White water rafting in Western Ghats to skiing in Auli: 5 places in India perfect for winter sports

Adventure activities include skiing, snowboarding, snow trekking to Gurson Bugyal, and cable-car rides that offer sweeping views of snow-laden forests. The cold, crisp air, coupled with excellent snowfall, makes January–February the best time to visit.

Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, for Gondola

Gondola (Photo: Wikipedia)

When it comes to winter adventure, Gulmarg is one of the favourite picks among thrill seekers. Renowned for some of the finest powder snow in Asia, Gulmarg attracts international skiers and snowboarders year after year. The Gulmarg Gondola—one of the highest cable cars in the world—takes you close to the Apharwat Peak. Winter activities include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and heli-skiing for those who dare to take on untouched slopes. Freezing temperatures aside, the region’s beauty—the snow-covered meadows and pine forests—makes every adventure feel memorable.

Rann of Kutch, Gujarat, for white salt desert

Rann of Kutch (Photo: Wikipedia)

While winter in the Himalayas means snow, winter in Kutch means endless white salt desert under starlit skies. The weather becomes perfect for adventure, especially during the Rann Utsav when the desert comes alive. Adventure enthusiasts can indulge in ATV rides across the salt flats, paramotoring over surreal landscapes, camel safaris, and cycling tours across barren yet magnificent terrain. The Rann is also ideal for photography enthusiasts, making it one of the most picturesque winter adventure destinations in India.

Manali & Solang Valley, Himachal Pradesh, for paragliding

Manali (Photo: Wikipedia)

Few places capture the spirit of winter adventure like Manali and the nearby Solang Valley. As temperatures dip, Solang transforms into a hub for snow sports. Skiing, snow tubing, snow biking, and ziplining are major attractions. For trekkers, winter routes such as the Hampta Pass and Lamadugh Trek offer snowy trails and breathtaking Himalayan vistas.

More daring travellers can try paragliding in Solang. Manali also becomes the launch point for adventures into the Spiti Valley—one of India’s coldest and most dramatic regions.

Dandeli, Karnataka, for white water rafting

White water rafting near Dandeli (Photo: Wikipedia)

For those who prefer green forests to white snow, Dandeli offers a tropical winter adventure at its finest. Located in the Western Ghats, Dandeli enjoys cool, pleasant weather in winter, making it ideal for white-water rafting on the Kali River. The rapids range from moderate to challenging.

Apart from rafting, winter activities in the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary include kayaking, ziplining, mountain biking, canyoning, and wildlife safaris.