If you’re struggling to decide where to go for a holiday, we’ve compiled a selection of the top destinations to visit in India during December to assist you. December’s cold weather makes it an ideal time for a vacation. Whether you prefer the snow-capped valleys in the north, the beaches in the south, the desert in the west, or the abundant greenery in the east, there are plenty of choices available. These places offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists, making them more accessible for exploration during this month.
Here We Will Discuss Some of The Best Places to Visit in December in India.
#1. Thajiwas Glacier, Jammu & Kashmir:
Come and see the snowfall in Kashmir in December! You can also explore the beautiful glaciers in this amazing winter wonderland. It gets really cold in Sonamarg, which is called the Meadow of Gold, during this month.
If you want more adventure, you can visit the Thajiwasglacier, which is just 7 kilometres away. There, you can enjoy fun activities like snowboarding, riding on a sledge, and skiing. These are the best things to do in December in this area. Also, you can even wear a red Santa Claus coat and sing ‘jingle bells’ while riding a sledge against the stunning hills. This place is one of the best destinations to visit in December in India.
- Cheapest stay: The Hotel Tourist Palace is the most affordable lodging option. Its nightly rate is INR 3,400.
- Famous Dishes: Yakhni, Dum Aloo, and Rogan Josh
- What to Purchase: Shawls, handmade items, carpets, cardigans, and other woollens, as well as jewellery with stone carvings and embroidered bags.
- How to Go There: After travelling by car from Srinagar to Sonmarg, one can either hire a pony to ride to the top or hike all the way up to the glacier.
#2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is situated amidst majestic deodar trees, winding roads, towering mountains, and abundant snowfall. It is an exceptional destination to visit in December in India. This hill station is a haven for both newly married couples and snow enthusiasts. Manali offers a delightful combination of romantic ambience and snowy landscapes. Moreover, Manali serves as an excellent hub for adventure sports enthusiasts, with thrilling activities like ice skating, paragliding, rock climbing and rappelling. Additionally, one can explore the breathtaking Lamadugh Meadows, Solang Valley, and embark on the Koshla-Tree line trek, which transforms Manali into one of the most remarkable adventure tourism places in India during the month of December. Besides this, Manali is considered the Top 10 best coldest hill station in Himachal Pradesh.
Suitable duration: 3 nights and 4 days
Places to visit in Manali: Chandrakhani Pass, Old Manali, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple, etc.
Things to do:Waterfalls: Enjoy the Music, Adventure Sports: Take Part in Exciting Activities, Beas Kund: Climb To The Top.
Cheapest stay: Holiday Heights Manali is the cheapest hotel, with rates starting at INR 3,500 a night.
Famous dishes: red rice, river fish,sidu, masala omelettes, etc.
How to go there: The airport closest to Manali is located 50 kilometres away in Bhuntar, and it has good transportation links to Chandigarh, Delhi and Shimla. The nearest railway station is in Pathankot, which is 285 kilometres from Manali. From both locations, one has the option to either rent private cabs or take public buses to reach Manali.
#3. Dawki, Shillong
In December, the location transforms into a paradise with delightful temperatures ranging from 12 to 20 degrees. Shillong stands out as the sole hill station in the country that can be reached from all directions. The transparency of the water in Dwaki’sUnmgot River is so remarkable that a boat gliding upon it appears to be soaring through the air. Shillong unquestionably deserves a spot on your list of prime tourist destinations in India for the winter season. Additionally, you can savour the delectable and succulent oranges in the border town close to the river.
Cheapest stay: The Hotel Broadway has the best rates and offers INR 3,000 per night.
Famous dishes: Thukpa, KhaoSuey, Jadoh, etc.
How to go there: The closest airport to Dawki is situated in Guwahati, around 200 kilometres away. To travel between the two, you have the option of using private taxis or availing of helicopter services.
#4. Auli, Uttarakhand
The magnificent snowy mountains of Mana Parbat, Neelkantand Nanda Devi offer a breathtaking panoramic sight of the hills that will leave you speechless, especially during Christmas. If you wish to learn to ski at one of the top skiing destinations in December, make sure to include Auli in your list of places to visit.
December is the perfect time to begin your exciting journey into this thrilling adventure sport. And if skiing is something you’re passionate about, don’t miss the opportunity to witness the National Championship of Skiing held in February at Auli.
Ideal duration: 2 nights and 3 days
Places to visit: Trishul Peak, GursoBugyal, Nandaprayag and Chenab Lake are among the places to see in Auli.
Things to do: Trekking, skiing, camping, etc.
Cheapest stay: The Maya Deep Herbal Resort has rooms starting at INR 1,600 per night.
Famous Dishes: Rice, Dal, Bal mithai, leafy vegetables, etc.
How to reach: When you reach Rishikesh from Delhi by bus, you have two options for transportation to get to Joshimath. You can either share a taxi with others or hire a private cab. Once you reach Joshimath, you can continue your journey by road in a cab, or you can choose a more fun way to travel – the cable car! The cable car runs between Joshimath and Auli and offers amazing views. If you’re coming by air, the closest airport to Auli is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
#5. Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand
Located at an elevation of 2,285 meters above sea level, Mukteshwar stands as one of India’s most captivating winter destinations. Its breathtaking sights of the majestic Himalayan mountains and the lush woodlands of the hill station enchant both young couples and enthusiasts of nature. With its snow-covered hillsides and verdant meadows blanketed in a thick layer of powdery snow, Mukteshwar becomes an exceptionally romantic location to explore during the winter season in India.
Ideal duration: 1 night and 2 days
Things to do: Trekking, Watching the Sunrise above Nanda Devi Peak, Paragliding, etc.
Cheapest stay: The most affordable hotel is Mukteshwar Himalayan Resort, which has a nightly rate of INR 2,500.
How to go there: Mukteshwar can be conveniently reached from Almora, Nainital and Haldwani by readily accessible buses and taxis. The closest airport to Mukteshwar, situated in Pantnagar, is approximately 94 kilometres away and has good connections with Delhi. Additionally, the nearest railway station, Kathgodam Railway Station, is located around 62 kilometres from Mukteshwar.
#6. Leh, Ladakh
Get ready to be amazed by the stunning view of the crystal blue ice and the magnificent hills far away. The Chadar trek, which is the only icy trek in India, is absolutely amazing. Leh offers exciting adventures in extremely cold temperatures as low as -14 degrees Celsius. In addition to the Chadar trek, there are other fantastic treks to explore, like the Sham trek, Samboo to Khalsar trek, Liker to Khaltse trek etc.
Ideal duration: 5 nights and 6 days
Cheapest stay: Dorje Guest House is the cheapest hotel, with rates starting at INR 1,500 per night.
Famous dishes: thunk, Tigmo, Phirni, Momos, Ladhaki Pulao.
How to go there: The most convenient and swiftest method of reaching Leh Ladakh is by using air transportation. The closest airport to the region is KushokBakulaRimpochee Airport located in Leh. If one prefers travelling by train, one can take a train to Tawi. Both the railway station and airport offer readily accessible bus and taxi services. Another alternative is to take a bus from Srinagar or Manali, allowing for a road journey to Ladakh.
#7. Udaipur, Rajasthan
This city, known for its numerous lakes and impressive attractions such as the Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Palace,Jag Mandir, and Monsoon Palace is an ideal destination for a vacation in December. Udaipur’s greatest advantage is its location at the foothills of the Aravali hills. While the presence of these hills makes the city’s December weather chilly, the lakes mitigate the extreme effects; which results in a delightful experience. The combination of these factors creates a splendid atmosphere.
For all the art enthusiasts out there, consider planning your trip around the Shilpgram Arts and Crafts Festival, which showcases a variety of traditional crafts unique to the region. You can also have the opportunity to learn various crafts from renowned artisans during your visit.
Ideal duration: 2 nights and 3 days.
Places to visit in Udaipur: Dhebar Lake, Haldighati, Hawa Mahal, etc.
Cheapest stay: The cheapest hotel is Anand Mahal Hotel, which has a nightly rate of INR 5,000.
Famous dishes: Dall BaatiChurma, Mini Mirchi Bada, Mewari egg, etc.
How to go there: Udaipur has both a domestic airport and a railway station that provide excellent connectivity to major cities in the country. If you want to go to Udaipur, you can also travel by road using a private cab, your own vehicle, or a local bus. These options are available regularly from cities such as Chandigarh, Delhi Jaipur, and more.
#8. Small Vagator, Goa
Goa is a really popular place to visit in December in India. It gets even more famous during this time of year. The casinos in Goa become really exciting and lively, which is why people call it the ‘Las Vegas of India’. Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Goa is really special. There are beautiful fireworks and energetic trance music, and you can even feel the sand on your toes. And that’s not all! In addition, there are other cool things to do too, like the feast of St. Francis Xavier, a super fun EDM party, and the famous Sunburn Music Festival. Goa has everything you need to have an awesome Christmas and New Year celebration.
Cheapest Stay: Lambana Stay is the cheapest hotel, with rates starting at INR 2,700 per night.
Famous dishes: Goan Squid Fry, Chicken Xacuti, Bebinca, Chicken Cafreal, etc.
How to go there: Goa boasts an extensive transportation infrastructure comprising air, rail, and road networks, which effectively link it to major cities across the country. In Goa, you can find Dabolim Airport and Margao railway station, both equipped with taxi services and local bus facilities. This facilitates convenient travel to the main city.
Guwahati, Assam
Guwahati, situated along the shores of the Brahmaputra River, acts as an entry point to Northeast India. This place is packed with popular tourist destinations, religious sites, shopping malls, and various other attractions. Exploring Guwahati provides a wide range of experiences. With its remarkable biodiversity and plentiful plant and animal life, this destination is highly recommended for nature enthusiasts seeking a remarkable travel experience.
Ideal duration: 1 night and 2 days
Places to visit: Nehru Park, Umananda Island, Ferry Ghat, etc.
Cheapest stay: The hotel AarianAatithya is the most affordable option, with rates starting at INR 7,679 per night.
Famous Dishes: Jhal Muri, Momos, Assam Tea, MasorTenga, etc.
How to reach: Guwahati houses Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, an airport with global connectivity, and a railway station that provides convenient road connections to significant attractions. Additionally, one has the option to travel by bus or private taxi from nearby locations like Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Manipur, and Nagaland.
#10. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
This destination in Rajasthan, India, is a popular tourist attraction and is considered one of the significant places to visit. It is known as the ‘golden city’ due to its golden dunes and castles constructed from sandstone with a golden hue. In December, this place warmly welcomes tourists and offers a diverse range of attractions to explore. Apart from its natural beauty, Jaisalmer is renowned for its exquisite architecture, including temples and Havelis, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage. The main attraction of the city is the Jaisalmer Fort, which is surrounded by narrow alleys, adding to its allure.
Ideal duration: 2 nights and 3 days
Places to visit in Jaisalmer: Gadisar Lake, Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon ki Haveli.
Things to do here: Sightseeing, Shopping, etc.
Cheapest stay: The price per night at Shahi Palace Hotel is INR 550
Famous Dishes: Gatte Ki Sabji, Pyaz Ki Kachori, DaalBaatiChoorma, etc.
How to go there: The Jodhpur airport is the closest airport, requiring a taxi ride to reach the city. Additionally, the city has excellent road connectivity with several states. Moreover, two renowned trains, namely the Jodhpur Jaisalmer Express and Jaisalmer Express, provide convenient connections to the city.
Conclusion
So, here we have discussed the Top 10 best places to visit in December in India. During December, India has many wonderful places to visit. These places are full of friendly people who are kind and welcoming. They also have a rich culture and history that is worth exploring. You’ll have memorable experiences that are one-of-a-kind. So, get ready to explore these amazing places during the winter and have a magical journey.
FAQs:
Q. Is December a good time to visit India?
The ideal period for a trip to India is during the winter season, spanning from December to early March. After April, the temperature rises significantly throughout the entire country, and the majority of regions encounter the summer monsoon between June to September.
Q. Can we go to Manali in December?
If your desire is to experience snowfall during the upcoming winter season, planning a vacation to Manali in December can offer you the perfect opportunity. At this time, the majestic mountain peaks are adorned with a blanket of snow, providing a picturesque setting, and you can have the chance to witness the magical snowfall firsthand.
Q. How is Goa in December?
Goa is known for its enjoyable and calming atmosphere, and December is the ideal period to experience all that it has to offer. Goa truly comes alive during December, while many other regions in the country are enduring extreme cold temperatures. With an average temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius, December in Goa provides the perfect setting for enjoyment and relaxation.
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