Having spent all my life growing up in a city, every winter, news of the first snowfall in India, always gets me excited. And this time I have vowed to go see this magical event with my own eyes.
While some places see a few inches of snowfall in India annually, others get completely submerged in multiple feet of snow.
Here is a list of places where you can experience magical snowfall in India, along with information on the current situation so you can finally get that selfie with a snowman!
Take a look at these six places where you can witness snowfall in India:
Ten-second takeaway: Snowy peaks in the backdrop, chilly winds, a deep snow cover perfect for skiing and a breathtaking ride on the world’s highest cable car, Gondola. What more do you want this season?
Current situation: According to reports, Kashmir received the season's heaviest snowfall on January 6, 2017. As of now, air traffic at Srinagar airport is suspended, but train services on the Srinagar-Banihal route remain unaffected.
Current temperature: The famous tourist destination Gulmarg recorded a minimum temperature of minus 12.4 degrees Celsius.
Ten second takeaway: Shimla is one of the country's most popular hill station, thronging with happy tourists looking for enchanting snowfall in India during peak season. This tiny destination in the midst of elevated snow-clad Himalayas, is surrounded by lakes and snow-covered green fields, which look just like a painting.
Current situation: Shimla is currently wrapped in a thick white cover of snow after steady snowfall in the region since Christmas. Power and water supply in Shimla is disrupted as of now and even traffic on the roads has been adversely affected due to the heavy snowfall.
Current temperature: Mercury has dropped drastically in Shimla recording a low of 0.2 degrees. The authorities have also warned of a medium avalanche in the hills and the tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh.
Ten-second takeaway: Adventurers come here for trekking, climbing, rafting and skiing; while backpackers come to hang out in the hippie villages. You should visit it for snowfall this year!
Current situation: After heavy snowfall brought the town to a standstill, the Chandigarh-Kullu-Manali highway is open again, and power has been restored for Kullu, Banjar, Anni and Nirmand areas. However, phone and internet services are still down in Manali.
Current temperature: Manali and Chamba recorded a minimum temperature of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius.
Ten-second takeaway: Uttarakhand is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and Mussoorie is one such place in the state. The proverbial Queen of Hill station, its snow cover is everything you need to experience this winter!
Current situation: The mountain peaks near Mussoorie are covered with white sheets of snow while the 'chardham’, the four holy Hindu shrines, are chock-a-block as well.
Current temperature: The current temperature in Mussoorie is minus 1 degree Celsius (January 9, 2017)
Ten-second takeaway: Our own Narnia awaits us in the lap of the Himalayas. Nainital, during snowfall, is nothing short of a fantasy. If experiencing snowfall in India is on your wishlist, head to Nainital now.
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Current situation: It's finally snowing in Nainital this year, albeit moderately! The hill station last experienced snow in February 2015.
Current temperature: While the maximum temperature is between 0 to 3 degrees Celsius, the minimum can go down till minus 6 degrees Celsius.
Fresh air with provoking hints of chill and overwhelming tranquillity, Gangtok is among the top places to see snowfall in India.
Current situation: Snowfall arrived late in Sikkim this season, however it couldn't have come at a better time than on New Year day. It first snowed in Zuluk, Lungthung in east Sikkim and Nathula Pass, Lachen in north Sikkim and has been snowing on and off since then.
Current temperature: While the maximum temperature in Zuluk is between 0 to 4 degrees Celsius, the minimum can go down to minus 7 degrees Celsius.
Currently, the maximum temperature in Nathula is fluctuating between minus 4 degrees Celsius to minus 9 degrees Celsius, and the minimum can go down to minus 17 degrees Celsius.
Disclaimer: Snowfall has disrupted water and power supply in Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir and Uttarakhand. Some areas in Himachal Pradesh such as Chamba, Kinnaur and Lahaul Spiti have also been declared avalanche-prone by the weather department. Do remember to call your hotel to check the weather conditions ahead of your visit.
The winter season turns more enjoyable as flaky snow drifts out of the sky for you to witness, along with a warm blanket, a hot cup of cocoa and a special someone! Where will you be heading this winter to experience snowfall in India?
What is your favourite place to enjoy snow in India? Write about it here and share with the millions of travellers on Tripoto.