9 Warm Places in India to Visit With Your Kids This Winter!
The last month of the year is here, bringing with it the cheerful spirit of Christmas. All year long, you’ve worked really hard, and that’s why you deserve a break – a break from your normal routine, and a break to unwind and enjoy some family time. Your kids have Christmas holidays too, and you could not ask for better timing to step out of your home and explore a new city, meet new people, and learn about different cultures. However, when planning a vacation with kids in winter, you will have to skip Leh, Dalhousie, or Gangtok (the thought of these cities itself can make you shiver!). You don’t want to spend your holidays looking at the snow-covered roads of a new city through the windows of a hotel room, right? So, let’s go through this list of warm places to visit in winter in India.
9 Warm Places in India That You Can Visit This Winter
There are many Indian cities, towns, and states that you can visit in the winter holidays which won’t require you to pack warm jackets, sweaters, scarves, and gloves. Come, let’s explore some warm places in India that you can visit this winter!
1. Alleppey/Allaphuza
There is no better time to visit Alleppey and other green and dreamy cities of Kerala than December or January. If you want some respite from cold, head to this town in ‘God’s Own Country’. Allaphuza is famous for its backwaters; however, that alone doesn’t make it a favourite among tourists. Alleppey, the ‘Venice of the East’, is also home to many beaches, canals, lagoons, and temples, which attract people from all over India. For a royal experience, you can go on a luxury houseboat cruise on the backwaters and have a relaxing time with your kids and partner. You can even visit the Ayurvedic spas and wellness centres here, something that you won’t find everywhere. Furthermore, you can take your kids bird-watching here. Oh, your kids are going to love this beautiful place!
Our Favourite Spots
Marari Beach, Allaphuza Lighthouse, Krishnapuram Palace, Coir Museum, Karumadikuttan Statue, and Kuttanad.
Best Time to Visit
December and January.
Things to Do
- Enjoy a luxury houseboat cruise on the backwaters.
- Visit Ayurvedic spas and wellness centres.
- Take your kids bird-watching.
- Relax at Marari beach.
- Explore the Allaphuza Lighthouse and Krishnapuram Palace.
- Visit the Coir Museum and Karumadikuttan Statue.
2. Hampi
If you are planning to go south this winter to escape the cold, make it a point to visit Hampi – a World Heritage Site as declared by UNESCO. Its unique historical monuments, temples, and ruins from the 15th and 16th century will leave your kids enchanted. If you have an interest in exploring new things, Hampi will please the discoverer in you. The ‘Virupaksha temple’ in Hampi is one the most visited sites of Hampi, credit to its magnificent architecture, and is unmissable. In Hampi, you can take a ride on a ‘coracle’ – a round cane boat, which is a significant means of transportation here. Other than this, you can stay in cottages that overlook rice fields. While travelling with kids, the ‘Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary’ near Hampi is a must-visit. It’s the only place in India where you’ll find sloth bears, so don’t miss out on the fun.
Our Favourite Spots
Hampi Bazaar, Hazara Rama Temple, Zenana Enclosure, Palace of Vira Harihara, Riverside ruins, Mahanavami Dibba, and Matanga Hill.
Best Time to Visit
December to February.
Things to Do
- Explore historical monuments, temples, and ruins.
- Visit Virupaksha Temple.
- Take a ride on a coracle.
- Stay in cottages overlooking rice fields.
- Visit the Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary.
3. Rann of Kutch
This should be at the top of your list of places to visit in January. Rann of Kutch should be on your itinerary for December because it is the best time to visit Kutch. The marshy salt flats on the land almost give an illusion of snow in winter. The great ‘Rann Utsav’, a three-month-long annual festival, also starts in December and attracts tourists from around the globe. Although the nights in winter in Rann are chilly, you will not feel the chill during the day. Moon-sighting from the white Thar desert presents the experience of a lifetime, so schedule a day…or, rather, a night for it! While your kids take a camel or horse ride through the Rann, you can enjoy the local cuisine and explore the finest handicraft shops there.
Our Favourite Spots
Mandvi Beach, Handicraft Shops.
Best Time to Visit
December to February.
Things to Do
- Attend the Rann Utsav festival.
- Enjoy moon-sighting from the white Thar desert.
- Take camel or horse rides.
- Explore local cuisine and handicraft shops.
4. Goa
If you are a beach enthusiast, you can visit Goa anytime you want, but the winter season makes for a special time to visit; mainly, if you want to run away from the freezing temperatures in your city! The tropical climate of Goa makes it an ideal warm destination for winters. You can bask in the sun on the crowded beaches of Goa and rest in beautiful resorts. Goa is often termed as the party capital of India, but there is so much more to it. You can try out plenty of water sports here, attend music festivals, explore places where Portuguese architecture is present, and Gothic churches too. Goa is a perfect blend of history and modernity. So, pack your bags and get set for Goa!
Our Favourite Spots
Fort Aguada, Palolem Beach, Shri Mangeshi Temple, Cansaulim Monte, Dona Paula, Flea Markets, Majorda Beach, etc.
Best Time to Visit
November to February.
Things to Do
- Enjoy water sports.
- Attend music festivals.
- Explore Portuguese architecture and Gothic churches.
- Relax on the beaches.
- Shop at flea markets.
5. Madurai
The perfect place to visit in February. Madurai, also known as the ‘Athens of the East’, is a popular tourist destination of Tamil Nadu. This city is famous for its rich history, culture, and architecture. Madurai is over 2,500 years old and has many temples – enough to leave your kids exhausted and enthralled at the same time! This city, which is also famous by the name, the ‘City of Temples,’ has churches and museums too, that are equally captivating. However, what your kids will love the most here is the Banana Market, which sells sixteen varieties of bananas – not a place to miss, right?
Our Favourite Spots
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Gandhi Memorial Museum, Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, etc.
Best Time to Visit
October to March.
Things to Do
- Explore ancient temples.
- Visit the Banana Market.
- Tour historical sites like Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal.
- Visit museums and cathedrals.
6. Hyderabad
This is one of the best warm places to visit in December in India. Hyderabad is known for its cultural heritage, arts and crafts, literature, architecture, music, and, of course, Hyderabadi cuisine, especially the biryani! The temples, mosques, and palaces in Hyderabad are a major tourist attractions, too. The climate here is a mix of tropical wet and dry, which makes it an ideal destination for a winter visit. So, don’t you wait to plan your trip to the ‘City of Pearls’!
Our Favourite Spots
Lumbini Park, Birla Mandir, Taj Falaknuma Palace, Mecca Masjid, Chowmahalla Palace, Charminar, Golkonda Fort, Salar Jang Museum, Hussain Sagar Lake, Jagganath Temple, etc.
Best Time to Visit
November to February.
Things to Do
- Explore historical and cultural sites.
- Visit palaces and temples.
- Enjoy Hyderabadi cuisine.
- Tour museums and parks.
7. Kanyakumari
The first thing you think of when someone says Kanyakumari is ‘Vivekanand Rock Memorial’, right? But there are so many places to explore here. In Kanyakumari, you can visit temples, churches, and museums with your kids. If your kids are fond of beaches, this is another place besides Goa (of course!) which will steal their heart. Kanyakumari has various tourist spots that are of religious significance, but mostly, people come here to see the end point of the Indian subcontinent, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian ocean meet. This city is also known for its spectacular sunrise and sunsets, and interesting myths and legends, too.
Our Favourite Spots
Gandhi Memorial, Thirparappu Falls, Kumari Amman Temple, Thiruvalluvar Statue, and Vivekanand Rock Memorial.
Best Time to Visit
October to February.
Things to Do
- Visit the Vivekanand Rock Memorial.
- Explore temples, churches, and museums.
- Enjoy beach activities.
- Witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
8. Vizag (Visakhapatnam)
Vizag, or Visakhapatnam, is a beautiful coastal city in Andhra Pradesh. Known for its scenic beaches, lush greenery, and rich cultural heritage, Vizag is an ideal winter destination for families. The city’s pleasant winter climate makes it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Our Favourite Spots
RK Beach, Kailasagiri, INS Kurusura Submarine Museum, Araku Valley, Borra Caves, and Simhachalam Temple.
Best Time to Visit
October to March.
Things to Do
- Relax on RK Beach.
- Enjoy panoramic views from Kailasagiri.
- Tour the INS Kurusura Submarine Museum.
- Explore Araku Valley and Borra Caves.
- Visit the Simhachalam Temple.
9. Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Puducherry, formerly known as Pondicherry, is a charming coastal town with a unique blend of French and Indian cultures. The winter season is perfect for exploring its quaint streets, colonial architecture, and serene beaches. Puducherry offers a peaceful retreat with a lot of activities for kids and families.
Our Favourite Spots
Promenade Beach, Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Paradise Beach, and French War Memorial.
Best Time to Visit
October to March.
Things to Do
- Stroll along Promenade Beach.
- Visit Auroville and Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
- Relax at Paradise Beach.
- Explore the French Quarter and colonial architecture.
- Visit the French War Memorial.
FAQs
1. Are there any kid-friendly activities available in these warm winter destinations?
Yes, many of these warm winter destinations offer a variety of kid-friendly activities. These can include beach activities, boat rides, exploring nature parks, visiting museums, and participating in local festivals.
2. What kind of accommodation options are available for families in these destinations?
Most of these warm destinations provide a wide range of family-friendly accommodations, including resorts, hotels, guesthouses, and cottages. Some accommodations offer special amenities for children, such as play areas, kids’ clubs, and babysitting services.
3. Are these destinations suitable for infants and toddlers?
Yes, these destinations are generally suitable for infants and toddlers. It’s important to choose accommodations with necessary amenities for young children, ensure the availability of medical facilities nearby, and select places with mild climates and comfortable travel options.
These are some warm destinations in India that you can visit during the winter holidays without worrying about feeling cold. So, book your tickets, pack your bags, and get set for a fun journey.
Also Read:
Best Kid Friendly Vacations Spots
Tips on Travelling with Babies and Kids
Best Child-Friendly Places to Visit in India
Best Family Holiday Destinations Around The World
Family Destinations in Andaman & Nicobar Islands to Visit during Winter
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