Places to explore in December in India

Auli is a popular skiing destination among travelers in India situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The annual Auli Winter Carnival Festival is what makes it an ideal hill station to visit in December to explore the snow-covered trails of Kamat, Mana Parbat, and the Nanda Devi ranges.

Auli has everything to make your trip memorable with the Himalayan views, verdant meadows, and several adventure activities. There are numerous places to explore in and around Auli that entice bikers, backpackers, and every kind of tourist like artificial Auli Lake, Gurso Bugyal, Chattrakund, Kuari pass, Joshimath, Chenab Lake, Vishnu Prayag, and many more. It is also a starting point for one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites Badrinath

The frozen river with a jaw-dropping backdrop of snow-covered desert mountains is a sight to behold in Leh, making it the top-rated destination in India to visit in December. You will witness the strong influence of Tibetan Buddhism culture on this region, prevailing through a few important festivals in

Leh-Ladakh such as Galdan Namchot and Ladakhi Losar (Ladakh New Year). The land of high passes not only offers stunning valley views but also has a rich cultural history that can be witnessed in some popular Tibetan monasteries and temples. It houses one of the most difficult and popular Frozen Chadar Trek, a magnetic hill Khardung la Pass, and camping places with scenic views at Pangong Lake, Nubra, and Zanskar Valley.

Nagoa Beach is a heavenly hamlet of Bucharwada village in Diu with a sandy coastline situated on the Arabian Sea coast is the most popular beach in India to visit in winter with a pleasant temperature up to 16C from November to January.

This stunning island hosts an annual Diu Festival that commences in December and lasts for 2 to 3 months till February, catching the attention of tourists around the world. Experience the best of this peaceful tropical haven during the festival and indulge in various fun and adventurous activities such as canoe races, swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, parasailing, and many other activities along with delicious local seafood and mouth-watering delicacies.

As the southern region remains quite hot in the summer season, Chennai offers amazing places to visit in December in India and Mylapore is among one of them. Soaked with numerous sacred sites and cultural structures, it is the oldest part of Chennai, boasting 1000-years-old history,

which depicts in its famous Kapaleeshwar Temple- the Chennai's oldest skyscraper. Capture the essence of the Cultural Capital of India at the most important Mylapore Margazhi Festival that takes place from December to mid-January. The streets are decorated with unique pottu kolam/rangolis enhanced with cow-dung cakes and pumpkin flowers, gather in Madras to attend a month-long Music Festival, satiate your hunger with delicious south Indian dishes, and shop for Kanchipuram Sarees, traditional jewelry, and handcrafted souvenirs.

Radhanagar Beach is one of the famous attractions in Havelock Islands that has been given the title of being the best beach in Asia and the seventh-best beach in the world by the Times Magazine. Dotted with coconut trees, the exotic tropical jungle surrounding the beach from both sides, emerald blue water, and

clear skies fascinate the travelers around the world, giving a serene, rejuvenating feeling with the stunning panoramic views of pristine beaches. Besides the walking tour on the shore, the place is famous for several water sports, a trekking trail amid dense forest to Nei's Cave lagoon, and enjoy a staycation in The Barefoot Jungle Resort's wooden cottages and huts.

Situated in the heart of the Thar Desert, Rann of Kutch is one of the largest salt deserts in the world, spanning the border between India and Pakistan. With desert on one side and sea on the other, it enables a perfect balance in the ecosystem and inhabits various endangered species of plants and animals.

Plan a vacation to one of the most famous desert destinations in India in December and witness the only festival, Rann Utsav for a memorable winter trip to Gujarat. Indulge in the captivating activities in Rann Utsav such as paramotoring, star-gazing, bird watching, and camelback ride. Experience the camping under the full moonlight and capture the desert sand turning silvery white in the moonlight.

If you're planning to explore the South of India this winter, then Wayanad is the perfect place for you to visit in December when the winter season embraces the town in its full glory. Situated at an elevation of around 2100 meters above sea level, winter is the best time to visit the place and enjoy a

joyful Elephant ride in Edakkal Caves and buy local handicrafts and homemade savory spices. Witness the scenic views of green hills, rich tea and coffee plantation, visit Soochipara Waterfalls, scenic Chembra Peak, peculiar wildlife at Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, a spiritual visit to Thirunelli Temple, and much more.

Famous for its four decades old and as one of the biggest monasteries and Gompas, Tawang is bestowed with jaw-dropping natural beauty and gushing river and waterfalls. Its enchanting landscapes are a paradise for every traveler and a paradise for photographers.

The mild scent of spirituality in the air will attract you to the Buddhist monasteries surrounded by orchid gardens, lush green hills, and mountains covered in snow making it the perfect place to visit in India in December. Experience the cultural extravaganza of Tawang at Losar Tibetan Festival (Tibetan New Year) and explore the picturesque views around the Pangateng Tso Lake on an exciting trekking expedition through dense jungles.

Surrounded by the Aravalli Hills, Udaipur is popular by the name City of Lakes is an ideal place to visit in India in December as one of the popular Shilpgram Art Fairs is grandly celebrated promoting art and culture of the region and encouraging locals to present their many talents to the world.

The weather during December remains pleasant with a temperature from 5 C to 28 C, making it the best time to explore local streets, eat local food, collect handcrafted souvenirs at the stalls, learn about the rich history behind this magnificent city, and enjoy boating at Fateh Sagar Lake.

The capital city of Assam, Guwahati is home to the famous one-horned rhinoceros at the famous Kaziranga National Park with the Brahmaputra River gushing at its heart, capturing every cultural and creative essence of northeast India. Not only the place has enchanting landscapes but also acquires the

world-famous Kamakhaya Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Menstruation. The temple is closed for 5 days every month as it is believed that the divinity experiences menstruation. On the sixth day, the purohits of the temple bathe and dresses the deity with rituals and fair. Witness the iconic Umananda Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, take a holy dip in Navagraha Temple, stroll around Chandubi Lake, and much more.

Cherrapunji is the second wettest place on earth and receives rainfall all year long, located in a small town in the Eastern Khasi Hills in Meghalaya about 53.9 km away from Shillong. Due to heavy rains, exploring the places can be challenging, hence travelers prefer to visit this stunning place in India in winter.

Explore the famous living root bridge, serene cascading waterfalls, green hills, and a plethora of natural trails for trekking, hiking, and camping. The place hosts many travelers in December for its famous The Cherrapunjee Festival which is celebrated to promote livelihood, eco-tourism, and adventure activities and highlights the diverse culture and ethics of the people of Sohra and Shella.

Formerly known as Kehwri, the capital city of Nagaland, Kohima is the second-largest city in the state that has derived its original name from the Kewhi flowers that are vastly grown in the region. A leisure place in India is a most-visited destination in December for its most renowned Hornbill Festival,

celebrated by the Naga tribe. The places offer endless exploration spots in pleasant weather for trekking, camping, rock climbing, and many thrilling activities at the famous Dzukou Valley, Japfu Peak, archaeological excellence, and handicrafts ruins at Tseminyu. It also houses the Commonwealth War Cemetery, the final resting place of World War II martyrs.

Soaked in the glorious heritage and rich history of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer is the perfect place to explore in December. Also known as the Golden City, the place has several festivities during this time of month including the Desert Championship and Jaisalmer Literature Festival, attracting many adventure

seekers and nerds respectively around the world. Go for dune bashing in the Thar Desert, visit the main attractions of the place such as Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake, Patwon ki Haveli, boating at Lake Pichola, Desert Art Gallery, camelback ride at Vyas Chhatri Sunset Point, and more to explore.

Ranthambore is the most renowned and one of the biggest national parks in North India located in the Sawai Madhopur about 130 km from Jaisalmer. Once the hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today it is a major wildlife attraction destination in India, alluring wildlife lovers, and photographers from

everywhere around the globe. The park houses over 400 distinct endangered species of animals, plants, reptiles, and birds. Embark on a Jeep Safari for a lifetime experience and spot the Bengal Tigers, Sambar Deer, Jungle Cat, Sloth Bear, Golden Jackal, Indian flying fox, serpent Eagle, kingfisher, sandpiper, marsh crocodile, and other species. Apart from the rich flora and fauna, Ranthambore boasts several amazing places to visit such as Ranthambore Fort, Jogi Mahal, Ranthambore School of Art, and much more.

Popularly known as the Blue City of Rajasthan, Jodhpur brings out the exotic ethics and tradition of Mewar culture. The second-largest city of Rajasthan is a popular destination among travelers and history enthusiasts in India to visit during the winter season when the climate is pleasant and chilly with cold northern winds.

Besides many heritage palaces and historic architectural ruins, the place celebrates the most vibrant festival- the Kumbhalgarh Festival in front of the Kumbhalgarh Fort. Folk dance, light and music show, plays, warming fireworks, and delicious Rajasthani Thali are all you need to enjoy the ethnicity of the place.

Pondicherry is one of the seven Union Territories of India, situated in Tamil Nadu. One can witness the French colonial settlement, carefully preserved in the French architecture, hence also referred to as the French Capital of India. Boast with plenty of unspoiled beaches, ancient temples and churches, and a

French and Tamil colonial aura has been attracting the masses from every corner and offers several water sports and religious places such as Paradise ad Karaikal Beach for sunbathing and surfing, boating at Chunnambar Backwater, scuba diving at almost all the beaches, stunning sunset views from Ousteri Lake, a bicycle ride to explore French settlements, Pondicherry Botanical Garden, and savor the local foods combined with French, South Indian, European, and Western cuisine.

Varanasi is the spiritual heart of India, which is believed to be founded by Lord Shiva about 3000 years ago. It is the most visited and revered Hindu pilgrimage destination in India. Also known as Banaras, the city celebrates Dev Diwali/Karthikai Deepam and Annakut on the banks of the Ganges followed

by cultural performances. Behold the imperial sight of Ganga Arti at Assi Ghats and Dashashwamedh Ghats, visit pure gold plated Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Mahadev Shiva, Manikarnika Ghat for depart the restless souls, 19th-century Nepalese king built Shivala Ghat and many other popular attractions.