Even though the shortest month of the year, February is special with the cozy winter days getting ready to welcome the cheerful spring colors. Towards the end of the month, you can almost taste the sweet scent of the flowers trapped in the misty breeze.

And let us not forget Valentine’s day. That special day, when many of us have waited to celebrate with our loved one. Unfortunately, what 2021 blessed us with in January is missing in February - Yes, you got that right, there are no long weekends this month!!! But before you get all disheartened, here is what we think - February 12th is a very working Friday which also coincides with the Tibetan New Year, Losar. February 13th and 14th are weekends and if you can take a day or two off on Friday(12th) and Monday(15th), you have got yourself a well planned Valentine’s Day weekend trip!!!

Option 1: Darjeeling, West Bengal
Darjeeling is a picturesque hill station located in the Darjeeling District in West Bengal. This place is a favorite destination for the tourists as it has got to offer something for everyone starting from the honeymoon couple to the adrenaline-seeking adventurers. Since the major adventure sports are trekking, kayaking, paragliding, and zorbing to name of a few.

Darjeeling in winter is a sight to behold. Many people make the mistake of overlooking hill stations in the winter and opt for them in the summer. But the advantage of having a winter destination is that you get to witness the amazing winter wonderland in its full glory. There would be less human intervention and more interaction with nature. Everywhere the eyes could meet will be snowy and sparkly with a tinge of greenery. This is the time of snow starting to melt and make way for spring. If you are lucky you might even get a view of the spectacular Kanchenjunga.

How to reach Darjeeling?
Nearest Airport: Bagdogra Airport | Local Transport: Continuous service of Railways, buses and local cabs
Expected Temperature Range in February: Minimum average 4°C | Maximum average 12°C
Recommended travel wear: Februaries in Darjeeling can be cold, often with snowfall and rain. So be prepared with your best winter jacket for extreme cold. If you are a fan of adventure sports, your best bet is thermal wear that helps you relax and keep you warm.

Read more about Darjeeling's charm in this trip down memory lane with Kiran Manral.

[caption id="attachment_3534" align="aligncenter" width="890"] Top: Images via India Hikes of Sandakphu-Phalut Trekking Expedition | Bottom: Image of Darjeeling with the mighty Himalayas in the back via OYO Rooms[/caption]

Option 2: Bylakuppe Monastery, Karnataka
If you want something less snowy but still want to enjoy the wintry chill, we recommend visiting the Bylakuppe Monastery in Karnataka. Bylakuppe is home to the first-ever Tibetan settlement after exile and is the second-largest Tibetan settlement outside Tibet. With the buildings that take you to a tranquil Tibetan vibe and the serene smiles of the Buddhist monks passing by, Bylakuppe makes a fabulous destination to be during the Losar celebrations.

Losar at Bylakuppe is a period of great celebrations and prayers. While the monks celebrate Losar by immersing themselves in prayers, the common Tibetans celebrate by wearing their best clothes, adjourning their homes with flowers and symbols. For a tourist, the main attractions could be marveling at the Namdroling Monastery - architecture and the ambiance, visiting the Tibetan markets, that are held every Thursday and during Losar, and last but not the least, experiencing the Cham Dance by the monks - a moralized choreographed visualization of how good defeats the bad.

How to reach Bylakuppe?
Nearest Airport: Bengaluru Airport | Local Transport: Continuous service of Railways, buses and local cabs
Expected Temperature Range in February: Minimum average 16 °C | Maximum average 28°C
Recommended travel wear: Bylakuppe has a lot to offer for the wandering souls. Play around with popping colors in cool Supima cotton pullovers or rock the effortlessly chic & comfy look with Kosha’s Joggers and Sweatshirts.

[caption id="attachment_3535" align="aligncenter" width="890"] Images courtesy the official website of Namdroling Monastery. Do read this useful guide on how to be a meaningful guide to Monasteries.[/caption]

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and book your holidays now!!!

Want to know more about the upcoming holiday? Stay Tuned for the next edition!!!

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This article was written by Kosha Team Member : Reshma Rajendran

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