Darjeeling still remains most popular destination for winter vacations

With Christmas knocking on the door, Darjeeling seems to be the most popular among Indians gearing up for winter vacations, according to a report.

"An old-time favourite summer destination, Darjeeling, continues to remain the most favourite destination even during the winter season, as it is one of the famous hill stations of British era," leading global online hotel search site trevago said in its report on 10 popular destinations trending in India for Christmas holidays.

Darjeeling has topped the list, being this year's cheapest destination with an average price of Rs 3,985 per night, which is 31 per cent less in its city average price compared to December 2012, the report said. Manali is named as the second favourite destination for Christmas festivities this year.

The hill station in Himachal Pradesh turns beautiful with snow fall capping the mountains making it one of the favourite places to celebrate Christmas in a traditional style, with an average price of Rs 4,154 per night, said the report. Puducherry is positioned number three as the most popular destination for this winter.

The state with French colonial heritage is for those looking for a warm Christmas and winter with an average price of Rs 4,663 per night, it said. Pune, which has seen a decrease in price at 16 per cent from last year, where the average price for a night's stay in a standard double room will cost around Rs 5,002, is positioned at number four.

The metro cities of Kolkata and Mumbai are positioned at number six and eight, respectively. In Kolkata and Mumbai, which saw a fall in prices at about 25 per cent from last year, one can get rooms at Rs 5,511 and 6,104 per night, respectively, according to the report. A night's stay in Kottayam, which is at number nine position, in Kerala will cost an average of Rs 9,326 which is 8 per cent lower compared to December 2012.

Margao in Goa, famous for its churches from the Portuguese era and pristine beaches, is at number 10 on trevago's list. The town has seen an average price decrease of 15 per cent compared to 2012, with an average price of Rs 9,834 for this December.