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Winter and the nip in the air remind me of warm fuzzy blankets and heart-warming hot beverages. If you love travelling, the winter season is also a great time to plan a holiday to end the year on a high note. Be it taking a break from the humdrum of your everyday routine, unwinding with your loved ones, or seeking new travel experiences, a winter holiday offers the perfect opportunity to make the most of the holiday season.
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The first time I went to Coorg, I was unprepared for its beauty. Popularly known as the 'Scotland of India,' Coorg is tucked away in the Sahyadri Mountains in the southern part of Karnataka. With the lush green shola grasslands of the Western Ghats extending as far as the eyes can see, with acres upon acres of paddy fields and coffee plantations, Coorg offers picturesque vistas that are a balm to the senses. Notwithstanding its scenic beauty, Coorg is more than just immersing oneself in nature – the city also boasts a rich cultural heritage worth exploring.
We were lucky to experience the warm hospitality of the locals. The Kodava people, natives of the Kodagu (as Coorg is locally known) district, are a warrior race known for their distinct traditions, beliefs, attire, and food. We drove 25 km northeast of Madikeri to Madapur, winding through the lush landscape of the Western Ghats, over several river bridges, to BelHome, a beautiful coffee plantation estate owned by an elderly Coorgi couple.
Their cosy log huts and coffee brewed from the finest beans sourced from the plantation were reasons enough to spend three nights at this homestay. While here, we woke up to the sound of chirruping birds and spent our mornings exploring the coffee plantations with the owner and their friendly pet dog, Sheeba. In the evening, we savoured lip-smacking Coorgi delicacies, served hot and fresh.
If sightseeing is on your mind, Abbey Falls – around 27 km southwest of BelHome – are a must-visit. Set in leafy environs, these falls plummet from 70 ft and are a sight to behold! Another gem around these parts is Dubare Elephant Camp, around 38 km southeast of the homestay. It is a great place to observe the famous Mysore elephants at close quarters. You can bathe the pachyderms, feed them bananas, sugarcane, and jaggery, and ride into the jungle.
However, the ultimate adventure awaits at Mandalpatti Hill, around 40 km west of BelHome. We had the ride of our life as we negotiated steep slopes to reach the shola grasslands. It was a bumpy yet exciting ride and rewarded us with mesmerising views of the countryside!
If coffee is not your elixir and you are a chai lover like me, Coonoor is the place for you! At an altitude of around 6,000 ft, Coonoor is a charming hill station nestled in the Nilgiris in the state of Tamil Nadu. The hill town has a distinct Colonial-era charm, with British-style bungalows set in tree-shaded environs, offering the opportunity to spend quiet time in nature. The best way to reach Coonoor is to take the hour-long ride aboard the heritage train from Ooty, which chugs through a pristine mountain landscape.
Green tea shrubs shimmering in the mellow winter sun and piping hot cups of tea welcomed us to the quiet hill town of Coonoor. While here, we checked into a homestay surrounded by tea estates and even learnt about tea production at a local tea factory.
After beginning our day early with a steaming cup of tea, we headed for Sim’s Park to treat our senses to nature! Nestled in a deep ravine, this botanical garden attracts budding botanists and nature lovers with its diverse tree species, such as rudraksha, Queensland Karry pines, pines, magnolias, and turpentines. You can also take a boat on the calm waters of the lake within the park.
A holiday in Coonoor is incomplete without a visit to Dolphin’s Nose, the highest point in the hill town at 5,085 ft. In winter, the place offers a surreal experience with the viewpoint shrouded in clouds.
Is there a better option than the beaches of Goa to ring in the holiday season? If the balmy winter weather, world-class surf, beach parties, and colourful flea markets aren't inspiration enough for you to plan a beach vacation in Goa, then Goan delicacies, casino-hopping, and dolphin-spotting are sure to set your holiday plans in motion!
I decided to spend my year-end vacation in Goa to slow down, soak up the winter sun, and end the year on a high note. I parked myself at the Santana Resort, in Candolim, a picturesque resort with comfortable-sized rooms overlooking immaculately kept gardens. I spent my mornings on the beach, soaking in the gorgeous sunrise views, and taking a dip in the waters to rejuvenate the senses. Evenings were reserved for sipping classic cocktails while enjoying great company and conversations.
The best part about visiting Goa during winter is the tropical weather that allows you to try various outdoor activities. If you are an adventure enthusiast, head to the beaches of Baga and Calangute for exciting watersports, such as paragliding, banana boat riding, parasailing, jet-skiing, and speed boating.
Alternatively, you could travel further south to Palolem for its calm waters and unspoiled crescent-shaped beach, perfect for lounging in the sun and people-watching. Or you could hit the beach at Anjuna, north of Candolim, known for its thrilling beach parties and chic cafés. Round off your vacation with a trip to one of the luxurious river casinos in Panjim to try your luck at a game of poker, slots, and blackjack.
Think winters in Kashmir, and one can easily conjure a scene of freewheeling conversations around cosy bonfires over cups of warm kahwa. Commonly known as the 'Switzerland of India,' Kashmir offers a panacea for the weary mind, body, and soul with its enchanting snow-covered landscape.
If you visit Kashmir in winter, head to Gulmarg, best known for Gulmarg Gondola – the highest cable car in Asia and the second-highest in the world. As the cable car chugged its way up the mountainside, we enjoyed the spectacular views of the snow-clad mountains glistening in the sun.
The beginner-level ski runs are around 7.5 km long. Since we were beginners, we tried skiing on the gentle slopes, which turned into a vast expanse of powdery white snow in winter. Above all, the best part about the experience was to let ourselves loose and simply frolic in the snow; we even enjoyed a snowball fight! Next, we visited Gulmarg Golf Course, among the highest golf courses in the world. The 18-hole golf course is a white wonderland in winter, making for a dreamlike setting.
Skiing enthusiasts can also consider heading to Aru Valley, best known for skiing and heli-skiing. In season, the valley also serves as a base for trekking to Kolahoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake. We wrapped up our Kashmir odyssey with a shikara ride on the Dal Lake in Srinagar.
Also known as the 'Venice of the East,' Udaipur is your city of choice if you want to spend a cosy winter vacation with your beau, exploring lavish palaces, superb museums, shimmering lakes, and lovely gardens. The best time to visit Udaipur is in winter when the days are warm and sunny and evenings cool and breezy.
Our vacation in the enchanting city began with a visit to the Mansapurna Karni Mata Ropeway early in the morning. We stood in awe of the views over Lake Pichola, the City Palace, and Fatehsagar Lake as the ropeway made its way to Karni Mata Temple. Our next stop was the splendid City Palace to learn about the history of Mewar. Overlooking Lake Pichola, the palace was constructed by Maharana Udai Singh II and is considered an architectural masterpiece.
A fusion of Mughal and Rajput styles, the palace has several intricately ornamented sections, of which Amar Vilas, Krishna Vilas, Badi Mahal, and Durbar Hall are of particular note. As we explored the rooms, hallways, and wings of the palace, I could not help but gawp at the beautiful mirror work, decorative tiles, and paintings of the royal family.
Our next stop on the historical trail was the 18th-century Bagore Ki Haveli, which is now a fascinating museum. Set aside sufficient time to explore its 138 rooms decorated with glasswork. The museum is worth a visit, with sections dedicated to puppets, turbans, weapons, and weddings. In the evening, we watched a traditional Rajasthani dance and puppet show – a perfect way to end a cultural tour.
So, whether it is soaking up the sun on the beach, wandering through tea gardens, skiing down steep slopes, or walking down the corridors of erstwhile royalty, you can choose from a variety of activities to plan your winter holiday itinerary. However, plan ahead and book your tickets and accommodation early to avoid the steep hike in prices during the holiday season.
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