10 places to enjoy snowfall on the Valentine's Day

Well, everyone is quite excited to experience the snow falling and floating in the air like flakes; but one has to be very lucky to witness the snowfall though getting across ample amount of snow is not very big deal. Here are top ten places which can make you experience the snowfall on the Valentine's Day, with a bit of luck as mention earlier. Nonetheless, you will definitely enjoy the beauty of these places and can still make the most of your trip if the luck does not favour.

Update: All these places are currently under thick snow cover, so plan your trip with care.

1. Dhanaulti

Dhanaulti is famous for its serenity and natural beauty. It's just 40 KM from the famous queen of hills Mussoorie and has many alpine forests to spend time in the lap of nature. Month of february, especially the first two weeks will provide you a fair chance to witness the snowfall. Famous Surkanda Devi temple is just 10 KM from here, you can board the cable car to the temple for panoramic views of snow all around and at the altitude of 10,000 feet you can enjoy the snowfall at the temple as well. A day Or two can also be spent at mussoorie for additional experience of the hustle and bustle of mussoorie along with the quite, peaceful stay at Dhanaulti. Kanatal is another beautiful place very near to Dhanaulti, famous for its exceptional views. One day can also be planned for leisurely stay at Kanatal.

Where to stay: Camp O Royale, Himalayan Splendour resort, Glamwood resort, Dhanaulti jungle resort

2. Munisyari

Munisyari is 200 KM from almora and 270 KM from famous hill station Nainital. The views of Panchachuli peaks from any hotel in munisyari are breathtaking. Nanda devi temple at munisyari has outstanding views all around in the month of february. Munisyari is very popular choice for trekkers as it has 5 or 6 very beautiful treks nearby, though in February it will be very cold to do the trekking. famous Birthi falls can also be a good spot to cover in this month.

Where to stay: KMVN tourist house, Oak Hill resort, Green Mountain homestay

3. Auli

About 260 Km from rishikesh, auli is a famous winter sports destination in the month of feb. The vast slopes of auli fully covered with rich layer of snow are ideal for skiing ⛷️ and other sports which can be enjoyed here in February. The ropeway from joshimath takes about 20 min to reach auli and is one of the longest in the country. the view of elephant shaped mountain is just superb from this place. On returning back to rishikesh, one day can be added for famous Tungnath temple near Chopta and trek to chandershila peak can be done just within 2-3 hours from the temple for 360 view of mountain ranges.

Where to stay: mountain rover auli sky resort, dream mountain resort, himalyan high resort

4. Manali

If you wish to enjoy a commercial hill station with lot of restaurants, shopping experience and the hustle and bustle of a tourist place along with the snow, this place is best for a valentines day trip. Famous solang valley will provide you an opportunity to witness snowfall if you are lucky. Nonetheless, snow will be everywhere in the town. You can also extend your trip to Atal tunnel and Sissu as well to enjoy more natural beauty. Hiddimba temple is a must visit in this month as it has big alpine forest all around and trees are coveted with snow. The areas of Naggar and Kothi village get very scenic in this month.

Where to stay: snow valley resorts, himalyan heights, The orchard greens manali, Holiday villa resort (for great views of entire town)

5. Sissu

With the opening of Atal tunnel, exploring this serene village of Lahaul valley has become very convenient for the tourists. You will get abundance of snow here in February. The sissu waterfall and adventure activities will add to your snow experience. This can be a memorable experience to visit sissu on this day. You can return back to manali on the same day for the comforts that manali provides as it is only 1.5 hours to manali but if you want to wake up in the lap of nature amongst some best views then you should plan for a night halt here.

Where to stay: hotel hobknob sissu, Sissu regency, Zostel Sissu, The bullevar whispering willows, hotel unicorn

6. Kalpa

About 220 Km from the big town Shimla, this place could be one if the best bets to enjoy snowfall while sitting in the comfort of your hotel. Famous of it's views of the giant kinner Kailash mountain range, kalpa is worth a visit during February. The quite town is home to many beautiful temples as well and is just 10 KM from the district headquarters of reckong peo. Though most of the hotels will be closed during February, you will still find some open for tourists. Do check in with the hotels before planning for the trip. Visit the Roghi village and just relax in your hotel with superb mountain views all around.

Where to stay: hotel rollingrang, HPTDC hotel are the two options that should be open in February.

7. Batseri village/Chitkul

Chitkul is the last village of india on Hindustan Tibet road about 250 KM from Shimla. Though the village may not be accessible in February due to too much snow, tourists can easily reach upto batseri village which is even more beautiful than chitkul and is just 20 KM before chitkul. It will be a heaven in the month of February, with abundance of snow, peace and raw beauty of nature, with river as well. Plan for at least two or three days here to make the most of your trip.

Toshim homestay and Hotel Batseri are the two best options that will be open at this time. You will remember the experience of this place forever

8. Sonmarg, J&K

About 85 Km from srinagar, sonamarg is a paradise for snow lovers. It takes 2-3 hours to reach sonamarg from srinagar. This can be one of the best options to witness sbowfall in February but visit to nearby places like zero point, Zozila pass etc may not be possible due to route closures. Still you can certainly enjoy the snow at sonamarg and possibly you can trek to Thajiwas glacier, on a horse which should cost around 1000-1200 per person or on the sledge with almost same cost. Do come early by 9 or 10 am as sunshine gets very strong in the noon and burns the skin. Carry a sunscreen to prevent sunburn. See the Bajrangi Bhaijan movie shooting location and immerse yourself in the heavenly beauty of sonamarg.

Hotel glacier heights and hotel snowland are two good options to stay, but it's best to return back to srinagar as it will be very cold at night in sonamarg.

9. Gulmarg

Gulmarg is nearer to srinagar as compared to Sonamarg, just 50 KM from srinagar and in reach within 1.5 hours if you start early and avoid the rush. The best experience at gulmarg is the famous cable car and you don't need to go upto 2nd level or phase to enjoy snow, going upto the first level or phase would be more than sufficient. You can also choose to avoid the cable car if budget is the constraint or time constraints apply. But it's a must do activity though there is mad rush for cable car all year around. You need to do advance booking of cable car either online or through some hotel or travel guide and even after doing it you need to get at boarding station early, preferably before 9 am, to avoid the crowd otherwise you will remain struck in the queue for hours!

Enjoy winter Games like sledge riding, snow bike, after reaching level 1. Have some snacks while enjoying snow, abundance of snow all around everywhere. The views are exceptional.

10. Yumthang valley

Known as the valley of God's, youmthang valley is one of the best options for enjoying snow for people of West Bengal or other nearby states. It's about 150 km from Gangtok, the state capital. There are almost no options to stay but Lachung is full of hotels and homestays just 35 KM before yumthang. It takes about 6-7 hours to reach lachung from gangtok as the roads are seldom in perfect condition. But the tranquility of Lachung village itself is sufficient to plan for at least two days stay here. In the morning, preferably before 7 or 8 am, leave for yumthang, which should take 1-1.5 hours. Entire stretch of this short journey is breathtaking, with millions of trees covered with snow and the small, narrow river gushing through the yumthang valley. Abundance of snow awaits you in the month of February, although you will get it in Lachung itself!