December is probably one of the best months to visit India and enjoy an amazing time in winter. Rapped with smooth winter winds and chilly vibes, there are many resorts and natural scenic views that offer the best places to create some lovely memories. In December, you can enjoy snow in the North Indian Region, beaches in the South Indian Region, waterfalls and natural beauty in the North-East Region, and desserts in West India.
Be it a honeymoon trip or a family vacation, India is truly incredible with its scenic places and views across the land. You can travel almost the whole of India during winter and enjoy snowfall, beaches, waterfalls, desserts, caves, lakes, mountains, or anything that you can name.
So, here we come with a carefully picked list of the top places to visit in December in India. These places are ideal for family holidays as well as honeymoon lovers.
Best Places to Visit in India in December
Here are the best places to visit in December in India:
1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
With a twist of curvy mountains and fascinating snowfalls, Manali is a dream destination in December for all winter lovers. Right from an ideal honeymoon destination to adventure lovers, the place has everything that one needs. Sports like paragliding, rock climbing, and rappelling are extremely famous here in December.
Lamadugh Meadows, Solang Valley, and the Koshla-Treeline trek are also widely known to do activities here. The beauty of Rohtang Pass and Chandrakani Pass are stunning to view here. With pleasant weather and a breeze of lovely views, this place is magical in winter.
Also read: Best Places to Visit in October in India
2. Auli, Uttarakhand
The snow-clad points in Neelkant, Mana Parbat, and Nanda Devi are definite breathtaking spots for your adventurous journey and panoramic views. December is one of the best winter festive seasons and this place gets covered in a whole new vibe. A cable car ride is a must in Auli to dip yourself into the depths of beauty around. Make sure to visit Gurso Bugyal, Trishul Peak, Chenab Lake, and Nandaprayag.
3. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang can be one of the most difficult-to-reach destinations in December yet undoubtedly one of the best to visit at least once. Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is a high-point destination for all adventure and nature lovers.
Close to the Himalayas, the place has lovely sceneries and vintage monasteries where you can explore, learn, and enjoy. The place is extremely beautiful with snow-covered areas and colorful flags, shops, and buildings. Also, handcrafted things are extremely famous here as they present the peaceful and calm culture of Tawang in their design and colors.
Some of the best places to visit here without a miss are Sela Pass, Thingbu Hot Spring, Gorsam Chorten, Shonga-User Lake, Panjang Teng Tso Lake. We believe this place is no less than heaven on the northern side of India.
Read more, Best places to visit in North East India
4. Leh, Ladakh
Winters in Ladakh are all about feeling the calmness of fresh air, cool wind, and of course the cozy ambiance. With a perfect backdrop of blue hills, Leh is one of the most incredible trekking and tourist spots in India. The temperature here drops down to below -14C and is very chilly.
The best trekking spots here are Chadar namely—Sham trek, Liker to Khaltse trek, and Samboo to Khalsar. One thing not to miss in Leh is the beautiful monasteries around. They are very colorful and attractive to look at.
NOTE: If you are not a trekker, avoid traveling to Ladakh in winter. We do not recommend travel to Laddakh in winter if you are not a trained mountainer.
Also Read: Best road trips from Delhi
5. Goa
Being India’s popular destination for holidays and tourist attractions, Goa stays no behind when it comes to impressing visitors in Winter. Right from the groovy palms across to colorful scenic beachside and crystal blue waters, Goa is mesmerizing to visit and enjoy your quality time any time of the year.
Everything that looks exciting during summer is equally amazing in winter as well. The beachside music parties, EDM concerts, nightlife, winter breeze, and soft beaches, everything! not to forget, the food is also too good to dive in and enjoy your time.
6. Neil Island, Andaman
Attaching itself to the Indian territory name, Andaman has this beautiful tiny island space called the Neil which is exclusively beautiful and mesmerizing. Facing the waters of the Bay of Bengal and owning some of the beautiful corals around. The place is colorful, vibrant, and extremely peaceful to relax. You can also enjoy some cruise rides here via Kolkata or Chennai. Perfect for winter honeymoons!
7. Kaziranga, Assam
Neighboring the Himalayas, Assam is another beautiful destination to dive into this winter. If you are an adventure lover who loves to explore and look beyond to discover the beauty of nature, then Assam is the place to plan your next winter vacation. Adventures like Jeep Safari, Cruise rides, and boat rides along the Brahmaputra. Make sure you do a little research and opt for the best travel guide to learn more about the place. We recommend this destination for family holidays next winter.
8. Kutch, Gujarat
With a vast beautiful expansion of white sand and wet beaches, Rann of Kutch is the most active and vibrant destination for a power-packed vibrant holiday. With a breeze of pleasant weather, something that one should not miss here is the festive celebrations rich in cultural rituals which take place in December. With a calm moon and vibrant city lights, the winter is pretty intense here. The place is mainly known for the Kutch Desert, Wildlife Sanctuary, and Dholavira.
Runn Utsav is an amazing festival of Kutch, Gujrat where you can enjoy the Music, Dance, and natural beauty of White Rann. You can experience tent city luxury and much more in this Run Utsav. Visiting this place on Full Moon Day is the dream for every traveler.
This year Runn Utsav is starting from 26th Oct 2022 to 20th Feb 2023.
Also Read: Best Exclusive Resorts in India
9. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Being one of the best cities of lakes, Udaipur is extremely beautiful and has a unique replenishing and rejuvenating charm around the place. From local Rajasthani cuisine to the beautiful iconic interiors of Udaipur, this royal city is one of the must places to visit in India. Hotels turned from the royal mansions and Havelis here offer unique and exclusive amenities for their guests to enjoy the winters more lavishly.
Moreover, since the place is located in the Aravalli hills, the winters here are extremely beautiful and cold. Some of the best places to visit here are Haldighati, Dhebar Lake, Nakki Lake, and Hawa Mahal.
10. Munnar, Kerela
Located in the pleasant soil of the Western Ghats, Munnar is one of the best and idyllic places to visit in December. Along with pleasant weather, the place has lush green forest spaces that add more beauty to nature. One of the favorite tourist spots to visit here is the three rivers that flow through this area, namely Mattupetti, Periavaru, and Nallathanni.
Munnar has a completely different vibe in Winter as it is nestled between up and down hills with a pristine waterfall named Atukkad. Trekking, camping, and safari tours are the best activities to do here. just make sure that you don’t plan your visit here in rainfall seasons around as most of the activities remain closed here.
11. Dawki, Shillong
Dawki is a small town situated near the India-Bangladesh border in West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. It has the cleanest water river named Umngot River where you can see the bottom of the river (upto 95 feet). This is why it is also known as The Mirror of Nature. Umngot River is one of the top 5 cleanest rivers in the world.
The Dawki is the best place if you are an adventurer and love to enjoy boating, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and many other water activities. The best time to enjoy these activities is between October to February. During this duration, the water is crystal clear.
12. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
The Dalhousie is a picturesque town in Himachal Pradesh and is best to visit during winter in India. The deodar trees increase the beauty of this place which increases during snowfall. The trekking enthusiasts must visit this place in any season of the year. This place is beautiful in every season.
You can explore Khajjiar Lake, Dainkund, Kalatop Wildlife Reserve, Chamera Lake, Gandhi Market, St. Francis Catholic Church, and enjoy adventure activities like paragliding in Panch Pulla.
Read More, Best places to visit in India during winter
Though India is truly a vast rich cultural land filled with beauty and mesmerizing views, these places are the top picks for December. Make sure you pack all your warm clothes and head off to at least one of these once in a lifetime.
We promise you’ll love it here.
Stay safe and travel safely.
December in India offers a variety of warm and pleasant destinations. Here are some places you might want to consider for a warm winter getaway:
Goa:
Goa is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere. December marks the beginning of the tourist season, and the weather is warm and pleasant, making it an ideal time to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
Kerala:
Kerala, with its backwaters, lush greenery, and serene beaches, experiences mild temperatures in December. It’s a great time to explore the unique culture, cuisine, and natural beauty of “God’s Own Country.”
Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters and stunning coral reefs. December provides warm temperatures for enjoying water activities and relaxing on pristine beaches.
Rajasthan:
While the days might be pleasantly warm, the nights in Rajasthan can be cooler in December. However, cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur still offer a rich cultural experience with their forts, palaces, and vibrant markets.
Mumbai, Maharashtra:
Mumbai, being a coastal city, experiences mild winters. You can explore the city’s bustling markets, historical sites, and enjoy the local street food without the scorching heat of summer.
Puducherry:
Puducherry, with its French colonial charm, has a pleasant climate in December. You can stroll through the French Quarter, relax on the beaches, and explore the spiritual side of Auroville.
Gokarna, Karnataka:
Gokarna is a quieter alternative to Goa, known for its pristine beaches and laid-back atmosphere. December offers warm weather for beach activities and trekking to scenic viewpoints.
Absolutely! December can be a fantastic time to visit India for various reasons:
Weather:
December marks the winter season in most parts of India. While some regions might be cooler, the weather is generally pleasant, making it a comfortable time to explore. Southern and coastal areas usually have milder temperatures.
Festivals and Celebrations:
India is known for its diverse cultural festivals, and December is no exception. You might get a chance to witness or participate in festivals like Christmas, Diwali (depending on the lunar calendar), and various regional celebrations.
Tourist Season:
December is part of the peak tourist season in India. Many popular tourist destinations, such as Goa, Rajasthan, and Kerala, experience an influx of travelers. This means you can enjoy a lively atmosphere, numerous events, and a range of activities.
Cultural Exploration:
India is rich in history and culture, and December offers a great time to explore historical monuments, vibrant markets, and traditional arts and crafts. Cities like Jaipur, Delhi, and Agra boast fascinating historical sites.
Wildlife Safaris:
If you’re a nature lover, December is an excellent time for wildlife safaris. National parks and sanctuaries, such as Ranthambhore in Rajasthan or Periyar in Kerala, offer the chance to spot diverse flora and fauna.
Himalayan Adventures:
If you’re up for some adventure, December is perfect for exploring the Himalayan region. You can experience snowfall in places like Shimla, Manali, and Gulmarg and engage in winter sports.
Beach Escapes:
India has stunning beaches, and December is an ideal time to visit coastal areas like Goa, Kerala, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The weather is perfect for sunbathing, water sports, and enjoying the scenic beauty.
However, keep in mind that India is vast and diverse, and weather conditions can vary significantly from one region to another. Before planning your trip, check the specific weather conditions for the places you intend to visit. Also, consider any travel restrictions or guidelines in place at the time of your visit.
