After heat and rain, the winter season is most awaited in entire India. Hence, December is a very beautiful month in India. It is mildly cold, and the sunshine also feels pleasant. Festive vibes and celebrations are visible at many places during this month, therefore tourists travel a lot. Winter vacation is not only cold but is an opportunity for new experiences. If you’re looking for the Best Places to Travel in December in India, there are plenty of options — whether you want to enjoy the peace in the misty mountains or relax on the golden beaches by the sea. Some places are extremely cold, but some places await you with perfect weather.
If you like snow and skiing then Auli is the best. In Goa, one can enjoy full beach fun during New Year and in Rajasthan, one gets a royal feel with its forts and palaces. Kolkata is awakened with colonial charm during Christmas. The white desert of Kutch hosts the Rann Utsav and the backwaters of Kerala are perfect for a peaceful vacation.
So, which places in India should you visit in December? A detailed list of the Best Places to Travel in December in India is given below – if you are in the holiday mood, then pick your destination!
Best Places to Travel in December in India
1. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Jaisalmer is called the “Golden City” because its golden sand dunes and forts and buildings made of honey-colored sandstone look very beautiful. And this is the popular and one of the Best Places to Travel in December in India because The cool breeze of December is the best to experience the mystery and thrill of the Jaisalmer desert. The golden sand dunes sparkle during the day and at night they look like a silvery sea under the starry sky.
The weather here is a little cool (around 20°C) and quite pleasant during the month of December, which is a perfect time for desert safari and sightseeing. Camel safari and camping in the desert is an unforgettable experience. Here you get the real taste of desert culture, and if the weather is clear, the Milky Way is also visible.
Jaisalmer Fort Sonar Quila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest preserved forts in the world. Its luxury camps, jeep and camel safari, and Rajasthani dance-music performances will give you a memorable experience.
Popular tourist places include Jaisalmer Fort, Desert National Park, Kuldhara Village, Jain Temples, Gadisar Lake, Sam Sand Dunes, Tazia Tower, Badal Palace, Patwon ki Haveli, and Bada Bagh.
2. Auli, Uttrakhand
Auli is known as the “Skiing Capital of India” and is mainly known for its amazing skiing tracks. It is a top winter holiday destination that is also the gateway to treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. The place is at a height of 2800 meters and offers panoramic views of mountains like Nanda Devi, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri.
This place is specially developed for skiing – there is also an artificial lake that provides snow, and there are a number of resorts nearby. You can learn skiing here, experience the thrill of downhill skiing, or have a snowball fight with friends. If you like adventure, you can also go on winter treks on nearby trails.
Auli is truly a dream destination for skiing lovers!
Things to Do:
The main reason for coming to Auli is skiing, but there are many other things worth exploring:
- Enjoy cable car rides
- Do trekking and nature walks
- Trek to Trishul peaks
- Get a chance to see Snow Leopards and Foxes in Nanda Devi National Park
- Get religious vibes by visiting Joshimath and Rudraprayag
- Enjoy nature walks in Gorson Reserve Forest, where the snow is fresh and crisp
3. Goa
Goa is a small paradise located on the west coast of India. December is the best time to visit Goa and this is one of the Best Places to Travel in December in India, especially if you want to enjoy a rocking New Year party. Goa’s New Year celebration is famous all over the country, the vibe here is very young and energetic because of the beaches, shacks, clubs and bars. The weather is also perfect – around 18-20°C.
If you are going to Goa especially for New Year Eve, you can enjoy amazing parties by going to Hill Top (Vagator) and Curlies (Anjuna). Other popular clubs like Club Cubana, Love Passion Karma, Tito’s, Cafe Mambo are also in full-on celebration mode.
What to do in Goa (Things to do):
If you are visiting Goa in December, you can still enjoy even if you don’t go during New Year’s week. You can do heritage walks, relax on the beaches, or try water sports.
- Panaji – for history lovers
- Anjuna – for beach vibes
- Arambol – for yogis
- There are other places to explore like Old Goa, Vasco Da Gama, Palolem, Calangute and Dona Paula.
Best Places to visit in December in South India
4. Kutch, Gujarat
Rann of Kutch is a white desert in Gujarat which is a popular holiday destination that has a unique life full of colours. Best time to visit is from November to February, when the white rains look even more beautiful in the cool winds and moonlit nights. During this time the Rann of Kutch festival also takes place, where there is a full celebration of local culture and traditions.
This is one of the Best Places to Travel in December in India, Because You can see beautiful views of the desert and be a part of the local culture by taking a hot-air balloon ride here. The architecture, culture and food here are so amazing that you will not feel like coming back. In the cold weather of December, the temperature ranges from 12-25°C, and can drop to 2°C at night.
What can you do in Rann Utsav:
- Traditional activities: mud house painting, tribal dance, music workshops
- Adventure sports: rock climbing, para motoring, ATV ride, archery, camel ride, stargazing
- Nearby places: Bhuj (temples), Mandvi (beach), Aina Mahal, Prag Mahal, Wild Ass Sanctuary
- Special events: Christmas & New Year camps, parties, spas & meditation
One special tip: Sleep in an open-air tent once or stay late in the desert and enjoy the view of the moonrise. This experience will be remembered for a lifetime.
5. Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna is one such place which can be called the land of “golden beaches, blue seas and green palms”. This place is famous for its sacred temples, beaches surrounded by palm trees, and relaxed vibes. Like Goa, this place is also becoming a popular beach destination now, but the vibe here is quite peaceful and relaxed – without the noise like Goa.
The Om Beach here is famous for its ‘Om’ shaped shoreline and places like Mahabaleshwar Temple (which dates back to the 4th century, a famous pilgrimage site visited by millions of devotees every year) give a deep feel of spirituality. Beaches like Kudle, Half Moon and Paradise are connected by cliffside trails where you can walk and enjoy beautiful views of the Arabian Sea – perfect for light trekking and beachside yoga.
The vibe of Gokarna is simple, soulful and calm – a place where you can calm your mind and enjoy the simplicity of life. Winter in Gokarna
- Months: November to February
- Avg. temperature: 15°C to 28°C
- Weather: Cool, pleasant days with clear skies
- Crowd density: High
- Budget: High
- Clothes to pack: Light jackets, cotton clothing, beachwear, and comfortable shoes
6. Andaman and Nicobar
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a beautiful island group in the Bay of Bengal that is a part of India. This is perfect and one of the Best Places to Travel in December in India – especially for those who like to enjoy the beach vibes. The temperature between 18°C to 32°C in December and the monsoon is almost over, so you can enjoy sightseeing and water sports to the fullest.
There are also special New Year parties and events. Earlier, this place was known for its Cellular Jail but now it has become a popular holiday spot where people come to enjoy its beautiful sea and beaches. There is something for every type of person here – little kids, adults, couples or solo travellers. The beaches are lively as well as peaceful – according to your mood. The scenery here is breathtaking and the seafood is also quite tasty.
Andaman is also quite famous for honeymoon couples – everything is available here – luxury resorts, romantic dinners by the beach, cruise rides and sunset views. Underwater activities like snorkeling, sea walking and scuba diving are also a must-try here. The experience of coral reefs and colourful marine life is unforgettable. If you like adventure, then this place is perfect for you – thrill-filled activities like speed boating, parasailing, jet skiing are also available.
In one line: Andaman is a dreamy beach vacation where you get the perfect combo of adventure, history and nature.
7. Ranthambore National Park
Ranthambore National Park is the best place where you can see Royal Bengal Tiger in their natural habitat. The park is located in the foothills of Vindhya and Aravali hills and the Indian tiger population is increasing rapidly here. There is also a 10th-century Ranthambore Fort inside the park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and overlooks the jungle.
You should not only enjoy nature here, but also try a safari ride – it is an adventurous activity where you can see animals in the jungle in their natural habitat. If you like birds then bird watching is also a must try, as 330+ bird species are found in Ranthambore.
Must Visit Places:
- Ranthambore Fort: A historical landmark of Rajasthan which was built in 944 AD by Chauhan rulers. A perfect spot for history and architecture lovers.
- Surwal Lake: The best place for those who enjoy peace and nature, where one can also see wild animals.
- Jogi Mahal: Situated near Padam Lake, this place is known for its architecture and sculptures. It also has one of the largest Banyan Trees of India.
Note: Toh Ranthambore is not just a jungle, but a complete experience – an amazing combination of nature, history, culture, and taste!
