Make your winters memorable at these affordable winter destinations!

Walk at these winter wonderlands with your friends and family, and get lost in the snowy pathways. Celebrate the weather at these affordable winter destinations, and say hello to breezy, and cold weather!

Winter is coming, and we know you are making plans to go out with your family. Travelling is fun, but finding a budget-friendly hotel, convenient transport, and everything else that matches your budget is tough, and so, Local Samosa is here to help you decide where to go. Enjoy a snowy trip filled with adventure and nature's beauty at these affordable winter destinations, and celebrate winter like never before!

1. Manali

Manali is one of those places that you have to visit at least once in your life. This resort town in Himachal Pradesh is nothing but bliss in winters. The snowy roads and the huge mountains covered in snow look gorgeous. Apart from the view, Manali has the jumping-off point for paragliding, rafting, and mountaineering in the Pir Panjal mountains. It's a must-visit winter destination and now you know why!



Where: Himachal Pradesh 

Cost: Approx. 10,000 per person for 3 days



How to reach: The nearest airport to Manali is Kullu Manali Airport and is about 50 km away from it. The closest railway station to Manali is Ambala Cantt at a distance of 200 km, and if you are opting for a bus, then HRTC buses would be a good option.



What to do: Paragliding, River rafting, Trekking, visit Gulaba, Hampta Pass.

2. Shimla

Known as a popular adventure sport, Shimla is packed with natural wonders and beauty. The forests of Pine trees have an enchanting aura to them. You can do a lot of things here. From trekking to watching sunsets at Ridge, to shop at the Mall road, Shimla is not going to disappoint you with its beauty! It's a must-visit place to visit during winters.



Where: Himachal Pradesh

Cost: Approx. Rs.3,600 for a 3 day trip per head



How to reach: Shimla Airport is about 20 km from Shimla, and then you can take a cab. Kalka railway station is the nearest station situated at a distance of 96 km. You can also travel through buses that connect Shimla to the neighbouring towns and cities.



What to do: Jet ski ride, paragliding, sightseeing, camping, ride on the toy train, ice-skating, Shop at Lakkar Bazar.

3. Coorg

Coorg is a land of mist, and it turns magical during the winters. You will fall in love with the green hills, and the serene streams cutting right through them. Coorg is a tea and coffee paradise. The landscape is adorned with coffee plantations, tea gardens, and orange groves. Imagine sipping a hot cup of coffee in a misty surrounding filled with greenery! Can't wait to go there right?



Where: Karnataka 

Cost: Approx. Rs.3,500 for 3 days per head



How to reach: Mangalore Airport is the nearest one and is 60 km away from Coorg. Buses by KSRTC are a good option too. Mysore Railway Station is well connected to almost all the major cities of India, and is 107 km away from Coorg.



What to do: fishing, angling, Dubare Elephant Camp, visit Golden Temple Trekking, Coffee Plantation Tour, Jeep Safari, Microlight Flying, Night Mountain Drive

4. Mussoorie

The Queen of Hill stations Mussoorie serves its guests with breathtaking views of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas. The view from Gun Hill will be in your mind forever. This hill station is perfect for trekkers, climbers, and those who love adventure sports. The snow-dusted mountains, the serene Mussoorie lake, and the cloudy sky will leave you awe-struck!



Where: Uttarakhand

Cost: Approx. 4,000 for 2 days per head



How to reach: Jolly Grant would be the nearest airport and is 60 km away from Dehradun. The closest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station and is located 36 kilometers away from it. There are regular buses to Mussoorie from almost every town nearby and would bless your eyes with the view.



What to do: Visit Lal Tibba, the Ropeway to Gun Hill, Paragliding, White Water Rafting,

5. Dharamshala

Home to beautiful hills and the monastery of the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala offers one of the best views of the Himalayan peaks. Experience the scenic views with your coffee around the firewood. Do stargazing, listen to the chirping of birds and the melodious sound of the wind. The sound-absorbing fog will bless your ears, and you would want to come back here.



Where: Himachal Pradesh

Cost: Approx. Rs.6000 for 3 days per head



How to reach: Gaggal Airport is the nearest airport and is about 15 km away from Dharamsala. The closest railway station is in Pathankot and is well connected to all parts of the country. Once you reach Pathankot railway station, you can travel further, and reach Dharamsala via government buses.



What to do: Trekking, visit dal lake, Kangra fort, Tibet Museum, explore Tea Garden, camping, cycling.

6. Ooty

The cool and refreshing weather in Ooty is perfect for those who can't survive the dropping temperature. The lakes, different national parks, gardens, and various viewpoints will make your winter trip an epic one. This budget-friendly winter destination is not much talked about, but it's totally worth a week's visit!



Where: Tamil Nadu

Cost: Approx. 9,000 for 3 days per head



How to reach: Coimbatore Airport is the nearest airport and is 85 km away from Ooty. TNSTC buses connect this hill station with Bangalore, Chennai, and Mettupalyam. Several trains are also available from Chennai, Coimbatore, Mysore, and Bangalore for Mettupalyam. Once you reach Mettupalayam railway station, you can hire private cabs or opt for bus services to reach Ooty.



What to do: Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train, Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, Dolphin’s Nose, visit Tea Museum, Birdwatching, trekking

7. Kasol

Be it trekking, walking side the streaming river, feeling the warmth of the hot springs, or staying in Malana for a peaceful day, Kasol will make your trip memorable. The snowfall is worth watching in Kasol, and the picturesque Parvati Valley is waiting for you all!



Where: Himachal Pradesh

Cost: Approx. 6,000 for 3 days per head



How to reach: The nearest airport to Kasol is Bhuntar, which is located at a distance of 31 km. The closest railway station is Joginder Nagar, 144 km away from Kasol. A road trip would be a great pick too since the driving distance from Delhi is just 565 km, and the views will keep you going.



What to do: Trekking, snowfall, visit nearby villages, Paragliding, river rafting, mountain climbing, Himalayan National Park.

8. Auli

Auli is all about Skiing and everything related to snowy winters. The trek up the Trishul Peak is a must for all trek lovers, and an afternoon at the glorious Chanab lake will be unforgettable. Auli is a heaven for all the bird watchers, and it's a land where you will find birds like doves, eagles, tits, jays, woodpeckers, spotted nutcrackers, sunbirds, and exotic birds like Redstart, Finch, Thrush, Himalayan Griffon, Grey Bushchat, and many others. 



Where: Uttarakhand 

Cost: Approx. Rs.5000 for 3 days, per head



How to reach: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and is 286 km away from Auli. The closest railway station is Dehradun Railway Junction, which is 160 km away. You can hire a cab from the railway station and reach Auli. A road trip via Volvo buses, taxis, and even privately-owned vehicles would be a decent journey too.



What to do: Sunsets & Sunrises, Snowfall, Trekking, Skiing, Snow Games, Gondola Ride.

9. Mukteshwar

Located in the beautiful Nainital, Mukteshwar is another must-visit winter destination. With a stunning backdrop of the Himalayas, Mukteshwar is known for fruit orchards, coniferous forests, rolling meadows, temples, and the waterfall. The local homes are built in Colonial style and definitely adds beauty to this small hill station.



Where: Nainital

Cost: Approx. Rs.6,000 for 3 days, per head



How to reach: Delhi International Airport is the nearest international airport, from here, you can hire a cab or take a bus. Kathgodam is the closest railway station and is about 73  km away from Mukteshwar. If you are planning to travel via bus, then there are multiple buses run by the government, and the journey would be fun-packed too.



What to do: Trekking, Paragliding, Rock Climbing, Sunrise Above Nanda Devi Peak, Visit Ancient Temples, Heritage Viewing, visit Sitla 

10. Coonoor

Encircled by the Nilgiri Hills, Coonoor is located in Tamil Nadu. The beautiful tea plantation and the gushing waterfalls make it even more appealing. During winters the valleys look gorgeous and call the trekkers. The Sim's Park has a collection of over 1,000 plant species, which include magnolia, pines, tree ferns, and camellia. The hiking trails are perfect for a light adventure, and the peaceful atmosphere of this place will make you forget the hustle-bustle of the city!



Where: Tamil Nadu

Cost: Approx. 7,000 for 2 days, per head



How to reach: The nearest airport is in Coimbatore and is situated at a distance of 71 km from Coonoor. The closest railway station is Mettupalayam, which is 40 km away from it. Cabs are available from the airport, and the railway station. The National Highway 67 connects Coonoor to Ooty and other Indian cities, so a road trip would be good too.



What to do: visit Sim's Park, Tea factory, Toy Train, and Lamb's Rock, The

11. Munnar

If you love winter and haven't visited Munnar, you should pack your bags right now. It's a heaven for all leisure seekers, travel enthusiasts, and adventurists. You can enjoy the thrill of doing rock climbing, trekking, and rappelling in the bone-chilling winter of Munnar. The scenic view of the mountains, the cloudy sky, and the dawn will bless your eyes. The nights are tranquil and will leave you with an experience like never before.



Where: Kerala

Cost: Approx. 7,500 for two days, per head



How to reach: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, and it is 125 km away from Munnar. The closest railway station is Aluva at a distance of 120 km. You can also hire a cab or take a bus to Munnar from nearby stops Kochi, Aluva, or Ernakulam.



What to do: visit KDHP Museum, Anamudi Peak, Kundala Dam & Lake, chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, do jeep sightseeing, forest camping, tea valley tour, Stay in tree House, visit Blossom Park Dark Forest.

12. Gulmarg

This Skiing destination is located in Jammu & Kashmir, and during winters turns into a mini paradise. This cup-shaped valley is a nature's gift of glorious views, snow-capped Himalaya, deep ravines, and the second-highest Gondola ride. The Alpathar lake looks out of this world in winters, and the strawberry valley will give you a perfect backdrop for your pictures. It is a must-visit winter destination for all right reasons!



Where: Jammu and Kashmir

Cost: Approx. Rs,6000 for 3 days, per head



How to reach: The nearest airport is in Srinagar which 56 km away from Gulmarg. This hill station is well-connected with regular bus services from Srinagar and Sonmarg. Jammu is the nearest railway station if you are travelling via railway, and is 290 km away from Gulmarg.



What to do: Skiing, Gondola, visit Alpathar lake, Gulmarg biosphere reserve, outer circle walk, visit Drang, Golfing, spend an afternoon at Ningle Nallah

13. Dalhousie

If you love heavy snowfalls, then head to Dalhousie during winters. This hill-station looks breathtaking with its scenic views, misty roads, dense cedar trees, and green meadows. Dalhousie's Khajjiar resembles Switzerland to a great extent and makes it one of the best winter destinations in India!



Where: Himachal Pradesh

Cost: Approx. Rs.6000 for 3 days, per head



How to reach: The nearest airport is Gaggal Airport and is 130 km away. Pathankot railway station is the nearest railway station at a distance of 80 km from Dalhousie. By road, it takes almost 11 hrs. from Delhi to reach Dalhousie. Several private and state buses of HPTC and HRTC are also available from nearby cities.



What to do: Ride a Boat in Glistening Chamera Lake, picnic at Khajjiar, Hiking, Trekking, Shop at Tibetan Handicrafts Market, visit Panchpula.

Also Read: #VocalforLocal, Ditch abroad to explore Indian wonders for your next Vacation!