Srinagar to Kerala: 10 Best Places To Visit In India In December

Remember the New Year resolutions you made at the start of the year? No matter how many are broken or fulfilled, I’m sure travelling to unexplored or famous places in India must have been one of them. In case your travel resolution is still on the cards, end 2024 with a bang with this list of the best places to visit in India in December. From snow-capped mountains, royal cities submerged in history, and serene lakes sparkling under the crisp winter sun, there’s a perfect winter destination or hill station for everyone. So, without wasting time, let’s delve into exploring the best places to visit in India in December, where you can explore the beauty of winter travel in India. And trust me, these December vacation ideas will leave you planning your trip with family or friends in no time.

Shimla

Visiting Shimla in December is like entering a snow globe. Often referred to as the Queen of Hills, Shimla is among the best hill stations in North India in December. What you could possibly witness here is snow-capped mountains, charming colonial buildings with snowy roofs, beautiful scenery, all of it while enjoying a hot chocolate to warm your soul. Seriously, snowfall in North India is too beautiful, making you feel like you’re in a fairytale. It also happens to be the most romantic place, perfect as a honeymoon destination in India, where you and your loved one can plan your winter vacation, enjoying the snow in Shimla.

• Places to visit in Shimla: Summer Hills, Jakhoo Hill, Annandale, Himalayan Bird Park, Chadwick Falls, Tara Devi Temple, The Shimla State Museum, Viceregal Lodge, and Johnnie’s Wax Museum.
• Things to do in Shimla: One of the most enjoyable things to do in Shimla is definitely the lovely Toy Train ride from Kalka. You can also indulge in a walk to Chadwick Falls or a climb up to Jakhoo Hill, if you are the adventurous type. The Gaiety Theatre is a must-visit. Take a trip to Lakkar Bazaar, which is known for its wooden crafts and other decorative items. An essential walk one ought to take is the Mall Road as there are few of those fairly good-looking shops and beautiful sights to give one more to relax. If you want to have some fun with ice skating without leaving India you can do that at the ice skating rink at Circular Road.
• How to reach Shimla: The nearest airport to Shimla is the Jubbarhatti Airport, located about 23 km, and is connected to major cities. The nearest railway station is Kalka which is approximately 90 km from Shimla, where the famous toy train from Kalka to Shimla is taken. For road travel, the Shimla Bus Stand is well-connected with all the neighbouring and remote cities like Delhi, Chandigarh and more.
• Where to stay in Shimla: If you’re looking for places to stay in Shimla, there are a myriad of options. Stay at these top villas in Shimla such as The Mohru Estate, Valleys and Peaks, Shimla Manor and more.

Srinagar

Like Michael Bublé if you’re dreaming of a White Christmas, but in India, Srinagar is hands down one of the best places to vacation in December. Srinagar, in fact Kashmir in December, is all about snow, snow, and more snow! Imagine you’ll be witnessing a frozen Dal Lake, snowcapped mountains and plenty of house boats resting, like postcards come to life. Srinagar in December is the kind of experience that leaves an impression on your soul, making you feel like you’re in paradise— or so to say Jannat.

• Places to visit in Srinagar: Shikara ride on Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Houseboat stays, local markets to shop for Kashmiri handicrafts, including carpets and Pashmina shawls.
• Things to do in Srinagar: When in Srinagar, be sure to go for a Shikara ride on Dal Lake as it is a particular activity that stands out. You can also enjoy visiting the well-planned beautiful Mughal Gardens which are worth a stroll. Staying on Houseboats in the middle of Dal Lake. Indulge in winter adventure activities in Srinagar like skiing or snowboarding. If you are a culture enthusiast, check out the local markets where you can find affordable beautiful handicrafts such as Pashmina shawls, carpets, and others.
• How to reach Srinagar: The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport, which is at a distance of 12 km from city centre. If you prefer the rail, the nearest station is Jammu Tawi railway station which is around 300 km and several taxi as well as bus services are available for further travel. For road ways, Srinagar Bus Stand is connected by road with many cities such as Jammu, Leh, Delhi, making it easily available by bus or car.
• Where to stay in Srinagar: There are a plenty of homestays in Srinagar such as Peek A Boo, Pinewood Villa, Ivy Manor and more. These places to stay in Srinagar with family and friends is your perfect bet.

Udaipur

Now, for all of you who are inclined more towards royalty than the snowflakes, Udaipur has your back. Known as ‘Venice Of The East’, Udaipur is one of the best places to visit in India in December. The lakes, the palaces, the sunsets—all of them do make you feel like you have unwittingly become a part of a royal film set. Udaipur in December brings in the cool, crisp air and therefore is the best time to explore the grand palaces and take boat rides on its shimmering lakes. This is another honeymoon destination in India to add to your list apart from the best places to travel in December.

• Places to visit in Udaipur: Lake Palace, Monsoon Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon Ki Bari.
• Things to do in Udaipur: Stroll around the expansive City Palace and Bagore Ki Haveli to experience the royal past of the region. Go by the ropeway to the Karni Mata Temple and take an overhead view of the town. Horse riding around Fateh Sagar Lake adds an added level of fun and thrill, while Shilpgram Arts and Crafts Festival is a place where one could purchase local crafts and see folk performances.
• How to Reach Udaipur: The closest airport to Udaipur is the Maharana Pratap Airport, which is at a distance of 22 km. Udaipur Railway Station is well-connected to big cities, making it easier to travel from any destination in India. You can also take a bus or drive, with good road links from Jaipur, Ahmedabad, and Delhi.
• Where to stay in Udaipur: Looking for a luxurious retreat in Udaipur, stay at Panna Garh, Tryst with Valleys, Sage Scenery, and Bella Dream. These luxury villas in Udaipur are your best bet.

Jaipur

Jaipur is where history, culture, and fun collide. It’s one of the best places to go in December because the weather in Rajasthan during this time is perfect to explore the outdoors. The Pink City’s royalty is in full display with beautiful skies and crisp weather, making everything flawless and postcard-ish. Be it magnificent palaces or colourful shops cluttering the streets, Jaipur has it all. And how can we skip out on the food – the food at the restaurants in Jaipur is simply unforgettable. And since you’re planning on visiting Rajasthan in December, you will have fun with your family.

• Places to visit in Jaipur: Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Johari Bazaar, Jal Mahal, Man Sagar Lake.
• Things to do in Jaipur: In Jaipur, there are plenty of elephant rides that take you to Amber Fort or head over to Bapu Bazaar to buy jewellery or textiles before going to Chokhi Dhani for dinner, as it is all about experiencing the beauty of Jaipur. For history lovers, visit the Albert Hall Museum and do not miss out on the light and sound at the Amber Fort in the evening.
• How to reach Jaipur: Jaipur International Airport is at a distance of 12 km from the city centre. Train travel is made simple by Jaipur Railway Station and the Central Bus Stand, both of them are well-connected to major cities, making travel to this place super convenient.
• Where to stay in Jaipur: Kundan Villa, Jaipura Garh, Kanak Vilas, and The Rose Gold Villa are some of the top villas in Jaipur to stay with your family and friends.

Rishikesh

For a vacation that is based on activities as well as relaxation, Rishikesh in December is a must-visit. Located by the sacred river Ganges, this place is ideal for peace seekers, adventure lovers, or both. Adventure activities in Rishikesh such as river rafting, bungee jumping and so much more begin to bloom, making it one the best places to visit in December in India. Also, when compared to January, the weather is cooler which is best for a variety of outdoor pursuits as well as the exploration of the spiritual aspect of this lovely place.

• Places to visit in Rishikesh: Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Beatles Ashram, Triveni Ghat, Neelkanth Mahadev Mandir, Tera Manzil Mandir, Bharat Mandir, Muni Ki Reti, Raghunath Temple, Kunjapuri Devi Temple, Parmarth Niketan Ashram & Vashishta Gufa.
• Things to do in Rishikesh: Indulge in yoga, meditation, bungee jumping, getting a spa, cooking classes, religious tourism, waterfalling, repelling, biking, & kayaking. White water rafting in December is a must-try. Not just that, you can also explore the wildlife in Rishikesh.
• How to reach Rishikesh: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun at a distance of around 35 km. For train travellers, the nearest station Haridwar Railway Station which is located approximately 25 km from Rishikesh is well linked to major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. For those who prefer to travel by road, Delhi and Haridwar offers scenic beauty on the way as it is through hilly areas.
• Where to stay in Rishikesh: There a beautiful villas in Rishikesh such as Vista Divine, Mango Trails, Ganga’s Jewel are the perfect place to unwind, especially when visiting Rishikesh in December.

Jim Corbett

If hearing the harrowing roar of a Bengal tiger is on your bucket list, Jim Corbett National Park has to be your next stop. This iconic wildlife sanctuary is perhaps one of the best places to visit in December for nature lovers and adventure aficionados. Apart from the tigers, Jim Corbett is home to such a variety of species such as otters, fish-eating crocodiles, and hundreds of birds. The weather in December is the perfect time for a safari in this area because it is neither too hot nor too cold. So, get your binoculars because who knows that you may find a tiger staring back at you.

• Places to visit in Jim Corbett: Corbett National Park, Garjia Temple, Corbett Museum, Kosi river.
• Things to Do in Jim Corbett: Take a jeep safari in the national park’s wilderness to see tigers and other wild animals, go bird watching in the dense jungles, river raft in the river Kosi, or go for a nature walk inside the park.
• How to Reach Jim Corbett: The nearest airport is the Pantnagar Airport (80 km) while the train station that is closest is Ramnagar Railway Station (12 km). If you are travelling by road, take a bus to Ramnagar.
• Where to stay in Jim Corbett: Hriday Bhoomi, Amaltas Villa, The Enchanted Forest are among the top villas in Jim Corbett.

Port Blair

Looking for an ideal getaway with your partner? Then Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is one of the best places to visit in India in December. With clear waters, golden beaches and rich history, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is ideal for a romantic getaway. The weather in Port Blair in December is favourable, making it possible to engage in various activities including exploring marine life, visiting historical museums, and witnessing superb sunsets.

• Places to visit in Port Blair: Cellular Jail, Ross Island, Corbyn’s Cove Beach, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park and Chidiya Tapu.
• Things to Do in Port Blair: Take a boat trip to the Ross Island. Indulge in many adventure activities in Port Blair such as scuba diving and snorkelling. Visit the Cellular Jail, enjoy bird watching at Chidiya Tapu and finally lay back at Corbyn’s Cove.
• How to Reach Port Blair: Fly to Veer Savarkar International Airport, which has daily outgoing flights from Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata. Ships are available from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam, however, taking a flight is the fastest way to reach.

Kerala

When it comes to best places to travel in December, Kerala is at the top of the list. This coastal paradise is for those who want to escape from winter blues in a tropical climate. Whether you’re exploring the backwaters, tea gardens or beaches, Kerala has it all. It is a great month to go because it is warm enough for the tourists but not so humid, making it one if the best holiday destinations in December.

• Places to visit in Kerala: Alleppey, Fort Kochi, Kovalam Beach, Periyar National Park, Lighthouse Beach, Vellayani Lake, and Hawah Beach
• Things to do in Kerala: Spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr at the Eravikulam National Park, enjoy authentic tea which is grown in Munnar, rent a houseboat in Alleppey for a nice weekend getaway with your loved ones, and grab delicious spices from Thekkady.
• How to reach Kerala: The Cochin International Airport, The Trivandrum International Airport, and the Calicut International Airport connects Kerala to the main cities in India and other countries. If you prefer the train, then your option would be appropriate since there are several railway stations within the state, with Elamakulam, Trivandrum and Kozhikode being the main. For road trips, the state is connected to major neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka making it convenient to take the road. Buses and taxi services from cities such as Bangalore and Chennai can also be very ideal.
• Where to stay in Kerala: if you’re looking for places to stay in Kerala, know that there are a plenty of villas in Kerala. Some of the villas in Kerala are Pine Escape, Cave Song, The Periyar Palace, and Aqua Vista.

Wayanad

Not fond of the freezing temperatures yet yearning to relish the cool climate? Wayanad is the perfect hill station in South India to go to. Famous for its wildlife, lush landscapes, and pleasant weather, this is one of the best holiday destinations in December for a happy and peaceful vacation. With several helmeted hornbill sightings and birdwatching, it is the top pick for nature enthusiasts.

• Places to visit in Wayand: Go to the beautiful Edakkal Caves, Trek to Chembra Peak, spend the day at Pookode Lake, visit the beautiful Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and see beautiful Meenmutty and Soochipara Waterfalls.
• Things to Do in Wayanad: Thinking of activities in Wayand then you must trek to the heart-shaped Chembra Peak, you can also go on enjoy a bamboo raft ride on Pookode Lake or a wildlife safari in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary. Don’t forget to delve into history at the Edakkal Caves.
• How to Reach Wayanad: Calicut International Airport is the closest which is about 100 km away. The nearest railway station is in Kozhikode. You can also drive or take a bus from Bangalore or Mysore, as the roads offer beautiful views.
• Where to stay in Wayanad: The Big Chill, Lakeside Leisure, La Grove, and Novera are some of the top villas in Wayanad.

Goa

Goa in December? Yes please. This coastal region is one of the best places to go in December. The beaches, the parties and the festivals all come to life during this month and makes Goa one of the best places to vacation in December. Be it sunbathing on the beach or dancing at top party places, all tells the story of Goa. And how can one leave out the extravagant Christmas and New Year celebrations – Goa knows how to throw a party.

• Places to visit in Goa: Baga Beach, Aguada Beach, Chapora Fort, Aguada Fort, Bom Jesus Basilica, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Calangute Beach and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
• Things to do in Goa: Be a part of the grand Christmas and New Year celebration, enjoy water sports in Goa’s top beaches, enjoy the night life in clubs, go on a joy ride on Mandovi River, participate in Goa Art and literature festival and Mando festival.
• How to reach Goa: Travelling to Goa is a breeze. Goa International Airport (Dabolim) is well-connected to all metropolitan cities and even abroad. Those travelling to the party hub of Goa must head to the new North Goa airpport called Manohar International Airport (MOPA), to access the most exciting restaurants and clubs of North Goa to reach in a jiffy. For people who are travelling by train, then Madgaon and Vasco da Gama are the important key stations. In the case one prefers to travel by road, national highways connect Goa to cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore and more.
• Where to stay in Goa: Skip the hotels in Goa and stay at the top luxury villas in Goa such as White Whale, Bay View, La Bougainvillea and Vintage Hideaway.

Lambasingi

As the only place in Southern India that witnesses snowfall, Lambasingi is popularly referred to as the “Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh,” and rightly so. Lambasingi is a small hill station village in South India that transforms into a winter wonderland from December to January. With misty mornings and temperatures that can dip to near zero, it’s a favorite spot for those who wish to spot snow in South India.

• Places to visit in Lambasingi: Thajangi Reservoir, Lambasingi Viewpoint, Kothapalli Waterfalls
• Things to do in Lambasingi: Enjoy a misty morning picnic amidst the snow-like weather of Lambasingi, go trekking in the dense forests, visit local coffee and pepper plantations
• How to Reach Lambasingi: The secluded location of this hill station village adds to its real charm. The nearest airport is in Visakhapatnam (about 100 km away) and Visakhapatnam Railway Station is the closest major railhead. Lambasingi is also well-connected by road; one can hire a taxi or drive from nearby cities like Vizag or Rajahmundry to Lambasingi.