Top 15 Best Places To Visit In December India

December transforms India into a traveler's paradise. Snow blankets the Himalayan peaks of Manali and Kashmir while golden deserts of Jaisalmer come alive under cool winter skies. Coastal gems like Goa and Andaman Islands offer perfect beach weather, and Kerala's backwaters in Alleppey provide serene escapes from the winter chill.

Keep reading as we explore the best places to visit in December India, from snow-capped mountains to sun-kissed beaches that will make your winter getaway unforgettable.

1. Manali: Where Mountains Meet Magic

Manali becomes a winter wonderland in December. Fresh snow covers the peaks while the town buzzes with holiday energy. The crisp mountain air carries the scent of pine and adventure.

I remember standing on Mall Road at dawn, watching locals emerge from their homes with steaming cups of chai, their breath visible in the cold air. That's when Manali feels most authentic—before the day tourists arrive.

Solang Valley offers skiing and paragliding. Rohtang Pass stays closed due to snow, but the journey toward it reveals stunning white landscapes that stretch endlessly.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: December to February
  
• How to Get There: Fly to Bhuntar Airport (50km) or drive from Delhi (530km)
  
• Entry Fee: Free (activity charges vary)
  
• Suggested Stay: 3-4 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Mall Road, Solang Valley, Hadimba Temple, Old Manali
  

2. Auli: India's Skiing Capital

Auli offers some of Asia's finest skiing slopes. December brings fresh powder snow and crystal-clear views of Nanda Devi peak. The cable car ride reveals panoramic Himalayan vistas that photographers dream about.

Professional ski instructors make learning accessible for beginners. Equipment rentals are available, though advance booking is recommended during peak season.

The silence here is profound. At night, stars shine brighter than anywhere else, unmarred by city lights.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: December to March
  
• How to Get There: Drive to Joshimath (15km cable car ride) or trek 4km
  
• Entry Fee: Cable car ₹750 return
  
• Suggested Stay: 2-3 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Auli Artificial Lake, Gurso Bugyal, Chenab Lake
  

3. Srinagar: Poetry in Winter

December cloaks Srinagar in serene beauty. Dal Lake partially freezes, creating mirror-like reflections of houseboats and mountains. The famous Mughal gardens wear winter's quiet elegance.

Staying on a houseboat during winter feels like living inside a snow globe. You'll wake to find frost on windows and steam rising from your morning kahwa tea.

Srinagar's winter markets sell the finest Kashmiri handicrafts. Local artisans work with pashmina wool and papier-mâché, their skills passed down through generations.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: December to February
  
• How to Get There: Fly to Srinagar Airport (domestic flights available)
  
• Entry Fee: Free (houseboat charges vary)
  
• Suggested Stay: 3-4 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Hazratbal Shrine, Shankaracharya Temple
  

4. Kashmir: Valley of Dreams

Kashmir in December is a masterpiece painted in white and blue. Apple orchards stand bare against snowy mountains while frozen streams create natural ice sculptures.

Gulmarg becomes a skiing paradise with its world-class slopes and gondola rides. Pahalgam offers peaceful walks through snow-laden forests where every step crunches underfoot.

The warmth of Kashmiri hospitality contrasts beautifully with the cold weather. Families invite travelers to share their traditional wazwan meals beside wood-fired kangris.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: December to February
  
• How to Get There: Fly to Srinagar, then drive to various locations
  
• Entry Fee: Varies by location
  
• Suggested Stay: 5-7 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Betaab Valley
  

5. Goa: Sunshine State in Perfect Form

December brings Goa's best weather. Monsoon clouds disappear, leaving behind golden beaches and azure waters. Temperature hovers around 25°C—perfect for beach lounging and water sports.

Beach shacks reopen with fresh seafood and cold drinks. Christmas celebrations fill the air with music and lights, creating a festive atmosphere unique to Goa.

Skip the crowded Baga Beach for quieter stretches like Agonda or Palolem. These southern beaches offer the same beauty with fewer crowds.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: December to February
  
• How to Get There: Fly to Dabolim Airport or take trains to major stations
  
• Entry Fee: Free (accommodation and food charges vary)
  
• Suggested Stay: 4-5 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Baga Beach, Old Goa Churches, Dudhsagar Falls, Spice Plantations
  

6. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Tropical Paradise

December offers ideal conditions for island hopping. Calm seas make boat rides comfortable while clear skies provide stunning sunset views. Water visibility reaches 40 meters—perfect for diving and snorkeling.

Havelock Island's Radhanagar Beach consistently ranks among Asia's best. The white sand feels like powder between your toes while gentle waves create nature's soundtrack.

Cellular Jail in Port Blair tells India's freedom struggle story. Evening light and sound shows bring history alive against the backdrop of this colonial prison.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: November to March
  
• How to Get There: Fly to Port Blair (direct flights from major cities)
  
• Entry Fee: Free (boat fares and activities extra)
  
• Suggested Stay: 5-7 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Havelock Island, Neil Island, Cellular Jail, Ross Island
  

7. Diu: Coastal Gem Hidden in Time

Diu combines Portuguese architecture with Indian coastal charm. December weather makes exploring the fort and beaches comfortable. The island's laid-back atmosphere provides perfect relaxation.

Diu Fort stands majestically against the Arabian Sea. Its stone walls have withstood centuries of coastal storms while maintaining their impressive structure.

Local fishing boats return each evening with fresh catches. Beachside restaurants serve grilled fish that tastes better with your feet in the sand.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: October to March
  
• How to Get There: Fly to Diu Airport or drive via Veraval
  
• Entry Fee: Free
  
• Suggested Stay: 2-3 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Diu Fort, Naida Caves, Gangeshwar Temple, Ghogla Beach
  

8. Jaisalmer: Golden Desert Dreams

December transforms Jaisalmer into a comfortable desert destination. Daytime temperatures remain pleasant while nights turn cool enough for bonfires under star-filled skies.

The golden fort rises from the Thar Desert like a mirage made real. Its sandstone walls glow amber during sunrise and sunset, earning the nickname “Golden City.”

Camel safaris into Sam Sand Dunes offer authentic desert experiences. I spent one December night sleeping under stars so bright they seemed close enough to touch. The silence of the desert teaches patience.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: November to February
  
• How to Get There: Fly to Jodhpur (285km drive) or take trains to Jaisalmer
  
• Entry Fee: Fort entry ₹30
  
• Suggested Stay: 2-3 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Jaisalmer Fort, Sam Sand Dunes, Patwon Ki Haveli, Gadisar Lake
  

9. Udaipur: City of Lakes and Romance

Udaipur's December weather makes palace hopping and lake cruises perfectly comfortable. The city wears a romantic charm enhanced by cool breezes and clear skies.

Lake Pichola reflects the City Palace's intricate architecture while boat rides offer unique perspectives of marble palaces and ghats. Evening aarti ceremonies create magical moments with floating diyas.

Rooftop restaurants provide stunning views of the lake and palace complex. Rajasthani cuisine tastes better when accompanied by such royal surroundings.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: October to March
  
• How to Get There: Fly to Maharana Pratap Airport or train connections
  
• Entry Fee: City Palace ₹300
  
• Suggested Stay: 3-4 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon ki Bari
  

10. Agra: Eternal Monument to Love

December provides ideal conditions for visiting the Taj Mahal. Clear skies enhance the marble monument's ethereal beauty while comfortable temperatures make extended photography sessions enjoyable.

Sunrise at the Taj creates moments of pure magic. The monument changes colors from pink to golden to pristine white as dawn breaks. Few experiences match this daily transformation.

Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh offer alternative perspectives of the Taj Mahal. Local artisans continue marble inlay traditions started by Mughal craftsmen centuries ago.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: October to March
  
• How to Get There: Fly to Delhi (200km drive) or direct trains
  
• Entry Fee: Taj Mahal ₹1100
  
• Suggested Stay: 1-2 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Mehtab Bagh, Itmad-ud-Daulah
  

11. Varanasi: Spiritual Heartbeat of India

December mornings in Varanasi create unforgettable spiritual experiences. Cool air carries temple bells and chanting while the Ganges flows peacefully past ancient ghats.

Watching sunrise from a boat on the Ganges reveals Varanasi's timeless rhythm. Pilgrims perform morning rituals while sadhus meditate in riverside ashrams. The city awakens to ancient traditions.

Evening Ganga aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat draws thousands. Priests perform synchronized rituals with fire and chants that resonate across the river.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: October to March
  
• How to Get There: Fly to Varanasi Airport or train connections
  
• Entry Fee: Free (boat rides extra)
  
• Suggested Stay: 2-3 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, Boat rides on Ganges
  

12. Munnar: Hills Painted in Green

December brings Munnar's coolest weather and clearest mountain views. Tea plantations stretch endlessly across rolling hills while misty mornings create ethereal landscapes.

Walking through tea estates feels like moving through green carpets. Workers pluck leaves with practiced precision while the aroma of fresh tea fills the mountain air.

Eravikulam National Park protects endangered Nilgiri tahr. December sightings are common as animals venture closer to viewpoints during cooler weather.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: September to March
  
• How to Get There: Fly to Kochi (130km drive) or train to Aluva
  
• Entry Fee: Eravikulam National Park ₹125
  
• Suggested Stay: 2-3 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Tea Gardens, Eravikulam National Park, Mattupetty Dam, Top Station
  

13. Coorg (Kodagu): Scotland of India

December transforms Coorg into a coffee lover's paradise. Pleasant weather makes plantation walks comfortable while fresh mountain air carries the aroma of ripening coffee beans.

Staying in a plantation homestay provides authentic experiences. Hosts share coffee-making processes from bean to cup while serving traditional Kodava cuisine prepared with locally grown spices.

Abbey Falls creates a spectacular sight during December. The waterfall flows through rocks and vegetation, creating natural pools perfect for photography.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: October to February
  
• How to Get There: Fly to Mangalore (160km) or drive from Bangalore
  
• Entry Fee: Free (plantation tours extra)
  
• Suggested Stay: 2-3 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Coffee Plantations, Abbey Falls, Raja's Seat, Namdroling Monastery
  

14. Alleppey: Venice of the East

December offers perfect backwater cruising conditions in Alleppey. Calm waters reflect coconut palms while traditional houseboats provide comfortable floating accommodations.

Cruising through narrow canals reveals Kerala's rural life. Fishermen cast nets from small boats while women wash clothes at water's edge. Life moves slowly here, measured by tides and seasons.

Local cooks prepare fresh fish curry and rice on houseboat decks. Meals taste better when accompanied by gentle water movements and village sounds drifting across the water.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: November to February
  
• How to Get There: Train to Alappuzha or drive from Kochi (53km)
  
• Entry Fee: Free (houseboat charges vary)
  
• Suggested Stay: 1-2 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: Backwater cruises, Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach, Village tours
  

15. Rann of Kutch: White Desert Wonder

December begins the spectacular Rann Utsav festival in Gujarat's white desert. The salt flats stretch endlessly under clear winter skies while cultural performances celebrate local traditions.

Full moon nights transform the white salt into a glowing landscape that seems otherworldly. The silence is profound, broken only by occasional camel bells or distant folk music.

Flamingo migrations peak in December. Thousands of pink birds create living clouds against the stark white backdrop, offering photographers incredible opportunities.

Quick Facts:

• Peak Season: November to February
  
• How to Get There: Fly to Bhuj (85km) then drive to Dhordo
  
• Entry Fee: Rann Utsav packages vary
  
• Suggested Stay: 2 days
  
• Must-Visit Spots: White Rann, Kala Dungar, Bhuj museums, Flamingo sanctuary
  

Your December Adventure Awaits

December in India offers endless possibilities. Snow-covered mountains call to adventure seekers while golden beaches welcome sun worshippers. Ancient cities whisper stories of bygone eras as modern destinations promise comfort and luxury.

Each destination creates memories that last lifetimes. Whether you choose Kashmir's snowy valleys or Goa's sunny shores, December provides perfect conditions for exploration.

Pack your bags differently for each region—winter clothes for the mountains, light cotton for the beaches. But pack your sense of wonder for everywhere. India in December rewards curious travelers with experiences that transform ordinary vacations into extraordinary journeys.

The best time to book is now. December fills up quickly as travelers worldwide discover India's winter magic.