Winter Bucket List: Fun Winter Activities in India You Must Try

Many people think of winter activities as snuggling up indoors, staying warm by the fire and drinking hot chai. Winter is much more than that! Winter doesn't have to mean sinking in your bed under a mattress all day long. This winter, do something fun and create a memory that will last forever. 

If you're looking for fun things to do in winter like snow activities or places to visit in India, here are some things you must try:

• Experience Snow in Manali
• Night Safari in Jaisalmer
• Trekking near Dharamshala
• Enjoy the Backwaters of Kerala

Fun things to do in the winter season

Swap your comfy blankets for snow-covered landscapes and your hot drinks for frosty adventures. Winter isn't just a season for lazing around; it's an epic adventure waiting to happen. 

Lace up your boots, bundle up, and let's explore some winter vacation ideas together.

• Experience Snow in Manali

Manali experiences chilly winters with abundant snowfall from December to February and sometimes extending up to mid of March as well. With temperatures falling below zero, most of Manali is covered in snow during the winter.

Some might see this as a reason to stay indoors, but there's no need.

There are a lot of snow activities to do. From making a snowman to snow sculptures to making snow ice pops, you can go crazy with your friends and family. 

You can even take it up a few notches with the following snow activities:

1. Skiing and Snowboarding: Conquer powdery slopes in Solang Valley.
2. Sledging and Tobogganing: Enjoy classic winter fun on snow-covered slopes.
3. Snowmobiling: Zip through snowy terrains for an adrenaline rush.
4. Paragliding: Soar over snow-clad landscapes in Solang Valley.
5. Hot Springs at Vashisht: Relax in natural hot springs against a snowy backdrop.
6. Winter Trekking: Explore Hampta Pass and Beas Kund for snowy landscapes.
7. Ice Skating: Glide on the Manali Ice Rink with stunning mountain views.
8. Photography and Sightseeing: Capture scenic beauty at Hadimba Devi Temple and Old Manali.
9. Camping in Snow: Experience a magical night under the starry winter sky.

You can also do indoor fun winter activities, depends on where you stay.

If you’re looking for the perfect resort, Club Mahindra White Meadows Resort can be a perfect choice. With snowfall and various indoor activities like folk dance class, mocktail making class or learning how to make towel origami, it can be an ideal place to spend your winter vacation. 

• Night Safari in Jaisalmer 

There is nothing quite as magical and serene at the same time as camping in the middle of a desert on a chilly night under the star-studded sky. So, if you're looking for some outdoor winter activities, Jaisalmer in Rajasthan should be on your list. 

The magnanimous Thar desert in Jaisalmer experiences extremely hot summers and pleasant winters, making it a great spot for doing some fun winter activities at night. From camel rides to barbeque, camping or sitting with your friends and family in front of a bonfire, Jaisalmer will leave you mesmerised. 

Consider staying at a resort in Jaisalmer hosted by Club Mahindra to experience true Rajasthani hospitality like royalty. Whether you want to go for camel rides in the Dunes, indulge in some fun activities in the resort, like archery, or relinquish an authentic Rajasthani Thali, the resort has got you covered. 

•  Trekking near Dharamshala

Dharamshala, located on the edge of the Himalayas, is a great place for outdoor winter activities.

You can explore fun winter activities like snow camping, a bike ride to McLeod Ganj, the frozen beauty of Dal Lake, or a stroll through tea gardens.

However, you shouldn't miss the Triund trek if you're looking for some real winter fun. 

Dharamshala is gifted with many peaks and valleys that are perfect for winter trekking, but the Triund trek is quite renowned.

A 2-day trek, typically starting and ending at McLeadganj near Dharamshala, will take you to the Triund hills, where you can enjoy the mesmerising view of the snow-covered Kangra Valley. 

You should stay over at Dharamshala for a night or two to acclimate before you begin your trip to Triund. 

Club Mahindra Dharamshala Resort can be a perfect place to stay. It offers many fun outdoor and indoor activities for the guests, such as jeep safari, towel origami, learning how to cook Himachali cuisine and more. 

• Enjoy the Backwaters of Kerala

Kerala is known for its backwaters, forests and wildlife. Taking a boat ride in the backwaters of Kerala can be one of the most surreal activities this winter. While summers are hot and humid, winters are pleasant in Kerala, making it a great time for tourists to venture out. 

Here are some of the fun things to do in the winter in Kerala:

• Munnar Tea Plantation Trek: Explore the lush green tea plantations of Munnar, transformed into a serene landscape during winter. The cool weather adds a refreshing touch to your trekking adventure.
  
• Alleppey Backwater Cruise: Experience the backwaters of Alleppey in a houseboat. The cool winter breeze adds charm to the tranquil ride through the serene waterways.
  
• Wayanad Cycling Trails: Embark on cycling trails in Wayanad is one of the fun winter activities to do in Kerala for families. The scenic beauty of hills, forests, and waterfalls makes it an unforgettable outdoor experience.
  
• Kumarakom Bird Watching: Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary for a winter bird-watching extravaganza. Many migratory birds flock to the region during this season, adding to the natural spectacle.
  
• Kovalam Beach Sunset Stroll: Take a leisurely stroll along Kovalam Beach during the winter sunset. The cool breeze and the mesmerizing hues of the sky create a romantic and calming atmosphere.
  
• Thekkady Bamboo Rafting: Engage in bamboo rafting in Thekkady's Periyar Lake. The crisp winter air and the lush surroundings enhance the thrill of this unique outdoor activity.
  
• Idukki Arch Dam Visit: Explore the majestic Idukki Arch Dam, surrounded by mist and cool temperatures. The winter season offers clear views and a pleasant climate for sightseeing.
  
• Kochi Cycling Tour: Discover the historic streets of Kochi on a cycling tour. The cooler winter weather makes it an enjoyable way to explore the cultural richness of the city.

You can stay at Thekkady Resort by Club Mahindra situated right next to the Periyar Tiger Reserve. Surrounded by lush landscapes, the resort provides unparalleled access to wildlife, scenic views, and the rich biodiversity of the Periyar region. With luxurious amenities and proximity to nature, it ensures an unforgettable and immersive stay.

From desert safari to camping in a desert to skiing, there are so many fun things to do in the winter. Pick your favourite winter activities and plan your itinerary today. Don’t forget to check the temperature of your destination and ensure you pack accordingly.