Top Places to Visit in India in December

November 24, 2018 Alina Jack Best Places to Visit in India, India

The tourism season starts in October and ends in March. This is the winter season in the country. Being a tropical region, India take up a new avatar with the cold climate, snow and lush vegetation. India is an important tourism destination among many avid traveler groups. This article handpicks the top destinations that are loved and recommended by numerous international tourists visiting during December.

Let us talk a little more about places to visit in December in India. While certain regions (mainly northern part of the country) receives snowfall, most of the places will be mildly cold. Rainfall will be rare but you can experience strong breeze. Pack accordingly.

1. Ladakh

Location – Jammu and Kashmir

Nearest Airport – Srinagar International Airport or Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi

Climate in December – 20 Degree C to 4 Degree C

Top Tourist Destinations – Nubra Valley, Khardung La Pass, Sanskar, Pangong Tso Lake, Tso Moriri Lake, Spituk Monastery, Namgyal Monastery, Suru Valley and others.

Ladakh is the adventure capital of the country. The world’s top three highest motorable mountain passes are found in Ladakh. Numerous international bike enthusiast visit these passes during December for a long ride and a hot cup of tea. Apart from this, there are many other activities available in Ladakh like yak safari, cycling, climbing, trekking, jeep safari and others.

If you are looking for a relaxed vacation in Ladakh, there are numerous sightseeing spots, monasteries, shopping spots, rivers, valleys and others. You can also find a few 16^th century Tibetan architectural structures. December is also the month of Losar festival. Every year, Losar festival’s date changes as it is celebrated based on the lunar calendar. Check the right date of the festival before booking tickets if you are planning to catch up the celebration.

Ladakh Travel Guide:

Suggested Tour :

2. Sonamarg

Location – Jammu and Kashmir

Nearest Airport – Srinagar International Airport (80 km away)

Climate in December – 8 degree C to 18 degree C

Top Tourist Destinations – Machoi Glacier, Thajiwas Glacier, Gadsar Lake, Amarnath Camp And Others.

This place is famous for snow related activities. The term Sonamarg means meadow of gold. During summer season, the place will be rich with mild golden yellow grass. By winter, the place becomes an ice age fairytale spot. Name any snow related activity and you could find here. Trekking, camping, skiing, sledging and many other attractions are possible during December. It is a picturesque spot. Many take up trekking to Amarnath, a pilgrim spot. This route takes one day to complete and is strictly for moderate and avid trekkers. If you visit during Christmas or New Year’s, the rate will be doubled or tripled.

Suggested Tour :

3. Jaisalmer

Location – Rajasthan

Nearest Airport – Jodhpur International airport (275 km away)

Climate in December – 20 degree C to 24 degree C

Top Tourist Destinations – Sam Sand Dunes, Jaisalmer Fort, Badabagh, Patwon ki Haveli, Gadisagar Lake, Tanot Mata Temple, Salim Singh Ki Haveli, Vyas Chhatri, Jain Temples And Others.

Are you a fan of Arabian Nights? You can enjoy a similar vacation in Jaisalmer. This place is the desert region of Rajasthan. The main attraction of Jaisalmer is the camel safari through the sand dunes and overnight stay in any luxury tent in the middle of the desert. Inside the tent, you can enjoy many cultural activities and exotic dinner options. Apart from this, there are numerous sightseeing spot in Jaisalmer. If you are planning a honeymoon in Jaisalmer, moonlight dinner in the middle of the desert is an important activity.

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4. Shillong

Location – Meghalaya

Nearest Airport – Shillong airport

Climate in December – 7 degree C to 15 degree C

Top Tourist Destinations – Elephant Fall, Golf Course, Lady Hydari Park, Shillong Peak, Museum, Stone Of France, Spread Eagle Falls, Crinoline Falls And Others.

Due to the geographical location of the destination, there are numerous waterfalls to enjoy. This place is apt for those who love nature attractions. Shillong has a natural golf course. There are not many natural golf courses in Asia. There is an artificial lake, Ward’s Lake in the city where boating is famous during December. All the waterfalls will be rich with water during this month. December is also the month for harvesting oranges here. December is also the month of numerous festivals like Tura winter festival, Pinjera festival, Tysim festival and others.

5. Jim Corbett National Park

Location – Uttarakhand

Nearest Airport – Delhi International Airport

Climate in December – 28 degree C to 35 degree C

Top Animals to Spot – Tigers, Deers, Monkeys, Desert Cats, Boar And Others.

Top Tourist Attractions – Corbett Museum, Corbett Waterfalls, Garjia Temple And Others

During December, Jim Corbett National Park becomes an apt place to spot tigers. This park attracts a load of international tourists who love photography, wildlife, adventure and most importantly, nature. The tourists traveling with children choose this spot for a family outing. Top activities inside the park are safari, bird watching tour, elephant ride and others. If you love photography, jeep safari is the recommended one. There are jungle lodges for overnight stay and bonfire camping.

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6. Dalhousie

Location – Himachal Pradesh

Nearest Airport – New Delhi International Airport and Pathankot Domestic Airport (75 km away)

Climate in December – 4 degree C to 13 degree C

Top Tourist Destinations – Alla, Karelanu, Kalatop Forest, Tibetan Market, Lohali Village, Bakrota hills, Dainkund peak and others.

If you want enjoy a fairytale spot in India, Dalhousie during December is the best time. Top activities to enjoy here are trekking, skiing, forest trips, shopping and others. December is also the right time to enjoy the National Himalayan Trekking Expedition for winter season. This tour starts by second week of December. You ought to trek through the deodar forest during snowfall at least once in your vacation.

7. Goa

Location – South India

Nearest Airport – Dabolim Airport, Goa

Climate in December– 21 degree C to 28 degree C

Top Tourist Destinations – Basilica De Bom Jesus, Fort Of Aguada, Dona Paula, Anjuna Beach, Spice Plantation, Morjim Beach, Candolim Beach, Chapora Fort And Others.

If you are looking for Vegas in India, you ought to visit Goa. This is the only place where you can find casino and exclusive nightlife and party experience. With more than 30 beaches, this place is a heaven for those who want to get drunk and party all the time.

If you are visiting with your family, there are numerous beaches, spice plantations and other attractions here. You can find almost all water activities in Goa. During December, you can enjoy rare activities like hot air ballooning and others.

Goa Travel Guide:

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8. Auli

Location – Uttarakhand

Nearest Airport – Delhi International Airport or Srinagar International Airport

Climate in December – 8 degree C to 4 degree C

Top Tourist Destinations – Vishnu Prayag, Auli Ropeway, Auli Artificial Lake, Chattrakund, Gurso Bugyal, Joshimath, Chenab Lake, Trishul Peak, Nanda Devi Peak and others.

Name any snow activity and you can find it in Auli. It is the Switzerland of India. The land is filled with numerous lakes and during winter season, they become wonderful ice ponds. The valleys in this region will become skiing spots. If you are visiting during Christmas, you are in luck. The place will be at prime beauty.

Oak filled slopes, coniferous forest and world-class ski resorts are the top attractions here. If you love adventure and luxury vacation with snow throughout your vacation, you ought to visit this place in December. Avid skier visit the place in December to get ready for the championship sport held in January. You can also hire an instructor for skiing at various spots.

9. Kerala

Location – South India

Nearest Airport – Cochin International airport

Climate in December – 20 degree C to 29 degree C

Top Tourist Destinations – Periyar National Park, Allapuzha Backwaters, Bekal, Kovalam, Munnar, Wayanad And Others.

This is the Venice of East. The backwaters, spice plantation and beaches of the state is pulling thousands of international tourists to India just for the sake of visit Kerala. Houseboat ride, cruise on backwaters and many other water-based activities are found here.

If you are visiting in December, it is the right time for Ayurveda massages. After the heavy rains in monsoon season, the medicinal herbs will be rich in the state and the massages are very special during this season. Apart from these, there are a lot of sightseeing spots, temples and others in the state. River rafting, elephant camp, safari and other natural activities are also available here.

Kerala Travel Guide:

Suggested Tour :

10. Mahabalipuram

Location – Near Chennai

Nearest Airport – Chennai International Airport

Climate in December – 25 degree C to 32 degree C

Top Tourist Destinations – Shore Temple, Five Rathas, Arjuna’s Penance, Crocodile Bank, Tiger Cave, Kovalam, Alamparai Fort And Others.

This is the destination that is picked by most of the international tourists when it comes to South India. Many centuries ago, this port was South India’s important merchant gateway. Kings of ancient Tamil Nadu built a lot of monuments, statues, temples and other attractions to entertain the merchants of distant land. Today, it stands as a heritage site and tourism spot attracting millions of tourists.

Apart from the sightseeing, there is a beach, which is famous for beach-based activities during winter. If you are visiting in December, you ought to visit the handicraft exhibition that takes place to enjoy souvenir shopping.

Suggested Tour :

December makes many destinations in India, more beautiful. If you are looking for natural attractions and more green-look, South India is the best option. If you are planning for a snow-filled attraction, North India is the best. December is the prime tourism month and it is important to book the tickets and other services at least a few months in prior to your departure date. The hiked demand for tourism elements should not hinder you in any way.