Come winter and we are all geared up with our festive and holiday mode on! There are many places to visit in India in December offering a warm welcome to the tourists during this vacation-friendly month. Head towards the northern part of the country for the love of snow. Go to the south to celebrate unique festivals.
While north-east India welcomes the newly wedded couples, the western part portrays the vividness of India. If you want to trace the imprints of the history, look forward towards central India without any second thought. All in all, there is a plethora of winter holiday destinations in India. Read on, to know more about them.
1. Kashmir
How about spending your winter holidays in paradise? Kashmir gets covered with a blanket of snow in December and presents a sight to behold. Whether planning a honeymoon or a family trip, the state is an ideal place to feel the bliss of winters. From scenic lakes, green valleys to rugged mountains, Kashmir has them all.
Delightful Experiences Kashmir
- Gondola ride in Gulmarg
- Embark on the Chadar Trek
- Shikara Ride on Dal Lake
- Sledging at Sonmarg
- Making snowman at Patnitop
- Soak-in the beauty of lakes in Leh
- Trek to Thajiwas Glacier
How to reach in Kashmir
By Air: Srinagar Airport (169 km)
By Train: Jammu-Tawi Railway Station (198 km)
Read More:
51 Things to do in Jammu and Kashmir
2. Himachal Pradesh
Reckoned as one of the best places to visit in December, Himachal Pradesh is a haven for backpackers. Partake in winter sports activities or admire the natural beauty, the state has something for everybody. Mere the mention of the word Himachal gives a clear idea of what to expect here; as it translates to the ‘Land of Snow’.
Delightful Experiences Himachal Pradesh
- Trek to Kheerganga
- Visit Khajjiar
- Trek to Churdhar
- Soak in the beauty of Solan
- Enjoy ethnic rural life at Kalpa
- Snowfall at Kufri
- Honeymoon in Shimla
- Zorbing at Solang Valley
- Witness beautiful monastery in Spiti Valley
- Explore Dalhousie
How to reach in Himachal Pradesh
By Air: Jubbarhatti Airport (20 km)
By Train: Kalka Railway Station (14.6 km)
Read More About:
Top Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
Beginners Guide to Himachal Pradesh
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3. Uttarakhand
Next on the list of best places to visit in December in Uttarakhand. Dotted with pilgrimage sites and scenic beauty, the state is famed for housing sites of the Chota Char Dham Yatra. Overlooked by the majestic peaks of the Himalayas, the destination will make you fall in love with it. Forget all your worries behind and embark on a spiritual sojourn to find the inner peace.
Delightful Experiences Uttarakhand
- Skiing in Auli
- Play hide and seek with clouds at Chakrata
- Excursion to Dehradun and Mussoorie
- Enjoy solitude at Binasar
- Trekking in Chopta
- River rafting in Rishikesh
- Ganga Aarti in Haridwar
- Admire nature at Kausani
- Star Gazing at Ranikhet
- Explore Valley of Flowers National Park
How to reach in Uttarakhand
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport (179.7 km)
By Train: Haridwar Junction (186.1 km)
Read More :
Best Places to Visit in Uttarakhand
4. Rajasthan
Rajasthan ranks on the top on the list of winter holiday destinations in India. Come December and the royal state beguiles with its various charms. Ditch your blankets and move out to delight in a treasure trove of various attractions and unique experiences. Spicy Rajasthani food is the best way to battle with the winter chills. Try to resist the magic of traveling to the royal state on Palace on Wheels, one of the prominent Indian Luxury Trains.
Delightful Experiences Rajasthan
- Camel Safari in Sam Sand Dunes
- Dune Bashing at Jaisalmer
- Flying Fox at Mehrangarh Fort and Neemrana Fort
- Pay homage at one of the rare Brahma temples in Pushkar
- Explore Jaipur
- Bow down at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah
- Excursion to Udaipur
- Wildlife Safari at Ranthambore
- Bird Watching at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
- Visit Osian
- Light and Sound Show at Kumbhalgarh Fort
How to reach in Rajasthan
By Air: Jodhpur Airport (196.7 km)
By Train: Jaipur Junction (192.4 km)
5. Maharashtra
Winters are nothing less than a bliss in Maharashtra. This makes it appear in the bucket list of travelers planning to spend holidays in India in December. Soothing getaways, salubrious weather, serene hill towns and sun-kissed beaches, the state flaunts them all. Tucked between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, the amazing place will urge to visit here often.
Delightful Experiences Maharashtra
- Mumbai’s nightlife
- Pay homage at Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur
- Explore Baby Taj in Aurangabad
- Seek the blessings of three Jyotirlingas out of the twelve
- Explore the Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- Embark on the Deccan Odyssey
- Visit Mahabaleshwar
- Enjoy at Matheran
- Vine Tasting in Nashik
- Marvel at the waterfalls of Chikhaldara
- Camping at Bhandardara
How to reach in Maharashtra
By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (392.2 km)
By Train: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja Terminus (407.7 km)
Read More:
Mumbai Travel Guide
5 Best Luxury Hotels in Mumbai
6. Goa
Nothing can beat the festive vibe of Goa in December. The popular winter holiday destination in India is flocked by youths, honeymooners, solo travelers and holidaymakers with family. The ‘Party Capital of India’ features, beaches, churches, shacks, lively nightlife, cruises, water sports and what not! The zeal to celebrate Christmas and New Year is worth witnessing. When in Goa, don’t forget to shop at the famous flea markets.
Delightful Experiences Goa
- Embark on the Mandovi River Cruise
- Worship at the churches
- Enjoy water sports
- Gaze at beautiful sunset views
- Attend popular festivals in Goa
- Try your luck at Casinos
- Observe the nesting of turtles
- Bird Watching at Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
- Dolphin spotting
- Savor delectable seafood and Goan cuisines
How to reach in Goa
By Air: Goa International Airport (43.8 km)
By Train: Madgaon Railway Station (28.6 km)
[See our tastefully crafted honeymoon holiday packages here]
7. Varanasi
The unique spectacle of the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti in Varanasi is sure to render you speechless. Although a large number of devotees visit the holy city throughout the year but December is the best time to visit Varanasi. Well-known for its ghats adorning the banks of River Ganga, the spiritual and vibrant city is believed to provide Moksha. The enlightening trip to one of the seven holy cities in India is best experienced by traveling on the Maharajas’ Express.
Delightful Experiences Varanasi
- Boat ride on River Ganges
- Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Take a holy dip in River Ganga
- See cremation rituals at Manikarnika Ghat
- Temple hopping
- Visit the Ramnagar Fort
- Excursion to Sarnath
- Explore the Gyan Vapi Well
- Pay homage at the Alamgir Mosque
- Shop for Banarasi silk sarees
- Marvel at the Man Mandir Observatory
How to reach in Varanasi
By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (23 km)
By Train: Varanasi Railway Station (1.9 km)
8. Kerala
Fondly known as the ‘God’s own country’, Kerala has a myriad of places to visit in December. From visiting the coffee plantations to sailing on waters in kettuvallams, there are lots of things to do in Kerala. The list of various charms includes Munnar – a honeymooners’ paradise, enchanting Kerala backwaters and Golden Chariot traveling to Alleppey, etc.
Delightful Experiences Kerala
- Observe the working of the Chinese Fishing Nets
- Explore backwaters of Kumarakom
- Houseboat rides and stays in Alleppey
- Trekking in Munnar
- Visit Periyar National Park in Thekkady
- Stroll along the beaches in Kovalam
- Excursion to Kozhikode
- Celebrate Christmas at Thiruvananthapuram
- Admire natural beauty at Malampuzha
- Soak in the romantic charm of Vagamon
How to reach in Kerala
By Air: Cochin International Airport (95.3 km)
By Train: Ernakulam Junction (119.9 km)
Read More:
Top Tourist Places to Visit in Kerala
Kerala Tours – What to Do and See in Kerala
Top 15 Luxury Beach Resorts in Kerala
Top Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala
5 Best Luxury Hotels in Kerala
5 Great Ideas for Honeymoon and Romance in Kerala
Monsoon Holidays in Kerala
9. Jim Corbett
Delightful Experiences Jim Corbett
- Elephant Safari
- Jeep Safari
- Canter Safari
- Excursion to Lansdowne
- Explore Sattal
- River Rafting
- Soak in the beauty of Corbett Waterfall
- Visit Corbett Museum
- Pay homage at Garija Temple
How to reach in Jim Corbett
By Air: Phoolbagh Domestic Airport (50 km)
By Train: Ramnagar Railway Station (1.1 km)
[Interested in wildlife? Check out these awesome ideas for Wildlife Vacations in India]
10. Andaman Island
Andaman Island is an ideal destination to plan your winter holidays in India. Transform your vacations into a magical affair by spending days exploring the fascinating archipelago. Grabbing the attention of scuba diving enthusiasts worldwide, the island is a must-visit at least once in a lifetime. Adventure activities, island hopping, awe-inspiring sunset views, picture-perfect beaches and shopping will keep you engaged for days.
Delightful Experiences Andaman Island
- Sunset views from Radhanagar Beach
- Stroll along Laxmanpur Beach
- Scuba Diving at Havelock Island
- Light and Sound Show at Cellular Jail
- Watersports at Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex
- Explore Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
- Sea Walking at North Bay Beach
- Relax at Corbyn’s Cove Beach
- Observe limestone caves at Baratang Island
- Excursion to Neil Island
- Day trip to Kala Pathar Beach
How to reach in Andaman Island
By Air: Veer Savarkar International Airport (31.8 km)
By Sea: Sail from Vizag, Chennai or Kolkata
If you’re also looking for the best places to visit in India in December, do consider these amazing destinations on a priority basis.
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I think goa is a very nice place.Best Places to visit in December
Thanks for share with us. Very informative article for us. You explain everything about kerala. Thanks so much.
All are nice places. Kerala is a really God’s own country and must be visited.
After reading your article, I checked out your website, and i really like your post. It looks massive and pretty cool. It offers a lot of awesome things to do. Beautiful pictures! I would never imagine having this kind of experience in India. Thank you for sharing your experience!