After going through a tedious and horrendous year, this is the season to be jolly as Christmas is knocking on our doors to lift up our spirits. This season, we have curated a list of six exotic locations within our country where one can enjoy and celebrate this Christmas cheer.
1 Gulmarg
One of the most tranquilising winter destinations in India, Gulmarg is proof of the enchanting beauty of Jammu and Kashmir. There’s no better way to spend this Christmas staying in a wooden cottage amidst the snowfield of Gulmarg, a dream come true destination.
One can never get bored in this heavenly aboard, Ski-in the knee-deep snow or travel in the Gondola rides or just sit back and soak in the serenity of the place, Gulmarg will rejuvenate you.
Easiest way to Reach Gulmarg?
By Air: The nearest airport is in Srinagar, 50 km from Gulmarg, it is well connected by the national highway of Srinagar.
Things to do in Gulmarg: Gulmarg is the Skiing capital of India, take a ride in Gulmarg’ Gondola cable car, Visit Baba Reshi Shrine, Visit St. Mary’s Church, Enjoy the beauty of Alpather Lake, Visit the Maharani temple, Explore Khilanmarg
Few hotels to stay in:
1 Khyber resort and spa, price starting from 37,318/-
2 Nedou’s Hotel, Price starting from 18,855/-
3Grand Mumtaz Resort Gulmarg, price starting from 23,600/-
2 Shillong
Shillong in the northeast is one of the most underrated and beautiful pasts of our country, it offers the perfect destination for those who seek to spend their holidays in an unconventional and far-off land. You may think that Shillong and winters don’t go hand in hand, but that is not the case. The drop temperatures only add to the allure of the city. zone of the biggest perk of spending Christmas there is to celebrate it’s with a good sizable Christian population due to which celebrates Christmas in a grand fashion.
Things to do in Shillong:
Visit churches: Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, All Saints’ Cathedral. Visit attractions like Umiam Lake, Mawphlang Sacred Forest, Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, Laitlum Canyons, Elephant Falls and many more.
Easiest way to reach Shillong?
By Air: The nearest airport to Shillong is Guwahati Airport
Few hotels to stay in:
1 The Heritage club- Tripuira castle, price starting from 5,236/-
2 M crown hotel, price starting from 4,827/-
3 Woodstock farmhouse, price starting from 5,040/-
3 Goa
Goa is a destination that never needs an elaborate reason or season to visit, one will find celebratory vibes there around the year. However, Christmas is one of the best times to visit Goa for those who want to ditch the cold and go the tropical way. Not only the festival is celebrated with immense pomp and show, but the weather is also at its absolute best during this time. The many historical churches that mark its landscape make it one of the top Christmas destinations in India. As the clock strikes 12 on Christmas Eve, masses sing carols that go on till the wee hours. Restaurants and shacks serve Christmas delicacies throughout the city.
Things to do in Goa:
Visit attractions like Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, Santa Cruz Church
Easiest way to reach Goa
By Air: Goa has direct and connecting flights from almost everywhere in the country.
Few hotels to stay in:
1 Grand Hyatt Goa, price starting from 20,000/-
2 The Diwa Club by Alila, price begins from 16,000/-
3 The Leela Goa prince starting from 30,621/-
4 Mumbai
While the weather in Bombay is as far away from Christmas as you can imagine, the joy, camaraderie and love for the holiday are as vibrant as ever, specifically in Bandra. While Bandra is known as the hub of Bollywood celebrities, during Christmas time, it is also known for its brilliant decor, food and shopping stalls and excellent church service. All the streets of this locality are decked up with lights, instantly putting residents in a festive mood. There are stalls selling Christmas gifts and decorations all across Hill Road and “Carols on Convent Road” is a yearly event that brings everyone from the neighbourhood together to sing lovely Christmas carols. Bandra is a truly ideal place to spend a quaint Christmas vacation.
Things to do in Mumbai
Celebrate Christian midnight in the Mount Mary Basilica, Visit Hill road for shopping. Disc party at the hotel Apllaiduim in Lower Parel. Christmas dinner at cafes like Indigo, Le’ 15 cafe and many more.
Easiest way to reach Mumbai
By Air: Chattrapati Shivaji Airport of Mumbai is well connected through flights across the country
By Road: Mumbai is well connected through National Highways across the country
Few hotels to stay in:
1 The Taj Mahal Palace price starting from 20,447/-
2 The Oberoi Mumbai, price starting from 11,732/-
3 The St. Regis Mumbai, Price starting from 10,620/-
5 Auli
The stunning town of Auli is the get-away to enjoy a snow-covered Christmas and have the best winter vacation experience. With the snow-covered meadows and snow-capped mountains surrounding you, Auli seems picture-postcard pretty, it is everything you would expect out of a winter destination in India. Auli is also a haven for adrenaline junkies. You can ski in the blinding snow of Auli and this place is believed to be the best place for a winter getaway. Tucked up in the north of Uttarakhand, Auli allows you to stay in Igloo shaped tents and a beautiful starry night.
Things to do in Auli: Experience the Cable car ride, Trek to Gorson Bugyal, Visit Artificial Auli Lake, Visit Joshimath en route Auli, Skiing in Auli, Visit Nanda Devi National Park
Easiest way to Reach Auli:
By Air: The nearest airport is in Dehradun, 149 km from Auli
By Road: Auli is well connected by roads
By Train: The nearest railway station from Auli is in Haridwar, 273 km.
Few hotels to stay in:
1 Ski & Snow Cliff top club, price starting from 21,240/-
2 Blue Poppy Resort, price starting from 11,243/-
3 Himalayan Eco Lodge And Camps, price starting from 400/-
6 Shimla
Shimla The Queen Of Hills is one of the best winter destinations in India and the best place to experience snowfall in India, its beauty has no match. A bustling modern yet old-school town nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, it offers everything you expect out of a winter getaway. A walk on the snow-laden Mall road or trek to Jakhu temple, the tranquillity of Shimla will leave you enchanted for a while. Shimla also offers an ice skating park where you can test your skills and have the best of the winter season.
Easiest way to Reach Shimla
By Air: Jubarbhati is the nearest airport, 23 km from Shimla
By Road: Shimla is well connected by roads
By Train: Shimla features the famous Toy Trains, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It operates between Shimla and Kalka
Things to do in Shimla: Experience the toy train ride, Visit the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Trek to Jakhu temple, Witness the serene Mall Road during sunset, Explore the markets of Mall Road and Lakad Bazar.
Few hotels to stay in:
1 The Oberoi Cecil -Shimla, price starting from 20,153/-
2 Raddisson Jazz Shimla, price starting from 16,453/-
3 Chapslee, price starting from 23,010/-
