Are you planning on going somewhere for your next vacation? If you are planning on visiting India in December, this article is a must-read. December is the time when the winter season arrives in India. The chilly weather of December makes it the best time of the year to go on a vacation with your families and friends.

There is a lot to think about when planning travel. But most importantly the first question that arises is, where do you want to travel? In this article, the best destinations are added to make your winter an epic affair. These beautiful locations are known for various reasons, some locations are unexplored and one should not leave the chance to explore nature’s best scenic beauty.

Here are the 15 best places to visit in India in December:

 

Auli – Uttarakhand

I first came to know about this place when I was searching for skiing in India. Auli tops the list for skiing in India that’s why it is known as the “Skiing Capital” of India. Auli also has the longest cable ride which takes you to the best points for skiing. Also, December is the best time to visit Auli, as there will be fresh snow and you will get the best adventures and the majestic view of Nanda Devi peak. So, if you want to ski in the snow or want a snowy adventure, then Auli is the best choice for you.

Mcleodganj – Himachal Pradesh

Mcleodganj is one of the most beautiful city in Himachal Pradesh. It not only provides you with a perfect stay for your vacation but also gives you a closer look at Tibetan Culture.

Mcleodganj has everything you wish to have in one place. It has Tibetan Monasteries, some of the most beautiful peaks, lakes, rivers, a nice local market and so on. The cultural and natural variance of Mcleodganj will definitely make it to your bucket list. If you are visiting in December you will also be able to experience The International Himalayan Festival, which is held in the honor of Dalai Lama.

Patnitop – Jammu and Kashmir

Patnitop is another snow paradise for all those who are planning to make a visit to Jammu and Kashmir in December. Patnitop has some of the best views of the valley which makes it a picture-perfect location. Patnitop does not face road blockages in December unlike most of the hill stations of Jammu and Kashmir. You will also be able to experience many adventurous activities as Patnitop hosts Winter Carnival during this time. There are many other places which you can visit like Chenab Valley, Naag Mandir and many more to have a good time as you will face no road blockage.

Munnar – Kerala

If you are planning not to visit a snowy hill station, if you are fond of nature’s greenery then you will definitely think of going to South India. Munnar is one of the toppers of these views and landscapes which you can see as far as your eyes can. Munnar has so much to offer from its wildlife, and waterfalls to every other place. A nature lover will never regret visiting Munnar. Munnar is also very close to Alleppey, which is also known as Venice of the East. So if you want to escape the chilly climate of December and make yourself closer to nature Munnar is a place for you.

Sandakphu – Darjeeling

Sandakphu is located in the eastern Himalayas in Darjeeling. This place is for those who want an adventure for their vacation. Sandakphu lies on the border of India and Nepal so you should be ready to have a small glimpse of Nepali culture. Trek to Sudakphu offers you a majestic view of the famous Sleeping Buddha and some of the highest peaks in the world which include, Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchenjunga. In December the trek becomes more adventurous and the snowfall will make it more beautiful and breathtaking.

Gandikota – Andhra Pradesh

Gandikota is a place which is less known among tourists. It is a small village in Andhra Pradesh. Gadikota has the hidden Grand Canyon of India, which is made by the river Penna. Very few people know about it which makes this place less crowded but you can explore it more peacefully. The best part of visiting Gadikota is that it is untouched and unexploited by people which will make you explore it more closely. Apart from this Gadiokta also have Forts and some largest caves of India. It is the best place for adventure lovers who don’t want to go to hill stations in December as it has adventures such as rock climbing, Ziplining etc.

Kodaikanal – Tamil Nadu

Winter is the best time to visit Kodaikanal, as the season of winter in Tamil Nadu will give you no humidity, moderate temperature, less rainfall and a cool breeze that is a perfect climate to enjoy the vacations. Kodaikanal becomes the perfect vacation spot if you want this climate. It will provide you with everything more than you expect right from lakes, mountain viewpoints, to trekking, churches and temples, waterfalls and caves and much more. Kodaikanal is a nature lover’s paradise. You will not get tired of watching the different scenes of nature at every spot, every time. Clearly, December will be the best time to mark a vacation at Kodaikanal.

Hanumantiya – Madhya Pradesh

Hanumantiya Tapu is an island located near Khanwa region of Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh is famous for its diverse forests and wildlife but Hanumantiya is a place about which very less people know. This place will be a water paradise for those who love it and also it is not too expensive. As I am from Madhya Pradesh I would definitely suggest you visit here once. During December, MP Tourism organizes “Jal Mahotsav” also known as the water festival which brings many adventurous water activities and much more. Also, this place has much more than water. You will not be disappointed in the flora and fauna near this place which are sites to behold.

Goa

If you think about the party capital of India only one name will come to your mind, Goa. No doubt Goa is one of the most popular tourist attractions in India. Goa has beaches, clubs, casinos, spas, caves, forts, churches and the list goes on. So if you plan to have a vacation in Goa in December you should not give it second thoughts. As Goa becomes livelier during December. Every year Sunburn festival is organised in December which brings the best DJs from the world and the best talents of India. It is a dream destination for many people in India. So, Goa is a complete holiday destination and it will make your vacation more memorable if you are a fan of beaches and the sea. Just visit Goa once and you will also get to know a little Portuguese lifestyle in India.

Kutch – Gujrat

So here we are talking about the best places to visit in India during December and we can not leave Gujrat behind. Gujrat is a diverse state which gives tourists the best holidays they want. But the best place to visit in Gujrat during December is Kutch. Surely you have heard about deserts but did you know about White deserts in India? Rann of Kutch is the white desert of India which is made of the dried sea. Apart from this Kutch is located on the border of India and Pakistan, so visiting here you can also see some parts of Pakistan. Kutch becomes an offbeat place in December because the Rann of Kutch festival is celebrated in December. Kutch has more things to offer you as Camel rides, ruins of old forts and its cultural heritage.

Ranthambore – Rajasthan

If you are a wildlife enthusiast and love to watch animals and birds then nothing can beat Ranthambore in winters. Ranthambore National park is so famous that its booking starts before it opens and by the time December comes slots almost get filled up. During December Tigers and other animals daily comes outside their residing to get fresh sunlight and escape from winter, so it makes it the best time to give the National Park a visit. You will not be disappointed if you are a wildlife lover. Apart from this Ranthambore also has a fort and temple, lakes, museums and many more.

Kaluk – Sikkim

So we are talking about another less explored and less known place. This time it is a village named Kaluk in Sikkim. Here you can have a luxury but peaceful and absolutely eco-friendly vacation. Kaluk provides the best 180-degree view of Mt. Kanchenjunga. I don’t think that many other places can give you these views. Kaluk has many adventure sports like mountaineering, trekking, yak safari and boating at Teesta River. These adventures will fill you with adrenaline and you will experience them in a better way as this place is very less known by people. Kaluk has the best snow during December so start packing your bags and make a visit to Kaluk in Sikkim.

Dawki – Meghalaya

Dawki is a small town in Meghalaya which is situated between two major hills which are Jaintia Hills and Khasi Hills. Dawki also stands on the border of India and Bangladesh. This town is mostly famous for its crystal clear water of the Umngot River. You can easily look at the surface of the river while boating. Apart from this Dawki has rich wildlife and forests. Combining all these will make you a nature geek. December is the best time to visit Dawki because at this time there will not be more rainfall and you can have a great experience of this old town. Also during December, you will experience the local festivals and activities. You can surely add Dawki to your bucket list.

Hampi – Karnataka

Hampi is located in Karnataka. Hampi is one of the oldest cities in India and is filled with ruins of palaces and temples. Someone who loves history and old architecture will just fall in love with this place. Hampi has the most crucial temple, Virupaksha temple where it is said that lord Shiva married Parvati. This temple is still a place of worship. Hampi has more than just temples and ruins, it has its own history and unique culture. Moreover, it has Matunga Hills to which one can trek and have a view of the city which was once alive. Also during December, you can witness one of the best sunsets in India. Hampi will surely make you fall in love with it.

Thajiwas Glacier – Sonamarg

I think you have heard of Sonmarg in Jammu and Kashmir. It is surely a heaven on Earth. But Thajiwas Glacier makes us believe this line. This glacier is 5 km above Sonmarg and for snowy adventures, you can reach there by yourself or can hire ponies. Thajiwas glacier is a place where you can ski, shop, have fun, have an adventure and many more. This place is filled with everything one wishes for their visit to Sonmarg or Jammu and Kashmir. Thajiwas Glacier also has some waterfalls and rivers. They give you the best views you crave for. Also, you can shop at Thajiwas Glacier, it turns out to be a roadside shopping paradise for tourists. The shops here have pretty much every handmade from Shawls, handicrafts, cardigans, carpets and other woollens, stone-carved jewellery, embroidered bags etc. December is the best time to visit here and also experience its best views.

All the places mentioned above are either very popular or unexplored. Their beautiful destinations can help you to make your vacation more memorable. From snowy mountains to beautiful beaches and from the cleanest river to vibrant sunsets all these places offer everything you would want for your holiday.

No doubt that India is a land of wonders, just start exploring it and you will never be tired of finding such places which have their own unique significance.