Vacations are always memorable and fun to be in because they offer a refreshing break from the normal rigorous activities of our daily lives.
Several destinations in India are eye-catching tourist spots to visit in December and have some or other importance for every explorer. Some areas are famous for beaches, some for the snowy mountains, some are bustling metropolitan areas, and some are vast and barren desert tracts. Every place you visit in India is bound to be a memorable one. So, to help you choose the right place, we have listed here the eight best December vacation destinations in India.
Best places to visit in India in December
1. Goa
Looking for the best place for a trip in December in India? Look no further than Goa. They call Goa the “Pearl of the Orient” and the “Abode of Tiswadi Crest,” and this idyllic location is perfect for a beach fanatic. Goa in December is full of lip-smacking festivities, bright sunny days, and hot and happening nights, which make it ideal for a family holiday.
They can sunbathe and swim on Baga, Anjuna, and Palolem beaches, shop in the noisy and juicy markets, watch the beauty of Dudhsagar Falls and visit historical sights – Basilica of Bom Jesus and Aguada Fort. One thing that is distinctive about Goa is the availability of super energetic beach parties and festivals, especially over the festive season, meaning Christmas and New Year; thus, December is enviable.
Best places to visit in Goa
- Beaches – baga, anjuna and palolem
- Flea market
- Dudhsagar falls
- Basilica of Bom Jesus
- Aguada fort
- Chapora fort
December temperature: 30 degrees/20 degrees
2. Manali
An attractive town located in the Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh, Manali is bestowed with snow throughout December. There are also many adventure sports that this town is famous for, so it is not only cozy but also adventurous. Solang Valley offers opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, while tourists can take a drive to visit Rohtang Pass and Hadimba Temple and shop and dine on the town Mall Road. That is why Manali became the best hill station to visit in India in December.
One thing that stands out about Manali is that for most of the year, the region is white with snow and is ideal for winter activities. As a bonus, there is the historical Naggar Castle, which provides a beautiful view of the Kullu Valley and is currently a heritage hotel.
Best places to visit in Manali
- Solang valley
- Rohtang pass
- Hadimba temple
- Jogni waterfall
- Mall road
- Bhrigu lake
December temperature: 6 degree/ -5 degree
3. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands around the Bay of Bengal are ruins and all tropical beauty, which makes them good places to vacation with families. It appears that the white sandy beaches, clear water, and green forests of this place increase its attractiveness, especially in December. Sunbathing at Dar Radhanagar Beach, sightseeing in Cellular Jail, having the scuba diving session, and enjoying the relaxed day at Havelock Island. In the same way, a side trip to the Limestone Caves in Baratang Island is inviting, as it offers a view of splendid formations of stalactites and stalagmites in limestone caves.
Best places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Radhanagar Beach
- Cellular Jail
- Scuba Diving
- Havelock Island
- Neil Island
- Munda Pahad
- Marine Museum
December Temperature: 30 degree/ 23 degree
4. Udaipur: The City of Lakes
Udaipur, popularly known as the “Venice of the East,” is a city of lakes and palaces with its roots buried in the glorious history of Rajasthan. It is cold in December, and this lets visitors explore beautiful architectural structures and get into the amazing atmosphere of winter. Moreover, one may also take a boat ride on Lake Pichola or have a view of the City Palace, visit the Jag Mandir building, or leisurely walk by Sahelion Ki Bari. A special feature in Udaipur would be Island Palace, found at the centre of Lake Picholas, one of India’s most photographed sites, while another must-see spot includes the Crystal Gallery at City Palace, having an impressive collection made entirely out of crystal materials.
Best places to visit in Udaipur
- Lake Pichola
- City Palace
- Jag Mandir
- Saheliyon ki Bari
- Maharana Pratap Memorial
- Vintage Car Museum
- Badi Lake
- Ambrai Ghat
December Temperature: 25 degrees/ 10 degrees
5. Kerala
The beauty of Kerala, with its backwater, beach, and hill station, is further enhanced during December. It is a perfect time to enjoy the beauty and warmth of this tropical paradise due to the favorable climate. Tourists can go for houseboat tourism in Alleppey, enjoy the natural beauty of tea gardens in Munnar, watch birds in Kumarakom, and enjoy a sun-kissed beach at Kovalam. The distinguishing characteristic of Kerala is that it has a calm backwater facility. Another interesting tourist attraction is Athirappilly Waterfalls, which is also known as the ‘Niagara of India’ because of its impressive view and calm atmosphere.
Best places to visit in Kerala
- Alleppey
- Munnar
- Kumarakom
- Kovalam Beach
- Ponmudi hills
- Mattancherry
- Edakkal Caves
- Thiruvalla
December Temperature: 28 degrees/ 20 degrees
6. Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is in the Thar Desert. It is named Golden City because it has yellow sandstone houses and a vibrant desert life. December would be ideal to visit this desert city as it is not extremely hot. Explore the architectural marvel that is Jaisalmer Fort, embark on camel-back tours, tour the famous havela of Patwon ki Haveli, and have overnights at the Sam Sand Dunes. One interesting place in Jaisalmer is the Golden Fortress, the view from which the best, especially in the evening, is breathtaking. The only one like it in India, Bada Bagh with royal cenotaphs, is historical and meditative.
Best places to visit in Jaisalmer
- Jaisalmer fort
- Nathmal ki haveli
- Gadisar lake
- Patwon ki haveli
- Camel safari
- Sam Sand Dunes camp
December Temperature 23 degrees/ 7 degrees
7. Rann of Kutch
Whereas in December, the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat changes into a white desert in moonlight, and that is the time when Rann Utsav, a festival of art, music, and dance, is celebrated. This unique event, along with the beautiful white desert backdrop, makes Rann of Kutch stand out as one of the best places to visit in India in December with family. Enjoy cultural shows, travel over the whites salt desert, explore the historical site Dholavira, and enjoy museum tours, including the Kutch museum. The only attraction that could be considered cultural is Rann Utsav. The same can be enjoyed while visiting Kala Dungar (Black Hill), the highest point in Kutch, which has a bird’s eye view of the Great Rann.
Best places to visit in Kutch
- Rann Utsav
- White Desert of Kutch
- Kalo danger
- Dholavira
- kutch museum
- Aaina Mahal
December Temperature: 25 degree/ 12 degree
8. Gulmarg
A famous skiing and snowboarding center in the Himalayas’ Pir Panjal Range is Gulmarg, which winter sports enthusiasts consider an ideal place to visit. December snow covers everything here, making a fairytale winter landscape. These are just some of the things you could do in Gulmarg other than skiing and snowboarding, like the Gulmarg Gondola ride, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, and Alpather Lake, among others. Moreover, heli-skiing opportunities make it unique from all over the world and attract daring people. In Gulmarg stands a unique spot known as St Mary’s Church, a tranquil haven from the British that offers some historical charm amidst snow-covered scenery.
Best places to visit Gulmarg
- Gulmarg biosphere reserve
- Alpather lake
- Gulmarg gondola
- Maharani temple
- Drung waterfall
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Strawberry valley
December Temperature: 8 degrees/ -6 degree
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Concluding thoughts
Certainly, December is good for traveling in India as you get many options to travel to different places that are interesting to visit. That’s why if you like hiking in snowy mountains, sunbathing at the seashore, or visiting culturally significant sites, you will find them all in India. So opt for one of the best places to visit in India in December for your next family holiday, and your choice won’t be the wrong one.
Places to visit in India in December FAQs
Which are the best beaches to explore in December?
Explore the best tropical regions in India in the month of December from the following list of places.
Goa
Gokarna
Diu
Pondicherry
Havelock
Which hill stations are best to visit in December in India?
Visiting hill stations in India in December is a favourable thing to experience chilly cold winter and scenic atmosphere across different set of places. You can choose to travel the best hill station in India in December from the following list.
Muktheshwar
Shimla
Manali
Jammu & Kashmir
Is December month worth traveling in India?
Yes, its worth exploring India in December owing to the fact that winter is cold and pleasant for all. Wherever you go in India, you will experience seamless environment all around.
