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Winter is just around the corner, making December the perfect time to pack your bags and enjoy the chill. With pleasant weather and a refreshing breeze, this month sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure. If you’re seeking a memorable winter getaway, we’ve curated a list of the best places to visit in December in India. These stunning destinations offer not only breathtaking views but also a range of activities that will transform a regular vacation into an exciting exploration. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover these amazing spots and make this winter truly epic!
1. Thajiwas Glacier, Jammu & Kashmir
Immerse yourself in the enchantment of snowfall in Kashmir this December as you discover the breathtaking beauty of this winter paradise. In the picturesque Sonamarg, also known as the “meadow of gold,” temperatures plunge to subzero levels, making it a top destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway in December.
Don’t miss the hidden treasure of Thajiwas Glacier, just 7 kilometers away, where you can enjoy exhilarating activities like sled rides, snowboarding, and skiing. Picture yourself in a red Santa Claus coat, hopping onto a sled and singing “Jingle Bells” amid the stunning snow-covered hills. It’s an unforgettable experience at one of India’s best places to visit in December!
- Cost of sled cart with shoes: INR 150 to INR 300
- Cheapest stay: Hotel Tourist Palace
- Tariff: INR 3,400 per night
- Famous Food: Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, Yakhni
- What to Buy: Shawls, handicrafts, cardigans, carpets, other woolens, stone-carved jewelry, and embroidered bags.
- Where To Buy From: National Highway 1D, Sonmarg Market
- How To Reach: After reaching Sonmarg from Srinagar by road, trek up to the glacier or hire a pony to reach the top.
2. Dawki, Shillong
In December, Shillong transforms into a winter paradise, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius. As the only hill station in India accessible from all directions, Shillong offers a unique and captivating experience. The crystal-clear waters of the Umngot River in Dawki create the magical illusion of boats floating in mid-air, adding to the region’s natural beauty.
This picturesque landscape makes Shillong a must-visit winter destination. Don’t forget to savor the sweet and juicy oranges in this charming border town near the river. Be sure to add Shillong to your list of top tourist destinations in India for a truly memorable winter getaway!
- Cheapest stay: Hotel Broadway
- Tariff: INR 30,000 per night
- Famous Food: Khao Suey, Thukpa, Jadoh, Jhur Kleh, Makham Bitchi
- What To Buy: Oranges
- How to Reach: The nearest airport to Dawki is in Guwahati, approximately 200 kilometers away. One can cover the distance via private cabs or by hiring helicopter services.
3. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali, with its towering deodar trees, majestic mountains, winding roads, and heavy snowfall, stands out as one of India’s top destinations to visit in December. It’s a paradise for newlyweds and snow lovers, offering a breathtaking winter landscape.
For adventure enthusiasts, Manali is a dream come true, with activities like paragliding, ice skating, rappelling, and rock climbing. The Lamadugh Meadows, Solang Valley, and Koshla-Tree Line treks add to the thrill, making Manali one of the best adventure destinations in India this winter.
- Cheapest stay: Holiday Heights Manali
- Tariff: INR 3,500 per night
- Famous Food: Red rice, river trout, masala omelet, Sidu, Babru, Patande
- What to Buy: Prayer wheels, Kullu caps, Tibetan handicrafts, woolen clothing, shawls, thangkas
- Where to Buy From: Old Manali market, Himachal Emporium, Tibetan Market, Manu market, The Mall Road
- How to Reach: The nearest airport to Manali is in Bhuntar, about 50 kilometers away, and it connects well with cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla. If you’re traveling by train, the nearest railway station is Pathankot, 285 kilometers from Manali. From both Bhuntar and Pathankot, you can hire private cabs or take public buses to reach Manali easily.
4. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
The charming town of Dalhousie is a must-visit destination in India during December. Its stunning Deodar forests, blanketed in snowflakes, create a perfect winter wonderland. The chilly breeze and snow-capped mountains enhance the breathtaking views, making Dalhousie a special place to visit.
For trekking enthusiasts, Dalhousie offers the National Himalayan Winter Trekking Expedition in December, adding an adventurous twist to your winter getaway.
- Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days
- Places to visit in Dalhousie: Khajjiar, Peak, Kalatop Wildlife Reserve, St. Francis Catholic Church
- Things to Do In Dalhousie: Panch Pulla – Experience The Magic Of Whispering Woods, Khajjiar – Go Paragliding, Chamera Lake – Go Boating, Satdhara Falls – Take A Dip, Dainkund Peak – Go For A Scenic Hike
- Cost: INR 6,300
- Duration: 6 days and 5 nights
- Famous Food: Madra, LuchiPoti, Sidu, Dham, Aktori
- What to Buy: Copper and silver diyas, Tibetan carpets, Kullu shawls, bags, handicrafts, souvenirs
- Where To Buy From: Gandhi Chowk, Tibetan Market, Himachal Handloom and Crafts Centre
- How to Reach: The nearest airport to Dalhousie is Gaggal Airport, about 13 kilometers away. The closest railway station is Pathankot, which is around 80 kilometers away. Travelers can reach Dalhousie by hiring private cabs, using local buses, or opting for luxury coaches from the airport, railway station, or other nearby locations.
5. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
How could we overlook Shimla, the Queen of Hill Stations, as one of the most beautiful places to visit in December? This romantic getaway is perfect for a winter trip, where you can enjoy a colonial walk through its scenic streets. Stroll along the snowy paths in your long boots and take a detour to the peaceful town of Chail, away from the hustle and bustle of Shimla. It’s truly a magical destination to experience Christmas in India.
Don’t forget to capture the perfect selfie with your loved one at one of the best honeymoon destinations in India this December. For an extra thrill, enjoy a fun-filled ride at the Winter Sports Festival in Shimla—experience natural ice-skiing and admire the colorful hanging balloons, all while soaking in the pleasant December weather of Shimla.
- Ideal Duration: 3 Nights/4 Days
- Places to visit in Shimla: Summer Hills, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Annandale, Jakhoo Hill
- Things to Do In Shimla: Toy Train Ride: Passing Through The Green Hills, Ice skating: Asia’s Only Open-Air Ice Skating Rink, Jakhu Temple: Trek To The Top, Camping: Stay Amidst The Woods
- Cost of ice skiing: INR 100 per person
- Cheapest stay: Alpine Heritage Residency
- Tariff: INR 2,500 per night
- Famous Food: Madra, Dhaam, Sidu, Thukpa, Babru, Chha Gosht, Mash Daal, Chicken Anardana
- What to Buy: Handicrafts, woolen materials, wood items, handmade paper, wooden tables, handicrafts, jewelry, antiques
- Where To Buy From: The Mall Road, Himachal Emporium, Tibetan Market, Lower Bazaar, Lakkar Bazaar
- How to Reach: Shimla has its airport, Jubbarhatti, located about 20 kilometers from the city, with good connections to major cities like New Delhi and Chandigarh. The nearest railway station is Kalka, about 96 kilometers away. You can easily hire a private cab or take a local bus, which operates regularly from the airport, station, and other nearby cities, to reach Shimla.
6. Auli, Uttarakhand
The snow-covered peaks of Neelkant, Mana Parbat, and Nanda Devi offer a stunning panoramic view that will leave you in awe, especially during Christmas. If you’re looking to learn skiing at one of the best December destinations, Auli should be on your list.
This is the perfect time to dive into the thrilling sport of skiing. And if you’re passionate about it, don’t miss the National Championship of Skiing in February at Auli!
- Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days
- Places to visit in Auli: Gurso Bugyal, Trishul Peak, Chenab Lake, Nandaprayag
- Things to Do In Auli: Skiing, Auli Gorson Trek, Camping, Cable Car Ride
- When: Skiing can be done from December to March, and the Championship is held in February.
- Cost of skiing: INR 500 for two hours; hire an instructor in INR 1,000
- Cheapest stay: Maya Deep Herbal Resort
- Tariff: INR 1,600 per night
- Famous Food: Dal, leafy vegetables, rice, bal mithai
- What To Buy: Souvenirs, handwoven shawls, woolen caps, blankets, gifts
- Where To Buy From: Lower Market
- How To Reach: After Arriving In Rishikesh By Bus From Delhi, You Can Choose To take a shared taxi or hire a private cab to reach Joshimath. From Joshimath, you can continue your journey by road in a cab or opt for a more exciting option: the cable car that runs from Joshimath to Auli, offering stunning views along the way. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
7. Chopta, Uttarakhand
Chopta is one of the best winter destinations in India, offering breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba. The air here is fresh and romantic, making it the perfect escape. It’s not just a place to enjoy beautiful snowfall; it’s also an ideal trekking destination for adventure enthusiasts.
- Ideal Duration: 1 Day
- Places to visit in Chopta: Tungnath, Deoria Tal, Rohini Bugyal, Omkar Ratneshwar Mahadev
- Things to Do In Chopta: The Tungnath Trek, Baniyakund, The Chandrashila Trek, Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
- Cheapest stay: Shivansh Cafe and Resto
- Tariff: INR 1000
- Famous Food: Chicken curry, rice, and kadhi
- How to Reach: Chopta is easily accessible due to its well-connected road network, which allows buses, taxis, and private cars to reach the hill station without hassle. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, and the closest railway station is Haridwar. You can easily take public transport from the airport and the railway station to reach Chopta.
8. Binsar, Uttarakhand
Binsar is one of India’s most breathtaking winter destinations. Nestled amidst the majestic peaks of Nanda Devi, Pachachuli, and Trishul, this serene hill town offers stunning views. Famous for its peaceful forests, Binsar lies within the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. From Zero Point in Binsar, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, including Kedarnath and Nanda Devi.
- Ideal Duration: 1 Nights/2 Days
- Places to visit in Binsar: Zero Point, Kasar Devi Temple, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chitai Golu Devta Temple
- Things to Do In Binsar: Trekking, Paragliding, Bird Watching, Wildlife Viewing, Forest Walk, Skiing
- Cheapest stay: Idyllic Haven Homestay
- Tariff: INR 1,500 per night
- Famous Food: Madve ki roti, Bhaang ki khatai, Kaudh ke daal, Kumaoni roti, Aloo ke gutke, Palak ka kapa
- What To Buy: Souvenirs, wooden products, sweaters, Rhododendron squash, local honey, handmade soap
- Where to Buy From: Binsar nature gift shop, Finest Himalaya, Jagnath gift center
- How to Reach: Binsar is easily accessible by road from major cities nationwide. The closest airport is Pantnagar, about 152 kilometers away, while the nearest railway station is Kathgodam, approximately 120 kilometers away.
9. Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand
Situated at an altitude of 2,285 meters, Mukteshwar is one of India’s most beautiful winter destinations. With stunning views of the majestic Himalayan peaks and lush forests, it has become a favorite among couples and nature lovers. The snow-covered slopes and soft, green meadows create a romantic ambiance, making Mukteshwar the perfect getaway for a winter retreat.
- Ideal Duration: 1 Night/2 Days
- Things to Do In Mukteshwar: Trekking, Paragliding, Sunrise Above Nanda Devi Peak, Sitla
- Cheapest stay: Mukteshwar Himalayan Resort
- Tariff: INR 2,500 per night
- Famous Places To Eat: Rosefinch Cafe, Alankar Restaurant, Chirping Tales Cafe. Nirvana Organic Kitchen, The Birdcage
- What To Buy: Jams, Chutneys, handcrafted toys and woolen garments, herbal products and oil, herbal tea
- Where to Buy From: Kilmora Shop in Sargakhet village, Mukteshwar 263138, India
- How to Reach: Buses and taxis are readily available to Mukteshwar from nearby towns like Nainital, Almora, and Haldwani. The closest airport is in Pantnagar, about 94 kilometers away, with good connections to Delhi. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is approximately 62 kilometers from Mukteshwar.
10. Leh, Ladakh
The mesmerizing blue ice and the surrounding hills will leave you speechless. The Chadar trek, India’s only ice trek, offers an incredible adventure in temperatures dropping as low as -14 degrees Celsius. Other fantastic treks to explore include the Sham trek, the Liker to Khaltse trek, and the Samboo to Khalsar trek.
- Ideal Duration: 5 Nights/6 Days
- Places to visit in Leh: Zanskar Valley, Pangong Tso Lake, Magnetic Hill, Shanti Stupa, Royal Leh Palace, Stakna Monastery
- Cheapest stay: Dorje Guest House
- Tariff: INR 1,500 per night
- Famous Food: Ladhaki pulao, Gitmo, thunk, chamber, phirni, skew, momos
- What To Buy: Handicrafts, silver and stone jewelry, pashmina shawls and woollens, rugs, carpets. Apricot jam
- Where To Buy From: Main Bazaar, Tibetan Handicraft Emporium, Tibetan Handicraft Community Showroom
- How to Reach: The easiest and quickest way to reach Leh Ladakh is by air. The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. You can take a train to Tawi if you prefer to travel by train. Both the railway station and the airport have buses and taxis available for your convenience. Additionally, you can take a bus from Srinagar or Manali to travel to Ladakh by road.
Conclusion
As December approaches, it brings a wave of excitement and joy, making it the perfect time to discover the beauty of India. From the snow-capped mountains of Auli to the sunny beaches of Goa, countless exotic destinations offer unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re looking for adventure, romance, or relaxation, these places have something for every traveler. So, pack your bags and set off on a surreal vacation this December, creating memories that will last a lifetime!
