03 November,2016 08:18 AM IST | | mid-day online correspondent
Here is our list of some offbeat yet beautiful places, which you can consider for this winter season
That time of the year has come when travel turns more delightful and more refreshing. If you have travel on your mind and not sure which places to pick for the upcoming winter holiday, then we have made your task sorted. Here is our list of some offbeat yet beautiful places which you can consider for this winter season:
Hampi: Basically a village in the northern part of Karnataka, the ruins of Hampi retains the top position in the list of world heritage sites in India. A quick escapade to Hampi during the onset of November can make a mesmerizing start to your winter vacation.
Things to see: Hanuman Temple, Vijaya Vittala Temple, Krishna Temple Complex, Virupaksha Temple
Nearest station/airport: Hospet/ Hubli and Belgaum
Gir: Go wild with Gir Wildlife Sanctuary this November! Spread over nearly 1412 square kms, Gir is the home to royal looking Asiatic lions. The diverse range of flora and fauna here can be experience with the pleasant winter months.
Thing to see: Varied species flora and fauna like lions, leopards and four horned antelope.
Nearest station/airport: Junagadh/Diu
Jaisalmer: The onset of winter reminds us of golden deserts and the first name that strikes is Jaisalmer. Yellow sands, camel safari under the golden sunset and cultural shows by local artists, this defines Jaisalmer, an otherwise sleepy town in Rajasthan.
Things to see: Sonar Kella, Sam Sand Dunes, Patwon Ki Haveli, Bada Bagh
Nearest station/airport: Jaisalmer station/Udaipur
Pondicherry: The French colony of Tamil Nadu is perfect to explore during the pleasant winter months. Pack your bags this November or December for a real French holiday amidst old-fashioned architecture, French bakeries and sprawling coastline.
Things to see: Auroville, Paradise beach, Serenity Beach, Promenade, French War Memorial
Nearest station/airport: Chennai/ Villupuram
Varanasi: Serene temples and crowded ghats adorn Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India. While the evening aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat leaves you spellbound, the morning boat ride along the holy Ganges transfer you to a world of sheer peace and serenity.
Things to see: Dasaswamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath
Nearest station/airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, Varanasi/Varanasi Railway Station
Shantiniketan: This visionary university town is one of the most famous holiday destinations of Bengal. While summers make the place quite hot, winters turn it utterly pleasant. Shantiniketan may sound a bit offbeat as a winter getaway, but its charm will surely make you content.
Things to see: The Uttarayana complex, Visva Bharati's school and college
Nearest station/airport: Kolkata/Bolpur
Port Blair: Crystal blue ocean and tiny islands, welcome to Andaman, a paradise in the heart of Indian sub continent. Scattered with historical landmarks and natural attractions, Port Blair with its neighbouring island makes way for a perfect winter vacation.
Things to see: Neil Island, Havelock Island, Ross Island, Cellur Jail, Anthropological Museum, Samudrika Marine Museum, Corbyn's Cove Beach, Diglipur, Samudrika Marine Museum.
Nearest station/airport: Port Blair airport/Port Blair cant be reached by train
The winter breeze seems to have already set in. So what are you waiting for? Plan and make way for a quick winter gateway to these captivating winter destinations of India.