Top Domestic Destinations to Experience the Magic of Winter Across India and the Subcontinent

Top Domestic Destinations to Experience the Magic of Winter Across India and the Subcontinent

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 29, 2025

As winter sets in, India transforms into a breathtaking canvas of contrasts, from snow-draped peaks and golden desert dunes to tropical shores and serene temples. Whether you’re chasing sunshine or savoring the winter chill, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel present a curated selection of destinations that capture the beauty and essence of the season.

Uttarakhand – Alpine Adventures & Sacred Serenity

Uttarakhand in winter is a mesmerizing blend of snow-laced landscapes and spiritual calm. Auli, India’s premier ski destination, turns into a white wonderland, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, or simply soaking in panoramic Himalayan views. Nearby, Joshimath offers gateways to mountain treks and tranquil retreats. For spiritual seekers, Rishikesh and Haridwar provide peaceful escapes with yoga sessions by the Ganges and evening aartis glowing under the winter sky. Whether you seek adventure or inner peace, Uttarakhand promises a soul-stirring winter experience.

Rajasthan – Royal Retreats and Desert Magic

Winter is the perfect season to revel in Rajasthan’s royal grandeur. The desert sun softens into a golden hue, ideal for exploring Jaipur’s forts, Jodhpur’s blue lanes, and Udaipur’s shimmering lakes. Camel safaris in Jaisalmer’s dunes become magical at twilight, while heritage stays and folk performances revive the charm of a bygone era. For culture enthusiasts, the Jaipur Literature Festival and the Jaisalmer Desert Festival add a festive sparkle to the season.

Kerala – God’s Own Country, in Its Coolest Mood

Kerala’s backwaters and beaches radiate serenity during winter. As the monsoon mist clears, it unveils lush greenery and crisp, pleasant weather, perfect for houseboat cruises in Alleppey or tea garden strolls in Munnar. Ayurvedic wellness retreats, spice plantation tours, and tranquil beaches like Kovalam and Varkala make Kerala a rejuvenating escape. Wildlife lovers can enjoy boat safaris in the Periyar Sanctuary surrounded by pristine hills and clear skies.

Andaman Islands – Tropical Warmth and Azure Waters

While much of the mainland cools, the Andamans welcome travelers with sunlit shores, gentle sea breezes, and azure waters. Ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and leisurely beach strolls, these islands offer the perfect blend of adventure and calm. Havelock’s Radhanagar Beach, often listed among Asia’s best, shines brightest in winter. Beyond the beaches, Port Blair’s historic Cellular Jail and glass-bottom boat rides reveal the islands’ fascinating depth and diversity.

Sri Lanka – The Island Escape

Just a short flight away, Sri Lanka offers an inviting tropical escape for Indian travelers. From the misty tea gardens of Nuwara Eliya to the sunny shores of Bentota, the island weaves together nature, history, and culture. Winter brings clear skies ideal for whale watching in Mirissa and exploring Sigiriya’s ancient rock fortress. Boutique retreats amid plantations and coastal resorts offering holistic wellness complete the island’s seasonal allure.

North East India – Winter’s Untouched Wonderland

For those seeking pristine beauty and peaceful solitude, North East India is a winter paradise. Explore Meghalaya’s living root bridges, Sikkim’s snow-kissed monasteries, and Arunachal’s hidden valleys. The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland adds vibrant rhythm to the season, celebrating tribal art, dance, and cuisine. From glacial treks to warm homestays, this region promises an authentic and soulful experience away from the crowds.

Spiritual Journeys – Finding Calm in the Cold

Winter also beckons seekers on spiritual journeys across India’s sacred landscape. From the ghats of Varanasi and the yoga ashrams of Rishikesh to the ancient sanctuaries of Bodh Gaya and Tirupati, each destination offers moments of reflection and renewal. Early morning rituals, yoga by the Ganges, and temple aartis bathed in soft winter light create a serene balance between devotion and discovery.

As the chill sets in, these destinations across India and the subcontinent invite travelers to rediscover the joy of the season, whether through snow, sand, or silence.

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IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has launched direct flights between Delhi and Manchester, starting 15th November 2025. This follows the airline’s successful first long-haul route connecting Mumbai to Manchester earlier this year.

The new 5x weekly service is operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. The plane offers a two-class cabin with 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy Class seats, ensuring comfort for long-haul travellers.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of India’s top global gateways, now hosts IndiGo’s long-haul operations from the capital. On the UK side, Manchester Airport serves as a key hub, providing easy connections to Northern English cities including Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

By linking Delhi and Manchester, IndiGo aims to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between India and the UK, making international travel faster and more convenient.

Flight Schedule (Effective 15 November 2025)

Delhi to Manchester

  • Flight No.: 6E 0033

  • Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday

  • Departure: 04:05 (local time)

  • Arrival: 09:30 (local time)

Manchester to Delhi

  • Flight No.: 6E 0034

  • Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

  • Departure: 11:15 (local time)

  • Arrival: 02:10 (+1, next day)

Note: All timings are in local time zones; +1 indicates arrival the next day.

About IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s preferred carrier and one of the fastest-growing airlines globally. Focused on affordability, punctuality, and hassle-free travel, the airline operates 2,300+ daily flights across 90+ domestic and 40+ international destinations. With a fleet of over 400 aircraft, IndiGo inducted 58 aircraft in 2024 and served 118 million passengers in FY25. It was also named ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ by Skytrax at the 2025 World Airline Awards.

For more details, visit www.goindigo.in or download the IndiGo mobile app.

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Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

As Europe settles into its most scenic season, Indian travellers are increasingly looking beyond the usual winter hotspots. This year, Central and Eastern Europe have become strong favourites, leading Cox & Kings to introduce its new ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ collection. The series focuses on handpicked journeys through quieter, cultural, and lesser-explored regions, offering an intimate view of Europe away from the typical tourist trails.

Booking patterns show a clear trend: places like Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria are seeing higher demand among Indian travellers. These destinations offer a mix of heritage, calm winter beauty, and good value. From snow-covered old towns to peaceful mountains and festive markets without long queues, the region appeals to travellers seeking a more soulful winter holiday.

The new itineraries, ‘Eastern Wonders: A Winter Tale’, ‘Essence of Europe: Winter Journey’, and ‘Passionate Europe: A Winter Tale’, have been curated to highlight the slower and more immersive side of Europe. While winter does bring affordability with airfares and stays dropping up to 40% across Europe between November and March, Cox & Kings says the real focus is on meaningful experiences rather than seasonal discounts.

"There's a kind of quiet grandeur to Europe in winter especially in the regions that aren't yet overrun by tourism," says Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings. "Our Winter Tales itineraries bring that to life for travellers who want to go beyond the obvious and experience Europe as it truly feels to locals."

The Winter Tales series is open to a wide range of travellers: families looking for festive breaks, honeymooners, solo travellers joining group departures, senior explorers, and all-women groups under Cox & Kings’ Group Inclusive Tours (GIT) format. There is also flexibility for travellers who prefer independent travel, as the itineraries can be customised. Bookings for these journeys remain open until mid-March 2026.

About Cox & Kings
Cox & Kings is the world’s first and one of the most iconic travel houses, with a legacy of over 260 years. Established in 1758, it has been a pioneer in global travel across leisure, business, and specialised segments. Known for its deep expertise and curated experiences, the brand continues to guide generations of travellers with a blend of tradition, innovation, and customer-first hospitality.

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Andaman Tourism to Host ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15

Andaman Tourism to Host ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15

By MAnu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands government is set to host an ‘Island Trekking Festival’ at Mount Manipur on November 15, aiming to promote eco-adventure tourism and encourage local youth participation. Organised by the Tourism Department with support from the Environment and Forests Department and MY Bharat, the event highlights the islands’ natural beauty and historical legacy.

A tourism department official stated that the festival seeks to inspire youth to take up eco-guiding and adventure guiding as viable paths for self-employment, aligning with the administration’s vision of sustainable tourism development. Participation will be limited to 50 individuals, including local youth, trekking enthusiasts, tour operators, and tourists. The first 50 registered participants will be selected for the trek, and all will receive participation certificates from the Tourism Department.

Mount Manipur, formerly known as Mount Harriet, is the third-highest peak in the Andaman archipelago and one of its most scenic and historically significant trekking routes. The site carries deep historical importance, following the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, Maharaja Kulachandra Singh and 22 freedom fighters were exiled to the Andaman Islands.

To honour their bravery, Union Home Minister Amit Shah renamed Mount Harriet as Mount Manipur during his 2021 visit to the islands. In recognition of this history, the Tourism Department chose the location as the venue for the Island Trekking Festival, merging adventure with remembrance.

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