BEST MONTHS: February
FESTIVALS: Gangtok, Sikkim, India (Losar Festival) Home to the Kanchenjunga
Kutch, India (Rann Utsav) The White Desert of India Gujrat
Nashik, India (sula festival) Wines and Vineyards
It is the time when cruel winter welcomes the refreshing and lively spring season. Many cultural programs and festivals are celebrated across India during February. With Valentine's Day in it, it makes a perfect month for couples to travel and spend some time together. Looking for the best places to visit in February in India? Here is the list of places you can explore in India on your trip. From beach destinations to winter wonderlands in the North, we’ve got everything covered that will cater to all kinds of travelers. Pick your choice fo destination and get going. Take a look!
Losar is the Tibetan New Year which falls in the month of February and is likewise celebrated by inviting friends and relatives for family gatherings. Two days prior to Losar, the Gutor Chaam is performed at Rumtek monastery depicting the battle between good and evil and the ritualized destruction of evil.
The property is spread across a stunning 48 acres of beautiful forested land. Wonderful ambiance, attentive service and world class amenities are what make Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino the best hotel in Gangtok and amongst the best hotels in Sikkim. Luxury accommodation is available here in various categories from lavish villas to spacious family rooms to well-appointed rooms.
Gurudongmar Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world and in India, located at an altitude of 5,430 m (17,800 ft). Located in the state of Sikkim in India, It is considered sacred by Buddhists, Sikhs and Hindus. The lake is named after Guru Padmasambhava—also known as Guru Rinpoche—founder of Tibetan Buddhism, who visited in the 8th century. Khecheopalri Lake, originally known as Kha-Chot-Palri (meaning the heaven of Padmasambhava), is a lake located near Khecheopalri village, 147 kilometres (91 mi) west of Gangtok in the West Sikkim district of the Northeastern Indian state of Sikkim. Located 34 kilometres (21 mi) to the northwest of Pelling town, the lake is sacred for both Buddhists and Hindus, and is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake. The local name for the lake is Sho Dzo Sho, which means "Oh Lady, Sit Here". Tsomgo Lake, also known as Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake, is a glacial lake in the East Sikkim district of the Indian state of Sikkim, some 40 kilometres (25 mi) from the capital Gangtok. Located at an elevation of 3,753 m (12,313 ft), the lake remains frozen during the winter season. The lake surface reflects different colours with change of seasons and is held in great reverence by the local Sikkimese people. Buddhist monks prognosticated after studying the changing colours of the lake.After the winter season ends in middle of May, the periphery of lake has scenic blooms of flower species of rhododendrons (the state tree of Sikkim), primulas, blue and yellow poppies, irises and so forth. Also seen in the precincts of the lake are several species of birds including Brahminy ducks. Wildlife seen includes the red panda.
This grand park is also known as Tathagata Tsal. The Buddha statue is the fourth-tallest statue in India. The Buddha Park of Ravangla, also known as Tathagata Tsal, is situated near Rabong (Ravangla) in South Sikkim district, Sikkim, India. It was constructed between 2006 and 2013 and features a 130-foot (40 m) high statue of the Buddha as its centerpiece. The site was chosen within the larger religious complex of the Rabong Gompa (Monastery), itself a centuries-old place of pilgrimage. Also nearby is Ralang Monastery, a key monastery in Tibetan Buddhism.
Located at the heart of the Himalayan range in northern India (State of Sikkim), the Khangchendzonga National Park includes a unique diversity of plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and spectacular, snow-capped mountains covered with ancient forests, including the world’s third highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga. Mythological stories are associated with this mountain and with a great number of natural elements (caves, rivers, lakes, etc.) that are the object of worship by the indigenous people of Sikkim. The sacred meanings of these stories and practices have been integrated with Buddhist beliefs and constitute the basis for Sikkimese identity.
The heritage of Sikkim plays a major role in the Buddhist religious pilgrimage circuit, starting with the Dubdi Monastery, and further moving to the Rabdentse ruins, which was the second capital of the former kingdom of Sikkim from 1670 to 1814. Here are some major heritage sites in Sikkim:
A Sheer Reflection of Sikkimese Culture, unlike any other home décor item on sale, the Tibetan carpets are one of the best things to shop in Gangtok. Beautifully reflecting the art and culture of Sikkim, you can use it in your living room to give it a traditional touch. And if you really wish to buy an original work of art, head right to the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handlooms
Exquisite Jewels Dragon jewellery, precious stones, and all kinds of accessories made of silver are quite famous in the city of Gangtok. You can find almost every other shop in the city selling these. But if your are really into jewellery and wish to take home only the most authentic and traditional one, make sure you buy from Sikkimese Handicraft & Jewellery.
For All the Tea Lovers Grown at the popular Temi Tea Garden, the Sikkim Tea is an organic tea that can be bought as a souvenir too. The refreshing and healthy taste of the tea makes one fall in love with chai even if he or she is not already.
In the bitter-cold winters of Sikkim, it is ideal to try out an alcoholic beverage to keep you warm. A Tibetan drink later adopted by the state, chaang is a must-try drink in the state of Sikkim. It is produced with fermented cereals and sipped through a bamboo vessel with a bamboo straw. The vessels with the millets are topped with warm water to extract the flavour.
Kinema Curry, a unique dish, the star ingredient of this dish is fermented soya bean. It is one of the most popular dishes of the state for its taste as well as its high protein value. A tadka of turmeric powder, onion, red chilli and tomatoes is added to the gravy to further enhance the taste. The dish is served with rice. This is a great food for the vegetarians visiting the state.
Exotic Delight, this is something for adults. For those who love to stock up their bars with liqueurs from various parts of the world, the country should consider going for the local, authentic flavours of Sikkim. Right from paan and orange liqueur to ginger and cardamom liqueur, the variety of liqueurs that Sikkim has to offer is outstanding. You can surely add the diversity in flavors to your home bar or carry some flavours for your friends back home.
Experience Kutch at its colorful and exotic best during the Rann Utsav this November from 1st. This annually organized festival offers an opportunity For visitors to attend folk dance and music concepts, to watch artisans at work, to Shop directly from NGO’s craftspeople and village co-operatives, to see the great Historical monuments in the state, and to visit places off the usual tourist trail. During the festival, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat ltd. Arranges tours with Transport, accommodations, food and guided sightseeing. Do not miss this chance of a lifetime to visit one of India’s most colorful regions. The cool winter breeze and soothing rays of full-moon night will welcome about 8,000 tourists in the Great Rann of Kutch for the three-day long 16th Rann Mahotsav. Many high profile dignitaries, including Gujarat Chief Minister will enjoy cultural programmes, to be performed in the midst of the White Salt Desert spread over miles. Nearly 32 cultural troupes from various districts of Gujarat will participate in the Dance and Musical Carnival, Mr Patel said, adding that about 1,50,000 people from Bhuj and Kutch are expected to enjoy the carnival.
Located in India’s first free-trade zone in the village of Galpadar and only 18 kilometers from the Kandla Port Trust, Radisson Hotel Kandla is ideal for both business and leisure travel in the Gandhidham area. Whatever brings you to our hotel, take advantage of our proximity to famous attractions like Gandhi Samadhi and Purneshwar Temple. You can tour the temples of Gandhidham, minutes from the hotel, or browse the vibrant markets of Bhuj an hour away. If you’re attending the Rann Utsav festival, the Rann of Kutch is about two hours away.
The Great Rann of Kutch, is a large area of salt marshland, is located in the District of Kutch, in the western state of India, Gujarat. The vast expanse is situated in the Thar Desert and is formed of salt marshes. Sunsets at the Great Rann of Kutch are a treat to the eyes after exploring the region.
Dholavira, Known as a remarkable excavation site during the Indus Valley Civilization, Dholavira was one of the most developed cities roughly 4500 years ago. It was a flourishing Harappan site between 2650 and 1450 BCE. It received the UNESCO world heritage site tag in August 2021
Located 100 km away from Bhuj, the Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest periodical saline wetlands in the world. Colloquially known as the "Flamingo City" this is the largest wildlife sanctuary with a vast expanse of about 7505.22 sq. km.
Khavda, Visit Khavda as it is famous for its Ajrakh prints and clay pottery. Ajrak is a traditional way of using vegetables, indigo, and madder, which resists block printing on cloth. If you like to get varieties of leather bags and quilts, then Hodka is one of the best places. This place is the home of Pastoral communities, and leather is available at the right quantity.
Bhujodi is one of the foremost prominent and popular craft centers within the area and is found at a distance of quarter-hour from the town of Bhuj. With the presence of the Hiralaxmi Craft Park that houses items from most the nearby villages displayed in traditionally designed shops, Bhujodi is that the perfect place to enjoys some souvenir shopping. You’ll buy footwear, bags, cloth pieces, and other small bric-a-bracs. There’s something for everybody, but strictly no bargaining.
Nirona is one of the most famous villages of Kutch; it is around 40 km from Bhuj. Copper Bell Art, Lacquer Print, and Rogan Art call Nirona home. It’s a small village with secure road connectivity. Once here, park your vehicle at the village entry and walk around to satisfy the talented craftsmen in their homes.
Dabeli literally means “pressed” in Gujarati language. It is said to be invented by one Keshavji Gabha Chudasama alias Kesha Malam, resident of Mandvi, Kachchh in the 1960s. When he started business he sold a dabeli at one anna or six paisa.
Odho, is a Kachchhi delicacy. It is similar in preparation to the ever popular ‘Baingan Bharta’. A typical Kachchhi meal consists of Bajre ja rotla, Odho, kadhi, garlic chutney & ‘goad’ aka jaggery. The meal is almost always followed by a chilled glass of ‘chhaas’, a very thin buttermilk which helps cool down the body during the extremely dry hot seasons.
Gulab-pak was invented in Kachchh. It is a sweet of pure rose petals. Almond, Cashew, pistachio Milk & Sugar.
SulaFest is India’s biggest vineyard music festival. Fill up the weekend with new and interesting music from across the globe, delectable wines, gourmet food and merchandise from some of the loveliest brands. If all this sounds good already, wait until you hear where SulaFest takes place. Set in Sula’s vineyards in Nashik – the wine capital of India – our festival is propped against the backdrop of rolling hills and surrounded by the calm of the Gangapur lake.
Lake Views Nestled opposite the serene waters of Gangapur Lake dotted by the Western Ghats. Dreamy Villa Have an unforgettable experience at our incredible 3-bedroom Sky Villa with its own private pool Infinity Pools Relax by spell-binding infinity pools and enjoy nature while sipping some gorgeous wine Minimalistic Charm Designed to merge with nature and yet stand out expect some avant-garde architecture
Holy land for the believers of Ramayana, Panchvati attracts a lot of pilgrims. A serene town located near Nasik, the site offers small sightings having a lot of significance in the epic of Ramayana.
The Sula Vineyards is a famous winery that is located in Nashik, 180 kilometres to the northeast of Mumbai and is renowned for its varieties of grape wines, such as Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Zinfandel. The company started from a mere 30-acre estate in Nashik and has now extended to approximately 1800 acres spread across Nashik and Karnataka.
Nasik Regarded as one of the best falls in the view, Dhudsagar falls offer a panoramic view with a spectacular scenery. The cascade is in full verve during the monsoon season and quiet a sight to behold.
Bombay Silk, selling pure silk sarees, women go crazy over the styles, the quality and the price of sarees in these stores. The fabric is so soft and the quality of the cloth is so rich that spending half your month’s salary doesn’t sound so bad when you are in the shop going gaga over all the beauty. Especially during the wedding season, you would see more and more people planning a trip to Nashik just to get their hands on some pure silk sarees.
Nashik is the “Wine Capital of India”, so how can one miss it when in the city. There are around 33 wineries in and around Nashik. You can get white, red etc types of quality and exclusive Wines in Nashik
A Kismis is any dried grape. Also popularly known as raisins, currants and sultanas. It is locally known by the name of “Manuka”. You can find many varieties of Kismis in the city depending on its size, color, taste and price. The dry fruit is a healthy food since it contains antioxidant (keeping impurities at bay), is high in fiber (cures constipation), best source of quick energy, lower risk of osteoporosis, good for eyes etc.
Very popular during Navratri, Sabudana Vada is served best at Sayantara’s! This age old place has been quite popular amongst the crowds and especially for their Sabudana Vada. Freshly cooked, these vadas are golden-brown in colour and are served piping hot alongside coconut chutney *drooling*.
A popular breakfast choice, you'd find Thalipeeth is almost every breakfast menu in Nashik! It's an authentic Maharashtrian delicacy and is best served with homemade butter. The Modern Cafe should be on your list to try their finger licking good Thalipeeth
Another lip smacking delicacy that Maharashtra is super famous for is Pav Bhaji! You'd find tons of places serving you this mouth-watering dish but Bappa’s Pav Bhaji is the one that should not be missed by any bhaji lover, go and try it.
From caves, temples and mosques to palaces and stupas, India boasts an architectural ...
A nations cultural and natural heritage embodied in buildings, monuments and natural
