Winters in India

Winters in India can take many people with surprise. This does not happen only in the case of inbound foreign travelers but to Indians as well. One of my acquaintance traveling to Madhya Pradesh without any warm clothing, shivered throughout his journey from Nagpur to Jabalpur.He made it alive.

We were caught unawares plenty of time in higher reaches of Nainital by heavy snow.  It can snow at Sat Tal and Pangot anytime as late as April.  Hence in all my birding expeditions I keep plenty of warm clothes.  These are required in summers as well although thinly as it could be very chilly during the predawn in many places in India.

The cold begins in India from October onwards and keeps to North and Central India but it can surprise people even in Mumbai which was much colder last year than it used to be. Warm cloth suppliers did brisk business at that time.

The Himalayan Reaches receive continuous snow and cold blasts of wind. Kashmir is very cold during winters and whence blasts of cold wind strike Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh shiver. Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh experience record breaking cold though the former two do not experience snowfall. Similarly it does not snow in MP and Uttar Pradesh but the shivering cold persists till January.   

Whence traveling in India be prepared with lots of warm clothing including hand gloves and head gear. Do not take chances there is very little conditioning in public places including restaurants.  The cold waivers between less cold and more cold but it remains right till January and sometime stretches till February in extreme form.  There are very good quality warm garments being sold in areas with cold hence do not hesitate to buy them if you do not have. In extreme cold warm inner are a must, buy the branded ones they are generally protective against extremes.

Hot tea is like manna during winters and it is safe as well. Keep sipping keep some brandy it helps if badly struck. The common sense advice is to restrict travel to day time nights can be Freeeeeeeeeeeeeezing! Burr!

Winter travel in India

It is important to take basic precaution during India tour in winters. Severe winter ranges from mid December to mid January. In some hilly areas it may stretch for longer period. The severity may occur anytime hence one has to be prepared to face it. 

Exposure to cold could be more frequent and extensive hence on needs to be best equipped. Warm inner, sweaters, jackets, socks, head gear and  hand gloves should be with the traveler all the time. Some basic accommodations may not have a heating system hence an extra quilt should be in one's bag always.  

High altitude may not suit travelers with breathing problems hence should be avoided. Places above 1400 m can be quiet uncomfortable for such travelers. 

It is wiser to carry all prescribed medicine for those susceptible to cold and high altitude. The cold is not restricted to North India it can be severely cold in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh at Places. A good doctor may be able to give apt advise to travelers in India during winters. Masala tea or ginger tea proves very good for cold and cough. Try it! Any chaiwala will make you a ginger tea.

Due to fog flights, rail and even road traffic may come to a stop hence on should keep an alternate travel recourse well planned in advance.  Even tough winter is a healthier season in India road side food and water should be avoided at all cost.

It is better to make your trips during the day and return to hotel in the evening since the cold gets worse after sunset. The nature is at its best during the winters and the landscapes splendid enjoy your travel in this incredible country.