December is the time while snow covers India’s northern parts and shows her beauty. The sunlight also so calm on the beaches so that you can expend some beautiful moments. This is the most beautiful month in India with a clear sky and a soft cold environment. December is perfect for all those tourists who love to enjoy on the beach, on the sand, on the snow, and with green nature in India. Let’s find the best places to visit in December in India.
Here is the list of Best Places to Visit in December in India
Here is a list of places to go in December in India that you should definitely visit to enjoy the winter vacation. Beautiful places like Goa, Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar, Udaipur in Rajasthan, Shillong, Darjeeling, Diu, Nainital, Varanasi, Kolkata, etc.
1. Goa
Goa becomes heart touching party land to the young vibe which attracts people during December. Especially at the end of December the beaches, bars, and night clubs look full of energy in December. This season is the ideal time to enjoy the pleasures of beaches, music festivals, snacks, beach parties, water sports, and other events. It is also called the “Party Capital of India“. The most charming beaches and the winter events make it one of the best places to visit in December in India. It receives a large number of tourists from around the world. You can see two important events here at this time. One is Sunburn Festival and the other is special New Year’s Evening parties. Goa is really full of fun destinations in late December.
We suggest to read: 45 Best Places To Visit In Delhi During Your Next Holidays
Places to visit in Goa
Whenever we imagine the name ‘Goa’, only beautiful beaches come on our mind. During your tour don’t forget to explore these places to visit in Goa.
- Palolem beach
- Agonda Beach
- Arambol Beach
- Miramar Beach
- Vagator Beach
- Butterfly Beach
- Bom Jesus Basilica
- Aguada Fort
- Se Cathedral
- Calangute
- Dushsagar waterfalls
Famous Snacks & Foods: Goan Squid Fry, Goan Fish Curry, Chicken Xacuti, Pork Vindaloo, Bebinca, Fonna Kadi, Chicken Cafreal
What to buy: Wooden furniture, painting craft, spices, Cashewnut, and many handcrafted items.
Popular market: Panjim market, Anjuna Flea Market, Mapusa Market, Calangute Market, etc.
How to reach
Goa is very well connected with air and railways to all major cities in the country.
By Air: Dabolim Airport or Goa Airport is the nearest one.
By Train: Margao railway station is well connected with all other places in Goa along with major cities in India.
2. Kerala
Kerala is perfect to visit in December, as it is warm and comfortable. The weather is helpful to sightseeing and other types of fun activities. You can travel to the pristine beaches, backwatering, healthy hill stations, and captivating wildlife sanctuaries, etc. This place is famous for the rich culture and joy of Ayurveda. The pleasant warmth climate makes it the perfect warm places to visit in December in India. Don’t miss enjoying the delicacies of Keralite cuisine to suck your fingers.
Places to visit
There are many places to visit in Kerala for nature lovers. However, one can do many different types of enjoyment here in December. During your Kerala tour don’t forget to miss these beautiful destinations.
- Kerala Backwatering
- Bekal Fort
- Mattancherry Palace
- Fort Kochi
- Mattupetty Dam
- Mattancherry Palace
- Vembanad Lake
- Alleppey Beach
- Periyar National Park
- Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
- Wayanad
How to reach
Kerala is very well connected with air and railways to the other major cities in the country.
By Air: There are three international airports in Kerala. So your trips to Kerala by flight is pretty easy. Those airports are Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) airport, Kozhikode (Calicut) airport, and Kochi (Cochin) airport.
By Train: The two major railway stations in Kerala are Ernakulam and Trivandrum which has a very good connection with all other states of the country.
3. Andaman and Nicobar Island
Andaman is a group of 572 virgin islands where only 36 are occupied by human beings. The most famous and visited is Havelock Island where you can scuba diving. There are few more popular islands such as Wandoor, Neil, Baratang and the list goes on. Just have a beer and relax on the beach. The palm trees, white sands, mangroves jungle, Coral reefs, and tropical rainforests definitely make this amongst the best places to visit in December in India.
You must read this: Places To Visit Near Kolkata
Places to visit
There are many beautiful places to visit in Andaman especially for the nature lovers. The archipelago is amongst the best places to view the underwater scenario.
- Port Blair
- Havelock Islands (famous place for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling)
- Bartang Island
- Neil Island (famous for Scuba Diving & Snorkeling)
- Ross Island
- Rangat
- The Great Nicobar Island
- Cinque Island
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park (famous place for Scuba Diving)
- North Bay Islands (famous for Sea Walk & Snorkeling)
- Elephant Beach
How to reach
Are you thinking about how to get to Andaman? Chill! The best option to move to Andaman is by plane (Flight). However, traveling by ship is another excellent choice and it is more adventures.
By Air: Andaman has its own airport at Port Blair which has a very good connection with Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata. Flights from Delhi and Mumbai takes 5 hours to reach Port Blair airport. But if you are from Chennai or Kolkata then it will take just 2 hours to reach Port Blair.
By Ship: If you plan to travel Andaman by ship then Chennai, Vizag, and Kolkata are the three places. Ship trips are available for 3-4 times in a month. It takes 60 – 70 hours to reach Andaman by ship.
4. Udaipur in Rajasthan
It is known as the City of Lakes, so it shouldn’t surprise us that the lakes are a great attraction. Two of the largest lakes, Fateh Sagar and Pichola, are artificial but that makes them no less beautiful. The main reason to visit Udaipur is the opportunity to explore the Udaipur City Palace, a collection of palaces, museums and gardens in a variety of architectural styles. Shrines, temples, royal residences, and art collections are also available to admire inside the City Palace. Just north of the palace is the Jagdish Temple, the most famous temple in Udaipur. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple has impressive sculptures and is now an iconic landmark in the city. This place is surely the best holiday destinations in India in December.
Places to visit
There are many eye-catching historical palaces, Lakes and Temples you can explore in Udaipur. All those people are looking for the December places to visit in India then Udaipur can be the best choice.
- City Palace
- Lake Pichola
- Lake Palace
- Lake Garden Palace
- Bagore Ki Haveli
- Jagdish Temple
- Shilpgram
- Moti Magri
- Vintage Car Museum
- Eklingji Temple
- Jaisamand Lake
How to reach
By Air: Udaipur airport is only 20 km far from the main city. Many cabs and private cars are available outside the airport.
By Train: Udaipur City railway station is well connected with all major railway stations in the country.
5. Shillong
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya and offers each of its legacy parts for exploring. The light drizzle and the gentle and refreshing wind in December in Shillong add to the joy of visiting this mountain station. Shillong is also known as “Eastern Scotland” due to its impressive mountain peaks. Crystal clear lakes, impressive golf courses, and museums. This is one of the best places to visit in December in India to gather a lifetime experience. The city is also famous as the musical capital of India.
Places to visit
- Mawlynnong
- Umaiam Lake
- Elephant Falls
- Mawsynram
- Don Bosco Museum
- Shillong Peaks
- Ward’s Lake
- David Scott Traill
- Nohsngithiang Falls
- Kyllang Rock
- Police Bazar
How to reach
Shillong is not very well connected with all other major cities in India. However, the nearest known city is Guwahati.
By Air: Shillong has a small Umroi airport which is only connected with Kolkata airport. You can come to Kolkata airport first then travel for the Umroi airport in Shillong. Otherwise, the nearest Guwahati airport is connected with other major cities in India.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Guwahati which is 100 km away from the Shillong city.
6. Darjeeling
It is called the “Queen of the Himalayas” and undoubtedly one of the best mountain resorts in the world. Its beautiful hillsides dressed in green tea plants and excellent peaks attract tourists throughout the year. Winter is the best season to explore this heaven of beauty. This is one of the best places to travel in December in India to enjoy a ride on the Toy Train, explore wildlife, witness sunrise on Tiger Hill. You can expend one or two nights at nearby virgin places like Ichegaon, Delo, Ramdhura, Pedong, etc.
Places to visit
If you are planning to travel to Darjeeling places in India to visit in December then remember these below stunning destinations.
- Tiger Hill
- Toy Train
- Batasia Loop
- Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
- Ropeway
- Peace Pagoda Darjeeling
- Ghoom Monasterybest
- Rock Garden
- Nightingale Park
- Happy Valley Tea Estate
- Himalayan Institute of Mountaineering
- Singalila National Park
- Teesta River Rafting
How to reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Bagdogra International Airport in Shiliguri. Bagdogra airport to Darjeeling distance is just 70 km and it takes only 2.45 hours to reach via Hill Cart road.
By Train: New Jalpaiguri station is most near to Darjeeling. You can come to Howrah or Shealdah railway station first then many trains available for the NGP. Many cabs and private cars are available outside the NGP railway station. It takes only 2.50 hours to cover 73.5 km via Hill Cart Road.
7. Diu
Diu is a coastal city at the eastern end of Diu Island, India. It was previously a Portuguese colony and is now guarded by beaches around it. It is famous for its beautiful beaches and Nagoa beach is among the best. Portuguese architecture and heritage attract more tourists in India during winter. Another important attraction is Vanakbara, a small fishing village. Your places to visit in India during the winter will be incomplete if you do not explore the Sea Shell Museum, temples and churches here.
Places to visit
- Naida Caves
- Nagoa Beach
- Diu Fort
- Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Ghoghla Beach
- Panikota Fort
- Zampa Gateway
- Simbor Beach
- Dinosaur Park
How to reach
Diu is very near to Gujrat in India and has a good connection with other cities by road. But it does not have any railway station.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Varvel and it is 90 km away. You can hire a taxi or private car available outside the railway station.
By Air: It has its own airport in Diu and you can come here from Mumbai or Porbandar.
8. Nainital
This gem of Uttarakhand is a lovely hill station that sits beautifully in the green foothills of the Kumaon hill ranges in the Himalayas. It is located at a height of about 1938 meters from the sea level. The epicenter of the city’s popularity and beauty lies within the beautiful Naini Lake, which is named after the city. Nainital is brimming with fine colonial structures that increase the beauty of this place. It is one of the best places to visit in India during December. Many people call the city as the “City of Lakes”.
Places to visit
It is a perfect place to visit for a honeymoon and family tour. You can visit some nearby tourist spots while exploring Nanital.
- Nani Lake
- Saat Tal
- Bheem Tal
- Eco Cave Garden
- Naina Devi Temple
- Snow View Point
- Tiffin Top
- Pangot
- Almora
- Ranikhet
- Koushani
How to reach
There is no direct connection with the train or plane. But it has a good connection by road though.
By Train: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station and it is only 35 km away from Nainital. Many cabs and private cars available outside the station.
By Air: Pantnagar is the nearest airport and it is 65 km away from your destination.
9. Varanasi
It is located on the banks of the Ganges River. Varanasi is a holy city and amongst the best places to visit in December in India. The city is holy to Hindus, Buddhists and Jains and, in addition, one of the oldest colonized cities in the world. In many ways, Varanasi epitomizes the best and worst aspects of India and is a bit overwhelming. The scene of the pilgrims doing their loyalties inside the Ganges River at dawn.
Places to visit
There are many popular tourist attractions in Varanasi and it also calls the fun city. Few of them are below:
- Vishwanath Temple
- Dashashwamedh Ghat
- Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- Assi Ghat
- New Vishwanath Temple
- Durga Temple
- Manikarnika Ghat
- Kedar Ghat
How to reach
By Train: The nearest train stations are Varanasi Junction station, Kashi station and Mughal Sarai crossing
By Plane: The name of Varanasi airport is Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport, which is located in Babatpur, just 26 km northwest of Varanasi.
10. Kolkata
Kolkata is the second-largest and 350-year-old city in India, located on the eastern side of India. There are many popular tourist places in Kolkata. Magnificently called the “City of Joy”, Kolkata is, in every way, the inventive, cultural and intellectual city of the country. The streets of Calcutta are vivid, hectic, chaotic and yet full of life and creativity.
It is the ancient capital of British India before the government moved to Old Delhi. The city has several of the oldest mansions, architectures and art galleries that are now the best places to visit in December in India.
Places to visit
- Victoria Memorial
- Birla Planetarium
- Indian Museum
- Alipore Zoo
- Eco Park
- Nicco Park
- Aquatica
- Marble Palace
- Science City
- Academy of Fine Arts
- Sundarban
- Henri Island
- Birla Mandir
- Jorasanko Thakur Bari
How to reach
Kolkata is very well connected by all major cities in India and also Internationally.
By Air: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is just 10 km away from the main city. Many cabs are available outside the airport.
By Train: Howrah railway station is very known and connected with all major cities in India.
I think you are planning to pack your bags? If not then stop thinking, book your trip to India and take your friends or family on this exciting vacation. Our list of best places to visit in India in December is full of friendly people, a rich social and historical past and local experiences that you will not forget in your entire life.
I am Shamik, a blogger from India. I want to inspire people who love traveling or planning their dream trip. I guide them to find comfortable accommodations that feel like a second home. I share my experiences to help you decide where to stay during your travels. After all, a great holiday needs a great place to stay!