10 winter getaways in India that double as European lookalikes

Winter has its own charm, but to feel the real essence, many credit the European winters. However, it also can’t be denied that travelling to Europe won’t be practical for everybody. If anybody thinks that those snow-dusted roofs, cobblestone walks, old-world buildings, and crisp air that seems made for postcards are only found in Europe, think again. India has its own destinations that surprisingly mimic those dreamy landscapes very well. Anyone eager for a dreamy winter vacation, can check out these 10 unmissable places that will offer that “European winter vibe” without a passport stamp.

Gulmarg, which literally means ‘meadow of flowers,’ transforms into a winter wonderland during winters. The powder-soft snow, towering pines, and ski slopes could be easily mistaken for Switzerland on a cold December morning. For breathtaking views, take the cable cars that glide over white blankets resembling classic Alpine resorts, the charm of which intensifies when temperatures dip below freezing.

Auli has that postcard-perfect ski town appeal. With chairlifts, frozen lakes, and views of Nanda Devi, it mimics the snowy calm of the French Alps. It’s during the winters, when the slopes turn into India’s favourite skiing playground, while the crisp mountain air completes the European mood.

This is one place from the Northeastern part of the country that will surprise visitors in beautiful ways. Its rolling hills, mist-kissed lakes, and colonial-era bungalows have rightfully earned it the nickname “Scotland of the East.” And those visiting during winters will get to see its pine-lined roads, chilly evenings, and fog-draped landscape that create a distinctly European highland feel.

While New Manali can get busy, Old Manali still maintains its cosy, wooden-chalet vibe during this time. With snowfall being the highlight of the winter season, its narrow lanes and riverside cafés transform into something that resembles a quiet alpine village from Austria or Bavaria.

If winter warmth is more appealing than snow, visit Puducherry which offers Mediterranean-style weather with French flair. Its pastel villas, mustard-yellow townhouses, French street names, and seaside promenades offer it a feel of a relaxed section of the French Riviera, minus the long-haul flight.

Munnar is one of the most beautiful places to visit in South India. Visit any season, and it looks straight out of rural England or Ireland. And on a foggy winter morning., meadows blanketed in mist, chilly tea gardens, and serpentine roads resemble the green, misty countryside Europe is famous for. No matter which season you pick, you will love every bit of it.

Khajjiar is fondly called the “Mini Switzerland” for all the good reasons. Its meadow, surrounded by dense deodar forests, looks remarkably like a European alpine pasture. During winters, those frost-covered grass and surrounding snow tend to bring that illusion even closer.

Lavasa has a European origin story by design. Modelled after the Italian town of Portofino, it features colourful waterside buildings, cobbled walkways, and arched bridges. During winters, the cool breeze over the lake and the pastel architecture add to its Riviera-like charm.

For that lovely winter trip, a visit from December to February is considered to be the best. This place feels like a tiny European heritage village frozen in time. Further, complemented with British-era churches, stone houses, quiet forest paths, and winter’s biting cold, you will get the feel of small European hill towns known for their old-world ambience.

Anyone who likes striking winter scenery should come here. With its frozen lakes, snow-covered rocks, and expansive white horizon that echoes the harsh beauty of northern Europe, Sela Pass resembles a rocky Nordic expanse. When winter transforms the pass into an icy mosaic, it becomes even more magical. Heavy snow may cause the establishment to temporarily close, so make sure to verify if it's open before you go.