The end of the year brings an opportunity for a vacation to refresh and rejuvenate before a new year begins . December is a great month to plan a vacation because it is the month of Christmas and New Year and the weather is quite pleasant . We have compiled a list of the 10 best places to visit in India in December to save you from doing the chores :
1. Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Sonamarg is another quaint hill station you should visit in December. The Satsar and Gadsar lakes are located at an altitude of 2800 m above sea level in this place. As a result, adventure freaks flock to Sonamarg across the year to take part in adventure sports like trekking, skiing, and hiking. As well as these three activities, camping and trout fishing are also available in December. Your trip here will be filled with adventure or simply relaxation amidst the beauty of nature.
Visit Gadsar Lake, Baltal Valley, Satsar Lake, Gangabal Lake, Nilagrad River, Zoji-La Pass, Thajiwas Glacier, Krishnasar Lake, and Yusmarg in Sonamarg.
In Sonamarg, you can indulge in adventure sports – skiing, hiking, trekking, camping with friends, trout fishing and shopping at the Main Market.
2. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
The ‘Queen of Hills’ is known for its picturesque landscape with lush greenery and snow-clad mountains, as well as its pleasant climate. Who wouldn’t want to visit this amazing hill station? December is a great time to visit Shimla since it receives quite a bit of snowfall, especially towards Christmas Eve. Hence, if you want to enjoy snowfall and ice skating, you should visit Shimla in winter.
Among the places to visit in Shimla are Jakhoo Hill, Summer Hills, Chadwick Falls, Annandale, Himalayan Bird Park, Tara Devi Temple, Viceregal Lodge, and Johnnie’s Wax Museum.
Take the Toy Train to Shimla from Kalka, trek to Chadwick Falls and Jakhoo Hill, shop at Lakkar Bazaar, stroll along the Mall Road, and enjoy ice skating on Circular Road.
3. Goa
The dream destination of many is Goa, and if that dream comes true, nothing compares! Goa is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the country, but the experience one gets in December is simply unmatched. During this month, Goa comes alive with grand Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Also in December, Goa hosts the Mando Festival and the Goa Art & Literature Festival. Get ready for a gala of a time in Goa in December!
Visit Aguada Beach, Baga Beach, Bom Jesus Basilica, Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and Calangute Beach in Goa.
Be a part of the grand Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in Goa, indulge in water sports, go hot air ballooning, clubbing, take a cruise on the Mandovi River, and participate in the Goa Art & Literature Festival and Mando Festival.
4. Auli, Uttarakhand
In recent years, Auli has made a name for itself as a fantastic ski resort more than just because of its natural beauty. If you want to go on a fun-filled and adventurous trip with your friends, then coming to Auli in December may be a good choice. Enjoy a cable car ride and a trekking expedition to Gurso Bugyal and Kwani Bugyal while you are here. In addition to this, there are many other things to see and explore in Auli, including Nanda Devi National Park, Joshimath, and Nandprayag. Bird-eye views of the Auli region are a charming experience, and Nanda Devi Peak is the cherry on top.
You can visit Gurso Bugyal, Kwani Bugyal, Trishul Peak, Chenab Lake, Joshimath, Rudraprayag, Nandprayag, and Nanda Devi National Park in Auli.
You can enjoy your time in Auli by skiing, visiting the viewpoints in Auli and taking a cable car ride to capture stunning views.
5. Mylapore, Chennai
Mylapore, Chennai’s major commercial center, is one of its oldest residential areas. Tourists travelling to Chennai should make a trip to Mylapore to see some of the most important temples and cultural venues. The most interesting thing to do in Mylapore is to walk through its streets and soak in the old-world charm of this place aside from praying at the famous Kapaleeswarar Temple, Theerthapaleeswarar Temple, and San Thome Basilica.
In Mylapore, you can visit Kapaleeswarar Temple, Ramakrishna Math, Madhava Perumal Temple, Theerthapaleeswarar Temple, and San Thome Basilica.
You can go shopping at Luz, relish authentic South Indian cuisine, watch a Carnatic music performance, and enjoy a culture and heritage walk across Mada Veethis and Mangollai in Mylapore.
6. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Located between the snow-covered mountains of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, Manali is another awe-inspiring destination in Himachal Pradesh. Since decades, this serene hill station has mesmerized tourists with its natural beauty; and winter is the best time to enjoy it. Known for its ancient temples and scenic valleys, Manali is an ideal destination for sightseeing enthusiasts. Furthermore, it offers some fantastic trekking expeditions as well.
Visit Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Vashisht Hot Water Springs, Solang Valley, Nehru Kund, Arjun Gufa, and Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art in Manali.
Visit Jogini Falls and Raha Falls, trek to Beas Kund, observe snowfall, explore the Manali Sanctuary, and visit Naggar Village in Manali.
7. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most scenic destinations in India, and thus attracts hordes of visitors throughout the year. This hill town is famous for its picturesque setting as well as its Buddhist monasteries. With a pleasant climate, this place makes a perfect getaway for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.
Tawang Monastery, Madhuri Lake, Sela Pass, Gorichen Peak, Tawang War Memorial, Nuranang Falls, Taktsang Gompa, Jaswant Garh, and Peng Teng Tso Lake are some of the places to visit.
You can trek to Geshila Peak, witness the Bumla Pass, visit the Urgelling Gompa, and shop at the local Tibetan market in Tawang.
8. Kutch, Gujarat
As an erstwhile princely state of India, Kutch is known for its vast expanses of white salt desert. At any time of day or night, seeing the white salt desert is simply out of this world ! In December, you can participate in the Rann Festival, which hosts various cultural programs and adventure activities like hot air ballooning. Additionally, you should visit the ancient town of Dholavira and the Siyot Caves.
The Great Rann of Kutch, Kalo Dungar, Topansar Lake, Kandla Port, Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Mandvi Beach, Vijay Vilas Palace, Aina Mahal and Bhadreshwar Jain Temple are some of the places to visit in Kutch.
Among the things to do in Kutch are visiting Dholavira, exploring the ancient Siyot Caves, trying local cuisine, and spending time at the Kutch Museum .
9. Pondicherry
Puducherry, the Union Territory of Pondicherry, is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the country due to its combination of French architecture and traditional Indian culture. For those who enjoy a leisurely vacation, Pondicherry is a calm and peaceful destination.
Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Gingee Fort, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jawahar Toy Museum, Ousteri Lake, French War Memorial and Pondicherry Botanical Garden are some of the attractions in Pondicherry .
Among the things to do in Pondicherry : Take a stroll along the Promenade Beach and Paradise Beach, shop for handicrafts at Pondy Bazaar, hang out at Goubert Avenue beach road, ride the Chunnambar Boat House, explore the White Town, and visit Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple.
10. Gaya, Bihar
The holy Phalgu River runs through Gaya, an important pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus. At this place, devotees flock in large numbers every day to the Mahabodhi Temple and Vishnupad Temple. Pind Daan pujas are also held in Gaya. The best way to reach Gaya is to travel to Patna, which is only 100 km away.
Visit Mahabodhi Temple, Dungeshwari Cave Temples, Barabar Caves, Vishnupad Temple, Chinese Temple and Monastery, Thai Temple and Monastery, and Royal Bhutan Monastery in Gaya.
Enjoy the chants and hymns sung by the priests at the Mahabodhi Temple, visit Mangla Gauri Temple and Dakshinaarka Temple, and explore the Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum.
