Winter's finally here. And in total disregard to the fact that a month from now I'll be wishing myself on a beach, I do declare that I love the winters. A month from now, if you're sane like I mostly am, you'll also be wishing yourself at the beach. Or if you're slightly twisted, like I secretly also am, you'll be itching to get to an even colder place. That's what the winter vacations in India are all about - to get away from the winters or to whole-heartedly embrace them. So before you take out those woolies, plan your winter vacation.
As obliging as we are, we give you a list of the 5 top destinations this winter to get you started. Oh, and please note, the list 1. Escape the chill - Andaman and Nicobar islands Let's hit the beaches first by all means. Pristine sand, swaying coconut trees, lush tropical foliage and vast stretches of coral dotted waters - the islands are a mockery of their original name, Kalapaani. Once you land at the airport in Port Blair, a whole world of holiday activity is open to you. Whether it's scuba diving on Havelock Island, exploring the extinct volcano at Barren Island or sticking your tongue out at wildly colored fish from a glass bottomed boat, the islands have it all. Oh, and the food! Fresh seafood is definitely the order of the day. The Red Snapper at Benny's in Havelock deserves special mention.Andaman is the perfect getaway from the winter blues. Marinate in the tropical air and come back all brown and rejuvenated - if the tsunami doesn't get you first. Joking, just joking!
2. The deep freeze - Auli Why would any sane person want to travel to a meadow covered with snow, surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains with vistas that leave you gasping? Forget I asked that question. The best skiing destination in India, Auli literally takes your breath away. If you're a skiing enthusiast or are even faintly interested in flying down a mountain, this is the place to go to. Decent hotels and decent food - but then, you're not here for those, are you? The nearest airport is in Dehradun and the drive up to Auli is spectacular. Auli also boasts the longest cableway in Asia, quaintly named the Gondola. The views from the Gondola rival those found in the higher reaches of the Swiss Alps. Tempted yet? If not, think about your toes when you get back to the plains. They'll be much warmer. 3. The tiger trail - Bandhavgarh For those of you who eschew the regular vacation, here's one tailor-made for you. One of the best national parks of India, Bandhavgarh boasts of the highest density of tigers in India. And tigers are not all there are; leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer are just a few of the 22 species of mammals and over 250 species of birds found in the Park. The closest railway station is in Umaria, which is a mere jeep ride away from the Park. Once there, you can stay at various lodges and resorts scattered around the region. Mahua Kothi by Taj is reputedly the most luxurious jungle experience you can have in the region. If riding on an elephant and shooting at tigers with your SLR camera was not luxury enough, that is.And since we're talking winters, please note that it's going to be bitterly cold at Bandhavgarh, with temperatures dipping to as low as 0 degrees Celsius. Yes, it's not for the faint-hearted. 4. Enter the desert - Jaisalmer Every winter, this golden desert city shakes off its slumber and wakes up in a burst of celebratory color. Located at the edge of the Thar desert, Jaisalmer is dominated by the Jaisalmer Fort around which the entire town is built. Made from golden sandstone that exactly matches the sands around it, the Fort appears like a giant, living sandcastle. Camel safaris, cultural festivals and a kaleidoscope of folk music and vibrant colors are what greet you when you enter Jaisalmer. And if you're wary of camels, the good old trusty jeep is there to take you across for a safari in the desert. Explore the charming havelis and take in the views of the surrounding desert from the fort lookouts. Jaisalmer is an experience, not a destination - even if that sounds like a brochure spiel, it's very true. And just because you're in the desert, don't put away those woolies yet. The nights in the Jaisalmer winter get quite chilly. 5. Your own country - Kerala Reams have probably been written about Kerala, but they're still not enough. When the monsoon finishes it work in South India, it leaves Kerala a verdant, beautiful land, all set for a mild, romantic winter. From the wide stretches of sand along the coastline to the tea-growing hills of Munnar to the still backwaters of this delightful state, Kerala offers a quietly attractive destination that you'll probably want to go back to again. One trip never covers it all. The only thing better than the diverse ecology in Kerala is the fact that it's totally non-touristy. No guides and touts will follow you around and no locals will try to cheat you out of your money. Yup, few places in India where you get that. So take your pick. The beach, the mountains or nothing altogether? If it's the last one, do remember that a short winter trip is necessary to whet the appetite if you want to have a fun-filled full-on vacation in the summers. Just sayin'