India is a very beautiful country which is rich in topography and weather making it an ideal place to visit throughout the year. But December in particular is one of the most favored months to travel to India considering it is holiday season and most people from international countries travel to India for cooler temperatures and holidays. Whether it is the snow clad northern region or seaside comforts of the south or the middle of the country steeped in heritage, India in December is a basket full of many joys and delights.

In this blog, we will cover quite a number of those reasons along with the best tourist places you should visit in India in December and some tips to use and make the most out of your vacation.

1. Shimla: A White Getaway

If you’re dreaming of a classic winter wonderland, Shimla is one of the best tourist places to visit in India in December month. Nestled in the Himalayas, Shimla offers snow-capped mountains, colonial architecture, and a peaceful environment perfect for those looking to escape the holiday hustle. Don’t miss visiting the Mall Road, Christ Church, and the nearby Kufri for some adventure activities like skiing and snowboarding.

Why Visit Shimla in December?

• Experience the snowfall and stunning mountain vistas.
• This period is perfect for newly-wed honeymooners or families looking for a cozy getaway.
• December is ideal for winter sports.

2. Goa

So sandy beaches and hot tropical sun is what you are looking for, then Goa is simply one of the best tourist places to visit in December in India. December is also the peak season of Goa and the state bursts with colours of Christmas and New Year. This period also means a whole lot of adventure, water sports, visiting exotic places and of course, taking in the influences of Indian and Portuguese culture. The famous beaches of Baga, Anjuna and Palolem are perfect for soaking the sun and wild crazy parties.

Why Visit Goa in December?

• Perfect weather for sunbathing and water activities.
• Over active nightlife and beach parties, especially during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
• Explore Goa’s historical churches and spice plantations

3. Udaipur: The City of Lakes

For those who want to pamper themselves into the warmth of culture and heritage, Udaipur in Rajasthan is one of the best tourist places in India to visit in the month of December. Aptly called as City of Lakes, Udaipur comprises palaces, temples and some precious lakes which awe you more in winter’s shy sun. Some places you must visit are the Lake Palace, City Palace and enjoy a boat ride on Lake Pichola.

Why Visit Udaipur in December?

• Good weather for that anticipation and excitement of sightseeing and learning the history of Udaipur.
• Reflections of majestic palaces in the lakes are breathtaking sights.
• December is also when the Shilpgram Festival takes place, showcasing Rajasthan’s arts and crafts.

4. Kerala

If you prefer more calm and relaxed type of holiday, than holidaying in Kerala in the month of December is an excellent option. Tourist attractions include backwaters, palm fringed green land and ideal weather for visiting these places makes it the most favored winter get away. In Alleppey, you can take a houseboat ride; you can spend the day on the beaches of Kovalam or Varkala or you can visit the tea gardens in Munnar.

Why Travel to Kerala in December?

• The weather is cool and pleasant, making it perfect for exploring Kerala’s natural beauty.
• Experience the unique backwater cruises and Ayurvedic treatments.
• December also marks the beginning of the peak season for tourists, ensuring all attractions and services are at their best.

5. Jaisalmer Rajasthan

Snapshot of Jaisalmer, it is located in the middle of Thar Desert. Called the Golden City, there are beautiful architectural buildings in Jaisalmer Fort and Patwon Ki Haveli and Sand Dunes in Sam Desert. One can visit this city in December when the weather is favorable the more reason to go on the desert city and camel trips.

Why Visit Jaisalmer in December?

• Comfortable weather for desert activities like camel safaris and dune bashing.
• Experience staying in desert camps under the stars.
• Explore the historic Jaisalmer Fort and its intricate architecture.

6. Auli, Uttarakhand

For adventure seekers, Auli is one of the renowned places to visit in India in the month of December to grab the backpack and go skiing or snowboarding. This Himalayan destination is blessed with some of the finest ski slopes in India along with exquisite views of snow capped mountains. Cable car rides and trekking are also great in Auli, giving one a spectacular view of the mountain range.

Why Visit Auli in December?

• December is the month when snow activities begin at Auli.
• Trek through captivating snow landscapes.
• Ideal winter destination for adventure freaks looking forward to playing with snow through skiing, snowboarding and trekking.

7. Varanasi Kashi

Similarly for those who are in pursuit of a spiritual journey, Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world; therefore it should not be missed in December. The city is mainly famous because of its Ghats where the sacred Ganga Aarti is performed; it is a city full of life, history, culture and devotion. The comfortable weather in December makes it easier to navigate the narrow alleys, temples, and riverside of Varanasi almost any time of the day.

Why Visit Varanasi Kashi in December?

• Cooler weather for exploring temples and Ghats in Kashi.
• Witness the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony at the end of the day as the sun sets.
• Explore nearby Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon.

8. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

The Great White Desert It is worth visiting the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat in December for an unparalleled experience. This vast stretch of barren land covered with salt takes your breath away and becomes a breathtaking scenery under the bright moon. This is also the month in which the Rann Utsav, a festival of Gujarat’s culture, including the arts and crafts, is celebrated.

Why Visiting Rann of Kutch in December?

• One can view the splendid display of the changed landscape in the Rann of Kutch with full moon.
• Engage yourself in Rann Utsav, a cultural festival in Gujarat.
• Enjoy Camel rides and cultural dance activities.

9. Manali

For snow lovers, Manali is one of the best tourist places to visit in India in December month. Coated in fluffy white snow and surrounded by mountains, Manali has many winter sports to offer such as snowboarding, skiing and paragliding. Also one can head towards the Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass to get some amazing sights of the Himalayas.

Why Visit Manali in December?

• This is the time which is best suited for winter sports lovers and nature lovers as well.
• Enjoy snow-covered landscapes and cozy mountain retreats.
• The month of December is best suitable for extreme activities like skiing and snowboarding.

10. Darjeeling – The Queen of the Hills

Darjeeling is an Indonesian City of Thirteen Hills. Last but not least, within twelve months Darjeeling as a hot tourist place gets nine in December in the year of their advancement in the field of tourism. The beauty of the tea gardens, awesome sight of the 3rd highest mountain in the world Kanchenjunga which is located in the northern part of this area and the beauty of the winter make this place so beautiful and welcoming. Undertake a ride in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the monasteries and markets of the town.

Why Visit Darjeeling in December?

• What could one enjoy the most if going to visit a mountainous region? Fresh and relatively colder temperature who wouldn’t like this and wonderful views.
• Ideal for walking, visiting tea plantations and learning about people’s traditions.
• Inhale deep the sweet babe that is the Toy Train.

Plan you India Tour in December

India is a land which has something or the other for everybody and December is the month when it would be best to visit all the other different parts of the country. Be it places which are tipped with snow, beaches where the sun is so bright, heritage and culture, or spiritual, these are the best tourist places to visit in India in December would not disappoint at all.

Start planning your trip now and choose from our tailored India tour packages to make the most of your winter vacation. Each destination offers unique experiences, so no matter what kind of traveler you are, India in December is bound to leave you enchanted.