December is a much-liked month and time in India because of the joyous and festive atmosphere in the air. The climate varies all across the country. While some regions experience snowy weather, others enjoy the warmth of the sun. It is an appropriate time to go for a winter vacation with loved ones.
That’s why here we have put together a list of the top 10 best places to visit in December in India 2023.
So, let’s have a look at the best places to visit in December in India in 2023.
#1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh:
Manali is located in Himachal Pradesh. This place is an outstanding destination to explore during the month of December. Its stunning scenic beauty is defined by an abundance of deodar and orchards, pine trees, fields, and the River Beas which flows through it. A holiday in Manali is for sure a thrilling experience, with plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. The Jagat Sukh Temple, Hadimba Temple and Rahala Waterfalls are some of the most popular tourist spots here. You can indulge in activities such as picnics and indoor games at the Club House. Also, you can take a dip into the hot water springs of Vashisht, and witness the mesmerizing views of Rohtang Pass, which is located around 51 km from Manali.
Things to do in Manali in December: Hiking, paragliding, trekking, zorbing, visiting monasteries, mountain biking, shopping, hot water bath, etc.
How to Reach Manali:
- By road: Popular tourist locations including Leh, Shimla, Kullu, as well as New Delhi, are all easily accessible from Manali.
- By air: Bhuntar, which is 50 kilometres away from Manali, is the closest airport.
#2. Dawki, Shillong:
Dawki is situated in Shillong. It is one of the best places to visit in December in India. The journey to Dawki is quite thrilling as it involves crossing deep gorges and ravines. Nestled in the Jaintia hills, Dawki marks the border for international trade. The main attraction of this place is the beautiful Ingot River. This river is known for its crystal-clear, emerald-green water that never fails to surprise visitors. The riverbed can be seen almost 12 feet below because of the water’s remarkable clarity and transparency.
Things to do in Dawki in December: Snorkeling, exploring waterfalls, boating, camping, etc.
How to Reach Dawki, Shillong:
- By road: Shillong is 82 kilometres south of Dawki. Private cars or rental cabs are the best ways to get there.
- By air: Guwahati, which offers service to all the major cities in the nation, is the airport closest to Dawki in Shillong.
#3. Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand:
Mukteshwar is an outstanding town. This town is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It stands tall at an altitude of approximately 7,500 ft. The name of the town is inspired by Lord Shiva and is renowned for the Mukteshwar Temple, which is a must-visit destination, providing an unforgettable experience. Besides, this location provides an extensive and breathtaking view of the Himalayas. Furthermore, the Renewable Park, Chauli ki Jaali, and Methodist Church are some of the other alluring attractions that this place has to offer.
Things to do in Mukteshwar: Paragliding, Trekking, Rappelling, Rock climbing, Shopping, Visiting temples etc.
How to Reach Mukteshwar:
- By road: All the significant cities in north India are well-connected by road to Mukteshwar. From the city of Kumaon and the Garhwal region, buses are available.
- By air: The closest airport, Pantnagar Airport, is 94 kilometres away from Mukteshwar. Taxis are available to take you to Mukteshwar from the airport.
#4. Radhanagar Beach, Andaman:
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are outstanding places to visit throughout the year. But it is especially enjoyable during the winter and in the month of December. One of the central attractions of Andaman is Radhanagar Beach. This beach is located on Havelock Island, and it is about 12 km away from the ferry pier. According to Time magazine, the beach is also known as “Asia’s best beach” and the “7th best beach in the world”. It boasts long stretches of white sand, beautiful blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear blue water, and lush green forests that create a mesmerizing view.
Things to do at Radhanagar Beach: Snorkeling, watching the sunset, diving, scuba diving, etc.
How to Reach Radhanagar Beach:
By road: On Havelock Island, Radhanagar Beach is located just over 10 kilometres from the Havelock Jetty. From there, you can take a taxi, two-wheeler, auto-rickshaw, or bicycle to the beach. There’s also the option of walking to this beach.
Read Also: Kangra | Royal City of Himachal Pradesh
#5. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir:
Srinagar is a highly popular destination in Kashmir that captivates all who visit it with its beauty. It is considered as one of the best places to visit in India in winter. It appeals to both honeymooners and families due to its enchanting landscape. Apart from admiring its natural beauty, there are many other activities to enjoy in Srinagar, such as taking a shikhara ride on Dal Lake.
Shalimar Bagh is another popular spot among tourists, which was constructed by Mughal emperor Jahangir for his wife Nur Jahan approximately 400 years ago. It is a feast for the eyes with its terrace lawns, fountain pools, and flower beds.
Additionally, Shankaracharya Temple is a famous attraction that towers almost 1,100ft over Srinagar city.
Things to do in Srinagar during December: visit the Shankaracharya Temple, visit the famous gardens, and paraglide, trek, shop, taste the authentic cuisines, etc.
How to Reach Srinagar:
- By rail: Jammu Tawi or Udhampur Railway Station are two options for getting to Srinagar. All the country’s major cities are served by the railway station. Bus, Private taxis and state government buses are all available from the railway station.
- By air: There are flights from Srinagar Airport to all the major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi and Chandigarh. The distance between the city centre and the airport is about 15 kilometres.
#6. Binsar, Uttarakhand:
In December, Uttarakhand offers many well-known tourist destinations, and Binsar is one of them. It is surrounded by the massive and awe-inspiring snow-covered peaks of Nanda Devi, Pachachuli, and Trishul, which create an almost surreal atmosphere.
Binsar is also known for its dense and verdant forests that make up the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Furthermore, Zero Point provides exceptional views of Kedarnath and Nanda Devi, making it a prime destination for photographers, poets, and writers.
Things to do in Binsar during December: Sightseeing, visiting Khali Estate, the Binsar Sanctuary Museum, and going for a village stroll.
How to Reach Binsar:
- By rail: The closest railway station to Binsar is Kathgodam Railway Station, which is situated 119 km away. It is connected to Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, and also among other major Indian cities.
- By air: The Pantnagar Airport, which is 152 kilometres away in Uttarakhand, is the closest airport to Binsar. Daily flights connect it to Delhi.
- By road: Road connections from Binsar to the principal cities in Kumaon and other North Indian cities are excellent. From the major towns in Kumaon and the Garhwal region, buses and taxis may take you to Binsar.
#7. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh:
Without any doubt, December is a great time to visit Dalhousie. Dalhousie is a town in India that is considered one of the top tourist destinations. It is considered one of the best places to visit in India in winter. He served the country in the 19th century. There are various things that make Dalhousie an attractive tourist spot such as its stunning vegetation consisting of rhododendrons, oaks, and deodars well as its colonial architecture that is displayed in its churches. When you are at Dalhousie, you can take in the breathtaking views from the Bakrota Hills, and Subhash Baoliand visit the Bara Pathar temples at Ahla village.
Things to do in Dalhousie in December: Explore the wildlife at Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, go boating at Panchpula, have a picnic at Khajjiar, go hiking in Sach Pass, take in the grandeur of Satdhara Waterfalls, see numerous historical sites, shop for handicrafts at the Tibetan Market, and spend some time at Rock Garden.
How to Reach Dalhousie:
- By air: Gaggal Airport has located about 130 km from Dalhousie and it is the closest airport. To get to Dalhousie from the airport, there are taxis and private cabs available.
- By rail: The distance between Dalhousie and Pathankot Railway Station is roughly 80 km. All of India’s major cities, including Delhi, Jammu, Jaipur, and Bathinda, are connected to it. Taxis and private cars are accessible from the train station.
#8. Mylapore, Chennai:
During most of the year, Chennai can be overwhelming, but in December it becomes particularly appealing. Mylapore, located in Tamil Nadu, is a traditional neighbourhood and a cultural hub that houses several sacred sites. The most popular landmark in Mylapore is the Kapaleeswarar Temple, which boasts a thousand-year-old history.
While visiting Mylapore, Luz Corner is a must-visit, as it has many shops selling a wide range of products, including textiles, electronics, and boutique silk. Other places worth exploring include Santhome Basilica and Carnatic Cutchery. Finally, after a day of sightseeing, you can unwind and savour a meal at Mylapore Mess.
Things to do in Mylapore in December: Visit the Kapaleeswarar Temple, shop for Kancheevaram sarees at Luz, have a meal at Rayar Mess, take in Carnatic music performance in the Sabhas (concert rooms), and observe the splendour of Santhome Basilica.
How to Reach Mylapore, Chennai:
- By air: At roughly 17 km away, Chennai International Airport is the closest airport to Mylapore. From the airport, taxis and private cars can take you to Mylapore.
- By rail: The station that is nearest to Mylapore is Thirumayilai MRTS, which is about 1.5 kilometres away. You can take private cars and taxis from the train station.
#9. Kovalam Beach, Kerala:
Kovalam Beach, known for its global recognition, is a popular destination to visit in India during the month of December. Comprising of three neighbouring beaches, it has been a preferred choice among tourists since the 1930s. The beach offers an array of activities to indulge in such as sunbathing, swimming, cultural events, and herbal body toning massages. Additionally, the beach complex is equipped with beach cottages, conference facilities, Ayurvedic health resorts, and shopping centres, which enhance your experience during the visit.
Things to do in Kovalam beach during December: Go on a Kovalam sightseeing tour, take a houseboat ride, engage in some adventure sports, eat breakfast at a German bakery, get an Ayurvedic massage to relax your body and mind, and go to the Gramam Village Fair.
How to Reach Kovalam Beach:
- By air: The closest airport to Kovalam is Trivandrum International Airport, which is situated about 15 kilometres away. The airport has connections to all of India’s main cities as well as significant global cities like Singapore and Colombo. To get to the airport, you can rent taxis and private vehicles.
- By rail: The closest train station to Kovalam is Trivandrum Central Railway Station, which is situated about 15 kilometres away. It operates trains in all of India’s main cities. For transportation to Kovalam, one can take a bus, a taxi, or a private automobile.
#10. Udaipur, Rajasthan:
Just choose Udaipur, which is referred to as the “Venice of the East” and is located in Rajasthan. The numerous, gorgeous lakes in this city will undoubtedly capture your attention. Udaipur is one of the best places to visit in India in winter. Among very famous places in Udaipur, are the Udaipur City Palace, Lake Palace, and Monsoon Palace. The city also boasts other interesting sights such as Saheliyon ki Bari, Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, Ahar Museum, and Jagdish Temples. If you are interested in local performing arts, be sure to catch the Dharohar Dance Show at Bagore-Ki-Haveli.
Things To Do In Udaipur:
- By air: Flights are offered to all the main cities in the nation from Maharana Pratap Airport, popularly known as Udaipur Airport. To get to the city, you can take private cars or taxis.
- By rail: The major Indian cities of Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Jaipur are all connected to the city through the Udaipur Railway Station. A number of trains travel to several cities every day, including Sealdah, Ahmedabad and Ajmer. For transportation to the city, use an auto-rickshaw.
Read Also: Top 10 Tourist Places To Visit In Rajasthan 2023
Conclusion:
So, we have discussed the best places to visit in December in India. These places are simply outstanding tourist spots and during December you will even enjoy more in these aforementioned places. So, if you are planning for your winter vacation or a lovely trip in winter, you can consider any of these places, as these are the best places to visit in India in winter.
FAQs:
Q. Is India good to visit in December?
A. The North is open for business when it comes to travelling to India in December. Travel to Rajasthan and its bordering states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh is highly recommended in December. Due to the lovely weather, North India is among the best regions to visit in India in December.
Q. Which city is best to visit in December?
A. Shimla, Auli, Goa, Manali, Mylapore, Kutch, Tawang, etc. These are some of the best cities to visit in December.
Q. Which hill station is the best in India in December?
A. Manali, Himachal Pradesh is the best among all other hill stations during December.
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