The holidays are approaching. Offering the ideal time to hang out with loved ones. Given that it will be getting chilly in New York, how about a warmer gateway? India offers a perfect escape from the chilly US winter. Discover why booking flights from JFK to New Delhi could be the best decision for your winter escape with this curated list of famous Indian destinations.
Why recommend flights from JFK to New Delhi?
Delhi, the capital of India, provides endless opportunities to travelers. Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi is the most convenient site due to its convenient location and the variety of transit options available. For travels to the vibrant beach parties of Goa or the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, New Delhi is the most accessible and well-connected starting place.
But where should you visit first? How can you plan your itinerary for maximum fun? You will find all your queries answered here. So make sure to read thoroughly.
Snow Covered Stops: Celebrate The Winter
India has plenty of options for you when it comes to enjoying the majestic beauty of the Himalayas. If you enjoy cold weather, winter activities, and mountains covered with snow. Savor the Himalayan winters by going skiing, or cuddling up with your loved ones in the snow. This is a selection of ideal wintertime destinations for those who enjoy the snow.
- Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Kashmir, also known as Heaven on Earth, offers one of the top choices for anyone seeking a true winter wonderland: Gulmarg. This location is famous for its scenic beauty throughout the year. This place offers excellent skiing with its snow-covered landscapes.
Highlights:
The second-highest cable car in the world: the Gulmarg Gondola, provides amazing views of the valley from all directions. Slopes at Gulmarg Valley are known as the seventh best in Asia for skiing. Strawberry Valley offers a glimpse of flowering strawberries amid the snow-capped Himalayas.
Best Time to Visit:
To enjoy the best snow conditions, visit between December and February. This time offers the finest skiing conditions and the most stunning views of the valley.
Travel Tips:
Pack warm clothes and snow gear. Wear layers and waterproof boots and gloves. You can rent equipment locally but should bring personal essentials like goggles and ski poles.
How to Reach?
By Flight: Book a flight from Delhi to Srinagar. From Srinagar, you have to travel by road via bus or taxi.
By Road: Multiple options such as Volvo (AC seater & semi-sleeper), non-AC sleeper, and non-AC seating are available. They will directly take you to Gulmarg via Srinagar.
By Train: Train is the most affordable option for Gulmarg. There are numerous trains from Delhi to Jammu, you have to cover the remaining distance by road.
- Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Because of its thick wooden forests, mountains covered in snow, orchards, and streams of pure Himalayan water, Manali is a favored destination for adventure seekers. It offers a diverse range of sporting opportunities combined with an abundance of scenic beauty. The place has a rich history and served as a starting point for a popular trade route that crosses Rohtang and Baralacchla passes.
Highlights:
Manali is famous for Solang Valley, which offers adventure sports like skiing, paragliding, and horseback riding. The route from Manali to Leh via Rohtang Pass is a dream come true for adventure bikers. Old Manali is the most popular place for travelers for lodging. Hadimba Temple and Jogini Falls are also located in Manali. They are famous for their natural beauty and spiritual significance.
Best Time to Visit:
You can visit Manali from November to March. During this period, Manali experiences snowfall and pleasant weather, making it a perfect place for winter sports and sightseeing.
Travel Tips:
Manali is a popular tourist destination; hence, book your accommodation as soon as possible. Rent a bike or taxi if you want to explore the city.
How to Reach?
By Road: Take a bus or taxi, or rent a car or bike. Travel through NH44 and NH3. It takes around 12-14 hours to reach Manali from Delhi by road.
By Air: You can book a flight to Bhuntar Airport from Delhi, then take a taxi or bus.
By Train: You can travel to Chandigarh, then you have to travel by bus. It takes 8–9 hours to complete the journey.
- Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Shimla is the most visited spot throughout the year and served as the summer capital during the British era. It seamlessly combines colonial charm with snow-covered beauty. It attracts adventure sports lovers and history enthusiasts with its rich heritage.
Highlights:
Shimla is popularly known for its ice skating during the Shimla Winter Carnival. The Ridge and the Mall Road are the most visited places in Shimla. You can enjoy shopping, dining, and participating in cultural performances while strolling through the scenic pathways.
Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time to enjoy Shimla’s snow-covered views is December to February. Winter activities will be in full swing as well.
Travel Tips:
Try to find accommodations near the center of the city. It will keep you close to all major attractions. Visit historical sites and take part in winter activities in Shimla.
How to Reach?
By Road: You can take a bus or drive on NH44 and NH5 to reach Shimla. You can also book a taxi for the same route.
By Train: Take a train from Delhi to Kalka, then take the scenic Kalka-Shimla toy train.
By Air: Fly from IGI to Jubbarhatti Airport, 23 kilometers (14.29 miles) from Shimla. Cover the remaining distance by road.
- Auli, Uttarakhand
You must visit Auli if you are looking for a less crowded place. It offers excellent skiing conditions and stunning mountain views. Its lush forests, oak-lined hills, and lakes provide an unforgettable experience.
Highlights:
The artificial Auli Lake is the most popular tourist attraction. The treks from Auli offer stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the Himalayas. Apart from being famous for skiing and other adventure activities, Auli offers 4-kilometer cable car rides that connect Auli to Joshimath, a town renowned for its ancient temples.
Best Time to Visit:
Visit Auli from December to March. It is the most appropriate time for skiing and enjoying snowy landscapes.
Travel Tips:
You can conveniently rent skiing equipment from local vendors. Check weather conditions and travel advisories before visiting Auli.
How to Reach?
By Road: Drive by yourself or take a bus. The journey time takes about 12–14 hours.
By Train: Many trains run from Delhi to Haridwar or Rishikesh. From there, you can hire a taxi to Auli.
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport which is located in Dehradun is the closest airport to Auli. Take a bus or taxi to cover the remaining distance.
Warm Destinations: Get Sunkissed During Winter
If you want to escape the snow, then India also offers warm winter destinations. These are perfect for you. Enjoy the sunny weather and escape from the winter chill at these spots.
- Jaipur, Rajasthan
Visit Jaipur, the Pink City, to explore its stunning royal palaces and forts. Jaipur has a rich history and architecture that you can explore.
Highlights:
Amber Fort and City Palace are must-visit landmarks. The city draws literary enthusiasts with its Jaipur Literature Festival. Jaipur is also famous for its textiles, block printing, and intricate embroidery.
Best Time to Visit:
You must visit Jaipur from October to March. The weather is pleasant and cool.
Travel Tips:
For a better experience, hire a local tourist. Try to attend the local festivals to experience the historic culture.
How to Reach?
By Road: Take a bus or self-drive on NH 48. It takes about 5-8 hours, depending on the choice of vehicle.
By Air: There are direct flights from IGI to Jaipur International Airport. The flight is approximately 1 hour.
By Train: Multiple train options run from Delhi to Jaipur. The journey is about 6–8 hours long.
- Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
The Rann of Kutch is famous for its vast salt flats and is recognized as one of the largest salt deserts in the world. This place has diverse ecosystems, ranging from mangroves to desert landscapes. It is also home to rare Indian wild asses and flamingos.
Highlights:
This place is the dream for photographers. Rann Utsav is a festival that celebrates the traditional customs and practices of Rann of Kutch. It is a must-see festival. You can also enjoy camel safaris and the beauty of stars during your stay in the salt desert.
Best Time to Visit:
November to February is the most appropriate time to visit Rann of Kutch. You will be able to enjoy the Ran Utsav during your visit.
Travel Tips:
Book accommodations early and also hire a local guide for a deeper understanding. Be prepared to experience a one-of-a-kind desert adventure.
How to Reach?
By Air: The closest airport to Rann of Katch is Bhuj, and you can take direct flights from Delhi to reach there. Onwards, you have to cover 80-100 km by road.
By Train: You can take a train to Bhuj as well. The journey is around 18–22 hours long, so prepare accordingly.
By Road: Rann of Katch is around 1,000 km (621 miles) from Delhi. The travel time on the bus or self-driving vehicle can consume 15-18 hours.
- Goa
Goa is a must-visit place for party lovers. This place offers more than just stunning beaches. Its vibrant nightlife and energetic vibe make it the ultimate destination to soak up the sun while enjoying a lively, festive atmosphere.
Highlights:
Goa is a popular destination for beach hopping. Choose from the vibrant Calangute Beach or the serene Palolem Beach. Asia’s largest music festival, The Sunburn Festival, is organized here in December. Dudhsagar Falls is also a popular tourist attraction, renowned for its milky-white waterfall flowing through the green hills.
Best Time to Visit:
For pleasant weather and to become a part of numerous festivals, visit Goa from November to February.
Travel Tips:
Explore various beaches, attend local festivals, and try local seafood and Goan cuisine.
How to Reach?
By Air: Opt for flights from Goa to Delhi to save time. The flight usually takes 2.5 hours.
By Train: Multiple trains from Delhi to Goa are available, with a travel duration of 26-36 hours.
By Road: No direct buses to Goa from Delhi are available, but you can hire a taxi or rent a self-driving car. The estimated time taken by car is 30–25 hours.
- Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan. Offering a refreshing retreat from the desert heat, this hill station is also renowned as an oasis in the desert. It has multiple lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. The presence of this hill station in deserted Rajasthan makes it unique and attracts large amounts of tourists.
Highlights:
Discover Nakki Lake or hike to Guru Shikhar for panoramic views of the city. The Dilwara temples offer insight into intricate marble carvings.
Best Time to Visit:
October to March is the perfect time to visit this serene hill station. Mount Abu offers mild and comfortable temperatures during this time.
Travel Tips:
Visit historical sites at this hill station. Explore local cuisine while enjoying the cool evenings and try local cuisine.
How to Reach?
By Air: The nearest airport to Mount Abu is Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur, which is 176 kilometers (109.36 miles) away from Mount Abu. You can cover this distance by bus or taxi.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Abu Road, and multiple trains are available on this route.
By Bus: Luxury buses are available from Delhi to Mount Abu. The bus journey is 12–15 hours long.
Conclusion
India’s vibrant beauty is best explored in the winter. It offers something for every type of traveler, whether they wish to explore the Himalayas’ snow-capped peaks, its pleasant beaches, or its exciting music festivals. For a more thorough understanding of the fares, the most important step is to compare the prices of flights from JFK to New Delhi, India, across multiple portals.
Get in touch with Travelopod if you want to travel seamlessly and make the most of your money. You can save up to 30% by taking advantage of their special offers and discounts. When scheduling your travel from JFK to New Delhi, try to stay within your means.