Are you preparing for your winter trip but are not sure where to visit this December? Do not worry, as we have got you all covered with a list of 27 of the best December destinations.
December is the coldest month of the year, and it offers the perfect chance to enjoy the winter season. December is also the best month for visiting different tourist and travel destinations around the country, as the weather does not make you tired, and you can also find snow-capped places to enjoy the beauty of the white powder. Due to the cold comfort, you can go to any place without the uneasy effects of the hot and humid weather. Let’s begin your epic winter affair with a list of the best December destinations in India.
- Thajiwas Glacier – Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir has already claimed the title of heaven on earth due to its ethereal beauty, and if you are willing to find the raw beauty of nature, you need to explore the places that are less visited by the mass tourists. The Thajiwas Glacier is the perfect example in this case, which stays covered in snow in the month of December. When the temperature drops below the sub-zero level, it creates the perfect opportunity for some winter adventure activities such as skiing, sledging, snowboarding, etc, to name some. It will take you around 4 to 5 days to complete the trek.
- Dawki – Shilong, Meghalaya
The crystal clear water of the Dawki Lake attracts millions of tourists and travelers every year. However, you can enjoy the pristine water only in the months of winter, especially in December. The temperature stays around 8 °C – 20 °C at this time, and it makes it quite comfortable to visit around. Make sure to take the boat ride on the Unmugot River to witness the pristine water where boats look like they are floating on air rather than water. You can easily find plenty of places to stay here, along with commuting options.
- Manali – Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh is quite a famous place among mountain lovers, and this state has a lot to offer. The capital of the state is Manali, and the city remains crowded almost all the time throughout the year. You can notice snow-capped mountains, curvy roads, pine forests, turquoise rivers, and many other elements of interest here. This place also offers a handful of opportunities for adventure sports through activities like paragliding, ice skating, rappelling, rafting, and others. You can also find plenty of places to shop, along with cafes to eat and hotels to stay. People here are very welcoming, and you can witness a large number of youth here.
- Dalhousie – Himachal Pradesh
Just like Manali, you can also find a piece of heaven in Dalhousie, which is the most picturesque town in the state. This place turns absolutely magical in the months of December, and it is considered to be one of the best winter destinations in India. Deodar forests are the most fascinating part of this place, which stay covered in snow during the months of December. You can also visit the other places if interested, like Kalatop Wildlife Reserve, St. Francis Catholic Church, Khajjiar, and many other options.
- Shimla – Himachal Pradesh
Known as the Queen of Hill Stations, Shimla is one of the most beautiful places in the world that brings a lot of tourists and travelers every year. The place is visited by a lot of couples and people in love, which is why it is also known as the romantic getaway of India. Although it is one of the best honeymoon destinations in our country, the place is also visited by families and friend groups. You can also participate in the Winter Sports Festival in Shimla. Here you can find Asia’s only open-air rink for ice-skating, and it is a magical experience for all.
- Auli – Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is known as the Dev Bhoomi, the land of gods, as this place offers a hefty dose of spirituality in all senses. Auli is one of the most remarkable places in this state, which is best known for its cable-car ride and a big slope for skating during the winter. This place is beautiful with the Nanda Devi mountain peak and the reserve forest all around it. You can camp here or go for treks, but most people come here for stargazing and learning to ski. It can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
- Chopta – Uttarakhand
Chopta is another hidden gem in Uttarakhand, which is well-revered for its magnificent mountain beauty. The temperature here can drop to subzero levels during winter, and it turns into a complete wonderland. A lot of people also call Chopta the mini Switzerland of India. Chopta offers a panoramic view of snow-laden Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. One can feel the freshness and romance in the air of Chopta. It isn’t just a destination to watch mesmerizing snowfall, but also a great trekking destination for adventure lovers. A lot of people come here for bird-watching and photography.
- Binsar – Uttarakhand
Binsar is also situated in Uttarakhand; however, this place has a different vibe to it. This place can help you create a deeper connection with nature, and you can find yourself lost in the serene and dense forests of the Binsar wildlife sanctuary. This place also offered a spectacular view of multiple mountain peaks such as Nanda Devi, Pachachuli, and Trishul. It is a sleepy hill town with the most magnificent beauty to it. The temperature during December stays somewhere around 2 °C – 14 °C, which is quite comfortable for all.
- Mukteshwar – Uttarakhand
This is another gem of the Dev Bhoomi, which is less visited by the tourist crowd. It is situated at 2,285 mt above sea level and considered to be one of the best winter destinations in India. You will be able to find your true self through the snow-clad slopes and the green meadows. It is also one of the most romantic places in Indian where you can enjoy serenity while staying secluded. You can easily find cheap accommodation here, along with good food to enjoy on the cold nights.
- Leh – Ladakh
Ladakh is one of those places where mountains and deserts have come together, and people say it is the place where the sky meets the land. It is extreme yet beautiful, it is cold yet has warmth in its people. Leh is a must-visit for everyone who is looking forward to having a blast this winter. A lot of people also go there with their bikes, as Ladakh is also known as the bikers’ heaven. You can also find plenty of trekking opportunities here, including the extreme adventures of the Chadar trek, coupled with temperatures as low as -14 degrees Celsius. There are other amazing treks besides Chadar, namely, Sham trek, Liker to Khaltse trek, and Samboo to Khalsar.
- Srinagar – Jammu and Kashmir
Srinagar is the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, and this place is an absolute piece of art. However, enjoying a Shikara ride in winter can be difficult as the lakes freeze over. A lot of couples like to visit this place, and it has turned into a hub of romance for most newly married couples. You can also visit the place with your friends and family. You can also visit Gulmarg from Srinagar, which is also a great place to visit with plenty of adventure sports options.
- Nagoa Beach – Diu
You can find a handful of virgin beaches in Diu where you can spend a relaxing winter vacation. The temperature ranges from 16 degrees to 23 degrees Celsius during December, and it offers a breathtaking view for the travelers. It is one of the uncharted union territories of India, and during December, you can also be part of the local festival and cultures. It is also one of the cheapest destinations in India where you can easily visit on a tight budget. So what are you waiting for? It is time to pack your bags and leave.
- Small Vagator – Goa
Goa is definitely one of the most fascinating places in India, where people from all over the world come to visit. The place turns into a complete party hub during December, and it features multiple music and art festivals during the New Year celebrations. You can also enjoy the loudest EDM party, the feast of St.Francis Xavier, and Sunburn Music Festival come complimentary. It is a beach destination, and the temperature stays quite comfortable during Winter. There are plenty of activities to participate in, which include beach parties, surfing, cliff photography, and others.
- Mylapore – Chennai
Chennai is situated in the Southern part of India, and it stays relatively hotter in December than most other states. You can sip coconut water, stroll along the longest beach of India & feel the pleasant breeze through your hair. You can also easily visit Pondicherry from Mylapore, where you can witness the Portuguese colonies along with fresh-baked goods and cheap booze. Make sure to attend the Madras Music Festival and the 89th Annual Conferences, where you can meet other people embracing the Indian culture. It is a coastal area, and the temperature stays around 20 °C to 28 °C during December.
- Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island
In order to reach this destination, you will have to reach the Andaman Islands first, where Havelock Island is situated. Situated about 12 km from Havelock’s ferry pier, the Radhanagar Beach is also known as the best beach in Asia, which is also declared as “the world’s 7th best beach” by many reputed travel magazines. The stunning curve of white sand, the beautiful palm trees, and the blue waters can all be yours this December. It is the best place to visit in December with family or your loved ones. You can also participate in scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, and other activities.
- Kovalam Beach – Kerala
Kovalam is one of the most beautiful beaches in Kerala that gained attention from all around the globe for its pristine beauty and spectacular view. A lot of people come here for a relaxing holiday, along with sunbathing, cocktails, and seafood. The chilly month of December is an ideal time to visit the splendid beaches and enjoy the warm water of the Arabian Sea. It is one of the best places to visit in December in South India for the views and the food! The temperature stays around 23 °C – 31 °C here during the month of December.
- Rann Of Kutch – Gujarat
The Rann of Kutch is one of the greatest wonders of India, as it is a white salt desert. The desert appears to be blue under the moonlit night sky, and you can have a great sunset view here. The sky meets land here, and you can see the horizon all around you. If you visit here, you can stay in the tent on the outskirts of Dhordo village, and the experience is absolutely mesmerizing for all. During December, you can also participate in the Kutch Festival, which is visited by foreigners as well.
- Wayanad – Kerala
Kerala is not all about the backwaters, but you can also find plenty of hilly areas like Munnar here. While Munnar is quite famous, you can also visit Wayanad, which is a less crowded place and can offer a great deal of peace and tranquility. Starting from the history of the place to its culture, forests, food, and people, everything about this place is completely magical and offers a great winter vacation for all. Whether you go for the bird-watching spots or the coffee gardens, it is completely green everywhere. The temperature stays around 15 °C – 28 °C during December, and it seems like the perfect time to visit the place.
- Tawang – Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most thrilling states of India that comes with plenty of offbeat places to visit. Tawang is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the state, which stays covered in snow during the months of winter. Making a winter visit here can be a great opportunity for you to explore the raw beauty of the northeast region. The temperature can drop below zero here, and you are recommended to take high winter protection in order to stay warm on the chilliest nights.
- Udaipur – Rajasthan
Udaipur is known as the city of lakes as well as the city of love, as this beautiful city is visited by couples all around the year. It is the perfect place for a December vacation as the temperature stays around 8 °C to 25 °C only. The city is protected by hills, and you will find many palaces and castles to visit around here. Some of the most spectacular places are Lake Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Monsoon Palace, and Jag Mandir. You can also visit Lake Pichola, City Palace, Sajjangarh Fort, and other places.
- Guwahati – Assam
Guwahati is currently the capital of Assam state, and it is located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. This city also connects north-east India with the rest of the country, and you can definitely visit this entry point. This place is completely filled with tourist hotspots, recreational centers, malls, and many other attractions, which makes it a perfect combination of rural and urban beauty. This place is perfect for short trips, but you can extend it by heading to Shillong.
- Cherrapunjee – Meghalaya
Meghalaya is no doubt one of the cleanest states in the whole country, and people here are very friendly. You can visit the state to witness the enchanting beauty of Cherrapunji, which is also referred to as the ‘wettest place on Earth’ by the Guinness Book of World Records. You can literally travel through the clouds here, which makes it highly fascinating for all kinds of travelers. This place is filled with numerous mountains, waterfalls, cave systems, and endless valleys, which make it a perfect spot for winter delights. The food is also great here.
- Kaziranga – Assam
If you are into forests and wildlife, visiting Kaziranga would be the best choice for you. Visit this park during winter to feel the comfort along with rhinos and elephants. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses, diverse birdlife, and lush floodplains. The pleasant climate makes it an ideal time to explore the park’s rich flora and fauna while enjoying peaceful nature walks and jeep safaris.
- Neil Island – Andaman
Neil Island is one of the tiny islands of India that carries the secrets of the Andaman Islands, in the Bay of Bengal. With coral reefs and breathtaking views, it is a must-visit for travellers. Neil Island has a peaceful ambience with the perfect essence of nature. One can chill or take long walks on the magnificent beach of this Island. Neil is really small and thus, doesn’t take much of a traveler’s time to explore it fully.
- Kohima – Nagaland
Kohima is the capital of Nagaland, and it shares its borders with Myanmar. Kohima tour packages beckon ardent tourists to delight in its hilly beauty. Kohima is amongst the three Nagaland towns with Municipal council status, along with Dimapur and Mokokchung. This picturesque town is home to the brave and daring, yet simple and innocent, Naga tribes. It is also one of the best offbeat places to visit in December in India. The temperature stays around 3 °C – 15 °C during December.
- Jaisalmer – Rajasthan
Rajasthan has plenty of good places to offer, and Jaisalmer is one of them. It is also called the ‘Golden City’ as it is surrounded by the golden dunes and the castles, which are made of golden sandstone. This is one of the major tourist spots located in Rajasthan, which offers a wide range of things to explore. Alongside that, the city is also famous for its beautiful architecture in the form of temples and Havelis, which reflects the rich heritage. The main highlight of the city is the Jaisalmer fort, which is surrounded by narrow alleys. The temperature can be quite comforting during December, and you will find the best food here, along with other things to buy.
- Alleppey – Kerala
Those who are willing to enjoy backwaters in Kerala can easily visit Alleppey, which is also known as the Venice of the East. It is one of the most beautiful places, bordered by the Laccadive Sea. This place is well revered for its majestic palm-fringed canals, called the backwaters, and rejuvenating Ayurvedic resorts. It is truly a paradise where you can heal and rejuvenate yourself. The temperature stays around 22 °C – 32 °C during December and offers a comforting stay for all. Make sure to book a houseboat to enjoy the taste of luxury on the water.
