Places to visit in India in December
With Christmas and New Year taking center stage in December, the last month of the year surely calls for a vacation.
The month of December, being in the middle of the winter season, is a fantastic time to explore India. With the weather being pleasant and comfortable, the best places across India to visit in December are as follows:
Table of Contents
Coorg (Karnataka)
Nestled in nature, Coorg is one of the quaint hill stations in South India. Coorg is home to several tea and coffee plantations, exotic greenery, and elephant camps. For tourists who are fond of coffee or tea, elephants, and serene hill stations, Coorg can be their ideal destination.
What to Purchase: Coffee powder, tea powder, spices, honey, and wine
Popular Food: Kadambuttu, pandi curry, paputtu, noolputtu, akki otti, and kakkada nyend curry
Places to visit: Abbey Falls, Omkareshwar Temple, Madikeri Fort, Dubare Elephant Camp, coffee and tea plantations.
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
Known as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi has several temples that are beautiful to visit during winters. Referred to as the oldest city in the world, Varanasi is home to sacred waters, busy streets and ancient temples.
What to Purchase: Rudraksha mala, glass beads, Gulabi Minakari, and Banarasi silk sarees.
Popular Food: Malaiyyo, choora matar, chena dahi vada, and kachori sabzi.
Places to Visit: Dhamekh Stupa, Dashwamedha Ghat, and Sri Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Gangtok (Sikkim)
With mountains covered in snow, Gangtok in Sikkim is one of the most popular cities in the country. The state is home to adventure junkies, the city offers several trekking, rope lining, skiing among other activities. The state is also popular for the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga.
What to Purchase: Woollen carpets, Thangkas, and canvas wall hangings.
Popular Food: Sael roti, momos, thukpa, and Gundruk soup.
Places to Visit: Lachung, Ravangla, Pelling, Nathula Pass, Tsomgo Lake, Tashi Viewpoint, and Ban Jhakri Falls
Thrissur (Kerala)
Also known as Kerala’s cultural capital, Thrissur is known for its religious sites and colourful festivals. The city is popular for festivals such as Onam and the Thrissur Pooram Festival.
What to Purchase: Gold ornaments, brass artefacts, Kerala crafts and handicrafts.
Popular Food: Kerala vegetarian dishes and the Onam sadya.
Places to Visit: Thrissur Museum, Thrissur Zoo, Sakthan Thampuran Palace, and Sri Vadakkunathan Temple.
Pondicherry (Tamil Nadu)
Colonized by the French until 1954, Pondicherry is still home to several traditional French cuisines and architecture. This Union Territory has a special colony called the French colony, where the tourists can explore vibrant architecture, several boutiques, and French-themed cafes. Besides that, Pondicherry is also known for its serene beaches and the fun atmosphere.
What to Purchase: French antique furniture, aromatherapy products, textiles, and leather products.
Popular Food: Sambar, idly, croissants, and baguettes.
Places to Visit: Pondicherry Museum, The Sacred Heart Basilica, and Sri Aurobindo Ashram, and the beaches
Jodhpur (Rajasthan)
The second largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur is known for its marvelous architecture, magnificent forts, temples, and palaces. Also known as the Blue City due to the number of blue houses present, the city has a regal touch attached to it.
What to Purchase: Bandhani cloth materials and handicrafts
Popular Food: Daal baati choorma, gatte ki sabzi, and pyaaz ki kachori.
Places to Visit: Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace, and Mehrangarh Fort.
Neil Island (Andaman)
Famously known as the vegetable bowl of the Andaman Islands, Neil Island is a breathtaking and picturesque place worth visiting during December. The island is home to beautiful views, vibrant coral reefs, and sandy beaches.
Popular Food: Jalebis, dal pakoras, and samosas.
Cherrapunji (Meghalaya)
Cherrapunji, the high-altitude town in Meghalaya, is known for its foaming rivers and deep valleys. Earlier called as the ‘Wettest Place on Earth,’ the place is a popular tourist destination for its root bridges, mighty hills, deep valleys, and scenic viewpoints.
What to Purchase: Handmade soaps, Scottish clothing, bamboo handicrafts, tea, exotic spices, and orange flower honey.
Where to Purchase: Lew Sohra, Sohra Market, and Police Bazaar.
Popular Food: Sohra pulao, jadoh, and pork momos.
Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh)
Tawang, a town in Arunachal Pradesh, is known for its majestic landscapes, historical sites, and rich culture. The destination is popular among adventure enthusiasts as the town is filled with several adventurous activities and captivating viewpoints. The place is also famous for its valleys and ancient monasteries.
What to Purchase: Bamboo utensils, Thangka painting, handmade sheets, shoes, shawls, Woollen carpets, and handicrafts.
Where to Purchase: Nehru market, old market, and new market.
Popular Food: Khazi, tsizin kyola, momos, bresi, puta, thukpa, khura, and zan.
Places to Visit: Pankang Teng Tso Lake, Shonga-Tser Lake, Gorsam Chorten, and Sela Pass.
Goa
A popular holiday destination, Goa is the favorite tourist destination in December owing to its rich party culture and scenic beaches. The place is known as the ‘Las Vegas of India’ due to the numerous casinos in the city. Goa is one of the sought after destinations to visit during Christmas and New year.
What to Purchase: Feni, Painted Tiles, Wooden Furniture, Handicrafts, Spices, and Cashewnuts.
Where to Purchase: Mackie’s night bazaar, Calangute market square, Panjim market, Mapusa market, and Anjuna flea market.
Popular Food: Chicken cafreal, fonna kadi, pork vindaloo, bebinca, Goan Fish Curry, Goan Squid Fry, and chicken xacuti.
Dalhousie (Himachal Pradesh)
Spread across five hills near the Dhauladhar mountain, Dalhousie is known for its Victorian architecture, green lushes, and vibrant landscapes. During December, Deodar forests are covered with snow, making it the best time to visit the destination. The town is popular for trekking as the National Himalayan Winter Trekking Expedition is conducted in December.
What to Purchase: Souvenirs, handicrafts, bags, Kullu shawls, Tibetan carpets, silver and copper diyas.
Where to Purchase: Himachal handloom and crafts centre, Tibetan market, and gandhi chowk.
Popular Food: Aktori, dham, sIdu, luchi poti, and madra.
Places to Visit: St. Francis Catholic Church, Kalatop Wildlife Reserve, Peak, and Khajjiar.
Other Places to Explore in India in December
Apart from the above-mentioned places, tourists can also explore other destinations in the month of December, such as Shimla, Chopta in Uttarakhand, Leh, Havelock Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Binsar in Uttarakhand, and Kasol in Himachal Pradesh.
FAQs on Places to visit in India in December
- What is the best time to visit Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh?
December is considered the best time to visit Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh as the Deodar forests are covered in snow.
- What are some of the tourist attractions in Cherrapunji in Meghalaya?
Known as the ‘Wettest Place on Earth,’ Cherrapunji is famous for its root bridges, deep valleys, mighty hills, and scenic viewpoints.
- What is Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh famous for?
Tawang is known for its majestic landscapes, historical sites, and rich culture. The destination is also popular among adventure enthusiasts, as the town is filled with several adventurous activities and captivating viewpoints.
- Is December a good time to visit Coorg?
Yes, December is one of the best times to visit Coorg as it one of the quaint hill stations in South India famous for elephant camps, exotic greenery, and scenic viewpoints.
- When is the best time to visit Pondicherry?
As Pondicherry is known for its tropical climate, December is one of the best times to visit the place for its pleasant and comfortable weather.
Disclaimer
Credit Card:
Credit Score:
Personal Loan:
Home Loan:
Fixed Deposit:
Copyright © 2025 BankBazaar.com.