Who doesn’t love the month of December? It’s that time of the year when people are busy preparing for Christmas and New Year. The weather across the country is cool and pleasant, perfect for a calm and serene vacation. Whether it’s to indulge in some winter activities or go sightseeing to witness snow-covered mountains, India has tons of places that you can explore. Whatever your idea of a holiday is, we’ve compiled a list of 12 places to visit in December. Check out these wonderful locations and embrace the chilly weather of the country!
Also Read: 7 Less Crowded Places To Visit In December
Tucked between the majestic Himalayan mountains is the quaint little hill station of Manali. You get the most gorgeous views of the Pir Pannjal and Dhauladhar ranges from here. The misty hills, rustic villages, and beautiful deodar and pine forests will leave you mesmerized. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil time amidst nature or want to engage in some thrilling activities, this place has it all.
Ancient temples, old forts, snow-covered meadows, and trekking trails await your presence here. Manali also has many picturesque landscapes where you can enjoy a picnic with your family. There are several cafes with a chic ambience where foodies can taste local food and other cuisines.
Places To Visit: Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and Rahala Waterfalls.
Things To Do: Trekking, paragliding, ice skating, zorbing, and skiing.
Also Read: 5 Lesser Known Beaches To Visit In India
If you’re looking for a picturesque hill station to visit in December, Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh is just the place for you. In winter, the place is enveloped with snow-covered deodar trees, beautiful hills, and scenic meadows. The beauty of Dalhousie is such that it looks as if it’s straight out of a postcard.
There are several colonial-era buildings that add to the aesthetic charm of this hill station. You can pay your respects at the divine temples here, witness the cascading waterfalls, or explore the rich wildlife of the hill station. The place looks absolutely quintessential during the winter and the cool atmosphere makes perfect weather for an outing.
Places To Visit: Khajjiar, Panch Pulla, Kalatop Wildlife Reserve, Satdhara Falls, and Tibetan Market.
Things To Do: Hiking, boating, paragliding, trekking, and rock climbing.
Also Read: 5 Hill Stations To Visit For A Relaxing Getaway
There’s a reason why Goa is known as the party capital of India. This sunshine state has everything you look forward to in a vacation. Pristine beaches, adventurous sports, trendy pubs, food shacks, local markets, and much more. And of course, the Christmas and New Year celebrations in Goa are worth visiting!
The entire state is lit up and all restaurants, bars, and pubs are decorated for a party that both locals and tourists attend. This is also a great place to explore Portuguese-style architecture as there are numerous old-style bungalows, forts, and churches here. If you’re visiting in December, you’ll get to partake in popular celebrations like the Mando Festival and Goa Art and Literature Festival.
Places To Visit: Beaches like Anjuna and Calangute, Aguada Fort, Dudhsagar Falls, and Panjim Market.
Things To Do: Snorkeling, parasailing, scuba diving, hot air balloon ride, and bar-hopping.
Also Read: 20 Best Hill Stations In Maharashtra For A Break
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll enjoy a holiday in Mukteshwar. This beautiful hill station of Uttarakhand is around 2,285 m above sea level. During winter, especially in December, the scenery in this place is absolutely spectacular. As you walk through the green meadows and dense forests here, you’ll enjoy the wonderful scenery around you. It’s also a great place to get a glimpse of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. You can go for a trek or a hike at popular spots like Kumaon Village and Bhalu Gaad Waterfall. There are several other things Mukteshwar is famous for. The many religious temples, fruit orchards, and enthralling activities here have made it a popular tourist destination.
Places To Visit: Mukteshwar Temple, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Chauli Ki Jali, Nanda Devi Peak, and Ramgarh.
Things To Do: Paragliding, rock climbing, camping, trekking, and rappelling.
Also Read: Must-Visit Villages In India For That Rural Feel
Are you a fan of beaches? Or want to enjoy some water sports? Havelock Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the perfect place to go for a vacation. In December, this island is an absolute delight! It has a peaceful environment, delectable seafood, mesmerizing scenery, and tons of places for outdoor explorers. The stunning beaches and turquoise waters on this island are enough to make your holiday a memorable one.
Places To Visit: Beaches like Radhanagar, Elephant, and Sitapur, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, and Mangrove Forest.
Things To Do: Scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, jungle trekking, and kayaking.
Also Read: Camping In Rishikesh
Tourists, backpackers, vacationers, and adventurers, all can enjoy a trip to Coorg. First of all, this hill station of Karnataka is filled with lush green tea and coffee plantations and breathtaking streams that will soothe your soul. So, nature lovers can enjoy a peaceful time here.
You can also explore the many waterfalls, temples, and national parks of this hill station. If you visit Coorg during the winter months, the scintillating beauty of the misty hills will leave you stunned. There are lots of trekking trails at popular spots like Abbey Falls and Madikeri Fort. If you want to go on a gastronomical adventure, don’t forget to try the kadambuttu (rice dumplings), bamboo shoot curry, and pandi curry (pork dish) here.
Places To Visit: Omkareshwara Temple, Tadiandamol Peak, Raja’s Seat, Iruppu Falls, and Namdroling Monastery.
Things To Do: Trekking, whitewater river rafting, camping, biking, and paragliding.
Also Read: 1 Day Walking Tour Of Shimla: Best Places To Cover
What was once a colony of the Portuguese has now become a famous tourist destination. We’re talking about Diu, a small island in Gujarat. All history buffs are going to have the time of their lives here! That’s because Diu has plenty of architectural gems like old churches, forts, and temples that you can explore.
After a day full of sightseeing, you can visit the beaches here for some quiet time amidst nature. There are several food stalls near the beaches where you can relish mouthwatering food like sandwiches, noodles, kebab rolls, and much more. One thing is certain, you’ll never get bored in Diu as there are plenty of places like memorials, caves, and museums that you can explore here.
Places To Visit: St. Paul’s Church, Diu Fort, Shell Museum, Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Nagoa Beach.
Things To Do: Hot air balloon ride, water skiing, zorbing, parasailing, and cave-hopping.
Also Read: Caving In India
Imagine yourself breathing fresh air, near the deep valleys and tranquil backwaters of Kerala… wouldn’t that be such a rejuvenating vacation? Well, if you’re seeking a quiet getaway amidst nature, then plan a trip to Munnar. This is one of the country’s best places to visit in December. When you reach here, you’ll be surrounded by lush green tea estates and dense forests that are alluring to the eyes.
If you’re fond of wildlife, you’ll be glad to know that there are several national parks here where you can spot several rare species. This stunning town is cool and pleasant in December, so you’re going to have a wonderful time while sightseeing here.
Places To Visit: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Attukad Waterfalls, and TATA Tea Museum.
Things To Do: Boating, mountain biking, ziplining, rock climbing, and rappelling.
Also Read: 10 Of The Best Places For Bicycling Around Mumbai
Whether you want to go on a pilgrimage, sightseeing, or enjoy some outdoor activities, you can experience all these things in Mount Abu. This only hill station of Rajasthan is enveloped by the majestic Aravali Ranges which look absolutely stunning from here. Since it’s located at a high altitude, the weather is cool and pleasant, especially in December. There are several architectural marvels like ancient temples and sites of religious importance in Mount Abu. You can explore the many hiking and trekking trails in the lush green forests and beautiful parks of this hill station. It’s a perfect retreat for all those seeking peace and solitude during their vacation.
Places To Visit: Dilwara Jain Temples, Toad Rock, Nakki Lake, Achalgarh Fort, and Peace Park.
Things To Do: Caving, rock climbing, camping, boating, and ziplining.
Popularly known as ‘Venice Of The East’, Alleppey is a famous tourist destination in Kerala. This place has picturesque landscapes, beautiful backwaters, and pristine beaches that you can explore. One of the best things about visiting Alleppey is that you’ll get to enjoy a houseboat ride over here. There are plenty of homestays that you can consider for your accommodation. If you plan a trip in December, you’ll get to see the green paddy fields of this city. Don’t forget to try the famous toddy (palm wine) during your holiday in Alleppey.
Places To See: Beaches like Alappuzha and Marari, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple, and Vembanad Lake.
Things To Do: Kayaking, canoeing, jet skiing, scuba diving, and rafting.
Also Read: India’s 8 Best Biking Trails
Mylapore is one of the most charming cities of Chennai and the magic of the place is best experienced in December. There are tons of things you can see and do here. The many shopping markets of the city sell beautiful Kanchipuram sarees, silk clothes, much more. There are many beaches in Mylapore that you can visit for a calm and serene experience amidst nature. The city is well known for its various religious sites which you can visit during your trip here.
Places To See: Temples like Ramakrishna and Kapaleeshwar, Chennai Marina Lighthouse, Santhome Basilica, and Besant Nagar Beach.
Things To Do: Heritage walks, trekking, shopping, sightseeing, and watching music shows.
One of the most charming and picturesque hill stations of Himachal Pradesh is Mcleodganj. This quaint little town is in close proximity to Dharamshala and has become a popular tourist attraction today. Right from sightseeing to excursion opportunities, there are many things you can enjoy here. If you’re a mountain lover, you’ll fall in love with this place instantly! A vacation to Mcleodganj in December is the perfect time to get a glorious view of the Dhauladhar Ranges. There are several pilgrimage sites and trekking points at this hill station which travelers love exploring.
Places To See: Temples like Bhagsunath and Kalachakra, Bhagsu Waterfall, Namgyal Monastery, and Triund Hill.
Things To Do: Trekking, rock climbing, paragliding, night camping, and ziplining.
Summing Up
Our country is bestowed with amazing places and each of them has a unique charm of its own. That was our pick of the 12 places to visit in December in India. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and choose your favorite destination and plan a trip there.
Which Place Is Best For December In India?
Some of the best places to visit in December are Manali, Dalhousie, Goa, Mukteshwar, and Havelock Island.
Which Place Is Hot In December In India?
Rann of Kutch is one place that’s hot when you visit it during December. Other hot places in December in India are Lakshadweep, Jaisalmer, and Pondicherry.
Is India Good To Visit In December?
India is a great place to visit in December. There are several tourist attractions where you can explore the mountains, take a stroll at the beaches, and enjoy sightseeing.
Which Place Is Good For Winter Vacation In India?
Coorg, Munnar, Mount Abu, Alleppey, and Mcleodganj are some of the places in India that are good for a winter vacation.
Is It Good To Visit Goa In December?
December is a great time to visit Goa as the weather is pleasant and all restaurants, bars, pubs, shacks, and beaches are in party mode. Tourists visit the state in the winter months to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
Which Is The No.1 Hill Station In India?
The No.1 and best hill stations in India are Manali, Dalhousie, Coorg, and Mcleodganj.
Is Coorg Worth Visiting In December?
In the month of December, you’ll be able to see the misty hills of Coorg and enjoy the cool climate of this hill station. So, your trip here is definitely worth it!
How Is Munnar In December?
Munnar is cool and pleasant in December. It’s the perfect time to enjoy activities like camping and trekking.