Winter is around the corner, and it's about time to pack your bags and move out to experience the chill. There are many places in India that can turn your December trip into a new discovery that you have been longing for long. Here, you will get 15 such places in India that look like a wonderland straight from the fairy tale with thick blankets of snow during Christmas time for under Rs. 5000.
Places near Delhi under Rs. 5000
1. Patnitop
Where: Jammu & Kashmir
Surrounded by the beautiful meadows and panoramic views, Patnitop is one of the most stunning hill stations in Jammu and Kashmir. December is the best time to experience the scenic beauty of the snow-capped mountains and enjoy leisure activities like skiing.
How to reach:
From New Delhi, you can take an overnight train up to Udhampur. It will cost you around Rs. 400 per person. After reaching Udhampur, you can opt for shared sumo or bus up to Patnitop. It will cost you around Rs. 150 in shared sumo.
Where to stay:
Various budget and mid-range hotels are available in Patnitop. You can get a stay option at Rs. 500 per person.
Price range:
The whole trip to Patnitop will cost you around Rs 4,000 to 4,500 per person.
2. Devalsari
Where: Uttarakhand
Devalsari is a hidden paradise of Tehri Garhwal. If you are a nature lover and have an interest in birding, this place will fascinate you. Also, it is the base camp for Nag Tibba Trek, which is located 13 km away from Devalsari. During December, this place is hidden beneath the white sheet of snow, making it an ideal time to visit Devalsari.
How to reach:
First, you have to reach Dehradun from New Delhi by overnight train. Then you can proceed for Mussoorie. You will get local buses up to Mussoorie. From there, you can take a shared jeep for Devalsari.
Where to stay:
You will get ample numbers of the hotel in Mussoorie ranging from Rs 600 to 800.
Price range:
Devalsari can be visited with a budget approximately ranging from Rs 3,500 to 4,000 per person.
3. Khajjiar
Where: Himachal Pradesh
Dotted with lush green hills and sprinkled with towering tall trees, Khajjiar is one of the most gorgeous hill stations. It is also endearingly known as the Switzerland of India. Khajjiar usually receives heavy snowfall in December. So, there is a huge chance of seeing Khajjiar covered with snow during Christmas time.
How to reach:
First, you can take an overnight train from New Delhi to Pathankot, which will cost you around Rs 350 per person. After reaching Pathankot, you can take buses to Dalhousie. The bus fare is approximately Rs 200-250 per person. From Dalhousie, you can take another bus for Khajjiar, which is 22 km apart. This will cost you approximately Rs. 100.
Where to stay:
Hotels in Khajjiar can be available at Rs 1000-1,200 per double bedroom. Alternately, you can stay at Dalhousie at a much lower price.
Price range:
You can easily complete this trip with a budget of Rs 4,000 per person.
4. Harsil
Where: Uttarakhand
A hidden jewel near Gangotri Dham, Harsil is a serene Himalayan hamlet surrounded by snow-clad mountains, pine forests, and apple orchards. Harsil receives a good amount of snow during Christmas time, which makes it a good destination for solitude-seeking snow-lovers.
How to reach:
You can take an overnight train from New Delhi to Dehradun, which will cost you around Rs 350 per person. From Dehradun, you will get an ample number of buses to Uttarkashi, which will cost you around Rs 350 per person. From Uttarkashi, you can opt for a shared cab to drop you to Harsil.
Where to stay:
Hotels or homestays can be available in Harshil at a very cheap rate. Tariff for double bedroom starts from Rs 1000.
Price range:
You can complete your Harsil trip from Delhi with a budget of Rs 4,500 to 5,000 per person.
5. Kufri
Where: Himachal Pradesh
Nestled in the bosom of the Himalayas, Kufri is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Himachal near Shimla. Kufri’s beauty gets further enhanced in December with its awe-inspiring snow blanket all over this lovely town. At that time, you can also enjoy various snow sports like skiing and sledding in Kufri.
How to reach:
You can take an overnight train from New Delhi to Kalka, which will cost you Rs 250. After reaching Kalka, you can take another train up to Shimla, which will cost you approximately Rs 70 to 130 as per your choice of train. Kufri is only 15 km from Shimla, for which you can take buses or shared cars.
Where to stay:
In Shimla, you will get an ample number of hotels ranging from Rs 500 to 1000. Kufri can be covered in a day trip from Shimla.
Price range:
You can easily complete this trip with a budget of Rs 4,000 per person.
6. Chakrata
Where: Uttarakhand
Adorned by the sun-kissed Himalayan ranges, the beauteous hill station of Chakrata is seated at an elevation of 2,118 meters above sea level. December is the month when snowfalls in Chakrata start, and by the time of Christmas, the entire region gets covered in sheets of ice.
How to reach:
To reach Chakrata, first, you have to go to Dehradun. You can take an overnight train up to Dehradun, which will cost you around Rs. 350 per person. From Dehradun, you can take a bus for Chakrata, but direct buses are few in number. Alternately, you can take a bus up to Vikas Nagar, and from there, you can get a shared jeep for Chakrata.
Where to stay:
In Chakrata, you will easily get budget hotels for Rs 1000.
Price range:
Chakrata can be covered with a budget of Rs 4,000 to 4,500.
7. Dalhousie
Where: Himachal Pradesh
Far from the reaches of the monotony of routine life, Dalhousie brings you a breath of fresh air, quite literally, given the low pollution levels. Surrounded by a panorama of lofty, snow-clad peaks and yawning valleys, Dalhousie’s natural beauty will surely mesmerise you during Christmas.
How to reach:
The easiest way to reach Dalhousie is to take a bus from New Delhi. It will cost you around Rs 1,500 per person. To minimise the cost, you can take an overnight train from New Delhi to Pathankot and then take a local bus to Dalhousie. It will cost you a maximum of Rs 700 per person for one side journey.
Where to stay:
Hotels in Dalhousie are very cheap, and you can find a good budget hotel at Rs 600 – 700.
Price range:
You can complete your Dalhousie trip from Delhi with a budget of Rs 4,000 to 4,500.
8. Auli
Where: Uttarakhand
Auli is known for its scenic beauty and as a premier destination for adventure sports in the snow. This quaint little town looks like a page from the fairy tale with thick blankets of snow, dense coniferous forests, and clear views of Nanda Devi and Nar Parvat mountains in the background.
How to reach:
From New Delhi, you can take an overnight train to Haridwar. Train fare will be around Rs 350 per person. After reaching Haridwar, you can take shared sumo or bus to Joshimath. It will cost you around Rs. 600 per person. The distance between Joshimath and Auli is only 11 km. You can get a shared sumo to reach Auli. Alternatively, you can take cable cars from Joshimath to reach Auli.
Where to stay:
The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam has its own ski resort in Auli, near the ITBP camps. The resort offers affordable stays and is a smart pick when visiting Auli during December.
Price range:
Rs 4,500 to 5,000 per person will be enough for a trip to this wonderland from Delhi.
9. Narkanda
Where: Himachal Pradesh
Narkanda is situated at an altitude of 2,708 meters and offers a spectacular view of snowclad mountain ranges in December. It is also perfect for tourists who are seeking peace and a secluded place to relax in the mountains.
How to reach:
First, you need to reach Kalka from New Delhi by overnight train. Then you can take another train up to Shimla. From Shimla, you will easily be able to find a bus or a shared taxi going towards Narkanda. So, it will cost you around Rs 750 for one side journey from New Delhi to Narkanda.
Where to stay:
You can choose Hotel Hatu in Narkanda under HPTDC. The price for a double bedroom is Rs 3,000. Otherwise, you can stay in Shimla and do a day trip to Narkanda. In Shimla, you can easily get hotels at a price ranging from Rs 500 to 800.
Price range:
You can complete the trip with a budget of Rs 4,000 per person.
10. Dhanaulti
Where: Uttarakhand
Nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Dhanaulti is further up from Mussoorie at a distance of around 24 km. Dhanaulti often receives snowfall in December, and the entire land gets covered in sheets of ice, making it look like a pretty winter wonderland.
How to reach:
You can take an overnight train from New Delhi to Dehradun, which will cost you around Rs. 350 per person. From Dehradun, you will get an ample number of buses to Dhanaulti, which will cost you around Rs. 200 per person.
Where to stay:
Hotels in Dhanaulti can be available ranging from Rs 900 to 1,200.
Price range:
The complete trip will cost you around Rs 3,500 to 4,000 per person.
11. Manali
Where: Himachal Pradesh
Located at a height of 2000 meters on the banks of River Beas, Manali is bound to leave you surprised by its natural beauty. It is also one of the most beautiful, romantic, serene, tranquil, and wonderful getaways to visit in the month of December.
How to reach:
You can get numerous numbers of buses from New Delhi to Manali. It will cost you around Rs. 900 to 1600 per person depending on your choice of bus.
Where to stay:
You will get ample numbers of the hotel in Manali ranging from Rs 600 to 800.
Price range:
You can easily complete this trip with a budget of Rs 4,000 per person.
12. Parashar Lake
Where: Himachal Pradesh
Nestled in the bowl-shaped valley of the Dhauladhar range, Parashar lake is an untouched secret in the Himalayas with enchanting beauty and a beautiful trail. By December, the region will start to prepare for its first snowfall. And at the last week of December, you can see the entire region covered with snow.
How to reach:
You can take an overnight bus to Mandi, which will cost you approximately Rs 1000. The next day, from Mandi, you can take a bus up to Baggi. The cost of the bus ride will be around Rs 50. From Baggi, you have to do a small trek to reach Parashar Lake.
Where to stay:
You can rent a tent at Parashar Lake, which costs around Rs 300-500 per person. You also can book Forest Rest House. The cost of a room in FRH is around Rs 1000. In Mandi, you will get an ample number of stay options starting from Rs 500.
Price range:
The complete trip will cost you around Rs. 4000 per person.
Places Near Kolkata under Rs 5,000:
13. Lepchajagat
Where: West Bengal
This is probably the only place in West Bengal where you can find snow during the end of December. So, if you are in Kolkata and want to spend your Christmas on white background, this will be a perfect choice.
How to reach:
From Howrah Railway station, you can take an overnight train up to New Jalpaiguri. It will cost you around Rs 350 to 450 per person. After that, you can take a shared jeep to Ghoom Railway Station. One-way fare is approximately Rs 350 per person. From Ghoom, you can take another shared jeep for Lepchajagat, which will cost you Rs 100 per person.
Where to stay:
You can get homestays in Lepchajagat, which costs around Rs 1000 per head per day. Pakhrin Homestay is one such option that is widely popular in this region. You can contact the host at this number: 7044800962, 9051064510
Price range:
The total cost for the trip will be ranging from Rs 3,600 to 4,000.
14. Katao
Where: Sikkim
Located in the northern part of Sikkim, Mt. Katao is amongst the most spectacular sights you can imagine in Sikkim. During December, Katao is hidden beneath the white sheet of snow, making it an ideal time to visit Katao.
How to reach:
First, you can reach New Jalpaiguri from Howrah railway station by overnight train. After that, you can take a shared taxi to Gangtok. The next day, from Gangtok, you can take another shared jeep up to Lachung. You also can arrange for a packaged tour for Lachung. 1 day 2-night package will cost you around Rs. 1800 per head, which includes your transportation (in a shared jeep), stay (on a twin sharing basis), and meal also. In Gangtok, you will get many travel operators who can arrange this packaged trip.
Where to stay:
You will get an ample number of homestays in Lachung ranging from Rs 700 to 800 per person.
Price range:
You can complete the trip with a budget of Rs 4,000 per person.
15. Yumthang
Where: Sikkim
Yumthang is always beautiful and good to go. During December, there is a higher chance of snowfall. If you do not get snow in the valley itself, you must get it in Zero Point.
How to reach:
From Howrah Railway station, you can take an overnight train up to New Jalpaiguri. After that, you can take a shared taxi to Gangtok. You also can arrange for a packaged tour for Yumthang. 1 day 2-night package will cost you around Rs 2,000 per head, which includes your transportation (in a shared jeep), stay (on a twin sharing basis), and meal also. You also can make a trip to Yumthang along with Katao.
Where to stay:
There is no staying option in Yumthang. You can stay at Lachung otherwise, where you will get ample numbers of homestay options at Rs 700-800 per head.
Price range:
The complete trip will cost you around Rs 4,000 to 4,500 per person.
So while these places mostly don't disappoint when it comes to snow in the latter half of December, you must remember that it is a natural phenomenon. Also, before going to the places check once whether the places are open during Christmas time or not.
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