Places To Visit in December in India

Known For : Skiing in Auli Trishul Peak Auli Ropeway

Winter and snow always go hand in hand, and what's a better place or time to find both in Auli in the month of December. Renowned for being the skiing destination of India, it's flocked by tourists from within the country and from abroad as well. December is the best time to be here to witness the incredible amount of snowfall which takes place. Play around with snowball fights, indulge in some skiing and other adventure sports, or relax and take in the scenic views of the Himalayas from your resort. Whatever you do, you're in for an unforgettable winter vacation!

Best Time: Throughout the year

12 Auli Attractions

Known For : Rann of Kutch Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Dholavira

An expanse of white sands for most parts of the year, Kutch transforms into a centre of the celebration, festivity, countless tints, arts and culture in December as it hosts its grand Rann Mahotsav. While the summers at Rann are extremely hot and unbearable, winters are quite cool with temperatures sometimes falling as low as 0 degrees! Visit this moon-like desert of India in December for an extraordinary experience that will continue to charm you for much longer. The Rann Utsav will only add to the mesmerizing feel and experience while there making it one of the best places to visit in India in December.

Best Time: July to March

19 Kutch Attractions

Known For : Calangute Beach Fort Aguada Cruise in Goa

Situated on the Western Coast, Goa is the place associated most with touristy beaches, happening nightlife and historic Portuguese architecture. This list of places to visit in India in December would be incomplete without adding Goa to it. Goa is easily one of the best places in India to wrap up the year. Explore its hippie culture, warm winter beaches, the most delicious seafood and of course, it's alcohol. Goa has an excellent selection of the New Year and Christmas parties in December making is the perfect destination to bring on the New Year with a bang!

Best Time: October to March

197 Goa Attractions

Known For : Jaisalmer Fort Desert Safari in Jaisalmer Gadisar Lake

Situated close to the Pakistan border, the Golden City is a major tourist spot owing to its proximity to the Thar Desert. Winters is an ideal time to explore the local activities such as camel desert safari, watching the spectacular colours of the desert sunset or enjoy a night of luxurious desert camping.

Best Time: October to March

39 Jaisalmer Attractions

Known For : Stay in Houseboat Marari Beach Alappuzha Beach

Officially called Alappuzha, Alleppey is a city in the South Indian state of Kerala. Bordering the Laccadive Sea, it is known for its wide network of interlinking, palm-fringed canals called backwaters and rejuvenating Ayurvedic resorts.

Best Time: June to March

34 Alleppey Attractions

Known For : Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Jeep Safari Ranthambore Ranthambhore Fort

One of the best tiger reserves of India, Ranthambore finds itself all the more welcoming in December with the pleasant drop in the temperature. The region is known for being the richest centres of flora and fauna, a dreamy terrain amidst the Vindhya and Aravalli, this one also houses the Ranthambore Fort in the reserve. Apart from being the home of the endangered tiger, several other animal species are found here such as the wild cats, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, Indian foxes, crocodiles and jackals. Compared to other tiger reserves, chances of tiger spotting in the month of December are relatively higher at Ranthambore.

Best Time: October to Apr

20 Ranthambore Attractions

Known For : Old Manali Solang Valley Jogini Waterfall

Nestled in the Kullu Valley, the Himalayan town of Manali is a hill station with attractions such as the spectacular Rohtang pass. Visit Manali in December and watch the landscape turn into a slice of snowy heaven. Bring in Christmas and New Years with exciting winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding at Gulaba, Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley. Cosying up to the chilly nights of Manali with bonfires & with views of the gigantic ice-capped Himalayan mountains makes this place one of the best places to visit in India in December.

Best Time: October to June

50 Manali Attractions

Known For : City Palace, Udaipur Lake Pichola Sajjangarh Palace

Located in a valley and surrounded by 4 lakes, it is at times referred to as the 'Venice of the East'. Udaipur has an abundance of natural beauty, mesmerising temples and breathtaking architecture which makes it a must-visit destination in India. A boat ride through the serene waters of Lake Pichola will be enough to prove to you why Udaipur is the pride of Rajasthan. Explore the stunning Ranakpur Jain Temple, the historic Udaipur City Palace and catch the winter season of cultural events at the Bagore Ki Haveli in December in Udaipur.

Best Time: October to March

43 Udaipur Attractions

Known For : Mehrangarh Fort Umaid Bhawan Palace Camel Safari

Famously known as the Blue City, Jodhpur is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in India in December. Located in Rajasthan and having a rich and vivid culture and history, one can find numerous forts, palaces and temples here. They're very appealing aesthetically and are popular among the locals and tourists. In December, the weather becomes considerably cooler and much more pleasant than the usual aridity, thus making it a perfect winter destination.

Best Time: November to February

44 Jodhpur Attractions

Known For : Om Beach Mahabaleshwara Temple Paradise Beach, Gokarna

With its pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes, Gokarna is a famous Hindu pilgrimage town. However, in the month of December, Gokarna transforms into a hippie, party town with crowds gathering on the serene tropical beaches for Christmas and New Years celebrations. Palm clad beaches are dotted with foreign tourists in December in Gokarna with very few Indians. A one-of-a-kind hidden gem on the Arabian Sea, Gokarna is a great destination to escape the crowds for a slow, relaxed holiday.

Best Time: Throughout the year

20 Gokarna Attractions

Known For : Elephant Falls Shillong Peak Umiam Lake

Born in the laps of nature, Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and offers every one of its bequeathed element for exploration to the wanderlust. The light drizzles and the cooling gentle wind in December in Shillong add to the joy of visiting this hill station. Shillong is also known as the ‘Scotland of the East’ due to its exciting mountain peaks, crystal clear lakes, breathtakingly beautiful golf courses, and museums. Visiting Shillong in December is an experience of a lifetime and it is also famous as the music capital of India. Many prominent musicians have hailed from this place and music events keep happening throughout the year, making it a very youthful and lively place.

Best Time: September to May

33 Shillong Attractions

Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Auroville

Puducherry was the largest French colony in India and the French influence on the city can be seen till today. Pondicherry is a beautiful beach town with pleasant weather in the month of December making it the ideal time for sightseeing, water sports and laid-back beach vacations. Make sure you visit the famous Aurobindo Ashram and the serene meditative town of Auroville. Discover Pondicherry's glittering beaches, endless shorelines, off-beat nightlife and find your spiritual energy this December.

Best Time: October to March

48 Pondicherry Attractions

Known For : Cellular Jail Elephant Beach Neil Island

A group of about 600 islands in the Bay of Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for their scenic beaches, dense forests and adventurous water sports. December is one of the best times to go to the humid sultry island state of Andamans and Nicobar Islands. The pleasant winter climate allows travellers to fully explore the crystal clear waters and stunning coral reefs. With a range of activities to choose from such as snorkelling, scuba diving and visiting the beautiful national parks, these tiny islands are a must visit in December!

Best Time: October to Jun

82 Andaman Attractions

Known For : Amer Fort Chokhi Dhani Jaipur City Palace, Jaipur

Jaipur is a vibrant amalgamation of the old and the new. Also called the Pink City, The capital of the royal state of Rajasthan, Jaipur has been ruled by Rajput kingdoms for many centuries and developed as a planned city in the 17th century AD. Winters in Jaipur have warm sunny days and colder nights making the place perfect for sightseeing in December. Enjoy the delicacies of Rajasthan with dollops of ghee in the colder winter nights to satisfy your cravings.

Best Time: October to March

67 Jaipur Attractions

Known For : Banasura Sagar Dam Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary Chembra Peak

Replete with enchanting waterfalls, historical caves, comfortable resorts and homestays, this popular town is famous for its spice plantations and wildlife. The minimum temperature that the hill station experiences in December is around 10°C while the maximum is 24°C. The weather stays misty, breezy during the day and chilly in the night time. The climate is perfect for exploring the nature reserves, go sightseeing, bird watching or to explore the wildlife. Christmas and New Year are some of the festivals celebrated in the district with great enthusiasm during winters.

Best Time: Throughout the year

34 Wayanad Attractions

Known For : Shore Temple Mahabalipuram Beach Five Rathas

Earlier known as Mamallapuram, Mahabalipuram is one of the most popular and beautiful destinations located in the Southern part of India. Famous for its elaborately carved, intricate temples and rocky caves, Mahabalipuram is a real treat to visit in India in December. The local made handicrafts and artefacts also add to its splendour. With its wide and pristine white sandy beaches, the cool casuarina trees, along with the pleasant and cool temperature that the state acquires by this time of the year, Mahabalipuram is definitely one of the places to visit in India in December.

Best Time: November to February

23 Mahabalipuram Attractions

Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India and a well known, protected animal reserve. It is known for housing more than half of the world's one-horned rhinoceros and that's not even it. It is also an important tiger reserve, with a large density of tigers present within the national park. Set along the mighty river the Brahmaputra, the park floods during the monsoons from June- August. Kaziranga comes alive in the winter month of December with warm days and cool nights, opening up the perfect conditions to spot wildlife. You can also spot leopards, foxes, deer, flying squirrels, pelicans, hornbill and plenty of other floral and faunal species, which makes it an exciting trip for family vacations and photography enthusiasts alike.

Best Time: October to June

Known For : Sun Temple, Konark Chandrabhaga Beach ASI Museum

While Konark is identified by the Sun temple located here, December in Konark is better known as the host to an annual dance festival by the name of Konark Dance Festival. The temple, each and every structure and element that it finds itself adorned by, together with a celebration of the classical dances, leaves few better specimens of classical Indian arts and culture. Definitely, a must visit place in India in December. While in Konark, don't miss a stroll on a pristine stretch of golden sands, the Konark beach.

Best Time: September to March

5 Konark Attractions

Known For : Sitla Chauli ki Jaali Mukteshwar Temple

Mukteshwar is a small hill town mostly known for it's amazing views of Himalayan ranges you get from there. Another one of Uttaranchal's beautiful hill stations, Mukteshwar deriving its name from Lord Shiva is complete with fruit orchards, coniferous forests and rolling meadows at a height of 7500 ft. December is a great time to visit Mukteshwar to watch the picturesque snow capped Himalayan peaks and explore the quaint little cottages and homes in Mukteshwar built in old Colonial style. In December, Mukteshwar allows a breath-taking view of the mighty Nanda Devi Peak.

Best Time: October to June

12 Mukteshwar Attractions

Known For : Sela Pass Tawang Monastery Madhuri Lake

Located at a height of about 3048m, Tawang is known for many important and beautiful monasteries and is famous as the birth place of Dalai Lama. What begins to define the area is its significance for Buddhist monks. Tawang is the place to go for monasteries, with the Tawang Monastery being the most popular one and extremely sacred for the Buddhists. The natural beauty of Tawang in December is breathtaking. With heavy snowfall in December in Tawang the place transformed into a magical spiritual wonderland. Tourists can enjoy skiing in December. If you do end up visiting Tawang during winter, make sure to catch the Hornbill Festival. This festival is held in December and is an excellent way of learning about the culture of Tawang. The festival also hosts several activities including dance, sports, food, art forms and many more.

Best Time: September to March

9 Tawang Attractions

Known For : Athirapally Falls Charpa Falls Vadakummnathan temple

Located in South India and also known to be the official cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur has countless festivals on its calenders and countless temples on its maps. Spend a December, under its pleasant weather, in a hub of classical Keralan arts and culture. Several efforts have been made by the people living here to promote the dying Keralan performing arts and cultural activities. One can learn a lot about the ancient practice of Ayurveda over here as well. Also on its itineraries are falls, a zoo, a dam, gardens and a river.

Best Time: Throughout the year

41 Thrissur Attractions

Known For : Kashi Vishwanath Temple Ganga Aarti, Varanasi Dashashwamedh Ghat

Also known as Banaras or Kashi, the holy city of Varanasi is located on the banks of sacred river Ganga and is considered one of the holiest cities in India owing to its location and the numerous temples in it. Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world and is famous for stunning river ghats known for cremating the dead. Visiting Varanasi in December gives tourists the advantage of the cosy climate to freely explore its rich cultural heritage. In this eccentric city of Varanasi, get an experience of a lifetime by watching the morbid and stark contrast of life and death on the river and along the narrow zig-zag alleys of this ancient city.

Best Time: October to March

38 Varanasi Attractions

Known For : Naida Caves Nagoa Beach Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple

Located near the port of Veraval, Diu is a small island which was earlier a Portuguese colony and is now guarded by beaches all around. If you want to escape the crowd in Goa in December and chill at cleaner beaches, Diu is the place.

Best Time: July to March

21 Diu Attractions

Now known as the Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur National Park is a famous bird watching paradise and is among one of the World Heritage sites. It has diverse habitats are home to 366 bird species, 379 floral species, 50 species of fish, 13 species of snakes, 5 species of lizards, 7 amphibian species,7 turtle species, and a variety of other invertebrates. Every December in Bharatpur National Park, thousands of migratory waterfowl visit the park for winter breeding making in a photographers paradise. The sanctuary is one of the richest bird areas in the world and has activities such as Elephant Back Safari and Jeep Rides. Visit Bharatpur National Park in December for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Known For : Murudeshwar Temple Netrani Island Murudeshwar Beach

A small temple town located on the western coast of India in the state of Karnataka, Murudeshwar is marked by the second highest Shiva statue in the world. This structure watches over the sea and all that's around and is worth the sprain in the neck. Murudeshwar in December is also a superb venue for scuba diving. With its scuba diving facilities active only during a few months, head to the city in December, for its pristine clear waters. It's golden history, scenic beauty and calm, serene environment, makes it one of the places to visit in India in December.

Best Time: October to May

8 Murudeshwar Attractions

Known For : Vellayani Lake, Kovalam Water Sports in Kovalam Lighthouse Beach

An idyllic village along the coastlines of the Arabian Sea, Kovalam is most famous for its three pristine beaches with shallow waters and low tidal waves where one can go surfing, wooden and motorboat riding. The beach town of Kovalam has three famous beaches - Lighthouse beach, Samudra beach and Hawah beach, which together form its majestic rocky crescent. Kovalam essentially means a grove of coconut trees and the little town is filled with these palms. December in Kovalam is relatively dry and warm as well. It's going to be a perfect winter vacation if you want to escape the cold.

Best Time: September to March

24 Kovalam Attractions

Known For : Jehangir Mahal, Orchha Fort Ram Raja Temple Raja Mahal, Orchha Fort

Known for its grand palaces and intricately carved temples and striking forts, Orchha is a city with a lot of historical significance and a photographers' delight. Visit Orchha in December to get the best climate for a trip filled with history and heritage. Orchha was the capital of one of the most powerful dynasties to ever rule in India- the Bundelas. The sheer magnificence and grandeur of the havelis and temples are absolutely breathtaking. Winter season in December is the most advisable time for a visit to Orchha when the climate is pleasant and the ambience lovely. This is also the peak season for travellers.

Best Time: July to March

16 Orchha Attractions

Known For : Thajiwas Glacier Zoji La White River Rafting

Sonamarg in December is a town with snow-covered flower-laden fields, surrounded by majestic glaciers and serene lakes. Bound by natural beauty on all sides, breathtaking glaciers and serene lakes Sonamark is a popular tourist attraction in that state of Jammu & Kashmir. Visit the beautiful Nilagrad, a colony of the Baltics and the various mountain lakes such as Gangabal, Vishansar and Krishnasar situated in and around Sonamarg. Discover the stunning Himalayan glaciers and romantic picturesque views in the chilly winter months of December in Sonamarg.

Best Time: May to October

10 Sonamarg Attractions

Known For : India Gate Qutub Minar Akshardham Temple Delhi

The capital of India, Delhi is a cosmopolitan city with a historic old Delhi and the modern New Delhi. From historical monuments to crowded shopping malls, from an extensive network of the modern metro system to Delhi University campus, Dilli has multiple personalities and is considered to be the city with a heart. December is one of the best times to explore this historic city if you want to skip the excessively hot summer months. Don't forget to binge on amazing Delhi street-food!

Best Time: October to March

116 New Delhi Attractions

Known For : Dzukou Valley and Japfu Peak Kohima Museum Touphema Village

Break the trend of going to conventional places and plan a trip to the North East. Nagaland is one of the best places to visit in December in India, especially in the North East. The very famous Hornbill festival occurs during this timeThey'reand hence it would be really wise for you to visit this amazing place at the same time. Traditional dances, folk songs and theatrical performances are held, which will make you fall in love with the local culture. Also, bands from all over the country perform at the Hornbill Rock Festival, which happens at the same time. Wouldn't want to miss that, would you?

Best Time: October to June

11 Kohima Attractions

Known For : Bara Imambara Chota Imambara British Residency

One of the oldest cities in India, historically significant and well known for it's heritage, arts and culture, Lucknow is one of the most popular tourist cities in North India. Food, Architecture, Heritage, a Nawabi old world charm or your shopping spree- there are one too many reasons to spend your winters in Lucknow. One of the most pleasant months to visit the city, the weather in December lets you enjoy the most of hopping from one market to another, Mughlai Cuisine or a heritage walk through its monuments.

Best Time: October to March

47 Lucknow Attractions

Dudhwa National Park is all about wildlife, nature and diversity and is a perfect getaway for nature buffs and wildlife lovers. The place inhabits plethora of rare and endangered species including Tiger, Hispid hare, Swamp deer, Bengal Florican and Leopard and over 400 species of birds. Head to Dudhwa in December for exciting safaris and tiger spotting. The winters are the best time to explore the forests and experience the natural beauty of the region. It is also a photographers paradise in December as it is easier to spot animals and get great photographs in the winter forests.

Best Time: December to Apr

Known For : Naini Lake Snow View Point Mall Road Nainital

The gem of Uttarakhand - Nainital is a charming hill station that sits prettily at the green foothills of the Kumaon ranges in the Himalayas. Located at an elevation of around 1938 metres, the epicentre of the town’s popularity and beauty lies within the gorgeous Naini Lake, after which the town is named. Founded by the British due to its resemblance to the Cumbrian Lake District, Nainital brims with elegant colonial structures that amplify the beauty of this place. It is a perfect weekend getaway from the Indian capital of Delhi. If you're lucky, you'll be able to enjoy the first snow there!

Best Time: Throughout the year

33 Nainital Attractions

Sikkim, located in the north-eastern region of India, is a small state with a big heart. Travelling across this Himalayan state is particularly highlighted by the dramatic contouring of the scenery from thick woodlands to colourful meadows to few barren patches to the panoramic views of the snowcapped mountains. Occupied by warm-hearted people offering some of the best hospitality and boasting of magnificent treks, snow activities and scenic views, Sikkim is truly a destination people fall in love with! Sikkim is amazing in winters if you love snow treks, frozen lakes and picture-postcard worthy winter landscapes.

Known For : Skiing in Auli Trishul Peak Auli Ropeway

Dotted with the apple orchards, old oaks, and pine trees there is no dearth of natural beauty in Auli. Apart from skiing you can also go for numerous treks in the hills of Garhwal Himalayas and enjoy the spellbinding views of the snow-draped mountains. Auli is a popular hill resort in the Himalayan range dating back to the 8th Century AD. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Limited (GMVL) runs a ski resort and a ski rental shop.

Best Time: Throughout the year

12 Auli Attractions

Known For : Light and Sound Show, Khajuraho Dulhadev Temple Kandariya Mahadev Temple

Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Madhya Pradesh, is known around the world for its stunning temples adorned by erotic and sensuous carvings. A small town located in the Bundelkhand region, Khajuraho is a brilliant example of Indian architecture and its culture back in the medieval period. The architecture of these Hindu and Jain temples depict the erotic forms of love, the carvings on the walls display passion in the most sensuous yet aesthetic ways. Built between 950 to 1050 AD the sheer confrontational nature of these carvings shows a stark paradox with the conventional Indian ideals about eroticism, leaving everybody spellbound.

Best Time: July to March

25 Khajuraho Attractions