Escape the chill: 10 warm places in India you must visit this winter

Soak up the sun this winter — explore India’s warmest beaches, deserts, and tropical escapes where the season feels like summer.

When winter begins to settle across most of India — fog rolling in, hands wrapped around hot chai, and sweaters becoming second skin — there are still pockets of the country basking in generous sunshine. These are the places where mornings feel soft, afternoons glow gold, and you can leave your woollens behind without regret.

If you’re dreaming of warm beaches, sunlit deserts, or tropical slow days, here are 10 destinations across India where winter feels like a gentle summer.

1. Goa: Where the Sun Never Goes Out of Style

Come December, Goa slips into its best mood — sun-warmed beaches, cool breezes, long brunches, and nights that stretch into laughter. The heat isn’t harsh, the sea is perfect, and everything feels lighter.

2. Gokarna, Karnataka: Sunshine Without the Chaos

If you crave warmth without Goa’s rush, Gokarna is your slower, softer escape. Think quiet coves, cliffs catching the morning sun, and calm beaches made for long, barefoot walks.

3. Puducherry: Sunlit Streets & French-Era Charm

Winter sunlight looks particularly pretty on Puducherry — splashing across mustard-yellow buildings, filtering through bougainvillea-draped lanes, and warming up the promenade winds.

4. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat: A Desert That Glows in Winter

Winter transforms the Rann into a dream — warm days, cool nights, and a white desert that glistens under the sun. It’s the best season to explore the landscape and immerse yourself in Rann Utsav.

5. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: Golden Sun on Golden Sands

There are few places where winter feels this poetic. Jaisalmer’s honey-coloured fort, sand dunes, and sun-drenched afternoons make it a warm escape that still carries the romance of winter.

6. Hampi, Karnataka: Ruins Washed in Golden Light

Hampi’s boulders and temple ruins are striking in winter sun. Mild warmth makes it perfect for exploring trails, cycling, and lingering by the riverside cafés.

7. Alleppey, Kerala: Backwaters in Their Best Season

Winter in Kerala is not winter at all — just bright sunshine, gentle warmth, and emerald backwaters gliding past. A houseboat here is the perfect antidote to grey northern skies.

8. Varkala, Kerala: Cliffside Sunshine & Turquoise Seas

Varkala’s cliffs look like they were made for winter sun. Cafés perched above the sea, pastel sunsets, and surf-friendly beaches make it a quietly addictive escape.

9. Andaman & Nicobar Islands: The Tropics at Their Dreamiest

While the rest of India bundles up, the Andamans stay luminous — crystal water, coral reefs, sunshine almost every single day. It’s the closest you get to international island vibes without leaving the country.

10. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu: Sunshine at India’s Edge

The southern tip of India is warm even in peak winter. Stand where three seas meet, watch spectacular sunsets, and enjoy breezy days that feel wonderfully far from December cold.

Why Chase Winter Sun in India?

Because sometimes the best way to enjoy winter is to escape it. India offers plenty of sunlit pockets between November and February — places that promise warm days, open skies, and the kind of gentle heat that makes you forget the season altogether.