Best Places to Visit in December in India: A Year-End Escape

December marks the beginning of the end of each year, and vacation this month would be a good idea to welcome the new year with a rejuvenated soul and mind. We suggest you plan a vacation in December as the temperature remains quite pleasant across the country, and Christmas and New Year take centre stage this month. There are so many destinations to visit in December in India to choose from and to save you some time and effort. We have made this ultimate list of the best places to visit in December in India.

List of 15 Places To Visit In December In India (2024)

• Manali
• Shimla
• Auli
• Goa
• Mylapore
• Tawang
• Pondicherry
• Dalhousie
• Havelock Island
• Jaisalmer
• Dawki
• Chopta
• Diu
• Rann of Kutch
• Udaipur

Here, we have talked about the best places to visit in December in India to welcome the new year on a good note. Have a look!

1. Manali

Nestled between the snow-clad mountains of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges, Manali in Himachal Pradesh is an awe-inspiring destination. For decades, Manali’s alluring natural beauty has mesmerized tourists, and it remains at its best during December. Manali is an ideal destination for sightseeing enthusiasts because of its ancient temples and scenic valleys. And if that’s not enough for you, Manali also offers some fantastic trekking expeditions.

• Places to visit in Manali - Hadimba Temple, Solang Valley, Nehru Kund, Arjun Gufa, Museum of Himachal Culture, Manu Temple, Vashisht Hot Water Springs, and Folk Art.
• Things to do in Manali - Trekking, river rafting, paragliding, zorbing, skiing, visiting ancient temples, nature walks, and more. 

Also Read - Best Places To Visit In Manali For Couples

2. Shimla

Known for its picturesque landscape featuring lush greenery and snow-clad mountains, Shimla is fondly called the ‘Queen of Hills’. And during the pleasant climate of December, you can never resist exploring this magical wonderland’s beauty. Shimla can be visited any time of the year, but its beauty in December remains unmatched. In Shimla, snow falls quite a bit this month, especially on Christmas Eve, which is why it is so popular amongst tourists.

• Places to visit in Shimla. Jakhoo Hill, Summer Hills, Himalayan Bird Park, Tara Devi Temple, Viceregal Lodge, The Shimla State Museum, Chadwick Falls, Annandale, and Johnnie’s Wax Museum.
• Things to Do in Shimla. Shopping at Lakkar Bazaar, a toy train ride through verdant landscapes, rafting at Tattapani, Ice-skating, cycling, paragliding, nature walk, and more.

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3. Auli

Popular as a fantastic ski resort in recent years all over the globe, Auli has an unmatched scenic natural beauty. Coming to Auli in December can be a good choice if you want a fun-filled adventurous trip with your friends. If you visit Auli in December, then do enjoy a trekking expedition to Kwani Bugyal and Gurso Bugyal, as well as a cable car ride. The sight of Nanda Devi Peak from one of its viewpoints will leave you speechless.

• Places to visit in Auli. Chenab Lake, Joshimath, Rudraprayag, Nandprayag, Gurso Bugyal, Kwani Bugyal, Trishul Peak, and Nanda Devi National Park.
• Things to do in Auli. Trekking on Gorson Trek, cable car ride, skiing, bird watching, camping, spending days soaking in nature’s beauty, shopping, and more. 

4. Goa

With thousands of tourists from across the globe each year flocking in, Goa is a dream destination for many. Home to the most scenic beaches in the country, Goa offers a simply outstanding experience in December. With grand Christmas and New Year’s celebrations held here, Goa fully comes alive this month. The other major crowd-pullers during this month are Goa Art & Literature Festival and the Mando Festival. For a gala of a time, go Goa in December.

• Places to visit in Goa. Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Aguada Beach, Baga Beach, Bom Jesus Basilica, and Calangute Beach.
• Things to do in Goa. Beach hopping, indulging in diverse water-based activities, relishing seafood, reliving history at Basilica of Bom Jesus, trying luck in casinos, going on a spice plantation tour, and more. 

5. Mylapore

One of the oldest residential areas in the city, Mylapore is the major commercial centre of Chennai. Owing to its important cultural venues and temples, tourists who visit Chennai also include Mylapore on their lists. The most interesting things to do in Mylapore are pray at the famous Theertha Pale Eswarar Temple, San Thome Basilica, and Kapaleeswarar Temple and to walk through its streets and soak in the old-world charm.

• Places to visit in Mylapore. Madhava Perumal Temple, Theertha Pale Eswarar Temple, Kapaleeswarar Temple, Ramakrishna Math, and San Thome Basilica.
• Things to do in Mylapore. Visiting prominent temples, shopping at Luz, soaking in Carnatic music culture in Sabhas, engaging in heritage and culture walks, enjoying typical Mylaporean cuisines, and more.

Click here for Exciting Honeymoon Packages

6. Tawang

Flocked by hordes of travellers throughout the year, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the scenic destinations of India. Famous for its picturesque setting, this hill town is home to some important Buddhist monasteries. With pleasant weather, a trip to Tawang will be a perfect recipe for an enjoyable and peaceful vacation.

• Places to visit in Tawang. Tawang Monastery, Tawang War Memorial, Nuranang Falls, Taktsang Gompa, Jaswant Garh, Madhuri Lake, Sela Pass, Gorichen Peak, and Peng Teng Tso Lake.  
• Things to do in Tawang. Meditate at Taktsang Gompa, hike at Gorichen peak, soak in the beauty of Nuranag waterfalls, a stroll by Madhuri Lake, and more. 

7. Pondicherry

Owing to its landscape being an amalgamation of French architecture and traditional Indian culture, Pondicherry is one of the most sought-after destinations in the country, which is a union territory also known as Puducherry or just Pondy. Perfect for those who wish to spend their vacation in a leisurely manner, Pondicherry is a calm and peaceful place.

• Places to visit in Pondicherry. Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jawahar Toy Museum, Ousteri Lake, French War Memorial, Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Gingee Fort, and Pondicherry Botanical Garden.
• Things to do in Pondicherry. Soak in the beauty of sunrise at Promenade Beach, birdwatching at Ousteri Lake, Boat ride to Paradise Island, water activities at Karaikal beach, experience a sense of peace washing over you at Auroville Ashram, and more.

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8. Dalhousie

Endeared by generations of tourists and settlers, Dalhousie is one of the most picturesque towns in the country. In December, the snow-clad peaks and snowflakes covering the deodar forests will capture your senses the moment you set foot in this place.

• Places to visit in Dalhousie. Dainkund Peak, Satdhara Falls, and St. John’s Church.
• Things to do in Dalhousie. Paragliding, feel refreshed at Satdhara Falls, scenic hike at Dainkund peak, discover architectural marvels at St. John’s Church, take a dip in a hot spring in Subhash baoli, and more. 

Also Read - 10 Snowfall Places In Himachal Pradesh

9. Havelock Island

One of the most popular destinations in India because of its alluring beaches, Havelock Island is an island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. With its stunning curve, palm trees, and turquoise blue water, Radhanagar Beach is the top draw of this island. The best time to visit Havelock Island is December.

• Places to visit in Havelock Island. Radhanagar Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, Elephant Beach, and Kalapathar Beach.
• Things to do in Havelock Island. Explore rich marine life at Elephant Beach, have fun and frolic at Radhanagar Beach, nature walk, seaplane ride to Barren Island, explore biodiversity at Neil Island and more. 

Also Read - Best Tourist Places To Visit In Andaman

10. Jaisalmer

One of the most significant tourist places of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is perhaps the most famous place to visit in December in the state. During the month of December, the count of tourists increases by leaps and bounds. Jaisalmer is known as the golden city because its castles are made of golden sandstone.

• Places to visit in Jaisalmer. Kothari’s Patwaon Ki Haveli, Vyas Chhatri, and Jaisalmer Fort.
• Things to do in Jaisalmer. Explore the architecturally renowned havelis and fort, parasail at Kanoi, shop in local bazaars, desert jeep safari, visit the abandoned village, Kuldhara, soak in the beauty of Sam desert, and more.  
  

Also Read - Best Tourist Places To Visit In Rajasthan

11. Dawki

The only hill station in the country which is accessible from all sides, Dawki in Shillong is a mesmerisingly beautiful place. The Unmgot River here is known for its crystal-clear water. It seems as if the boat floating on it is in the air. One of the most beautiful places to visit in India in winter, Dawki attracts many tourists.

• Places to visit in Dawki. Elephant Falls, Umiam Lake, NohkaLikai Falls, Shillong View Point, Lady Hyadari Park, and more.
• Things to do in Dawki. Boating in Unmgot River, enjoying nature walk by the banks of the river, enjoying scenic views around, enjoying orange juice, and more.

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12. Chopta

Soak in the beauty of picturesque views all around of sun-capped Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba. Whether you are a soul-seeker, a photography enthusiast, or a die-hard romantic, Chopta is the perfect place for you. If you are lucky, you can enjoy mesmerising snowfall.

• Places to visit in Chopta. Deoria Tal, Tungnath, Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev, and Rohini Bugyal.
• Things to do in Chopta. Trekking on a scenic trail, camping at Baniyakund, discovering the rare Himalayan wildlife, soaking in the culture at Ukhimath, a refreshing dive into Deoria Tal, and more.

Also Read - Top 10 Best Snowfall Places In India

13. Diu

Diu is one of the most scenic attractions attracting visitors from all across the country. The vast expanse of pristine beaches, stunning sunrise and sunsets, bonfires at night, and lip-smacking seafood make this destination one of the best December tourist places in India.

• Places to visit in Diu. Nagoa Beach, Ghogala Beach, Diu Fort, Naida Caves, Seashell Museum, St. Paul Church, Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple, and more.
• Things to do in Diu. Spend time at beaches, soak in mesmerising sunset views, capture scenic vistas with a camera lens, shop, visit ancient temples, and more.

Also Read - Top 10 Places To Visit In Daman And Diu

14. Rann of Kutch

Located in Gujarat, Rann of Kutch is the best tourist place in India in December. Planning a trip to this vibrant destination in December also gives you a chance to experience the famous Rann Utsav. Stay in a tent and enjoy the vast white, sandy desert expanse shining brightly under moonlight.

• Places to visit in Rann of Kutch. Kalo Dungar, Shri Nadeshwari Mataji Temple, Kutch Fossil Park, Siyot Caves, and more.
• Things to do in Rann of Kutch. Witness the gorgeous and shining white sandy desert, visit the highest point in Kutch, Kalo Dungar, Kutch Museum, Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal, Vijay Vilas Palace, and more.

Click Here to Book Rann Utsav Packages 

15. Udaipur

The stunning City of Lakes beckons several tourists who love soaking in the rich culture, heritage, and beauty of this royal city. Located in the foothills of the verdant Aravalli Hill Range, the city looks truly majestic with beautiful palaces, majestic forts, and stunning havelis. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to go in December in India.

• Places to visit in Udaipur. Jag Mandir, City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari, Pichhola Lake, Jag Mandir, Monsoon Palace, and more.
• Things to do in Udaipur. Enjoy picturesque views of the city from the Monsoon Palace, boating in Pichhola Lake, a Light and Sound show at the City Palace, shopping at bustling bazaars, and authentic food at Rajasthani restaurants.

Also Read - 10 Offbeat Places To Udaipur 

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Also Read - Best Places To Visit In January In India

Frequently Asked Questions About Tourist Places To Visit in December India

Q1. Which are some of the safest places to visit in December in India?
Ans - Some of the safest places to visit in December in India are -

• Manali
• Shimla
• Auli
• Havelock Island
• Pondicherry

Q2. What are the best places to visit in December in India with friends?
Ans - Auli is perhaps the best place to visit in December in India with friends for a fun-filled and adventurous trip.

Q 3. Which are the best family-friendly places to visit in December in India?
Ans - Some of the best family-friendly places to visit in December in India are 

• Auli
• Udaipur
• Jaisalmer
• Manali
• Shillong
• Havelock Island
• Pondicherry
• Rann of Kutch
• Diu
• Chopta

Q 4. Which are the best states to visit in December in India?
Ans - Best states to visit in December in India.

• Rajasthan
• Uttarakhand
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Goa
• Diu
• Kerala
• Gujarat 

Q 5. Is India a good place to visit in December?
Ans - India is a diverse country with distinctive topographical features. It is the perfect place to visit in December as sea lovers can visit Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, etc., while nature lovers can plan a trip to Manali, Leh, Ladakh, Gulmarg, and so on. India has diverse attractions suiting every traveller’s interests.

Q 6. Which are the best places to visit in December in India for solo travellers?
Ans - Some of the best places to visit in India in December for solo travellers are

• Diu
• Rann of Kutch
• Udaipur
• Chopta
• Shillong
• Havelock
• Pondicherry
• Jaisalmer

Q 7. Which are the best places to visit in December in India for honeymooners?
Ans - Some of the best places to visit in India in December for honeymooners are 

• Ladakh
• Gulmarg
• Diu
• Rann of Kutch
• Udaipur
• Chopta
• Shillong
• Havelock Island
• Pondicherry
• Jaisalmer