Well, the topic is pretty evident! We are about to unveil the best places to visit in December in India. But why December? It’s because December is the time of year where people are starting to get a winter chill in their bones.
When the holidays are getting closer and closer, you can begin to feel that festive vibe—celebrations all ‘round! Why not visit one of these best places in India during December!
From Ladakh to Kovalam, there’s no shortage of beautiful venues for your December adventures. Let’s check the top 21 best places to visit in December in India.
21 Cool Indian Places Worth a December Staycation
India is one of the most diverse countries globally and is famous for its eclectic range of cultures, landscapes, languages, and religions. With more than 1 billion inhabitants, it’s also one of the world’s largest and most populous countries. This diversity is reflected in this list of the best places to visit in December in India.
Let’s dive straight into the long list of cool places in India to enjoy the wintry December trip!
1) Ladakh- Solo Travel
December can be an exceptional month for those who love to explore new places. The cold temperatures are slowly setting in, and so is the very romantic snow, you would think! But if you are looking for something different and unique, you have come to the right place. You may be thinking that Ladakh is not a glamorous destination? Think again.
It’s the real deal, and you have no idea how beautiful it is. The place will make your trip worthwhile.
If you are looking for the best places to visit in December in India where you can enjoy snowfall with the company of strangers, then this could be the right opportunity for you. It’s not as big as Kovalam, but it sure is a great place to hang out in- solo, duet or maybe with a gang! You won’t regret traveling here at all.
2) Hampi, Karnataka- Lady With A Backpack
Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. So, you can imagine how beautiful the city is. Despite the name ‘Hampi,’ it is not the only place to visit in this area. There are other places nearby which you can explore, like Virupaksha Temple, Queen’s Bath, Vittala Temple, Gadag Monastery, etc. These are all places in Hampi and its surroundings that will make you fall in love with it. The area is a cultural and historical destination. That makes it one of the best places to visit in December in India.
3) Kovalam, Kerala- Mystical Holiday
Kovalam is known for its beaches and temples. These are nothing short of breathtaking views. Temples are just in the middle of the beach, and you can enjoy their beauty without any complications. It is usually surrounded by palm trees which are an incredible sight to see during this time. If you like hanging out and exploring beaches, then you will love exploring Kovalam in December.
4) Mansarovar, Uttarakhand- Highest Freshwater Lake
Mansarovar is famous for its lake, which is located on the Tibetan Border. It’s a sacred lake among the Hindus and the Buddhists. The place is beautiful because of its surroundings and its proximity to Tibet. You can see the snow-capped Himalayas from this breathtaking place. If you are always curious about the Himalayas, this could be the best opportunity to explore them. You will need to make a lot of arrangements, but it’s worth it for your trip.
5) Srinagar, J&K – City of lakes
Talking of best places to visit in December in India and skipping this beautiful city, nah! Not a chance.
It is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, and will welcome its colorful Christmas tree for the first time this year. Located on the banks of Dal Lake, this tranquil and picturesque city is known to be one of the greenest in India.
However, this year’s festive mood might be marred by unrest at the Line of Control, which divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan. So if you’re planning to visit Jammu & Kashmir this Christmas season, it’s better to check if all is well on the border before going there.
6) Goa- Beach-y vibes
The beaches in Goa are just soul-stirring. The water is crystal clear, and ponds surround them, which make them look beautiful. These are perfect places for surfing, swimming, and chilling out. It’s an ideal place for those who want to unwind and relax without any complications. However, these are also the best places to visit in December in India when you are looking for alcohol which is a good thing. You can enjoy your time here with your friends and family members. This is why Goa also makes it straight to the list of places to visit in India before you turn 30.
7) Lakshadweep Islands- Lovin’ Limes
If you are looking for some beauty, then these islands will fulfill your needs. They are small but gorgeous. They are like little paradises. They are not very popular, but they are known for their beauty and serenity. It’s one of the ideal and best places to visit in December in India if you want to unwind and relax.
8) Solapur, Maharashtra- Manchester of India
If you love taking photographs, then this is one of the best places to visit in December in India . What makes it beautiful is its surroundings which make it look like a fairy tale! You will feel like you’re somewhere in Europe with its stunning view of Deccan Ghat. Don’t be mistaken, but this place can also make you feel as if you are somewhere in Greece, surrounded by beautiful olive and almond trees. This place will surely make your holiday trip worthwhile.
9) Kullu- Manali- Valley of the Gods
Kullu-Manali is a popular hill station in Himachal Pradesh, India, known for its beauty and serenity. It is a popular destination for tourists to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and flying kites during the winters.
10) Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu – Switzerland of the East
Kodaikanal is a hill station and hence called the “Princess of Hill Stations.” This is a place that has a thick forest and dense greenery that makes it look spectacular. It is known for its beautiful view of the sunrise and sunset over the mountains. It’s surrounded by tea gardens which give it an exotic look. You can come here in December to enjoy this beauty with your family and friends.
You can spend your time here in various water activities like boating, skiing, and many others. This place will surely catch your attention with its natural beauty and scenic views.
11) Palampur, Himachal Pradesh – Lots of water
Palampur is one of the best places to visit in December in India. It is famous for its temples and palaces, which the kings made of the Kangra dynasty. The area is well known for its natural beauty and cultural importance that makes it a must-visit and the best places to visit in December in India during this month.
12) Gangtok, Sikkim – Winter Wonderland
Gangtok is the capital of Sikkim. It is a place known for its natural beauty and cultural importance that makes it a must-visit destination during this month. It is known for its beauty and cultural significance that makes it worthwhile to be added in the list of best places to visit in December in India.
13) Thar Desert, Rajasthan – Drought Avoider
If you want to explore the beauty of Rajasthan’s desert, then this could be a perfect opportunity for you to do so. The place is famous because of its desert culture, history, and natural beauty. It is a great place to visit at this time of the year—where you can see camels and horses used for desert tours.
14) Chandigarh – The City Beautiful
Chandigarh is known as the City Beautiful. This city has so many beautiful places that will make anyone fall in love with it. It has all the best places to visit in India that are mentioned above. It has one of the highest buildings in India, The Capitol Complex, and a beautiful lake named Rock Garden, which is just nearby. You can also visit Sukhna Lake. These are the places that make Chandigarh one of the best places to visit in December in India.
If going Chandigarh, don’t forget to add the must-visit places in Punjab to your itinerary.
15) Bhimtal, Uttarakhand – Hidimba of Mahabharata
Not many know of Bhimtal as one of the best places to visit in December in India. Bhimtal is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand state in India. It is a popular hill station. It’s just 2 kilometers away from Nainital and 74 km away from Kathgodam. It is a great place to visit during the winter months. The site has many tourist attractions where you can spend your time in various activities like boating, trekking, skiing, etc. Many movies are shot here, especially in the Mall Road area due to its natural beauty and the lake’s presence.
16) Puri, Odisha – The Best Lepcha Landscape
This place is lovely. It is a place where the legends of the Raghu dynasty took birth. This place houses some of the most beautiful temples of Odisha and is still considered one of Lord Jagannath’s abodes. It is a place that is known for its religious importance as well as natural beauty. This place should be on your list of best places to visit in December in India.
17) Coorg, Karnataka – Mini Paradise
Coorg is also known as Kodagu or the coffee-growing region of Karnataka. It is a hill station where you can enjoy nature at its best. It has dense green valleys, fog-covered mountains, and streams running across the fields. This place is for all those who love adventure as jungles and forests surround it. It has a rich culture and history associated with it.
18) Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – Queen of Hills
Shimla is also known as “The Queen of Hills.” It is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh with a temperate climate and India’s summer capital. This place is known for its beautiful views, tea gardens, and various historical monuments. The beautiful scenery will surely make you fall in love with this place.
19) Darjeeling, West Bengal – Pristine Beauty
The tea city is surely making an entry on the list of the best places to visit in December in India. Darjeeling is known for its unique beauty that makes it one of the best hill stations in India. It has a temperate climate. The temperatures are moderate, and there are no extremes.
This makes it the best place to visit, even during the winters. It is known for its tea gardens and beautiful lakes that will make you feel like you’re in heaven. It also has a lot of historical monuments which makes it so attractive for tourists. You can visit this place if you want to relax and unwind with your friends and family members.
20) Thekkady, Kerala – God’s Own Country
Thekkady is a place in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in the Indian state of Kerala. It is an artificial lake surrounded by a dense forest and full of wildlife that makes it look heavenly. It is one of the popular honeymoon destinations among tourists and makes it to the list of best places to visit in December in India.
21) Mussoorie, Uttarakhand – Queen of Hills
This Himalayan hill station, located on either side of the Great Himalayan Range, is famous for its scenic beauty and is referred to as “Queen of Hills”. In December, the weather is mild and pleasant with maximum temperatures remaining around 10 degrees C. Throughout the month there are a number of cultural festivals held at both places but the festivities at Mussoorie are considered more spectacular. Don’t miss out on this as the favorite and best places to visit in December in India.
Conclusion
In December, the weather is chilly and dry throughout India. The temperature usually varies from 7 to 28 degrees Celsius. And if you want to enjoy yourself in the winter season, then we recommend these best places to visit in December in India. These places during this month as it is the best time to spend with your family and enjoy their company.
If you wish to visit any of these best places to visit in December in India and want more information, bookmark our page. We have information about almost every tourist attraction in India (abroad too), and we will love to help you make your trip more memorable. So go ahead, choose your pick and enjoy life the way it was meant to be. Happy Travelling!!!