Western India Holiday
You can travel to Western India any day of the year and you won’t
feel the charm reducing even an inch. Luffed primarily by rich culture,
these western states proffer a vivid picture that easily beguiles
travellers from around the world. The potpourri makes it a perfect
destination to learn better about the vividness of the country. Since
winter is about to knock on the door in Northern India, the western part
of the country becomes a more promising region to be visited. While
entire Northern region will be covered in mist and snow, you can see the
states in the West indulging into Sunburn Festival, Rafting
Expeditions, Water Sports, Rann Utsav and several other big and small
activities and celebrations. So, if you haven’t yet decided which places
to visit in India this winter, our list here of best places in Western
India can help you make up your mind.
Goa
A destination for all, Goa
easily makes the list of best winter tourist destination in Western
India. If you choose Western India for your winter travel, I will assume
that you are not much of a hill and snow person and wrapping yourself
in a warm blanket is certainly not your thing! You must then YOO-HOO out
loud and THANK Goa for offering you a fabulous winter break. The
lengthy shoreline, the golden sand, the cheap flowing alcohol, lively
music and the heavenly atmosphere waits to give you the time of your
life! And if that is not enough; think about the opportunity of water
sports, yoga, delectable sea food and impeccable spa and massages. Old
Goa, on the other side takes you back in time and when you reach in that
era, the clock stops ticking further! I know you are convinced, but
before we move further I would like to give you another reason why you
should visit Goa in winter season…SUNBURN FESTIVAL, India’s biggest
music fest is also held during the winter in Goa, so all you party
animals cannot miss out Goa at this time of the year! The bottom line is
you are spoilt for choices in Goa and it’s your call whether you go for
a quiet and isolated holiday or one that includes adventure and going
on an offbeat track.
[ Also read: Top 10 Water Adventure Activities to Experience in Goa ]
Mumbai
Whoever said that Mumbai is the city of dreams, he was absolutely
correct! AND you will also realize the same once you will cut and run
through the treacherous alleys of Mumbai. The city is the dwelling of
two extremes, where the rich plunge into the best of leisure world and
the poor celebrates earning two proper meals a day. Well, what can we
say that’s LIFE! Anyways getting back to the reason why one can have a
fabulous holiday in Mumbai – the city offers ample of options that range
from going on a sightseeing tour (Mumbai Darshan) to partying late into the night in a high-end club in a luxury hotel,
from visiting the caves of Elephanta to watching a film shoot in Film
City. Mumbai also proffer its visitors a chance to get the taste of
Maharashtra’s delectable cuisine, not to forget the street food which is
the pride of the city. Shop till you drop at the ever so trendy Fashion
Street or drop down at Colaba, where you will learn the secret of cheap
shopping. Mumbai has multiple faces and each one is delightful!
Mahabaleshwar
Sure enough, there won’t be any snow but visiting Mahabaleshwar in
winter season can be an exhilarating experience. Known for being a
perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, it definitely
makes for an deal holiday destination in India. This beautiful hill station
is about 120kms from Pune and about 247kms from Mumbai. Since it is a
hilly area, you can hope for sightseeing and trekking opportunities.
Mount Malcom, Holy Cross Church, Pratapgarh Fort, Lodwick Point,
Arthur’s Seat, Babington Point, Wilson Point, Kate’s Point, Bombay Point
(Sunset Point), Elephant’s head Point and Lingamala Falls are some of
the major attractions in Mahabaleshwar. As for the activities, along
with some hiking, one can go boating and horse riding at Venna Lake. Do
not miss out on watching the sunset and sunrise from Wilson Point or
Kate’s Point. There are quite a few good options for hotels in
Mahabaleshwar that ranges between budget and luxury, so according to
your pocket and preference, you can get a comfortable accommodation
here.
Panchgani
If Panchgani had to be described in one word, then it will be ‘GORGEOUS’. A small hill station that is full ofnature’s beauty, Panchgani
is for those who want to spend some time in solace and utter peace. At a
short distance from another beautiful hill station (Mahabaleshwar),
Panchgani flaunts its lush green forests and a few pretty sightseeing
points like Table Land, Parsi Point, Pandavgadh Caves, Wai, Devil’s
Kitchen, Sydney Point and Rajpuri Caves. Visiting the caves is one of
its kinds of experiences; on the other side you will simply love taking
the tour of Wai, which is situated on the bank of River Krishna. Most of
the people prefer coming to Panchgani for its indescribable peace and
beauty and if you you agree with their reasons, then Panchgani is the
ideal destination for you as well!
Khandala
Whenever, I think about Khandala,
I somehow start to hum ‘Aati Kya Khandala’, the song from the Bollywood
flick Ghulam featuring Amir Khan and Rani Mukherjee. This beautiful
place in Maharashtra has been a popular getaway. Popular for its
salubrious climate and Kune Waterfall, this is one of the best waterfalls to see in India,
this beautiful Sahyadri’s hill station is a nature lover’s paradise and
offers some gorgeous places to see. Pavana Lake, Rajmachi Fort, Bhaja
Caves, Lohagad Fort, Shooting Point, Nagphani (Duke’s Nose) and
Reversing station are amongst the major attractions in Khandala. A quiet
walk through the alleys can be the best way to explore the real charm
of Khandala. AND yes, do not forget to get a little crazy and do a
little gig on Aati Kya Khandala, when you reach there!
Lonavla
AHH, I just can’t get the song out of my head now! Right after Khandala
Ke Ghat, Lonavala Mein Chikki Khaana to Banta hai! Merely at a distance
of 3kms from Khandala, Lonavala is yet another wonderful place that you
can visit during the winter. The cool breeze and the Mountain View are
things that you may not forget about Lonavala. Its unpolluted
environment and the undisturbed serenity are the reasons why you should
come here. Lohgarh Fort, Tiger Point, Lion Point, Tungarli Lake, Karla
Caves and Korigad Fort are the major attractions in Lonavla. Hiking is
one of the best activities to pick in Lonavla; however, if you are
looking for more fun, the recently opened Della Adventure Park offers
adventure like never before!
Dandeli National Park
Winter is the perfect time to visit wildlife reserves in India and since you are planning a holiday in Western India, it is a good idea to visit Dandeli National Park. The park is nestled in the Western Ghats, which are recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The national park is maintained by Karnataka state and is home to
wildlife species like Bonnet Macaque, deer (barking, mouse and spotted),
Indian bison, Malabar giant squirrel, Malabar Civet, pangolin and sloth
bear The Black Panther, elephants and tigers are rare species to be
found in the Dandeli National Park. King Cobra, Python, Krait, Rat snake
and Viper can also be seen here. There are more than 200 species of
birds found in the region including Malabar Trogon, Pompador Pigeon,
Paradise Fly Catcher Ceylon Frogmouth, Great Pied Hornbill, Malabar Pied
Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Emerald Dove and Lesser Adjutant
Stork. A rich national park, Dandeli is the perfect place to visit in
winter season in West India.
[ Also read: Best Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in India ]
Aurangabad
Marked as an important site in India’s heritage, Aurangabad is famous
for Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Aurangabad in Mahashtra can be an excellent
place for history lovers. AND yes it is the same place where you can
find the replica of the famed Taj Mahal, which is called Bibi Ka
Maqbara. A tour back in the history adds the charm of being in a country
that is enriched with glorious past and I believe there is no better
place than Aurangabad to relive the past. There are many places for
sightseeing in Aurangabad like Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad Caves,
Panchakki and Darwaza. Winter is ythe perfect time to visit Aurangabad
as it is otherwise very hot here. It is a developed city, so you can
expect a large number of hotels here and according to your pocket, you
can book a good place to stay.
Shirdi
You don’t need a reason to visit Shirdi, do you? This sacred place is
the hometown of the most holy Sai Baba. Frankly speaking, Shirdi is not a
tourist destination; it is more of pilgrimage
that people often visit in India. About 122kms from Nashik, Shirdi is a
quiet little village, where the crowd is made up of devotees. I doubt
you will find many places for sightseeing as temples are the prime
attractions here. Dwarkamani Mosquewhere Sai Baba meditated and slept on
alternate nights; Gurusthan, the Kandoba Temple, Shani Mandir, Narsimha
Mandir, Changdev Maharaj Samadhi and the Sakori Ashram are the main
attractions here. Since it is reckoned as a holyplace and one is likely
to feel the divine presence of Baba; Shirdi can be an exhilarating
experience that can pull you off your daily worries and help you retain
the inner peace.
Pune
I
always wanted to see Pune, for the fact that it has the coolest campus
crowd and it is safe for women! Apart from Mumbai, Pune is the second
city in Maharashtra that has gain immense popularity amongst tourists.
One of thr most vivacious cities in India, Pune invites the young at
hearts to plunge into a land that is replete with fun and adventure.
Along with being the modern face of Maharashtra, the city also puts the
limelight on the glorious history of the state. There are a number of
monuments that one can see here including Shaniwarwada, Shinde Chhatri
and Vishrambaug Wada. There are a number of parks and malls that add to
the beauty of the city. The city also has a large number of restaurants
that serve the best of Maharashtra cuisine (Something that one must try
in Pune!). A cheerful city, Pune is capable of offering tourists a whole
new kind of experience in India.
Saputara
Meet the only hill station in Gujarat, Saputara which is one beautiful
place to see in winter in West India. Sometimes you just wish to break
the chains of clichés and the routine of visiting popular hill stations,
that’s where when places like Saputara comes in to spotlight. In fact
this small little town has ample of places that can attract any
traveller, from national parks
to temples, from gardens to museums, you actually have the opportunity
learn better about Gujarat in Saputara. Artists Village, Boating Club,
Echo Point, Forest Nursery, Forest Log huts, Hatgadh Fort, Honey Bees
Centre, Lake View Garden, Museum, Nageshwar Temple, Purna Sanctuary,
Pandava caves, Ropeway, Rose Garden, Step Garden, Saputara Lake, Sunset
Point, Sunrise Point, Step Garden, Snake of Saputara, Town view Point,
Vansda National Park, Valley view point, Religious Attraction, Shopping
Malls, Mini-Aquarium, Millenium Garden, Table Point, Governor Hill,
Swami Narayan Mandir, Brahmakumari’s Art Gallery, Jain Temple are the attractions that keep the tourist engaged in Saputara.
Daman
Daman had a remained a lesser known place on the map of India for many
decades, however, recently it has come up as a big thing in a small
package. AND if you are considering a holiday in West India, I believe
Daman can be a good choice! It is a quaint little place with a serene
and beautiful beach, where you can spend some quality time with your
loved ones. It is a small port in the Gulf of Cambhat near the city of
Vapi (12kms) and is an excellent place for sunbathers and swimmers. One
can find several monuments and churches and two major beaches. St.
Jerome Fort, Old Fort, Church of Our Lady of the Sea, Jain Temple, Fort,
Church of our Lady of the Rosary, Devka beach and Jampore Beach are
quiet popular amongst the tourists.
Diu
Diu has emerged as a popular getaway in West India, especially from
Gujarat. It is one utterly gorgeous beach destination in India and the
best part is it is still away from the clasp of commercialization.
Maintaining its pristine beauty, Diu offers a great hideout away from
the clamour of the city. The city is best known as a place that blends
tradition with modernity. One shall fall in love with its architecture
and historical monuments and structures. Diu is a small place and also
has some of the most warm-hearted people, who love peace and show good
hospitality. They are fun loving and that is why you can expect a
wonderful night life in Diu. Bunder Chowk, Fort, Panikota, St. Paul’s
Church, INS Kukri, Nagoa beach, Jalandhar beach, Ghoghla beach are some
of the places that you will love to explore in Diu.
Ahmedabad
Modern yet delightfully quaint, Ahmedabad is truly inspirational. One of the prime cities in Gujarat, Ahmedabad can be a wonderful place to holiday in Gujarat.
This city gives you the right opportunity to learn about the rich
culture and history of the state and lets you splurge in the Gujju
lifestyle! Prepare yourself for a like-never-before treat and explore
the city of vibrance. Offering you the best Gujrati cuisine, Ahmedabad
is a place where you can treatyour appetite on a platter full of
sumptuous meal. Kankaria Lake, Chandola Lake, Sardar Patel National
Memorial, Sabarmati Ashram, Hussain Doshi Gufa, Calico Museum of
Textiles, Bhadra Fort, Dada Hari Vav, Jhulta Minar, Sarkhej Roza, Teen
Darwaza, Ahmed Shah Mosque, Akshardham Temple, Hathee Singh Temple, Jama
Masjid, Rani Rupmati Mosque, Sidi Sayed Mosque and Swaminarayan Temple
are the places that will make your trip ever so wonderful!
Gir National Park
Welcome to one of the few places in India where Asiatic lions can be seen. The proud habitat of lions in India, Gir National Park
has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. Situated
360kms from Ahmedabad, Gir is one national park in India that one must
visit. Apart from being a safe habitat for the Asiatic Lion, Gir is home
to leopards, Sambar and spotted deer (chital), blue bull (nilgai),
chousingha (the world’s only four-horned antelope), chinkara (Indian
gazelle) and wild boar. Jackal, striped hyena, jungle cat, rusty-spotted
cat, langur, porcupine, black-naped Indian hare are among the other
mammals of Gir. There are also 250 species of birds, which also makes it
an appropriate place for bird watching in West India. Gir is also one
of the best places for wildlife photography in India.
Winter can be perfect season to visit Gir National Park as one has more
chances of spotting lions that come out in open for sunbathing.
Dwarka
If you have been postponing your trip to Dwarka due to hot weather,
then winter is the best time to hit the road to the Kingdom of Lord
Krishna! Situated on the western tip of the Kathiawar Peninsula, Dwarka
is more likely to be a pilgrimage than a tourist place. Divinity is
prominent here and one can feel the inner peace for sure. So, if you are
looking for an offbeat destination, Dwarka is simply perfect! Although
Dwarka has quite a few places to visit like the famed Dwarkanath Temple,
Lighthouse and Sharanam that one can see, the real charm is just being
there and contemplating the surroundings. Dwarka is divine and thus it
should be visited at least once in a lifetime!
Somnath
Another jewel from West India, a quite little pleasant destination,
where pilgrims seem to throng irrespective of the season, Somnath is
truly magical. Somnath is situated near Veraval, which is 80kms from
Jungadh. Known as one of the important Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, this
small town can be a perfect place to escape from the hectic life of the
city. Somnath is so small that one can explore the entire place on foot.
Ample of temples dot the city and each temple offers a unique
experience. Somnath Temple, Bhalka Tirth and Prabas Pata Museum,
Lakshminarayan Temple, Panch Pandav Gufa, Kamnath Mahadeva Temple and
Gita Temple are some of the best places to see in Somnath.
Junagarh
A historical city in the beautiful state of Gujarat, Junagarh is the
one of the best places to see in the state. The city offers timeless
monuments like Junagarh Fort. Get awed by the architecture brilliance
and capture each moment in your camera. Junagadh speaks articulately of
the rich culture of Gujarat and lets you take a glimpse of the
traditions that set the state apart from others. A trip to Junagadh can
be an exhilarating experience for any history lover and honestly will
offer them more reasons to be proud of their country, India. Mahabat
Maqbara, Durbar Hall Museum, Narsinh Mehta’s Choro, Mount Girnar,
Upperkot Fort, Jama Masjid and Ashoka’s Rock Edicts are the main
attractions in Junagarh.
Little Rann of Kutch
Reality Check: There are two different regions, one the Little Rann of
Kutch, which has India’s largest wild ass sanctuary and the second one
is Great Rann of Kutch that has the famous white salt desert. Most of
the Little Rann of Kutch is occupied by the Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary
and thus one can say that this trip will be to the wildlife destination.
Apart from being home to the rare India wild ass, the sanctuary
shelters endangered Ghudkar , Blue-Bull, Chinkara, Hedgehog and
carnivores such as Panther, Wolf, Jackal, Fox, Jungle and Desert Cats.
Houbara Bustard, Falcons, Cranes and Flamingoes constitute the avian
species seen in the sanctuary. The reptilian members include snakes,
tortoises and lizards. Watching the sunset and sunrise is yet another
highlight of this place. So, if you are a nature or wildlife lover,
Little Rann of Kutch can be a great place for a winter tour in West
India.
Blackbuck National Park
Adventure in winter certainly sounds like a good idea, I mean so what
if we are not playing in snow and throwing balls at each other?! We have
found a better way to make the winter vacation a bit more adventurous.
Drop in to Gujarat and then to the Bhal region, where you have the
opportunity to spot the rare species of blackbuck in India. Sprawling
across an area of about 34 sq km, Blackbuck National Park offers
visitors the opportunity get closer to nature. It is home to Wolves,
Macqueen’s bustard, Hyenas and Lesser Floricans; foxes, jackals and
Jungle Cats are the main carnivores species. Other species include wild
pigs, hares and rodents. If adventure is in your head and West India is
your preference, this national park in Gujarat can be the right place to
unwind yourself
