If you are planning a trip for the upcoming long weekends in 2026, winter is the prime time to explore India's diverse landscapes, from the snow-capped Himalayas to the sun-kissed beaches of the South. As Republic Day, January 26, falls on a Monday and presents a perfect three-day break, here are the top five most popular winter destinations to be visited in 2026.
The trip is best for skiing, snowboarding, and honeymoons. According to MakeMyTrip, "Gulmarg is India's premier winter wonderland. Till 2026, it remains the top choice for travellers seeking a ‘Swiss’ experience in India." Indeed, blanketed with deep powder snow, this town is ideal for winter sports.
Must-Do: Take a ride on the Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, for breathtaking views of the Apharwat Peak.
Pro Tip: Book the Gondola tickets online well in advance, since they are usually sold out weeks before the long weekend.
Auli is a perfect destination for adventure lovers and Scenic Himalayan Views. It is rapidly emerging as a hip destination for those seeking alternatives to the congested hill stations. It presents a paradise for photographers and skiers in the backdrop of the magnificent peak of Nanda Devi.
Must do: Joshimath to Auli Ropeway, the 4 km-long Joshimath to Auli Ropeway offers a bird's eye view of the oak forests and meadows covered in
Pro Tip: Even if you’re not a ski buff, you might consider a winter trek to Gurso Bugyal to experience 360-degree mountain views.
The place is best for culture, photography, and glamping. Winter is the only time to experience the Rann Utsav or the White Desert Festival. Under the winter sun and moonlight, the vast salt marsh turns into a surreal white expanse.
Full Moon night is a must-visit time, as it gives a magical view of the white desert transformed into shining silver.
Pro Tip: For a glamorous camping experience at Dhordo, aka ‘Tent City,’ replete with traditional Kutchi music and crafts, is sheer bliss.
ALSO READ- Top 5 Things To Do In Manali In Winter
A perfect place for royalty, romance, and nice weather. While the North is experiencing chilly winters, Udaipur enjoys a warm winter with cooling breezes and sunny warmth. The place, referred to as the ‘City of Lakes,’ can be best appreciated when the scorching summer months are over.
Must-Do: Sunset Cruise, Lake Pichola, seeing the City Palace and the Lake Palace lighted up.
Pro Tip: You should head to the ‘Shilpgram Art Fair’ for genuine Rajasthani handicrafts.
This destination is perfect for nature lovers and tea plantation trekking. When cosy is the preferred option over freezing, winter in Munnar will be magical. The tea gardens are covered in a mist of their own, and the climate is ideal for trekking through nature.
Must-Do: Visit the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, the highest tea estate in the world, and climb up to witness the sunrise above the clouds.
Pro Tip: Also keep an eye out for the Neelakurinji plants that bloom once every 12 years, but the total biodiversity is richest during the winter months, when you can visit the Eravikulam National Park.
Image credits: Freepik
ALSO READ- 5 Best Places To Visit Around Mussoorie During Winter
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