Your Travel Guide to India’s Top 20 Places to Visit in December

December is around the corner—and this month marks an exciting season to begin a travel journey! The chilly weather and the diverse landscapes across India make it the perfect time to explore some of the best tourist spots in December. So don't wait, as there are a variety of locations that await you—whether it's the desert in the west, lush greenery in the east, snow-clad mountains in the north or beaches in the south. While embarking on this trip, make sure to pack your travel bag thoughtfully to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

So, if you are wondering which location will be an ideal spot to begin your travel adventure, the guide below dives into the stunning places to go in December in India, featuring the top 20 destinations for your winter getaway.

Top 20 Places to Visit in India in December

To visit the best tourist places in India in December, take a look at the detailed list of the locations given below:

1. Small Vagator, Goa

• Goa is an ideal place to go in December in India, as it comes alive with the celebrations for Christmas and New Year.
• For a glimpse of Goa's rich cultural history, visit locations such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fort Aguada, and the charming Latin Quarter.
• You can also visit popular beach locations such as Calangute, Baga, and Anjuna for scenic sunsets and try out popular cuisines of Chicken Xacuti, Goan Squid Fry, and Goan Fish Curry.

2. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

• Manali in December offers the perfect blend of snow-covered mountains and adventure sports like paragliding, ice skating, rappelling, and rock climbing.
• Take a glimpse at the local culture with tourist attractions like the Manu Temple and the Tibetan Monasteries.
• Buy popular items such as Kullu caps, Tibetan handicrafts, woollen clothing, shawls, and thangkas from areas like Old Manali market, Mall road, etc.

3. Guwahati, Assam

• Guwahati, also known as the Gateway to Northeast India, boasts pleasant weather in the month of December.
• Being rich in biodiversity, it is ideal for nature lovers, and one can enjoy their popular cuisine consisting of momos, Jhal Muri, Luchi, Assam Tea, Thukpa, etc.
• Visit places such as Umananda Island, Dighali Pukhuri Lake, Nehru Park, Ferry Ghat, etc.

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4. Udaipur, Rajasthan

• Udaipur, popularly known as the City of Lakes, is due to the presence of multiple lakes, including Fateh Sagar Lake, Dhebar Lake, Nakki Lake, etc.
• This place boasts cool temperatures in December due to the surrounding hills, along with various historical places to visit, like Monsoon Palace, Lake Palace, Hawa Mahal, etc.
• You can visit multiple places to shop here, such as Hathi Pol Bazaar, Bada Bazaar and Chetak Circle, and buy items including jewellery, turbans, wall hangings, diaries, etc.

5. Coorg, Karnataka

• This is one of the best tourist places to visit in December due to the waterfalls, dense forests, lush scenic landscapes and aromatic coffee estates.
• It is also referred to as the Scotland of India, along with rich cultural locations such as the Talakaveri Temple, Namdroling Tibetan Monastery, etc.
• Must-visit locations here are Abbey Falls and Dubare Elephant Camp, along with adventure trails like Tadiandamol and Kotebetta.

6. Cherrapunji, Meghalaya

• Officially named the wettest place on Earth by the Guinness Book of World Records, this area boasts deep valleys, foaming rivers, mystical clouds and heavy rainfall.
• Visit this area by airways, railways, private cabs or luxury coaches between Shillong and Guwahati.
• You can purchase items here, such as exotic spices, tea, bamboo handicrafts, Scottish clothing, and handmade soaps.

7. Pondicherry (Puducherry)

• This beachside union territory in Tamil Nadu, originally a French settlement, consists of newly built French-style shops, huge walls covered with bougainvillaea, brightly coloured cafes, and churches.
• Pack your travel bag and visit scenic locations such as Rock Beach, Pondicherry Beach, Serenity Beach and the Botanical Gardens.
• Other places to visit include Sri Aurobindo Ashram, The Sacred Heart Basilica, Puducherry Museum, etc.

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8. Andaman & Nicobar Islands

• This is known to be a tropical paradise for breathtaking scenery, varied activities, delectable seafood and island hopping.
• It offers scenic spots such as Radhanagar Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and pristine sand, while also being awarded as one of the best beaches in Asia.
• You can also explore the vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life through fun activities like scuba diving and snorkelling.

9. McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh

• Located near Dharamshala, this place is also known as "Little Lhasa" due to its Tibetan population.
• It is known to be a spiritual getaway and pilgrimage for the Buddhists, being an ideal place to see the real lifestyle of Tibetan Buddhists and monks up close.
• It offers beauty, spirituality, adventure, and serenity, consisting of locations like Namgyal Monastery, Bhagsunag falls, Kareri Lake, Minkiani Pass, etc.

10. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

• Also known as the 'Yoga Capital of the World', this place is located in the Tehri district of Uttarakhand, with dense Sal forests and the holy Ganga river flowing through it.
• Places to visit here include the Trimbakeshwar Temple, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Neer Garh and Patna waterfalls.
• Adventure sports include water rafting on a swift-moving river, cliff jumping, kayaking and hiking to the Neer Garh and Patna waterfalls.

11. Wayanad, Kerala

• Wayanad in Kerala is known to be an ecotourist spot due to the presence of lush forests, misty mountains, and wildlife sanctuaries.
• You can try out the famous cuisine here, which includes Malabar Biryani, Chemmeen Unda Puttu, Puttu, Sadya, Chatti Pathiri, etc.
• Locations to visit in Wayanad include Chembra Peak, Meenmutty Waterfalls, Kuruva Dweep Islands, and Phantom Rock.

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12. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

• Varanasi is a place of great importance among Hindus, as it is known to be one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations.
• The sunrise boat rides on the Ganges and witnessing the Ganga Aarti create an unforgettable spiritual experience.
• Places to visit in Varanasi include Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashwamedha Ghat, and Dhamekh Stupa, while one can buy items here, such as Banarasi silk sarees, gulabi minakari, and glass beads.

13. Auli, Uttarakhand

• Auli is a must-visit tourist spot in December, as it offers ski resorts and beautiful ski slopes, especially with the panoramic view of the hills Neelkant, Mana Parbat, and Nanda Devi.
• Locations to visit in Auli include Gurso Bugyal, Trishul Peak, Chenab Lake, Nandaprayag and sacred places like Joshimath.
• It also offers Asia's longest cable ride, which showcases a scenic view of the Himalayas.

14. Kutch, Gujarat

• Gujarat offers one of the warmest spots to visit in December, consisting of a two-month-long festival called the Kutch festival.
• Tourist attractions to visit here include Kandla Port, Kutch Museum, Dholavira, Bhadreshwar Jain Temple, Kalo Dungar, etc.
• It offers the Rann Utsav, which is a cultural extravaganza with crafts, music, and dance, where one can also buy items like embroidery work, hand block printing, wood carving, mud wall painting, etc.

15. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

• Also referred to as the 'Golden city', Jaisalmer is known to be surrounded by golden dunes and castles of golden sandstone, offering rich heritage in the form of temples and Havelis.
• Places to visit here include locations such as Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake, Patwon Ki Haveli, etc.
• Here, you can go on camel safaris to explore the dunes in the Thar Desert and enjoy folk music and dance at these safari camps.

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16. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

• Also referred to as the 'Queen of Hill Stations', Shimla becomes an ideal tourist place to visit in December as it transforms into a snowy wonderland.
• One can visit places like the Summer Hills, the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Annandale and Jakhoo Hill while trying out the cuisine here, such as Dhaam, Sidu, Thukpa, Babru, Chha Gosht, and Mash Daa.
• You can buy various items like woollen materials, wood items, and handmade paper from places like The Mall Road, Himachal Emporium, Tibetan Market, etc.

17. Gokarna, Karnataka

• Located along the coast of Karnataka, this place offers golden sandy beaches, holy temples, and a laid-back vibe, offering the best of nature's bliss and spirituality.
• Gokarna has a lot to offer in terms of scenic attractions, like its stretch of peaceful beaches, like Kudle, Half Moon, and Paradise, paired with cliffside trails.
• You can also check out the historic Om beach, which is shaped like an 'Om', and check out the historical temples like the Mahableshwar Temple.

18. Alleppey (Alappuzha), Kerala

• Often called the Venice of the East, this location offers a beautiful tour of the backwaters and therapeutic Ayurvedic resorts that make it one of the ideal tourist places in India in December.
• Go sightseeing at various locations like Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, and Pathiramanal Island.
• It also offers modern houseboats, which are the perfect place to unwind, consisting of air conditioners, modern toilets, cosy living rooms, a kitchen and even a balcony to enjoy the scenic view of the backwaters.

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19. Leh, Ladakh

• Enjoy rugged landscapes, frozen lakes, and a raw adventure for thrill seekers in Leh-Ladakh.
• It also offers the only frozen ice trek in India, with temperatures dropping to -14 degrees Celsius.
• Leh offers many scenic places to visit, including Zanskar Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Magnetic Hill, Shanti Stupa, Royal Leh Palace, and Stakna Monastery.

20. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

• Also known as 'Mini Switzerland of India', it offers breathtaking snowflake-covered Deodar forests and snow-covered mountains, making it one of the best tourist spots to visit in December.
• This place offers activities like paragliding, zorbing, or hiking in different places.
• Must-visit spots include the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Panch Pulla, Satdhara Falls, and so on.

Conclusion

In all, there are many stunning tourist places in India in December that you simply need to visit! These locations boast the rich cultural and scenic beauty of our country, whether it is the serene backwaters of Kerala or the snowy peaks of the Himalayas. So, whichever may be your choice, hurry up and pack your travel bag to ensure a memorable vacation in a magical place.

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