With the winter well settled in, February is perfect to set off on a journey to the warmer parts of India, as the weather is pleasant. While India is shrouded in the winter mist, South East Asia becomes more accessible, and just perfect for your winter break. Here's our recommendations of destinations for your February trip. There's a dance festival among ancient ruins and a carnival that is so much colours and fun. Read on to know more.
Best picks
Australia
Scintillating beaches, unique wildlife, water sports, aboriginal cave drawings and diverse landscapes make Australia an irresistible destination among globetrotters. On your holiday to this beautiful haven, include Sydney Opera House, Whitehaven Beach, Great Barrier Reef, the Twelve Apostles, Uluru aka Ayers Rock, Kakadu National Park, Australian Outback and Fraser Island in your itinerary. Tantalise your palate with tasty wines in the Clare Valley, try surfing on the Bells Beach or visit Kangaroo Island to spot kangaroos and koalas.
We recommend: 10 Nights / 11 Days in Australia @ Rs 2,10,000
Goa
Vibrant culture, delectable seafood, beautiful beaches and forts are the attributes that best define Goa. Popular attractions include Dudhsagar Falls, Calangute Beach, Fort Aguada, Basilica of Bom Jesus and Benaulim Beach. Experience the Goa Carnival from 10th February to 13th February, a tradition that dates back to 1510, the arrival of Portuguese in Goa. During this grand festival, the culture and cuisine of Goa is celebrated on a grand scale. From electrifying music and dance performances to sports competitions and parades, you’re assured of unlimited entertainment.
We recommend: 3 Nights / 4 Days in Goa @ Rs 5,400
Long weekends
Arunachal Pradesh
For the month of February let’s do something different. How about a trip to the uncharted places in North East? Let’s make a plan for Arunachal Pradesh. You can spend a day amidst the calming forces of the monasteries or sit down to appreciate the beautiful and unsoiled green Arunachal. In any case, Arunachal will be eternally unforgettable.
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Thailand
A very popular destination, it is renowned for its pristine waters and green islands. It is a place that you will want to visit more often. Besides, this will be such a fantastic and happy surprise trip for your family to enjoy right at the beginning of the year.
We recommend: 4 Nights / 5 Days in Thailand @ Rs 11,000
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri, Uttarakhand (13 Feb 2018)
Celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva, Mahashivaratri can be best experienced in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. During this festival, you’ll find pilgrims bathing in the ghats and taking a dip in Har Ki Pauri to purify their souls. Visit Rishikesh and indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities like river rafting and bungee jumping or enjoy a walk on the breathtaking Lakshman Jhula. On your vacation to Uttarakhand, you can explore Jim Corbett National Park, Valley of Flowers National Park, Nainital Lake, Badrinath Temple, Mindrolling Monastery, Tiger Falls, Kedarnath Temple, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and Patal Bhuvneshwar.
We recommend: 2 Nights / 3 Days in Haridwar @ Rs 11,200
Khajuraho Dance Festival (20 - 26 Feb 2018)
Set in the sensual aura of the temples of Khajuraho, the week-long dance festival is a unique celebration of arts and culture. Just as the beauty of spring takes over, the rich and colourful traditional dances. With classical performance set in a natural surrounding, this festival is sure to soothe your mind with a musical treat.
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Honeymoon destinations
Malaysia
Malaysia is a perfect romantic getaway for couples looking for white sandy beaches, tropical rainforests, splendid underwater world and lush greenery. Popular places include Batu Caves, Legoland Malaysia Resort, Kinabalu Park, Langkawi Sky Bridge, Thean Hou Temple, Sipadan Island and Cameron Highlands. Try rock climbing in Kota Kinabalu, enjoy a sunset cruise in Langkawi, visit the tea plantations in the Cameron Highland, take a night safari in Sabah, shop till you drop in Kuala Lumpur or indulge in scuba diving in Sipadan Island with your partner for a fun-packed vacation.
We recommend: 3 Nights / 4 Days in Malaysia @ Rs 8,400
Kerala
Nothing attracts honeymooners like Kerala. From palm fringed beaches and tranquil backwaters to breathtaking hills and wildlife, you’ll find them all in Kerala aka God’s own country. Go for an elegant stay in the houseboat with your loved one, take a jungle jeep ride, explore the local paddy cultivation, indulge in a Shikara ride, take a spice tour or enjoy a romantic walk by the beach. Popular attractions include Periyar National Park, Attukal Waterfalls, Edakkal Caves, Kovalam Lighthouse Beach and Alleppey Backwaters.
We recommend: 5 Nights / 6 Days in Kerala @ Rs 16,000
Adventure
Skiing in Gulmarg
Nestled in Kashmir, Gulmarg is blessed with immense beauty that attracts travellers from across the globe. If you love snow, February is the ideal period for you to explore this paradise. Unleash the adventurer in you and indulge in snow boarding or skiing. You can also take a gondola cable car ride and soak in the breathtaking views of the snow white land. Popular attractions include Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Maharani Temple, Strawberry Field, Apharwat Peak, Alpather Lake, Seven Springs and St. Mary’s Church.
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Unique experience
Sula Vineyards
Tucked away in Nashik, the Sula Vineyards is a hotspot among party-goers. The popular SulaFest will be held from 2nd February to 4th February, 2018. Expect fun, food, fashion, wine, music and lots more during this festive season. Shake a leg while you soak in the music performances by internationally-acclaimed artists, tantalise your palate with great food and wine, enjoy the fantastic energy of the crowd and sleep under the star-studded sky. Other famous places of Nashik which you can explore on your trip include Sita Gufaa, Kalaram Temple, Tapovan, Someshwar Water Fall and Sai Baba Temple.
We recommend: 2 Nights / 3 Days in Nashik @ Rs 8,600