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25 Best Places to Visit in India in December 2025

25 Best Places to Visit in India in December

25 Best Places to Visit in India in December

“I’ve worked non-stop all year—it’s about time I hit pause, pack my bags, and go for that much awaited trip and indulge in some amazing food.”

If that sounds anything like what’s been running through your mind, then you’ve found the perfect blog. And if it hasn’t crossed your mind yet? Don’t worry, we’re about to plant the travel bug so deep, you’ll be browsing flights for the best 25 places to visit in India by the end of this read.

So… Why December?

Great question! December might just be the ultimate travel month, and here’s why:

Now that we’re on the same page and you know December is the perfect time to travel, let’s dive into the fun part—exploring the 25 Best Places to Visit in India this December.

Best Places to visit in North India in December

Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Gulmarg, Kashmir

They say nature heals and perhaps that saying was inspired by a place like Gulmarg. The moment you set foot here, something shifts. The landscape doesn’t just surround you; it uplifts you. 

Picture this: waking up to a world wrapped in snow, pine trees gently dusted in white; it’s not just scenery, it’s therapy in its truest form.

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Winter Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Key Monastery, Spiti in Winter

“But aren’t the roads to Spiti closed in December? Is it even safe to travel there during winter?”

These are common questions — and rightly so.

The usual route via Manali is indeed closed due to heavy snowfall. But that doesn’t mean the journey ends there. For the Winter Spiti expedition with JustWravel, we take the more practical and scenic route. We start from Shimla and pass through Kinnaur, Kalpa, Reckong Peo, and Nako before finally reaching Kaza.

As for safety: yes, it is safe to travel to Spiti in December. You should be an experienced traveler who’s well-prepared for extreme cold situations. Winter in Spiti is remote, raw, and demanding. But for those who embrace the challenge, the rewards are unforgettable.

For more details, check out our Winter Spiti Package.

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Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Solang valley, Manali

Cutting a Christmas cake in Manali is a thought many have dreamt of. This December, it’s time to turn that dream into reality. In December, Manali transforms into a place where the mountains invite you for adventures and celebration.

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Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Visualize yourself standing in a place where snow-covered mountains stand still in silence, yet the river continues to flow — that’s Kasol in winter. The Parvati River, unfrozen in December, creates a striking contrast against the snowy landscape. 

It’s a scene that feels almost poetic and effortlessly picturesque. 

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Dharamshala / McLeodGanj, Himachal Pradesh

Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh

If you’re looking for a destination that blends peace with a touch of adventure, McLeodganj is a perfect choice for December. Nestled in the Dhauladhar range, it’s the home of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and also the gateway to the scenic Triund Trek. 

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Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Shimla is more than just a destination; it’s the perfect starting point for your Himalayan adventures. The journey sets the tone in the beginning with a UNESCO World Heritage toy train, winding through pine forests and misty hills. By the time you arrive, you’re already steeped in the magic. In December, Shimla is a place with colonial architecture dusted in white, cozy cafés radiating warmth in the air.

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Chopta, Uttarakhand

Chopta, Tungnath

Chopta, often called the ‘Little Switzerland of India,’ reveals its offbeat charm in winter. It’s a solace for those who seek silence, solitude, and the crisp magic of the mountains in their purest form.

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Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand

Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand

It’s time to trade white landscapes for lush greens ; and there’s no better place than Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand. In December the forest is alive with wildlife, wrapped in winter’s calm, minus the summer heat. It’s the perfect setting for a family getaway — wild, refreshing, and filled with the quiet thrill of spotting tigers in the misty jungle air.

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Auli, Uttarakhand

Auli, Uttarakhand

There’s something about Auli in December that flips a switch inside you. Maybe it’s the rush of gliding down snow-covered slopes, or the way the mountains stretch endlessly under the blue sky. You will discover it by yourself when you visit Auli in December.

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Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Laxman Bridge in the picturesque town of Rishikesh

Start your day with yoga by the river, dive into adventure with rafting in icy waters, and end it with the Ganga Aarti. In Rishikesh, you’re free to do it all or do nothing at all and still feel fulfilled. Rishikesh in December is a blend of peace and purpose, where the Ganga flows like a hymn, and your spirit listens. 

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Best Places to Visit in North East India in December

Meghalaya

Umngot river

Tempted by the idea of boating on one of India’s cleanest rivers? Meghalaya is calling! It offers so much more than just crystal-clear waters. It has living root bridges, Asia’s cleanest village, and much more interesting destinations waiting to be explored. In December, Meghalaya is a land of clouds, cascading waterfalls, and lush green dreams — calm, cool, and completely magical.

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Kaziranga, Assam

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

If you love wildlife and nature but often struggle to spot animals in their natural habitat, you’re not alone. Wondering when’s the best time to catch a glimpse of the mighty one-horned rhinoceros in Kaziranga? December is your best bet. With dry, pleasant weather, animals are more likely to gather around the few remaining water sources — giving you a much higher chance of witnessing them up close in the wild. So, get your binoculars and get ready for that Jungle Safari.

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Gangtok, Sikkim

Gangtok

Visualize prayer flags fluttering in the cold breeze, and the Losoong festival bringing the hills to life — that’s Gangtok in December. Calm yet colorful, cold yet full of heart, it’s a perfect time for vibrant celebration. If you’re craving a winter escape with soul in North East India, this is it.

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Darjeeling, West Bengal

Darjeeling ropeway

Imagine sipping hot chai in the middle of tea gardens, riding the toy train past the Batasia Loop, and waking up to golden mornings with the mighty Kanchenjunga staring right back at you. Darjeeling in December is a month wrapped in mist, mountains, and moments you’ll want to pause and live in.

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Best Warm Places to Visit in December in India

Now, you know enough about the snow-capped peaks and chilly mountain escapes; but what if you’re craving a break from the biting cold? Warm places that are too hot to handle in summer become the best places to visit in December.

What places did you think of after reading ‘warm places’? Is it Rajasthan?

With its pleasant winter weather, golden deserts, and endless forts and palaces, Rajasthan is one of the best warm places to visit in December in India.

We’ll start the list from Udaipur!

Udaipur, Rajasthan

Lake Pichola, Udaipur

Udaipur is one of the most elegant cities in the whole of Rajasthan. You glide across lakes, find the city’s golden reflections on the water, and end your day watching the sun dip behind the Aravallis. Isn’t it romantic and serene at the same time? These different experiences make Udaipur one of the Best Places to visit in December.

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Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer

If you want to actually know the culture and the people of Rajasthan, go to Jaisalmer. It is the perfect place to mingle with the locals, connect with them and bring back a lot of memories. Its golden sand under frosty skies makes December the perfect month to travel to Jaisalmer. 

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Jaipur, Rajasthan

Amber Fort, Jaipur

Now imagine taking long walks through grand palaces under the scorching summer sun; not ideal, right? That’s why December is the perfect time for exploring Rajasthan’s royal wonders. The cool weather makes every step comfortable. The Pink City feels festive making it the perfect blend of regal charm and winter magic.

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Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

Have you ever witnessed a vast sea of white stretching under moonlit skies, where the salt flats shimmer like silver and the stars feel just within reach? December in Kutch is surreal. A landscape unlike any other, alive with folk music, vibrant crafts, and the magic of the Rann Utsav. 

Places to Visit: Great Rann, White Desert, Kala Dungar (Black Hill), Mandvi Beach, Kutch artisan villages (Ajrakh, Bhuj).

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Best Places to Visit in South India in Winter

South India is home to some true hidden gems. Plus, the pleasant weather it offers in December is perfect to explore the whole region. Let’s take a closer look at the best places to visit in South India in Winter. 

Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg, Karnataka

Remember that cup of coffee that gets you through long meetings and lifts your mood in an instant? Ever wondered where most of it comes from? Welcome to Coorg — the land behind your brew. But it’s not just about coffee. In December, Coorg is wrapped in mist, filled with thick green forests, cool mountain air. All of this makes it one of the best places to visit this winter.

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Munnar, Kerala

Munnar, Kerala

Imagine standing amidst endless tea gardens as the first light of sunrise filters through the mist. You breathe in, and the air carries the fresh, earthy scent of just-plucked tea leaves. You can experience the same scenario that you have in mind in reality. In December, Munnar gives you the same feeling. It’s a place where time slows down, and nature speaks in whispers.

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Alleppey Backwaters, Kerala

Alleppey, Kerala

You’ve probably seen it in films — a lone fisherman casting his net into calm waters at sunrise. It’s a peaceful, almost poetic sight. But why just watch it on screen when you can experience it for real? This December, drift through the backwaters of Alleppey in Kerala, where such scenes unfolds in front of your eyes. It’s the perfect time to witness life on the water which is quiet, authentic, and beautiful.

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Goa

Palolem beach in Goa

Parties? Goa. Beaches? Goa. Portuguese charm, stunning sunsets, and pure relaxation? Still Goa.

This coastal paradise truly has it all — it just depends on what you’re looking for.

Craving high-energy beach parties, bustling shacks, and vibrant nightlife? Head to North Goa — it’s where the music never stops.

If you prefer quiet shores, peaceful sunsets, and laid-back vibes? South Goa is your go-to escape.

In Goa, you get to choose your own adventure — wild, serene, or a perfect mix of both.

No matter what you pick, one thing’s certain: Goa never disappoints. 

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Pondicherry

Auroville, Pondicherry

Sipping coffee in a quaint French café, strolling barefoot on a quiet beach, or finding stillness in the serenity of Auroville. What would you choose? Choose anything but be sure that every moment in Pondicherry is soul-soothing.

So if you’re dreaming of a place where festive warmth meets spiritual calm then Pondicherry in December is where your year should slow down… and end beautifully.

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Andaman Islands

Cellular jail at Port Blair

Imagine the sea glowing beneath your feet! There are tiny sparks of light dancing in the waves as you walk along the shore.

That’s the magic of bioluminescence. You can witness this on beaches of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Islands( Shaheed Dweep) in the Andaman Islands.

Andaman in December is at its best! It has calm seas, clear blue skies, and underwater worlds waiting to be explored by you!

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Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi

For people wanting a soul awakening experience, visiting Varanasi is the best place to visit in December. Varanasi will take you to a journey within yourself. As the chants of mantras rise during the Ganga Aarti and hundreds of diyas float gently down the river, you’ll feel a stillness settle within. Worries dissolve, time slows down, and the energy around you feels almost otherworldly.

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And there you have it — 25 of the Best Places to visit in India this December!

No matter which destination you pick — Wander. Travel. Connect. Repeat.

FAQ’s

What are the best places to visit in India in December?

Some of the top places include Gulmarg, Manali, Kasol, Mcleodganj, Udaipur, Rishikesh, Kaziranga, and Shillong. 

Which are the warm places to visit in India in December?

Rajasthan (Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur), Rann of Kutch, Goa, Coorg and Pondicherry are some of the best warm places to visit in December. 

Where can I see snow in India in December?

Popular snowy destinations include Gulmarg, Manali, Auli, Spiti, Chopta, and parts of Himachal and Uttarakhand.

Is December a good time to travel in India?

Yes, December is one of the best months to explore India due to cool weather, clear skies, and multiple festivals and holidays.

What are the best places to visit in South India in December?

Coorg, Munnar, Andaman, Ooty, and Pondicherry are top picks for South India during the winter season.

What are the best places to visit in North East India in December?

Meghalaya, Kaziranga (Assam), Gangtok (Sikkim), and Darjeeling are must-visits in December for culture, nature, and unique experiences.

Is it safe to travel in India during December?

Yes, it’s generally safe. However, due to it being peak tourist season, make sure to book your stays and transport in advance.

Are hill stations recommended in December?

Yes, hill stations like Manali, Darjeeling, Munnar, Coorg, and McLeodganj are excellent choices in December. These places have cool, invigorating climates with possible snowfall in some areas, offering beautiful scenic views and winter sports opportunities.

Is December peak tourist season for these destinations?

Yes, December is considered the peak travel season in many parts of India due to the favorable climate.

What are safety tips for traveling to hill stations in December?

Here are some common safety tips for traveling to hill stations in December:

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