From the snow-covered valleys of the north to the sun-kissed beaches in the south, India offers a wide array of options to suit every traveller's preference. Whether you seek a serene mountain retreat, a vibrant cultural experience, or a relaxing beach getaway, India has something for everyone in December. But before embarking on your December escapade, it is wise to consider getting travel insurance to ensure a secure and worry-free trip.
Top destinations to visit in December in India
Explore the top places to visit in December in India:
Best places to visit in December in India | |||
North India | South India | East India | West India |
Srinagar | Kochi | Kolkata | Goa |
Haridwar | Munnar | Darjeeling | Mumbai |
Rishikesh | Wayanad | Bhubaneswar | Ahmedabad |
Nainital | Mysore | Gangtok | Pune |
Mussoorie | Kanyakumari | Puri | Nashik |
Amritsar | Chennai | Bodh Gaya | Bhuj |
Delhi | Coimbatore | Varanasi | Jaisalmer |
Agra | Pondicherry | Visakhapatnam | Udaipur |
Dharamshala | Bengaluru | Sikkim | Jodhpur |
Shimla | Ooty | Ranchi | Lonavala |
Best places to visit December in North India
- Srinagar
- Temperature in December: Around -2°C to 8°C, offering a chilly winter experience.
- How to Reach Srinagar: Easily accessible by air (Srinagar Airport), rail (Udhampur station), and road (NH44).
- Things to Do in Srinagar: Explore Dal Lake, indulge in shikara rides, and visit the Mughal Gardens. Winter sports at Gulmarg are a must.
- Haridwar
- Temperature in December: 10°C to 20°C, perfect for exploring.
- How to Reach Haridwar: Connected by train (Haridwar Junction) and road, with Dehradun Airport nearby.
- Things to Do in Haridwar: Witness the Ganga Aarti, visit Har Ki Pauri, and explore temples like Mansa Devi.
- Rishikesh
- Temperature in December: Around 8°C to 18°C.
- How to Reach Rishikesh: Via Dehradun Airport or Haridwar train station.
- Things to Do in Rishikesh: Enjoy river rafting, yoga retreats, and visit the famous Laxman Jhula.
Places to visit in Rishikesh
- Nainital
- Temperature in December: 0°C to 10°C with chances of snowfall.
- How to Reach Nainital: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station; the nearest airport is Pantnagar.
- Things to Do in Nainital: Boating at Naini Lake, visiting Snow View Point, and exploring Naina Devi Temple.
Places to visit in Nainital
- Mussoorie
- Temperature in December: -1°C to 10°C, chilly with snow in some areas.
- How to Reach Mussoorie: Reach via Dehradun (airport/railway station), followed by a road trip.
- Things to Do in Mussoorie: Visit Kempty Falls, take the cable car to Gun Hill, and enjoy views at Lal Tibba.
Places to visit in Mussoorie
- Amritsar
- Temperature in December: 6°C to 20°C.
- How to Reach Amritsar: Amritsar Airport and Amritsar Junction make it easily accessible.
- Things to Do in Amritsar: Visit the Golden Temple, attend the Wagah Border ceremony, and explore Jallianwala Bagh.
Places to visit in Amritsar
- Manali
- Temperature in December: Sub-zero to 10°C, offering snowfall and winter activities.
- How to Reach Manali: Fly to Bhuntar Airport or take a bus from Delhi or Chandigarh.
- Things to Do in Manali: Visit Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and indulge in skiing and ice skating.
Places to visit in Manali
- Agra
- Temperature in December: 8°C to 22°C, making it ideal for sightseeing.
- How to Reach Agra: Agra is accessible via Agra Cantonment railway station and nearby airports in Delhi.
- Things to Do in Agra: Visit the Taj Mahal, explore Agra Fort, and enjoy the local Mughlai cuisine.
- Dharamshala
- Temperature in December: 4°C to 14°C.
- How to Reach Dharamshala: Gaggal Airport and Pathankot railway station are the nearest options.
- Things to Do in Dharamshala: Visit the Dalai Lama Temple, trek to Triund, and explore Bhagsu Waterfall.
- Shimla
- Temperature in December: 0°C to 10°C with a chance of snowfall.
- How to Reach Shimla: Reach via Kalka railway station or Chandigarh Airport, followed by a road trip.
- Things to Do in Shimla: Enjoy snow sports, visit The Ridge, and explore Mall Road.
These destinations offer scenic beauty and exciting activities, making them some of the best places to visit in December across North India.
Best places to visit in December in South India
- Kochi
- Temperature in December: 23°C to 32°C, offering pleasant weather.
- How to Reach Kochi: Connected by Cochin International Airport and Ernakulam Junction (railway).
- Things to Do in Kochi: Explore Fort Kochi, visit Mattancherry Palace, and enjoy a boat ride along the backwaters.
Places to visit in Kochi
- Munnar
- Temperature in December: 5°C to 20°C, cool and refreshing.
- How to Reach Munnar: Accessible from Cochin Airport; Aluva is the nearest railway station.
- Things to Do in Munnar: Visit tea plantations, trek to Anamudi Peak, and explore Eravikulam National Park.
- Places to visit in Munnar
- Wayanad
- Temperature in December: 10°C to 25°C, ideal for outdoor activities.
- How to Reach Wayanad: Calicut Airport and Kozhikode Railway Station are nearby.
- Things to Do in Wayanad: Visit Edakkal Caves, Chembra Peak, and trek through the lush forests.
- Mysore
- Temperature in December: 15°C to 30°C, offering mild weather.
- How to Reach Mysore: Mysore Airport and railway station are well-connected.
- Things to Do in Mysore: Explore Mysore Palace, visit Chamundi Hills, and stroll through Brindavan Gardens.
Places to visit in Mysore
- Kanyakumari
- Temperature in December: 20°C to 28°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing.
- How to Reach Kanyakumari: Trivandrum International Airport and Nagercoil Railway Station are the nearest options.
- Things to Do in Kanyakumari: Visit Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari Beach, and Thiruvalluvar Statue.
- Chennai
- Temperature in December: 20°C to 25°C, perfect for exploring.
- How to Reach Chennai: Chennai International Airport and Central Railway Station.
- Things to Do in Chennai: Visit Marina Beach, Fort St. George, and the Kapaleeshwarar Temple.
Places to visit in Chennai
- Coimbatore
- Temperature in December: 15°C to 28°C, ideal for outdoor activities.
- How to Reach Coimbatore: Coimbatore International Airport and Coimbatore Junction.
- Things to Do in Coimbatore: Explore Marudhamalai Temple, Gass Forest Museum, and Siruvani Falls.
- Pondicherry
- Temperature in December: 18°C to 30°C, cool and pleasant.
- How to Reach Pondicherry: Chennai Airport is the closest; well-connected via road and rail.
- Things to Do in Pondicherry: Visit Auroville, Promenade Beach, and explore French architecture in White Town.
- Bengaluru
- Temperature in December: 15°C to 25°C, offering a comfortable climate.
- How to Reach Bengaluru: Kempegowda International Airport and Bengaluru City Railway Station.
- Things to Do in Bengaluru: Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore Palace, and Cubbon Park.
Places to visit in Bangalore City
- Ooty
- Temperature in December: 5°C to 15°C, with a cool breeze.
- How to Reach Ooty: Coimbatore Airport is the nearest; Mettupalayam is the nearest railway station.
- Things to Do in Ooty: Visit Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, and take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.
Best places to visit in December in East India
- Kolkata
- Temperature in December: 12°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing.
- How to Reach Kolkata: Connected by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and major railway stations like Howrah and Sealdah.
- Things to Do in Kolkata: Visit Victoria Memorial, explore Indian Museum, and stroll around Park Street during the Christmas season.
- Darjeeling
- Temperature in December: 2°C to 10°C, offering chilly weather with clear skies.
- How to Reach Darjeeling: Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.
- Things to Do in Darjeeling: Ride the toy train, visit Tiger Hill for sunrise, and explore tea gardens.
- Bhubaneswar
- Temperature in December: 14°C to 28°C, making it perfect for exploration.
- How to Reach Bhubaneswar: Biju Patnaik International Airport and Bhubaneswar Railway Station.
- Things to Do in Bhubaneswar: Visit Lingaraj Temple, Nandankanan Zoo, and Udayagiri caves.
- Gangtok
- Temperature in December: 4°C to 7°C, cold and pleasant.
- How to Reach Gangtok: Bagdogra Airport and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.
- Things to Do in Gangtok: Explore Tsomgo Lake, MG Marg, and visit monasteries like Rumtek and Enchey.
- Puri
- Temperature in December: 15°C to 27°C, comfortable for outdoor activities.
- How to Reach Puri: Biju Patnaik International Airport and Puri Railway Station.
- Things to Do in Puri: Visit Jagannath Temple, relax at Puri Beach, and explore Chilika Lake.
- Bodh Gaya
- Temperature in December: 8°C to 22°C, making it ideal for pilgrimage and sightseeing.
- How to Reach Bodh Gaya: Gaya Airport and Gaya Junction Railway Station.
- Things to Do in Bodh Gaya: Visit Mahabodhi Temple, explore Bodhi Tree, and visit the Great Buddha Statue.
- Varanasi
- Temperature in December: 10°C to 20°C, cool and comfortable.
- How to Reach Varanasi: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport and Varanasi Junction.
- Things to Do in Varanasi: Witness the Ganga Aarti, explore Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and visit the ghats.
- Visakhapatnam
- Temperature in December: 17°C to 28°C, with pleasant coastal weather.
- How to Reach Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam International Airport and Visakhapatnam Railway Station.
- Things to Do in Visakhapatnam: Visit RK Beach, Kailasagiri, and explore Borra Caves.
- Sikkim
- Temperature in December: 0°C to 10°C, offering snow-capped vistas.
- How to Reach Sikkim: Pakyong Airport and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station.
- Things to Do in Sikkim: Visit Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, and trek to Goecha La.
- Ranchi
- Temperature in December: 8°C to 22°C, cool and refreshing.
- How to Reach Ranchi: Birsa Munda Airport and Ranchi Junction Railway Station.
- Things to Do in Ranchi: Visit Rock Garden, explore Hundru Falls, and enjoy scenic views from Tagore Hill.
Best places to visit in December in West India
- Goa
- Temperature in December: 20°C to 28°C, ideal for beach activities.
- How to Reach Goa: Dabolim International Airport and Madgaon Railway Station.
- Things to Do in Goa: Enjoy beach parties, explore old churches, and attend Sunburn Festival.
Places to visit in Goa
- Mumbai
- Temperature in December: 16°C to 32°C, pleasant for city tours.
- How to Reach Mumbai: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Mumbai Central Railway Station.
- Things to Do in Mumbai: Visit Gateway of India, explore Marine Drive, and take a ferry to Elephanta Caves.
Places to visit in Mumbai
- Ahmedabad
- Temperature in December: 13°C to 30°C, perfect for sightseeing.
- How to Reach Ahmedabad: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and Ahmedabad Junction.
- Things to Do in Ahmedabad: Visit Sabarmati Ashram, explore the architectural marvel of Adalaj Stepwell, and shop at Law Garden.
Places to visit in Ahmedabad
- Pune
- Temperature in December: 10°C to 29°C, making it pleasant for outdoor activities.
- How to Reach Pune: Pune International Airport and Pune Junction Railway Station.
- Things to Do in Pune: Explore Aga Khan Palace, visit Shaniwar Wada, and enjoy nature at Pashan Lake.
- Nashik
- Temperature in December: 10°C to 27°C, ideal for vineyard tours and pilgrimages.
- How to Reach Nashik: Nashik Airport and Nashik Road Railway Station.
- Things to Do in Nashik: Visit Sula Vineyards, Trimbakeshwar Temple, and take a spiritual dip in the Godavari River.
Places to visit in Nasik
- Mahabaleshwar
- Temperature in December: 10°C to 25°C, perfect for hill station retreats.
- How to Reach Mahabaleshwar: Nearest airport is Pune, and Satara Railway Station is close.
- Things to Do in Mahabaleshwar: Explore Venna Lake, Arthur's Seat, and Mapro Garden.
Places to visit in Mahabaleshwar
- Jaisalmer
- Temperature in December: 8°C to 24°C, cool desert weather.
- How to Reach Jaisalmer: Jaisalmer Airport and Jaisalmer Railway Station.
- Things to Do in Jaisalmer: Visit Jaisalmer Fort, enjoy a camel safari in the Thar Desert, and explore Patwon Ki Haveli.
- Udaipur
- Temperature in December: 10°C to 25°C, perfect for royal sightseeing.
- How to Reach Udaipur: Maharana Pratap Airport and Udaipur Railway Station.
- Things to Do in Udaipur: Visit City Palace, take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, and explore Jag Mandir.
Places to visit in Udaipur
- Jodhpur
- Temperature in December: 7°C to 26°C, ideal for exploring forts and palaces.
- How to Reach Jodhpur: Jodhpur Airport and Jodhpur Junction.
- Things to Do in Jodhpur: Visit Mehrangarh Fort, explore Umaid Bhawan Palace, and shop in Sardar Market.
Places to visit in Jodhpur
- Jaipur
- Temperature in December: 8°C to 26°C, great for cultural exploration.
- How to Reach Jaipur: Jaipur International Airport and Jaipur Junction.
- Things to Do in Jaipur: Visit Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal.
Places to visit in Jaipur
Also, check the list of places to visit in March.
Best romantic getaways in India for couples in August
August brings refreshing monsoon rains to many parts of India, making it a perfect time for couples to escape to scenic, romantic destinations. Here are some top places to visit:
- Coorg, Karnataka: Known for its lush greenery, coffee plantations, and waterfalls, Coorg is perfect for a romantic escape in August.
- Udaipur, Rajasthan: The City of Lakes offers romantic boat rides and beautiful palace views.
- Munnar, Kerala: The misty hills, tea gardens, and scenic vistas make it an ideal spot for couples.
Top family and friend destinations in India to visit in August
If you're planning a memorable vacation with family or friends, these destinations in India offer exciting experiences in August:
- Manali, Himachal Pradesh: Ideal for families seeking adventure and nature amidst scenic mountains.
- Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Famous for its pleasant weather, botanical gardens, and toy train rides, perfect for group travel.
- Alleppey, Kerala: Enjoy houseboat cruises with family and friends through the serene backwaters.
Exciting nighttime attractions to explore in India in August
From cultural performances to vibrant nightlife, India has many exciting attractions to explore after the sun goes down in August:
- Marine Drive, Mumbai: A midnight stroll along this iconic promenade offers stunning city and ocean views.
- Chokhi Dhani, Jaipur: Experience Rajasthani culture, traditional food, and folk performances at night.
- Qutub Minar, Delhi (Light and Sound Show): Enjoy an evening of history with a visual display of Qutub Minar’s rich heritage.
Top 5 winter destinations in India for December snowfall
Winter in India offers magical snowfall in many parts of the country. Here are the top 5 destinations where you can experience snowfall in December:
- Manali, Himachal Pradesh: Popular for its snow-covered mountains and adventure sports like skiing and snowboarding.
- Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir: A winter wonderland offering pristine snowfall and famous for its ski resorts.
- Auli, Uttarakhand: A stunning skiing destination, perfect for snowfall enthusiasts.