December is like the Friday of the year. Everyone is in a relaxed mood, taking their annual leaves, spending some quality time with their loved ones and rejuvenating before the hustle of the new year begins. What better way to spend this last month than by going on a vacation in our very own country? A country so rich in culture, experiences and weather conditions means there’s some place to visit for everyone. Let’s dive in to see the best places to visit in December in India and you can decide where your next vacation is going to be!
We are sure you expected this on the list but how can we talk about the best domestic places to visit in India and not include this beautiful coastal state? A beach lover’s paradise, this place offers unique experiences for everyone. A water sports junkie, a history lover, a party animal or a ‘sleep in on vacay’ person, Goa has something to offer for every kind of traveller. There are also offbeat things and stay at some gorgeous properties .
With temperatures ranging between 12 to 20 degrees, Shillong makes for one of the best hill stations in India to visit in December, especially since it is accessible from all sides. Dwaki, home to river Unmgot, is a magical town during winter. The water from the river is so clear that it gives the illusion of floating mid-air, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It makes the list of the top family vacation spots in India thanks to its peaceful atmosphere. Apart from Dwaki, there are a lot of other tourist attractions and some beautiful stays to experience true luxury.
This one is for hardcore winter lovers. The ones who love it when their feet are freezing and the only thing that soothes their soul is sitting by the fireplace. Sonamarg in particular, situated about 2 hours away from Srinagar, is a beautiful village that looks like it is straight out of a movie scene. This place offers picturesque views of the lakes for nature lovers as well as activities such as camping, trekking and hiking for adrenaline junkies, making it the perfect vacation spot in India during December. While you’re there, don’t miss out on scrumptious Kashmiri delicacies and drive down to Srinagar for some exciting experiences.
If your idea of a relaxing vacation is beautiful views of the white salt desert, mesmerising candy floss skies and being at one with nature - look no further - Kutch offers it all, along with a celebration of culture and arts at Rann Utsav which takes place during winter. It offers something to do for everyone irrespective of age, making it one of the top family vacation spots in India. Plan your itinerary in advance so you don’t miss out on anything and enjoy the full experience.
Varkala, often known as Kerala’s ‘Bohemian Beach Town’, is often humid owing to its coastal location but during winter the temperature tends to drop as low as 12°C, making it the best vacation spot in India during December. Gorgeous views of the sky, a soothing dip in the warm sea and a chill in the air, tell us that’s not perfect. It is also home to some great Yoga retreats so if that’s the vibe of your holiday, you know you have to look no further. And if you ever get bored of the beach(which you won’t), there are some well-known Pilgrim spots and places with historical and cultural significance.
A popular vacation spot in Rajasthan and rightly so! If you want to vacay as the royals do, you know Udaipur is the place to be. The city of lakes is also home to many palaces and luxurious properties making it one of the top 10 family vacation spots in India, especially during December. The majestic Kumbhalgarh fort is a short 2-hour drive away and offers a deep dive into the history and culture of Rajasthan. Udaipur is the perfect place to spend some quality time with the family, indulge in some street shopping for home decor and jewellery and has some aesthetic cafes for all the insta lovers!
This one is for all the water babies out there! December is the best time to visit Andaman because the weather is pleasant and the water is the perfect temperature for all the water activities. 3-4 days are enough are explore this beautiful place where you can visit popular tourist attractions such as the Limestone caves, the Cellular jail and nearby islands like Havelock and Barren Island. Our pro tip? Be sure to book in advance, this one is a crowd favourite in December, no wonder it makes the best places to visit in December list.
A surprising addition to this list but for a reason. Varanasi is sure to appeal to spiritual people who love to witness temples, ghats and museums and look forward to gaining some knowledge during their travels. While on your vacation here, you can enjoy some unique experiences like attending the vivacious evening aarti, walking along the ghats and signing up for guided sightseeing tours. And if that’s not your vibe, we are sure the scrumptious street food will make it up - don’t miss out on trying kachori sabzi, litti chokha and tamatar chaat and top it all off with a banarasi paan.
Some of the most remarkable ancient places can be found in this city located on the banks of Phalgu river. Being one of the oldest cities in India, it is rich with historical and cultural landmarks. It is also home to Bodh Gaya, the place where Gautum Buddha attained enlightenment. While here, you can explore various temples, and visit Sujata Stupa and other monasteries. Bihar has a lot of other attractions so if your heart wants, extend your trip and enjoy slow travel in this peaceful state.
Last on this list but definitely not the least, is Ranthambore. This place is one of the best domestic places to visit in December in India because of the majestic creatures - tigers. December is when migratory birds make their way to Ranthambore and the flora and fauna of the national park are in all their glory. You can enjoy experiences like safari, birdwatching, and hiking up to the Ranthambore fort or you can enjoy an unusual but peaceful activity- a hot air balloon ride. Our advice to you would be - Don’t forget to pack your jackets and layer up well while there, because temperatures drop as low as 5°C.
