Whether it is sipping hot cappuccinos wrapped in a cosy blanket, admiring the snow-capped peaks through your window or engaging in snowboarding adventures, a winter vacation offers diverse experiences for different travellers. On the flip side, it could also involve enjoying cocktails on the beach, away from freezing temperatures, while watching the waves. With December just around the corner, it is time to prepare your winter itinerary and plan your Christmas getaway. Here’s our round-up of the best places to visit in India in December, catering to every type of traveller.
Make the most of your December getaway with these best places to visit in India
Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh
One of the most offbeat destinations on India’s map, Jagdalpur in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh is home to hidden gems such as the Dandak Caves and stunning waterfalls like Chitrakote Waterfalls and Tirathgarh Falls. December is among the best months to explore this city owing to the pleasant weather, making it the perfect time for a safari at Kanger Valley National Park. Do visit the majestic Bastar Palace for a dose of history and try the state’s popular snack, muthia.
How to reach
By air: Jagdalpur Airport is approximately 2 km away
By train: Jagdalpur has its own railway station
By road: Jagdalpur is approximately 303 km from Raipur
Book your stay at Takshshila Park And Resorts here
Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Kanchipuram is arguably one of the best places in Tamil Nadu to buy pure silk sarees for your loved ones. Given that Tamil Nadu sees hot weather throughout the year, except during the winter months, December is perfect for exploring the Land of Temples. Some of the most popular temples, known for their magnificent architecture, include Kailasanathar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple and Vaikunda Perumal Temple.
How to reach
By air: Chennai International Airport is approximately 64 km away
By train: Kanchipuram has its own railway station
By road: Kanchipuram is approximately 77 km from Chennai
Book your stay at Sri Rams Residency,Kanchipuram here
Zuluk, Sikkim
Perched at an elevation of 10,100 feet above sea level, Zuluk is a hidden gem in Sikkim. Tucked away from heavy tourism, this quaint hamlet has a population of around 700 people. While the best time to visit this winter wonderland is during the summer months between March and May, a December visit offers the enchantment of beautiful snowfall. Ensure to pack sufficient warm clothes as temperatures can drop to zero degrees in winter. Nestled amid the wilderness, the forests around Zuluk are comparatively less explored, providing opportunities to easily spot deer, wild dogs, Himalayan bears and red pandas.
How to reach
By air: Bagdogra Airport is approximately 140 km away
By train: New Jalpaiguri Railway Station is approximately 134 km away
By road: Zuluk is approximately 93 km from Gangtok
Book your stay at Hill Homestay, Zuluk here
Sonmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Winter in Kashmir is a magical experience, with the entire destination blanketed in snow, and the local cuisine offering a comforting warmth to tackle the freezing cold. One of the best places to visit in Kashmir during December is Sonmarg. Spend quality time with your favourite ones while admiring the Vishansar Lake. Head to Thajiwas Glacier, close to Sonmarg, perfect for winter activities like sledging, snowboarding and skiing. You can either hire a pony or trek to its top.
How to reach
By air: Srinagar Airport is approximately 81 km away
By train: Jammu Tawi Railway Station is approximately 347 km away
By road: Sonmarg is approximately 125 km from Gulmarg
Book your stay at Hotel Rah Villas here
Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
The small village of Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh, known for its rich heritage, is home to temples, with the Veerabhadra Temple being a notable testament. As the place can be quite hot during summer, December is the best time to visit this incredible destination in India. Explore the traditional handicrafts available here, including Kondapalli toys, cotton and jute mats, and scrolls.
How to reach
By air: Bengaluru Airport is approximately 125 km away
By train: Hindupur Railway Station is approximately 15 km away
By road: Lepakshi is approximately 485 km from Hyderabad
Book your stay at Bilva Comforts Madhugiri here
Bandipur, Karnataka
December is a great time for tiger spotting or birdwatching in Karnataka’s Bandipur. The Bandipur National Park owes its popularity to the diverse wildlife, including deer, elephants and various bird species. As Ooty is only about 40 km away, you can plan a fulfilling day trip on your way to the hill station.
How to reach
By air: Mysuru Airport is approximately 80 km away
By train: Mysore Railway Station is approximately 79 km away
By road: Bandipur is approximately 223 km from Bengaluru
Book your stay at The Serai Bandipur here
Tadoba, Maharashtra
Maharashtra is home to several wildlife sanctuaries, and Tadoba is one of them. The Tadoba National Park is the largest tiger reserve in the state. With animals often venturing out of their habitats in search of some warmth when the sun is up, December provides pleasant weather for some great sightings.
How to reach
By air: Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur is approximately 140 km away
By train: Chandrapur Railway Station is approximately 45 km away
By road: Tadoba is approximately 104 km from Nagpur
Book your stay at WelcomHeritage Tadoba Vanya Villas Resort & Spa here
Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand
For a peaceful and tranquil winter amidst nature, Mukteshwar is the ideal destination. Popular among trekkers and adventure lovers, it offers numerous hiking and trekking trails. Apart from panoramic views of the Himalayas, it attracts visitors with Mukteshwar Dham, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
How to reach
By air: Delhi Airport is approximately 358 km away
By train: Kathgodam Railway Station is approximately 57 km away
By road: Mukteshwar is 48 km from Nainital
Book your stay at The Naturewalk here
Daringbadi, Odisha
Daringbadi in Odisha is among the most beautiful places to visit in December in India. This offbeat destination promises ultimate comfort and calm. Named after Daring Sahib, a British official, the place offers gorgeous views of pine forests and waterfalls, making it a heaven for nature lovers. Additionally, the place is surrounded by plateaus, and valleys, as well as pepper and coffee plantations, offering many interesting things to explore.
How to reach
By air: Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is approximately 250 km away
By train: Brahma Railway Station is approximately 119 km away
By road: Daringbadi is approximately 248 km from Puri
Book your stay at Tampara Resort here
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Known for its musical heritage, Gwalior is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage Cities list. A major and highly visited attraction is the historical Gwalior Fort. With a very hot climate all year round except during winter, December is perfect for visiting this place. Spend a day exploring the temples here and then head to the tomb of Tipu Sultan.
How to reach
By air: Gwalior Airport is approximately 9 km away
By train: Gwalior has its own railway station
By road: Gwalior is approximately 101 km from Jhansi
Book your stay at Neemrana's - Deo Bagh here
Munnar, Kerala
There’s little we can add about Munnar that hasn’t already been said. The magnificent hill station, also known as the Kashmir of South India, may not be freezing, but it offers a pleasantly cool escape from the winter heat. Whether you are chasing waterfalls with your buddies, strolling through the tea gardens, or venturing out on nature hikes, the choices are aplenty.
How to reach
By air: Cochin International Airport is approximately 127 km away
By train: Alwaye Railway Station is approximately 120 km away
By road: Munnar is approximately km from Thiruvananthapuram
Book your stay at Elephant Passage Munnar here
Dwarka, Gujarat
For a spiritual journey before the new year begins, consider heading to Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka, a destination visited by lakhs of devotees each year. The weather around this time of the year is perfect, making for a comfortable stay. As Somnath is approximately 235 km from Dwarka, you can also visit the Somnath Temple and complete your sojourn.
How to reach
By air: Jamnagar Airport is approximately 131 km away
By train: Dwarka has its own railway station
By road: Dwarka is approximately 237 km from Somnath
Book your stay at Lemon Tree Premier, Dwarka here
Kufri, Himachal Pradesh
If you want to experience snowfall away from crowded mainstream destinations, consider Kufri. One of the best places to visit here is The Himalayan Nature Park, where you can easily spot Kashmir stags, barking deer, blue sheep and red jungle fowls amid lush greens. Don’t miss Kufri’s highest point, Mahasu Peak, when here. The winter chill of this hill station is sure to add a different dimension to your vacation.
How to reach
By air: Shimla Airport is approximately 22 km away
By train: Shimla Railway Station is approximately 15 km away
By road: Kufri is approximately 20 km from Shimla
Book your stay at Crested View Kufri -Orchard Villa here
Bekal, Kerala
This small town in Karnataka is home to beautiful beaches such as Kapil Beach and a majestic old fort, built by Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi. It is the largest in Kerala and overlooks the sea, providing breathtaking vistas as you stand at the edge of the fort. The Chandragiri Fort is also a must-visit for its 17th-century architecture. Also, head to the Ananthapura Lake Temple when in Bekal.
How to reach
By air: Mangalore International Airport is approximately 65 km away
By train: Kasargod Railway Station is approximately 13 km away
By road: Kekal is approximately 352 km from Kochi
Book your stay at The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal
Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
The holy destinations of Mathura and Vrindavan are among the best places to visit in December. Other than visiting the temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and Radha, you can head to Agra for a day trip as it is very close. Additionally, winter is the best time to enjoy the street food here, which includes piping hot chaat-papdi, kulhad wala doodh and makkhan malai, among other gustatory delights.
How to reach
By air: Agra Airport is approximately 59 km away
By train: Mathura has its own railway station
By road: Mathura is approximately 395 km from Lucknow
Book your stay at Hotel Mukut Mani Here
Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Though the picturesque Himalayan town offers stunning views during summer, the sight of deodar trees covered in snow is absolutely breathtaking. Include Khajjiar and Dainkund Peak in your itinerary for some beautiful views of the valley and snow-covered meadows, and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary to spend some moments amid the wilderness. A visit to the Rang Mahal and Laxmi Narayan Temple goes unsaid when in Dalhousie.
How to reach
By air: Kangra Airport in Gaggal is approximately 108 km away
By train: Pathankot Railway Station is approximately 80 km away
By road: Dalhousie is approximately 313 km from Chandigarh
Book your stay at The Jade Mountain Dalhousie
Kurseong, West Bengal
Very close to Darjeeling in West Bengal, Kurseong is a must-visit destination in December. Also called the Land of White Orchids, Kurseong attracts travellers with its cascading waterfalls, misty pathways and Buddhist monasteries, other than orchids, of course. Don’t forget to spend some time in the solitude of Ghoom, approximately 26 km away. For a unique experience, hop on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, when planning a trip to Kurseong.
How to reach
By air: Bagdogra Airport is approximately 45 km away
By train: Kurseong has its own railway station
By road: Kurseong is approximately 33 km from Siliguri
Book your stay at 11 Monteviot here
Ranthambore, Rajasthan
One of the best destinations for wildlife enthusiasts, Ranthambore in Rajasthan offers perfect weather in December for tiger spotting. After your tryst with wildlife, head straight to Ranthambore Fort to learn more about its history. Also, visit Dastkar for beautiful handicrafts and handmade animal-printed clothes.
How to reach
By air: Jaipur International Airport is approximately 188 km away
By train: Sawai Madhopur Railway Station is approximately 11 km away
By road: Ranthambore is approximately 138 km from Kota
Book your stay at Ranthambhore Heritage Haveli Here
Nashik, Maharashtra
Sipping wine is fun year-round, but winters make it more special, especially in Maharashtra, as most parts of the state are not very cold during December. Explore the numerous wineries and vineyards to learn more about your favourite drink and how it is brewed. Bring back some freshly made as well as aged wines to savour in the comfort of your own home later.
How to reach
By air: Nashik Airport is approximately 17 km away
By train: Nashik has its own railway station
By road: Nashik is approximately 166 km from Mumbai
Book your stay at Courtyard by Marriott Nashik here
Harike Wetlands, Punjab
Exclusively for birdwatching enthusiasts, Harike Wetland in Punjab may be off the beaten track, but it is a paradise for avian lovers. Located near Harike Lake, the winter chill makes this place an apt time to spot birds, such as greylag goose, Eurasian coot and bar-headed goose.
How to reach
By air: Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar is approximately 105 km away
By train: Lohian Khas Junction is approximately 1 km away
By road: Harike Wetland is approximately 192 km from Chandigarh
Book your stay at Ramada by Wyndham Kapurthala here
(Feature image credit: Sharptoyou/ Shutterstock)
Related: Early Winter Escapades: Explore India’s Top Destinations In November
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which are the best warm destinations to visit in India in December?
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu offer some of the best warm places, perfect for a visit to India in December.
Which are the best adventure destinations to visit in India?
For winter adventure activities, head to Himachal Pradesh or Kashmir to experience the thrill.
Which are the best cultural destinations to visit in India?
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh stand out as cultural destinations worth exploring in India.
Which are the best places to experience wildlife in India?
Experience the best of wildlife in various places in India, perfect to visit in December. These include Gir National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Jim Corbett National Park.
Which are the best beach destinations in India?
Goa, Gokarna, Varkala and Pondicherry are among the best beach destinations in India.
Are there any cultural festivals or events in December in India?
Yes, many cities host cultural fests and events in December, such as The Rann Utsav in Gujarat and Jashn-e-Rekhta in Delhi.
Which are the top hill stations to visit in December?
If you enjoy snow, hill stations like Kufri and Mukteshwar are perfect for you. However, if you are not very fond of winters, hill stations in the South, such as Munnar and Coorg, are some of the best places to visit in December in India.