December marks the beginning of the holiday season in India, offering a perfect blend of pleasant weather, snowfall in northern regions, and sunny beaches down south. Whether you’re looking for a serene getaway, a snowy retreat, or a tropical escape, India has a diverse range of destinations to explore. In this blog, we will take you through the best places to visit in December that cater to adventurers, honeymooners, and families alike. Let’s dive in!
1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
- Weather: -2°C to 10°C. Shimla turns into a winter wonderland in December with frequent snowfall.
- Top Attractions: Jakhoo Temple, Mall Road, Kufri, Viceregal Lodge.
- Popular Activities: Ice skating, trekking, and enjoying the toy train ride from Kalka to Shimla.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: The nearest airport is Jubbarhatti Airport, 23 km away.
- By Train: Shimla Railway Station connects via Kalka, offering the famous toy train.
- By Bus: Regular bus services are available from Delhi, Chandigarh, and other nearby cities.
Shimla is ideal for those who want a mix of snow and adventure, perfect for both families and couples seeking a winter escape.
2. Goa
- Weather: 20°C to 28°C. December in Goa is warm, making it one of the best beach destinations during the holiday season.
- Top Attractions: Baga Beach, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Chapora Fort, Anjuna Beach.
- Popular Activities: Beach parties, water sports like parasailing, and witnessing the vibrant Sunburn Festival.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: The nearest airport is Goa International Airport (Dabolim), well connected to major cities.
- By Train: Madgaon and Vasco da Gama railway stations are the primary railheads.
- By Bus: Many private and government buses run from Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore to Goa.
Goa is one of the best holiday destinations in December, famous for beach lovers and party enthusiasts.
3. Udaipur, Rajasthan
- Weather: 7°C to 25°C. Udaipur experiences cool and pleasant weather, perfect for sightseeing.
- Top Attractions: Lake Pichola, City Palace, Fatehsagar Lake, Saheliyon-ki-Bari.
- Popular Activities: Boating on Lake Pichola, exploring palaces, and shopping for local handicrafts.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: Maharana Pratap Airport is 22 km from the city.
- By Train: Udaipur Railway Station connects with major Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai.
- By Bus: Regular bus services are available from cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad.
Known as the Venice of the East, Udaipur is a picturesque destination perfect for a romantic December vacation.
4. Auli, Uttarakhand
- Weather: -2°C to 10°C. Auli is known for its pristine snow and is a paradise for skiing enthusiasts.
- Top Attractions: Gurso Bugyal, Trishul Peak, Auli Artificial Lake.
- Popular Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, and cable car rides offering breathtaking views.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (286 km away).
- By Train: Haridwar Railway Station is the closest railhead, about 273 km away.
- By Bus: Regular buses and taxis operate from Rishikesh and Joshimath to Auli.
Auli is one of the best places to visit in December for those seeking snow and winter sports.
5. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- Weather: 10°C to 26°C. Jaisalmer enjoys cool weather, making it perfect for desert exploration.
- Top Attractions: Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon ki Haveli, Gadisar Lake.
- Popular Activities: Camel safaris, dune bashing, and exploring the Thar Desert.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: Jaisalmer Airport operates seasonal flights, while Jodhpur Airport (300 km) is the main hub.
- By Train: Jaisalmer Railway Station connects directly to Delhi, Jaipur, and Jodhpur.
- By Bus: Government and private buses run from Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Jaipur to Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer’s golden dunes and historic forts make it one of the best vacation spots in December.
6. Coorg, Karnataka
- Weather: 15°C to 20°C. The misty hills of Coorg offer a refreshing and serene escape.
- Top Attractions: Raja’s Seat, Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp.
- Popular Activities: Coffee plantation tours, trekking, and wildlife exploration.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: Mysore Airport is 120 km away, and Bangalore Airport (260 km) is the major airport.
- By Train: Mysore Junction is the nearest railhead, about 95 km from Coorg.
- By Bus: Buses from Bangalore, Mysore, and Mangalore frequently ply to Coorg.
Coorg is perfect for nature lovers seeking peaceful December holiday destinations.
7. Munnar, Kerala
- Weather: 10°C to 15°C. Munnar enjoys crisp, cool weather, ideal for tea garden explorations.
- Top Attractions: Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak.
- Popular Activities: Tea garden strolls, trekking, and wildlife safaris.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: Cochin International Airport is 110 km from Munnar.
- By Train: Aluva Railway Station is the nearest railhead, 110 km away.
- By Bus: KSRTC buses operate frequently from Kochi, Madurai, and Coimbatore.
Munnar is the best place to visit in December for nature lovers and honeymooners.
8. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Weather: 8°C to 20°C. December offers pleasant days and chilly nights, perfect for adventure activities.
- Top Attractions: Ram Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Beatles Ashram.
- Popular Activities: River rafting, bungee jumping, and meditation.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is the closest airport (21 km).
- By Train: Haridwar Railway Station is the nearest railhead, 25 km away.
- By Bus: Regular buses connect Rishikesh with Haridwar, Delhi, and Dehradun.
Rishikesh is one of the best places to travel in December for adventure seekers and spiritual enthusiasts.
9. Andaman Islands
- Weather: 22°C to 30°C. Andaman offers warm tropical weather, making it a perfect winter escape.
- Top Attractions: Cellular Jail, Havelock Island, Radhanagar Beach.
- Popular Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling, and exploring coral reefs.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair, is the main entry point.
- By Sea: Regular ship services are available from Chennai, Kolkata, and Vishakhapatnam.
For tropical December holiday destinations, the Andaman Islands are hard to beat.
10. Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
- Weather: -2°C to 8°C. Srinagar turns into a snowy paradise during December.
- Top Attractions: Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple.
- Popular Activities: Shikara rides, skiing, and visiting the Tulip Garden.
How to Reach:
- By Flight: Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport, Srinagar, connects to all major Indian cities.
- By Train: The nearest major railhead is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, about 300 km away.
- By Bus: Frequent buses and shared taxis operate between Jammu and Srinagar.
Srinagar offers a mix of adventure and beauty, making it one of the best places to visit in December in India.
Conclusion: Choose Your Perfect December Getaway
India’s diverse landscape offers a variety of experiences, from snow-clad mountains to sunny beaches. Whether you’re after adventure, romance, or relaxation, these best places to visit in December offer something for every traveler. Start planning your trip today, and make your December vacation unforgettable!