can see how people live in that area and that doesn’t attract much attention.

Zero Point: A place that is elevated and where one can have a snow fall experience.

8. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

Another offbeat yet very beautiful destination for winter is Ziro Valley situated in Arunachal Pradesh. Ziro covered with misty hills, rice fields and traditional villages is quite a fascinating place in winter. The Apatani tribe and the valley’s stunning scenery, the Paddy Fields and Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, make it a quiet winter destination.

Highlights:

Apatani Tribal Village: Learn more about the way of life of the Apatani tribe.

Ziro Paddies: Countryside with vivid green color during summer and then transformed in to a snowy terrain in winters.

Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: A home to a number of plant and animal species, ideal for the lovers of nature.

Conclusion

The winter in east India is all about the cool climate, unexplored beauty of the hill stations, valleys and monasteries. These are places that are perfect for those who love adventures and those who look for some solitude during winter months. Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh are some of the best winter destinations in India that will let you create amazing memories.

Read More

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