Planning a winter trip in India? Visit these 7 hotspots in Kerala, Ladakh, Uttarakhand

India, immerse travelers in a kaleidoscope of diverse travelling experiences. From the iconic allure of Rishikesh to Munnar, the serene backwaters of Kerala, India unfolds as a place of historical, cultural, and natural wonders. The breathtaking landscapes range from the Himalayan peaks to coastal gems, India's hotspots offer an enchanting journey.

Here are the top 7 hotspots of India:

Rishikesh (Uttarakhand)

Rishikesh is a major pilgrimage center set in the river Ganges. For the adventure lovers, the holy city is a great place for the river rafters and bungee jumpers. Known for: River rafting. Bungee jumping (jump from 83 meters, the highest in India).
Best season: October to April. There are options for beach camping with rafting. There’s a rafting camp in Shivpuri. A few hotels offer free river rafting experiences as part of the stay package.

Price estimate (per person): Varies between ₹1,000 and 3,000 for rafting. ₹3,000+ for bungee jumping.

Tip: Lifejackets & helmets are mandatory for rafters. Check the safety credentials of companies offering bungee jumping.

Munnar (Kerala) 

A hill station and former resort for the British Raj elite, Munnar is known for the tea estates that were first established in the late 19th century.

Known for: Hiking & trekking. The popular ones are Meesappulimala (difficult) - the second highest peak in the Western Ghats and a trekking trail via Rhodo Valley; Chummar Trek (easy) - a trek around the tea plantations; Chithirapuram (moderate) - along the Chithirapuram bridge and the Ramaswamy Dam waterfalls; Chokaramudi (easy up to Level 1&2, then difficult); Kannan Devan Hills trek (difficult); Mathikettan Rainforest trek (moderate).

Best season: October to March

Price estimate (per person): Varies on the trek chosen.

Tip: Hiking shoes and a wind-cheater is recommended as it can get slightly chilly. Carrying salt with you as you may encounter leeches while walking through the forests.

Andaman & Nicobar Island

Most of the scuba diving at the Andaman Islands takes place in the south of Havelock Island or Neil Island. Some hot spots include Dixon’s Pinnacle, walls and channels off Havelock Island,  and cleaning stations around Barren Island.

Known for: Scuba diving. You can also do a short scuba-diving course.

Best season: October to April

Price estimate (per person): ₹3,000-4,000. Few hotels offer diving packages.

Tip: Check difficulty level. Never head to the dive site without an instructor.

Cherrapunji (Meghalaya)

Once the wettest place on earth, Cherrapunji is home to unusual living root bridges - the bridges, as the name suggests. Living roots of the ficus tree, some more than 100 years old - few grow as long as 170 feet, and soar 80 feet above the streams they cross. The popular living root bridges in Cherrapunji are the Ummunoi Root Bridge, Ritymmen Root Bridge, Umkar Root Bridge, and Mawsaw Root Bridge.

Known for: Trekking to the unusual Living Root Bridges

Best season: October to March

Price estimate (per person): Depends on the trek & package

Tip: Good trekking shoes, wind cheater and acclimatization

Auli (Uttarakhand) 

A Himalayan ski resort and hill station. Auli, surrounded y coniferous and oak forests, plus the Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountains.

Known for: Downhill and Cross-Country Skiing. Ride the world’s second-longest and highest cable car. Kurari Trek Pass and the highest man-made Artificial Lake.

Best season: Late November to March, January is the best month for skiing.

Price estimate (per person): Depends on the trek & package

Tip: Acclimatisation. Carry warm clothes, sunscreen & sunglasses. If you are a beginner, do not try skiing without an instructor.

Nimo (Ladakh)

Located 35 kilometers from Leh, Nimmo is a small village.

Known for: River Rafting. Meant for hardcore adventure lovers, a 3-hour stretch on the Zanskar river with plenty of Grade 4 + rapids. Rafting begins by the chilling by the Zanskar River and ends at the confluence of the Zanskar and Indus rivers before Nimo village, also known as Sangam Point.

Best season:Mid-May to September

Price estimate (per person): ₹2,600

Tip: Lifejackets & helmets mandatory

Alleppey (Kerala) 

Also known as Alappuzha, Alleppey is known for its intricate network of backwaters, serene beaches, and lush green landscapes.  It is a heaven for the cycling enthusiasts.

Known for: Kayaking & Cycling. The popular cycling routes are Marari Beach, Alappuzha Beach, Alleppey Lighthouse, Backwater Canals, and Pathiramanal Island. Kayaking routes include Long Island Cicle, and Chill Route.

Best season: October to February

Price estimate (per person): Cycling: ₹3,500; Kayaking: ₹1,000-1,500

Tip: Cycling gear & helmets are mandatory. Carry water, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.

Enjoy the trip!