Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to escape work stress? Then, why not choose one of the best places to visit in December that’ll also help you gear up for the New Year?
In India, December is the month that’s marked by pleasant weather coupled with several holidays and a long weekend. And fortunately, there’s no shortage of exciting December travel destinations.
With that in mind, we’ve curated a list of the eight best holiday destinations in December.
Also Read: 8 Best Places to Visit in May in India
Best Places to Visit in December in India
In this article, we’ve listed a mix of different types of holiday destinations. So whether you love beaches, mountains, forests, or something else, you should find your perfect December holiday destination here.
Goa
If you love beaches and want to indulge in a range of exciting water activities and sports, Goa is the perfect destination for you. Situated on India’s western coast, this is known as the best partying hub in December.
Although Goa remains crowded throughout the year, December is when it experiences its peak tourist season. From Christmas holidays to New Year vacations, Goa celebrates the season in a spectacular way.
If you want to experience the real vibrant nature of Goa, you must visit North Goa. On the contrary, South Goa is located away from the main city and is home to many pristine sparkling beaches.
Another advantage of visiting Goa in December is that you’ll be able to enjoy several grand festivals. Some of these include:
- Sunburn Festival
- Mando Festival
- Supersonic Festival
- St. Francis Xavier’s Feast
- Datta Jayanti.
As mentioned above, several million tourists visit Goa each year. But during December, all hotels, resorts, villas, and guest houses cost significantly more than other times of the year. So, try to book your stay well in advance.
Gangtok
With chilly winters and the region being blanketed by snow, Gangtok is one of the top travel destinations to visit in December. Situated at an elevation of around 1,700 meters above sea level, Gangtok is known for astonishing tourists with its utter natural charm.
During December, the climate of the city offers visitors an unmatched holidaying experience. Apart from snow-covered mountain peaks, you’ll be left awed by its lush green surroundings and stunning valleys.
When in Gangtok, don’t forget to experience its memorable winter festivals. Sikkim Red Panda Winter Carnival is held to promote winter tourism, where cultural programs are held throughout the city. Namsoong Festival is held to welcome the good spirits for the upcoming year.
Gangtok is also home to some of the famous sightseeing places. Some of these include:
- The Himalayan Zoological Park
- Deer Park
- Nathula Pass
- Pemayangtse Monastery
- Tsomgo Lake
Jaipur
The capital of Rajasthan is the perfect destination to enjoy a very colorful and vibrant vacation in December. If you want to be in a fascinating city that boasts some of the most outstanding examples of Rajasthan architecture, Jaipur is a must-visit place for you.
During December, the weather remains delightful, with lots of dry and mild days. However, the region often turns chilly overnight, and hence, you should come prepared.
A perfect mix of magnificent forts, inspiring religious temples, and stunning palaces – that’s how most people describe the city. Some of the top places to visit in Jaipur include:
- Jal Mahal
- Amer Fort
- Rambaug Palace
- City Palace
No trip to Jaipur can complete without visiting the Amer Fort. This is a 16th-century palace standing atop a cliff and offering an exceptional view of the region. You can also visit the Monkey Temple, which is one of the top hidden attractions of Jaipur.
Kashmir
Widely considered the paradise on earth, Kashmir is certainly one of the best places to travel in December in India. Its unparalleled natural beauty, coupled with a large number of tourist attractions, appeals to a huge number of tourists from across the globe each year.
From charming gardens & landscapes and snowcapped mountains to traditional houseboats, scenic valleys, and more, Kashmir has everything to mesmerize you.
During your stay in Kashmir, be sure to visit the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, which gets almost frozen up in December. It would be best if you also visit Gulmarg, which is a serene hill station that remains covered in blankets of snow during this time.
Some other top tourist attractions of Kashmir include:
- Kupwara
- Pahalgam
- Sonmarg
- Anantnag
- Pulwama
- Kargil
- Poonch
Your trip to the valley will remain incomplete without visiting the Mughal Gardens.
The Mughal Gardens represent the finest examples of the Mughal engineering skills that achieved an unmatched height of perfection. Some of the must-visit Mughal Gardens include:
- Nishat Bagh
- Shalimar Bagh
- Achabal Bagh
- Pari Mahal
- Chashma Shahi
- Verinag
Wayanad
Nestled amidst the royal mountains of the Western Ghats in Kerala, Wayanad is another top-rated tourist destination you can visit in December. This is one of the few Indian destinations that offer a perfect mix of lush green forests, rich history, traditional culture, and delicious food.
If you want to escape the mundane professional life and the city’s hustle and bustle, Wayanad’s quaint corners and natural scenery will certainly give you a respite.
In the Wayanad hill range, Chembra is the highest peak, famous for offering an exceptional view of the greenery of the Western Ghats. The Chembra Peak is also home to the famous Cupid Lake, surrounded by royal tea plantations.
If you want to have a grand day outing and spend your time in the lap of nature, be sure to visit the Banasura Sagar Dam. You’ll be able to catch enchanting views of the majestic hills, waterfalls, and flora and fauna while getting soaked in the natural beauty.
Some other famous tourist attractions of Wayanad include:
- Kuruva Island
- Pookode Lake
- Bamboo Factory
In addition, you can unravel Wayanad’s wildlife by visiting the fascinating Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary, that’s home to the rare Slender Loris together with elephants, panthers, langurs, etc.
Guwahati
Situated at the banks of the Brahmaputra river, Guwahati is one of the most popular gateways to Northeast India. The capital city of Assam is filled with tourist hotspots, places of religious significance, recreational centers, and other attractions.
The city boasts an abundance of flora and fauna and is famous for its biodiversity. So, if you’re a nature lover, Guwahati will surely mesmerize you as well.
For nature lovers, the Kaziranga National Park, a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO, is perhaps the biggest attraction in Guwahati. Besides the world-famous one-horned Rhinoceros, you may also spot Gibbon, Chinese Pangolin, and Bengal Fox.
Guwahati is home to one of the country’s most popular Hindu pilgrimage spots, the Kamakhya Temple. Dedicated to Devi Kamakhya, the temple is located atop Nilachal Hill and is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in the country.
Some other famous tourist attractions in Guwahati include:
- Umananda Temple
- Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
- Dipor Bil
- Assam State Museum
- Guwahati Zoo
- Nehru Park
If you want to buy souvenirs and experience delicious regional food, be sure to visit Fancy Bazaar.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is perhaps the only place in India that offers a fine mix of French architecture and traditional Indian sensibilities. This Union Territory is famous for its streets dotted with mustard-yellow colonial structures bordered by bougainvillea-laden walls.
Have a leisurely stroll down these streets, and you’ll be mesmerized by the bohemian stores, authentic French bakeries, and cozy cafes that offer delicious French cuisines and beverages.
One of the key reasons Pondicherry is considered one of the best places to holiday in December is that it has everything to let you have a memorable vacation. From scuba diving and yachting to temples, beaches, and vibrant nights, you’ll have everything to make the most of your trip.
If you’re a beach lover, be sure to visit Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach Island, and Karaikal Beach. You’ll be able to get indulged in adventure sports like:
- Backwater sailing
- Jet skiing
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
And finally, remember to visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, that spiritual ashram that has helped Pondicherry gain international fame.
Shillong
Situated in the lap of nature, the capital of Meghalaya is a hill station famous for its picturesque locations, traditions, and pleasant weather. From crystal clear lakes and majestic mountain peaks to numerous waterfalls, beautiful golf courses, and more, Shillong has everything.
Umiam Lake, located around 15 km away from Shillong, lets you spend one exciting day full of adventure sports. Apart from visiting Lumpongdeng Island, you can indulge in kayaking, skiing, and scooting.
If you wish to experience the colonial architecture of Shillong, remember to visit the All Saints Cathedral. Widely known as the main church in the city, it exhibits exceptional wooden colonial-style architecture.
To get a comprehensive view of the local culture, you can visit the Lewduh Market. The stalls here sell a large variety of things representing the best of the local culture.
If you want to experience the thrill of rock climbing, Shillong brings you the perfect opportunity to do so. Be sure to consult an experienced guide or a local rock climbing organizer to have a safe experience.
If you want to experience India to its fullest, December is the best time to travel through it. So select one of the exciting places we discussed above, pack your bags, and say goodbye to this year with a bang.
