20 Places to Visit in India in December

   

Winter is approaching, and it’s past time for us to pack our belongings and head outside to enjoy the chill. These exciting places in India in December can transform a routine trip into a long-awaited new discovery. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in India to make your winter vacation unforgettable. These beautiful locations are well-known for a variety of reasons, and one should not pass up the opportunity to see the best views while also participating in exciting activities.

   

1. Goa

Goa is one of the most popular places to visit in India in December. During this month, the casinos in Goa become even wilder, earning the city the moniker “Las Vegas of India.” The fireworks and trance music, with sand tickling your toes, are the best feelings you can have on New Year’s Eve! The list does not stop there—the loudest EDM party, the feast of St. Francis Xavier, and the Sunburn Music Festival are all included. The place has everything you could want for a wild Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Image Source: Pavel Volkov (Flickr) 

How To Reach:

Goa has an extensive network of airways, railways, and roadways that connect it to the country’s major cities. Goa is home to Dabolim Airport and the Margao Railway Station, both of which have taxis and local buses, making it much easier to get to the main city.

2. Andaman-Nicobar

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of about 600 islands in the Bay of Bengal known for their scenic beaches, dense forests, and adventurous water sports. The humid sultry island state of Andamans and Nicobar Islands is at its best in December. The mild winter weather allows visitors to fully enjoy the crystal clear waters and stunning coral reefs. These tiny islands are a must-see in December, with activities like snorkelling, scuba diving, and visiting the beautiful national parks.

Source: Flickr

How to Reach:

The quickest way to get to Andaman is to fly from mainland India. There are direct flights from Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Vizag. Connecting flights are available from every other location in the country. Andaman currently has no international ship or flight services.

3. Kashmir

As you go glacial sighting in this winter wonderland, witness the beginning of snowfall in Kashmir in December. During this month, the temperature in Sonamarg’s gold meadow plummets to subzero levels. Visit the previously unknown Thajiwas glacier. The best things to do in December here are sledge rides, snowboarding, and skiing. At one of the best places to visit in December in India, don a red Santa Claus coat and hop onto a sledge while singing ‘jingle bells’ against the backdrop of breathtaking hills.

Source: Max Pixel

How to Reach:

Fly into Kashmir via Srinagar Airport (15 kilometres away), which is well connected to major Indian cities. Regular flights are operated by Air India, GoAir, IndiGo, and Jet Airways between Delhi, Goa, Jammu, Leh, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Visitors can hire taxis from the airport to various cities and towns in Kashmir.

4. Himachal Pradesh(Manali-Tirthan Valley-Dalhousie-Shimla)

Manali

Manali, a Himalayan town nestled in the Kullu Valley, is a hill station with attractions such as the spectacular Rohtang pass. Visit Manali in December to see the landscape transform into a snowy paradise. Skiing and snowboarding at Gulaba, Rohtang Pass, and Solang Valley are great ways to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s. With bonfires and views of the massive ice-capped Himalayan mountains, Manali is one of the best places to visit in India in December.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Tirthan Valley

Tirthan Valley is located in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu District at an elevation of 1600 metres above sea level. Tirthan Valley, named after the Tirthan River that runs through it, is located about 3 kilometres from the Great Himalayan National Park’s entrance. This location offers a plethora of adventurous activities and is a nature lover’s paradise. The magnificent Himalayas with snow-covered peaks overlooking the Tirthan River, this valley is best known for its trout fishing, trekking, and adventure activities, as well as beautiful guesthouses in nature.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Dalhousie

Dalhousie, a picturesque town in India, is one of the best places to visit in December. But what makes it one of the best places to visit in India in December? The view is absolutely iconic, with its snow-covered Deodar forests! This beautiful winter destination is transformed into a ramp open to the chilly breeze with a view of snow-capped mountains. Furthermore, all trekking enthusiasts must travel to Dalhousie in December to participate in the National Himalayan Winter Trekking Expedition.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Shimla

How could we overlook the most beautiful place to visit in December, Shimla, the Queen of Hill Stations? Let’s take a colonial stroll through India’s most romantic getaway. Visit Chail town by walking through the snow floors in long boots. Beyond the crowds of Shimla, you will find immense peace. This is one of the most magical places to visit in India during the Christmas season. Take the perfect selfie with your loved one at one of India’s best honeymoon destinations in December. Take a joyride at Shimla’s Winter Sports Festival, where you can enjoy natural ice skiing and hanging balloons while enjoying the pleasant Shimla weather in December.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

How to Reach:

Himachal Pradesh can be reached by road from Chandigarh, Kalka, and Pathankot. There are intercity bus services from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and other nearby cities. All destinations in Himachal are served by a good public transportation system and taxi services.

5. Rajasthan (Udaipur-Jaisalmer-Jaipur)

Udaipur

It is sometimes referred to as the “Venice of the East” because it is located in a valley and surrounded by four lakes. Udaipur is a must-see destination in India because of its natural beauty, mesmerising temples, and breathtaking architecture. A boat ride through the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola will demonstrate why Udaipur is the pride of Rajasthan. Explore the stunning Ranakpur Jain Temple, the historic Udaipur City Palace, and attend the Bagore Ki Haveli’s winter season of cultural events in Udaipur in December.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Jaisalmer

The Golden City, located near the Pakistani border, is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the Thar Desert. Winter is an excellent time to enjoy local activities such as camel desert safaris, watching the spectacular colours of the desert sunset, or spending a night in luxurious desert camping.

 

Source: Ninara (Flickr)

Jaipur

Jaipur is a vibrant fusion of the old and the new. Jaipur, also known as the Pink City, is the capital of the royal state of Rajasthan. For centuries, it has been ruled by Rajput kingdoms and developed as a planned city in the 17th century AD. Winters in Jaipur are warm and sunny, with colder nights, making the city ideal for sightseeing in December. In the colder winter nights, satisfy your cravings with Rajasthani delicacies and dollops of ghee.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

How to Reach:

The most convenient and cost-effective way to travel to Rajasthan is by plane. Direct flights to the state’s most important regions – Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur – are available from major Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

6. Rann of Kutch

The best time to visit the white desert is in December when the salt turns blue under the moonlight. Staying in a tent on the outskirts of Dhordo village is a magical experience. Kutch comes alive in December with a slew of festivities—the Kutch Festival. This salty land is home to the only festival that lasts two months. If you’re looking for places to visit in December in India, consider going to the Rann Utsav for an unforgettable experience. Gujarat, for those who are unaware, is one of the warmest places to visit in India in December. To be fair, the sun is tolerable during the day.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

How to Reach:

The nearest airport to the Rann of Kutch is in Bhuj. You can take an auto or taxi from Bhuj to Rann of Kutch, where the grand Rann Utsav is held. The flight lasts approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. IndiGo, GoAir, SpiceJet, Jet Airways, and Air India are among the available airlines.

7. Meghalaya(Shillong-Cherrapunjee)

Shillong

Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, was born in the laps of nature and offers all of its bequeathed elements for exploration to the wanderlust. The light drizzles and gentle breezes in Shillong in December adds to the pleasure of visiting this hill station. Shillong is known as the “Scotland of the East” because of its thrilling mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, breathtakingly beautiful golf courses, and museums. Shillong in December is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it is also known as India’s music capital. Many famous musicians have come from here, and music events take place throughout the year, making it a very youthful and lively place.

Image Source: Dinesh babu (Flickr)

Cherrapunjee

The enchanting Cherrapunjee, located in the heart of Meghalaya, was once named the ‘wettest place on Earth’ by the Guinness Book of World Records. This breathtaking location features deep valleys, foaming rivers, mystical clouds, and rainfall that can be measured in feet. Cherrapunjee, untouched by urbanism, is home to a plethora of enthralling sights and natural wonders not found anywhere else.

Image Source: Gaurav Singh (Flickr) 

How to Reach:

The Umroi airport is about 35 kilometres from Shillong. You can fly into this airport and then take a taxi to nearby locations or hotels that you have reserved ahead of time. There is also state bus transportation available, which is well-connected and makes commuting throughout the state simple. There is also the Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati that can be used. This is 128 kilometres from Shillong. You can take shared cabs from this airport, which is a convenient option.

8. Kerala (Alleppey-Kovalam)

Alleppey

Alleppey, also known as Alappuzha, is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. It is known for its vast network of interconnecting, palm-fringed canals known as backwaters and rejuvenating Ayurvedic resorts that border the Laccadive Sea.

Source: PixaBay

Kovalam

Kovalam, an idyllic village along the Arabian Sea coastlines, is best known for its three pristine beaches with shallow waters and low tidal waves where visitors can go surfing, wooden and motorboat riding. Kovalam’s three famous beaches are Lighthouse Beach, Samudra Beach, and Hawah Beach, which form a majestic rocky crescent. Kovalam literally means “grove of coconut trees,” and the small town is densely forested with these palms. In December, Kovalam is relatively dry and warm. If you want to get away from the cold this winter, this is the place to go.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

How to Reach:

Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode are the state’s three main airports. Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi each have an international airport that serves both major domestic and international flights all year, while Kozhikode’s Karipur Airport only serves domestic airlines. Kerala is well-connected to all of India’s major cities, including the four metropolises of New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, via an efficient train network.

9. Kanyakumari

You must visit Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of the Indian peninsula. Kanyakumari, one of the best places to visit in December in South India, is a sought-after vacation destination due to its pleasant and warm climate. If you don’t like the cold, this is a fantastic option for you. You can visit the Bharat Mata Temple, Kanyakumari Temple, Triveni Sangam, Kanyakumari Beach, and other amazing tourist attractions in addition to the famous Vivekananda Memorial and Thiruvalluvar statue.

Source: Flickr

How to Reach:

The closest airport to Kanyakumari is Trivandrum International Airport, which is about 67 kilometres away. Aside from being well connected to India’s major cities, the airport is also well connected to a number of Gulf countries. From this airport, popular airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, Jet Airways, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Oman Air, Air Arabia, and Kuwait Airways offer excellent service. You can take a taxi or a cab to Kanyakumari from the airport.

10. Diu

Diu, a small island near the port of Veraval that was once a Portuguese colony and is now surrounded by beaches, is a small island that was once a Portuguese colony. Diu is the place to go in December if you want to avoid the crowds in Goa and relax on cleaner beaches.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

How to Reach:

   

Diu does not have its own railway station; the nearest one is in Veraval, 90 kilometres away. After Veraval, one can take a taxi to Diu. Diu also has its own airport, which offers daily flights to Mumbai and Porbandar.

11. Assam (Guwahati-Kaziranga)

Guwahati

Guwahati is a gateway to Northeast India, located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. A tour of Guwahati has a lot to offer, with tourist hotspots, recreational centres, malls, places of religious significance, and other attractions. It is a great travel destination for all nature lovers because it is rich in biodiversity and blessed with an abundance of flora and fauna.

Source: PixaBay

Kaziranga

Kaziranga National Park is a well-known, protected animal reserve in India that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for being home to more than half of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros, but that’s not all. It’s also a significant tiger reserve, with a high concentration of tigers within the national park. The park, which is located along the mighty Brahmaputra River, floods during the monsoon season, which runs from June to August. The winter month of December brings warm days and cool nights to Kaziranga, creating ideal conditions for wildlife viewing. Leopards, foxes, deer, flying squirrels, pelicans, hornbills, and a variety of other floral and faunal species can all be seen, making it a fun trip for both family vacations and photography enthusiasts.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

How to Reach:

Assam is well connected by national and private airlines to Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, and other major Indian cities. The nearest airport is Guwahati’s Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, which is only 25 kilometres from the city. Direct train services from Calcutta, New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Cochin, and Trivandrum to Guwahati, Assam’s rail hub, make travel to Assam simple.

12. Pondicherry

This is one of India’s seven Union Territories, as well as a former French colony, and is known locally as Pondy. With a perfect blend of traditional Indian and French architecture, the area is also known for its lovely streets lined with French Quarter, mustard-yellow colonial structures, and huge bougainvillaea-covered walls. Aside from that, there are some lovely cafes and boutiques that offer a taste of French culture.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

How to Reach:

Chennai International Airport, which is 135 kilometres away, is the closest airport.

13. Odisha (Bhubaneswar-Puri-Konark-Chilika)

Bhubaneswar

Next, on our list of places to visit in India is the capital of Odisha. Bhubaneshwar, which literally translates to “Lord of the Universe,” is a marvellous fusion of history and modernity. The beauty of Bhubaneshwar is such that neither the scorching heat nor the torrential rain can keep the masses of people from flocking to the city in large numbers. High temperatures and humidity are common in Bhubaneshwar, and monsoons bring torrential rain. The summers in Bhubaneshwar are scorching, and the oppressive heat makes it difficult to move around the city. Winters are mild, with temperatures as low as 8 degrees Celsius. As a result, the best time to visit this location is from October to February, when the weather is mild enough for outdoor activities and exploring the city.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Puri

Puri is a beautiful city in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. It is situated along the Bay of Bengal and features a lovely sunlit landscape with palm trees and glistening waves on the shoreline. The city thrives with a diverse tourist population, including holy worshippers in temples and sunbathers on the beach, making it one of the most admired tourist destinations in not only India but the world. It is one of the Char Dham, or the four holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites, and attracts a large crowd every year during the magnificent Rath Yatra. It is home to many world-famous temples, including Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple, Vimala Temple, Loknath Temple, and others.

 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Konark

This historic town, located on the Bay of Bengal coast in the Puri District, is one of the best places to visit in Orissa. Konark is an important cultural and heritage site in India, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in East India. Konark’s beauty lies in its varied landscape. The 13th-century Sun Temple in Konark is one of the country’s most remarkable structures. This UNESCO-protected site depicts the Sun God’s chariot, which is pulled by seven horses and has 12 pairs of intricately carved wheels. The vimana, shikara, audience hall, dance hall, and other structures built in traditional Kalinga architecture can still be seen.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Chilika

Chilika Lake, the largest coastal lake in India, is a brackish water lagoon in Odisha, located 195 kilometres from Bhubaneswar. This lake is well-known for housing a variety of endangered aquatic life and aquatic birds that migrate to the lake during the winter months, making it one of the best places to visit near Bhubaneswar. You can visit various bird sanctuaries and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

How to Reach:

The quickest way to get to Odisha is to fly from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus Airport. It takes about two hours to get there. Individuals can use the cab, taxi, and bus services waiting outside the airport when they arrive. It’s best to book your tickets well ahead of time, especially if you’re travelling during peak season. Bhubaneshwar is the state’s most important rail hub. Some of the trains that stop at this station include the Rajdhani, Konark Express, and Coromandel Express. As soon as you exit the train station, buses, taxis, and cabs are available.

14.  Varanasi

Varanasi, known as the world’s oldest living city, is known as the “City of Gods” and is revered by Hindus. The streets are very narrow along the Ganges’ banks, and cows can be seen from a great distance. Aside from that, there are numerous temples to visit in order to learn about the country’s culture.

 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

How to Reach:

Varanasi railway junction and Kashi railway junction are the city’s two main railheads, both of which connect to major cities. The city also has its own airport, which is named after Lal Bahadur Shastri.

15. Agra

Agra is one of India’s most visited tourist destinations. It is well-known for housing the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s Seven Wonders. It is equally adored by Indians and foreign visitors who flock here in large numbers to marvel at its beauty. Agra, along with Delhi and Jaipur, forms India’s Golden Triangle of tourism. Agra, in Uttar Pradesh, is best known for the Taj Mahal, but there’s a lot more to the city than this world-famous structure. Agra has been monumental and has played a significant role in shaping India’s history, from the epic Mahabharata to the Mughal Dynasty.

 

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

How to Reach:

The Kheria airport in Agra also serves as a military base. It is a seasonal commercial airport with only Air India flights connecting it to New Delhi. Agra city is 13 kilometres from Kheria airport. To get to the city, take a taxi from the airport, which should take about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run frequently between Agra and cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Lucknow, and Kanpur. Agra is well connected to most cities in India, as it is located on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai routes. Agra is accessible by train from cities such as Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior, and Jhansi. Agra is also well connected to cities throughout India, including Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai. In Agra, there are five railway stations.

16. Madhya Pradesh (Khajuraho-Orchha)

Khajuraho

In the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, in the Bundelkhand region, Khajuraho India is located in the forested plains. The location is a long way from most of the state’s cities and town centres. The art of Khajuraho, India, draws a large number of visitors. Mahashivratri is Khajuraho’s most important festival. The festival commemorates Shiva’s marriage to Parvati, the Himalayan’s daughter.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Orchha

Orchha is a city with a lot of historical significance and a photographers’ delight, known for its grand palaces, intricately carved temples and striking forts. Visit Orchha in December for the best weather and scenery for a trip rich in history and heritage. The Bundelas were one of India’s most powerful dynasties, and Orchha was their capital. The sheer grandeur and magnificence of the havelis and temples are truly breathtaking. The winter season, from December to February, is the best time to visit Orchha because the weather is pleasant and the atmosphere is lovely. This is also the busiest travel season.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

How to Reach:

Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (IDR) is Madhya Pradesh’s largest airport, located 8 kilometres west of Indore. Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Goa are all served by direct flights. Regular flights from Indore Airport to various Indian cities are offered by airlines like Jet Airways and IndiGo. Because of its central location, MP is served by most major trains, including the Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Garib Rath expresses.

17. Foothills of Kumaon – Uttarakhand (Nainital- Mukteshwar)

Nainital

Nainital, Uttarakhand’s crown jewel, is a charming hill station nestled in the green foothills of the Himalayan Kumaon ranges. The epicentre of the town’s popularity and beauty is within the gorgeous Naini Lake, after which the town is named, which is located at an elevation of around 1938 metres. Nainital is brimming with elegant colonial structures that amplify the beauty of this place. It was founded by the British because of its resemblance to the Cumbrian Lake District. It’s an ideal weekend getaway from Delhi, India’s capital. If you’re lucky, you might get to see the first snowfall there!

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is a small hill town best known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges. Mukteshwar, named after Lord Shiva, is a beautiful hill station in Uttaranchal with fruit orchards, coniferous forests, and rolling meadows at an elevation of 7500 feet. December is a wonderful time to visit Mukteshwar to see the beautiful snow-capped Himalayan peaks and to explore the charming little cottages and homes built in the old Colonial style. Mukteshwar offers a spectacular view of the mighty Nanda Devi Peak in December.

 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

How to Reach:

The nearest railway station is in Kathgodham, which is 34 kilometres away and located in the Kumaon foothills. This railway station is well connected to all of the nearby major cities, including Delhi, Lucknow, and Howrah. Because Nainital is a hill station, there is no direct air connection to it.

18. Foothills of Garhwal – Uttarakhand (Mussoorie-Kanatal)

Mussoorie

Mussoorie, the Queen of Hill Stations, is a wonderful place to visit for a day or two, and the tranquil surroundings often tempt people to retire here, settle down, and avoid the crowded cities. This popular hill town welcomes tourists all year round with attractions such as Kempty Falls, Mossy Falls, Nag Tibba, Mussoorie Lake, and Mall Road. During the summer months, when the plains are scorching hot and the weather is pleasant here in the hills, tourist crowds flock to the area. If you enjoy winter, however, Mussoorie in December is the best time to visit. Also, if you’re lucky, you might get to see the snowfall, and a city blanketed in white is one of the most beautiful sights imaginable!

 

Source: Xian Li (Flickr)

Kanatal

Uttarakhand’s Kanatal is a charming village. Although it is not a well-known hill station, it has its own idyllic charm. Kanatal has pleasant weather throughout the year, but the summer and winter seasons are the best times to visit. The Dussehra Festival is traditionally held during the winter season, and visitors flock here to partake in the holy prayer ceremonies and celebrations. During the summer, all outdoor activities such as camping and trekking are highly recommended. Due to the extreme and unpredictable weather conditions, the monsoon season can be dangerous for travel.

 

Source: Sougata Sinha (Flickr)

How to Reach:

Dehradun has the nearest airport, and Kotdwara has the nearest railway station. Buses and taxis are readily available from both locations. It is also well connected to major cities such as New Delhi and Chandigarh by road.

19. Gokarna

Gokarna is a Hindu pilgrimage town in Karnataka known for its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes. Gokarna, on the Karwar coast, is a popular destination for beachgoers and hippies. The Kudle and Om beaches, which are located outside of town, are well-known. Surrounded by palm-fringed trees, the location is primarily visited by foreigners, with only a small number of Indians present.

Image Souce: sirsiattractions

How to Reach:

The closest airport is Dabolim in Goa, which is 140 kilometres away. Ankola, which is 20 kilometres away, is the nearest railhead.

20. Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is another one of the best places to visit in India. It is one of the world’s most beautiful tropical island systems, is located 220-440 kilometres off the coast of Kerala. The islands have a rich ecological and cultural heritage. Lakshadweep’s underwater view is kaleidoscopic and breathtaking. Swimming, windsurfing, diving, snorkelling, and kayaking are just a few of the water sports available at the lagoon. Snow white coral sands surround each island. The islands’ natural beauty is enhanced by crystal clear water and abundant marine life. The incoming swells of the outer sea are blocked on one side by a large shallow calm lagoon with a wall-like reef made of marine live coral boulders.

 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

How to Reach:

Ships and flights from Kochi can take you to Lakshadweep Island. Kochi is the gateway to Lakshadweep for all tourist purposes.

We hope you found our list of the best places to visit in India informative and helpful. Let us know which one of these beautiful tourist destinations attracted you the most. We hope you enjoy your much needed end-of-the-year vacation.

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