Auli
Auli is hot. Despite all the snow, the almost-Alpine locale, it
is hot- as a skiing destination. Sitting pretty in the midst of glorious
Himalayan peaks, this Bugyal (Garhwali for meadows) comes alive to boisterous
travellers and pure adrenaline every winters as it claims its spot atop the
list of premier skiing destinations in Asia. Asia's longest cable-car and one
ski-lift and chair lift apiece take adventure-seekers to the top of the skiing
slopes, as magnificent oak and deodar trees shield them from the chilly winds
on their descent downhill. Even if you're not one for adventure, there's no way
you should miss the wonderful dawn behind the Nanda Devi peak, the bright clear
night sky and the surreal snowfalls that will make you feel like no other place
in India.
Rann of Kutch
Not your typical winter getaway, Rann of Kutch is a heady
concoction of bleak nothingness, natural awe and cultural abundance. Vast and
vastly obscured from the usual tourist, this glaring solitude of salty marshes
is meditative in its sparing beauty and roars back to life from December to
February when the Rann Utsav is in full swing. Host to long festivities of
handicrafts, cultural performances, folk music and lip-smacking local food,
don't miss this if dipping in local culture under a chilly, clear night sky is
your kind of fun.
Bir-Billing
Bir-Billing is a glowing winter destination India should have
woken up to a long time ago. The Bir and Billing villages are like a pair of
siblings who are unlike each other in every respect other than lineage. Bir is
a quiet village, home to a large community of Tibetan refugees and several
Buddhist monasteries. Multiple travellers have described their stay here as a
religious experience. But we bet the real spiritual awakening begins when you
travel 14 km north to Billing for a paragliding session. Cool winds rushing to
meet you, a view of the gentle slopes of the Dhauladhar range below you, a
clear sky above, and a bird's eye view of the distant Himalayas jutting
abruptly up- take a shot and let us know if it doesn't make you a believer.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan is a much-written-about victim of cliché. The Land of
Maharajas, the Seat of Royalty, the history, the culture, the heritage- it is
all that and more. And did we even need to be told that? Rajasthan is
breathtaking in all its 'lake palaces, great lofty royal halls, bright museums
and barren deserts' beauty. And if you ever needed a reason to travel to this
must-must-definitely-for-sure-visit place, let it be this- the weather is a lot
friendlier during the winters and walking barefoot on these old sandstone
floors won't burn you for a change. The state is host to some colourful,
culturally-rich festivals during the winters including the Pushkar Mela, the
Rajasthan International Folk Festival, among others. We recommend visiting Udaipur,
and Jodhpur followed by Pushkar and Jaisalmer.
Nagaland and Shillong
The gentle rolling hills of Shillong are a treat to the eyes.
Not for nothing, the city's British settlers thought these hills reminded them
of Scotland, and thus it got its sobriquet, 'Scotland of the East'. Shillong
has greatly modernised since then, but it still retains some of the old-world
charm with its love of overhauled cars & rock and roll and an idling pace
of life. Visit the annually-organized Ziro Festival for an unflitered glimpse
into its music and culture.
Nagaland has come a long way from its savage self, but you can
still witness some of the erstwhile primal legacy in the way of life of the
tribes. The exotic scenery, the lush valleys and serene hills, and culture is
still pristine and unspoiled by most modern influences. Apart from the rich
tribal culture and scenic beauty, the state as a rich culinary and music
culture. The annual Hornbill Festival is one of the most-attended music, food
and culture festivals of India and a certain visit if you're in this part of
the country.
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