India is a country with diverse topography and is a melting pot of different cultures. When the mercury dips in this beautiful South Asian country, there are so many places to explore. India boasts several such places that glisten with a blanket of white snow during the winter and many of its places have fresh and pleasant weather with mild sunshine. December is that time of the year when the amalgamation of chill and pleasant weather offers the perfect excuse to visit this country. Here are our top recommendations on the places to visit in India in December so that you discover and experience some of the finest attractions the Indian peninsula has to offer. Come, experience an epic winter in this wonderful country with your dear ones!
1. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan (from USD 95.0)
The city of Jaisalmer is located in proximity to the border of Pakistan. Also referred to as the Golden City, it has emerged as a prominent tourist place in the country because it is very close to the Thar Desert. If you wish to enjoy the mesmerizing sights of the freezing Thar Desert, a visit to Jaisalmer in winter is a must. Explore the popular local activities like the desert safari, a luxurious night camping in the desert, or enjoy a riot of colors as the sun sets in the desert. You may also include a visit to the Magnetic Fields music festival, which the city hosts in December to watch some amazing performances by the musicians. Check out the other attractions like the traditional folk music scene of Rajasthan, palaces, and forts while you are here.
Private Jaisalmer City Tour with Fort and Heritage Havelis
Duration: 5.0 hour
2. Kohima, Nagaland
Take a break from visiting conventional locations in India, instead go to the North East. The state of Nagaland is one of the most beautiful places to visit with your family in India in the month of December. The state is famous for its theatrical performances, folk songs, and traditional dances and you will also love its local culture. Kohima is the capital of Nagaland and is known for its unmatched beauty. The city hosts the Hornbill Rock Festival in the month of December every year. Bands from different parts of the nation perform at the event. You would definitely not like to miss this beautiful event.
3. Kutch, Gujarat
Thousands of tourists visit Rann of Kutch, the biggest salt desert of the world every winter to have a look at the massive expanse of the salt sand, which is a magical sight, especially on a full moon night. The Rann Utsav or Kutch festival is the pride of Rann of Kutch and is held every year between November and February. The festival has it all to entice the visitors including, exciting shopping, traditional dishes, cultural performances, folk dances to activities like desert safari, star gazing, handicrafts, and art. In short, the festival offers tons of activities for everyone. December is the best month of the year to visit the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
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4. Old Goa
Goans fondly refer to Francis Xavier as the Lord of Goa or “Goencho Sahib”. The Feast of Francis Xavier is an annual festival, which is celebrated in Goa with great enthusiasm. The event celebrates the dedication of the saint towards Jesus Christ through his social work in Asia and Europe. It is celebrated on third December every year and marks the day when the saint was buried. Goans pray for nine days known as the Novena, which is followed by different kinds of ceremonies to commemorate the demise of the saint.
5. Pune, Maharashtra
The month of December is an excellent time to visit the city of Pune and explore its various attractions. Sunburn Festival happens to be the largest Electronic Dance Music Festival in the country. It is the perfect mix of entertainment, music, shopping, and lip-smacking food. In 2009, CNN placed it as one of the world’s Top 10 Festivals. The festival draws over 3,50,000 visitors, as well as, artists every year. It was earlier held on Goa’s Vagator Beach but has now shifted its venue and has been rebranded to Sunburn Hills.
6. Dawki, Shillong
Shillong is a heavenly place in the state of Meghalaya to visit in December. The temperature is pleasant and ranges between 12 and 20 degrees. It is the sole hill station in India that can be accessed from all sides. Dawki is a small scenic town located at about 82 km (51 mi) from Shillong. The town is popular for its unparalleled beauty and its Unmgot River features crystal clear water so that boat riding on it would appear as if you are flying in the air. So, make sure that Dawki is on your bucket list when you visit the country in winter. Relish the juicy and sweet oranges available at this beautiful border town. The airport in Guwahati is the nearest airport from Dawki and is about 200 km (124.27 mi) from here.
7. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Dalhousie is a beautiful hill station located in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is one of our top recommended places to visit in India during the winter. The view of the snow-covered lush Deodar forests here is truly spectacular. This gorgeous destination in India is known for its quintessential snow-capped mountains and chilly breeze. Also, all trekking enthusiasts should visit the town in December so that they can attend the famous National Himalayan Winter Trekking Expedition.
8. Sonmarg, Jammu And Kashmir
Come, witness the beginning of snowfall in Sonmarg in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The place is famous for its Thajiwas Glacier, frozen lakes, and snow carpets. The glacier is the perfect place for enjoying various snow activities such as sled rides, snowboarding, and skiing. It is an experience of a lifetime to watch the start of snowfall in December in the stunning Kashmir Valley. The glacial sighting in the winter land is truly magical. You can avail of a Santa Claus coat and ride a sled while humming the famous song “jingle bells”. The temperature in Sonamarg dips down to subzero levels in the month of December.
9. Mount Abu, Rajasthan
Mount Abu is one of the most preferred winter destinations on the western side of the country because of its high altitude and picturesque beauty. Although there is no record of any snowfall here in the winters, you would love visiting the place for its pleasant weather, as well as, a plethora of attractions offered by it. Outdoorsy visitors will love paddling around the beautiful Nakki Lake while The Dilwara Temples are a must-visit when you are here. Also, visit the Achalgarh Fort to get a close glimpse into the history of the locality and attend the Mt Abu Winter Festival. The festival lasts for three days and gives a deep insight into the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan. Enjoy folk and classical music performances at this winter festival.
10. Andaman and Nicobar Islands (from USD 615.0)
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a cluster of around 600 beautiful islands in the Bay of Bengal. The islands are famous for their pristine beaches, adventurous water sports, and lush dense forests. The best time to visit the sultry and humid Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the month of December. Winters are pleasant here and enable the tourists to explore the spectacular coral reefs and the crystal clear sea waters thoroughly. You can choose from a string of activities such as scuba diving, exploring the wonderful national parks, snorkeling, and also enjoy the Christmas celebrations the tiny islands are famous for.
Andaman Islands 4-Night Tour with Havelock, Neil, Ross Islands
Duration: 5 days
Visit these places at year end
Travel through India during the winters so that you can beat the heat and enjoy your vacation well. Irrespective of whether you wish to discover the mountains, heritage, or the beauty of this country, here are the top places to visit in India in December.
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