December brings down the curtain on each year and a holiday at this juncture can be a good idea to relax, refresh and rejuvenate before the new year begins. With the Christmas and New Year taking roots and the weather remaining quite pleasant throughout the country, we suggest that you should plan a vacation in December. There are quite a few destinations that you can choose from, but to save you from doing the chores, we do the job and bring you top 10 Places to visit in December
Places to Visit in December:
1. Shimla
Shimla | #1 of 10 Best Places to Visit in December
Shimla, also called the ‘Queen of Hills’, is famous for its picturesque landscape featuring lush and snow-clad mountains; added with its pleasant climate. Now, who won’t want to come to this amazing hill station? One can come here at any time of the year, but December has its own charm. The reason is that Shimla receives quite a bit of snowfall in this month, specially towards Christmas Eve. So, if you want to enjoy snowfall and indulge in ice skating and other sports in and near Shimla, then you must to come to Shimla during winters.
Places to visit in Shimla: Jakhoo Hill, Summer Hills, Chadwick Falls, Annandale, Himalayan Bird Park, Tara Devi Temple, Viceregal Lodge, The Shimla State Museum and Johnnie’s Wax Museum.
Things to do in Shimla: Take a ride on the Toy Train to reach Shimla from Kalka, trek to Chadwick Falls and Jakhoo Hill, shop at Lakkar Bazaar, visit the famous Gaiety Theatre, enjoy a leisure walk on the Mall Road and indulge in ice skating at Circular Road
2. Sonamarg
Sonamarg | #2 of 10 Best Places to Visit in December
Another quaint hill station for a holiday in December is Sonamarg in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). Situated at an altitude of 2800 m above sea level, this place is home to several serene lakes, including Satsar and Gadsar lakes. Over the years, the place has become quite popular for its adventure sports like trekking, skiing and hiking, and as a result, adventure freaks rush to Sonamarg throughout the year. You will be requiring flights to Srinagar In December, all these activities are on offers and discounts in addition to other leisure activities, namely camping and trout fishing. Whether you come here for adventure or simply relaxing amidst the beauty of nature, you will surely and thoroughly enjoy your trip.
Places to visit in Sonamarg: Gadsar Lake, Baltal Valley, Satsar Lake, Gangabal Lake, Nilagrad River, Zoji-La Pass, Thajiwas Glacier, Krishnasar Lake and Yusmarg.
Things to do in Sonamarg: Indulge in adventure sports – Skiing, hiking and trekking, enjoying camping with friends, include trout fishing in your itinerary and shop at the Main Market at Sonamarg
3. Auli
Auli | #3 of 10 Best Places to Visit in December
More than its natural beauty, the scenic Auli has made its name globally as a fantastic ski resort in recent years. So, if you plan with your friends to go on a fun-filled & an adventurous trip, then coming to Auli in December should be a priority. While you are here do enjoy a cable car ride as well as go on a trekking expedition to Gurso Bugyal and Kwani Bugyal. Besides this, there is a lot to see and explore in Auli like Nanda Devi National Park, Joshimath, Nandprayag, etc. The bird-eye view of the Auli region from its various viewpoints is a charming experience, and the icing on the cake is the sight of Nanda Devi Peak.
Places to visit in Auli: Gurso Bugyal, Kwani Bugyal, Trishul Peak, Chenab Lake, Joshimath, Nandprayag, Rudraprayag and Nanda Devi National Park
Things to do in Auli: Enjoy your time in Auli by skiing, visit the viewpoints in Auli to capture scintillating views in your cameras and go on a cable car ride
4. Goa
Goa | #4 of 10 Best Places to Visit in December
Goa is a dream destination for many, but if this dream becomes reality, then nothing like it! Home to one of the most scenic beaches in the world, Goa receives thousands of tourists from across the globe each year, but the experience that one gets in December is simply outstanding. Goa fully comes alive in this month with grand Christmas and New Year’s celebrations held here. In December, Goa also holds the famous Mando Festival and Goa Art & Literature Festival, both of which draw huge crowds. So, make your plans and fly to Goa in December for a gala of a time!
Places to visit in Goa: Aguada Beach, Baga Beach, Bom Jesus Basilica, Aguada Fort, Chapora Fort, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and Calangute Beach.
Things to do in Goa: Be a part of the grand Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, indulge in water sports, go on a hot air balloon ride, clubbing, enjoy a cruise on Mandovi River, be a part of Goa Art & Literature Festival and Mando Festival
5. Manali
Manali | #5 of 10 Best Places to Visit in December
Another awe-inspiring destination in Himachal Pradesh is Manali, which is sandwiched between the snow-clad mountains of the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. The natural beauty of this serene hill station has mesmerised tourists for decades and it still does; while winter is the time when it emanates to its full glory. From ancient temples to scenic valleys, Manali is an ideal destination for sightseeing enthusiasts. However, that is not all; it is also popular for offering some fantastic trekking expeditions.
Places to visit in Manali: Hadimba Temple, Vashisht Hot Water Springs, Manu Temple, Solang Valley, Nehru Kund, Arjun Gufa and Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art
Things to do in Manali: Go on an excursion to Jogini Falls and Raha Falls, trek to Beas Kund, witness snowfall, explore the Manali Sanctuary and visit the Naggar Village
6. Mylapore
Mylapore | #6 of 10 Best Places to Visit in December
Mylapore, the major commercial centre of Chennai, is one of the oldest residential areas in the city. There are some really important temples and cultural venues in this part of Chennai and tourists travelling to the city, do make a trip to Mylapore. Besides praying at the famous Kapaleeswarar Temple, Theerthapaleeswarar Temple and San Thome Basilica, the most interesting thing to do in Mylapore is to walk through its streets and soak in the old-world charm of this place.
Places to visit in Mylapore: Kapaleeswarar Temple, Ramakrishna Math, Madhava Perumal Temple, Theerthapaleeswarar Temple and San Thome Basilica
Things to do in Mylapore: Go on a shopping spree at Luz, relish authentic South Indian delicacies, watch a Carnatic music performance, and enjoy a culture and heritage walk across Mada Veethis and Mangollai
7. Kutch
Kutch | #7 of 10 Best Places to Visit in December
Once an erstwhile princely state of India, Kutch is famous for its unique beauty – the huge expanses of the white salt desert. The sight of the white salt desert, be it at day or night, is simply an outstanding experience! If you are coming here in December, then you will definitely enjoy being part of the Rann Festival, in which various cultural programs are hosted along with adventure activities like hot air ballooning. In addition to it, you must visit the ancient town of Dholavira and the Siyot Caves.
Places to visit in Kutch: Great Rann of Kutch, Kalo Dungar, Topansar Lake, Kandla Port, Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary, Mandvi Beach, Vijay Vilas Palace, Aina Mahal and Bhadreshwar Jain Temple
Things to do in Kutch: Visit Dholavira, explore the ancient Siyot Caves, try out local cuisine and spend quality time at Kutch Museum
8. Tawang
Tawang | #8 of 10 Best Places to Visit in December
One of the scenic destinations of India is Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and hence receives hordes of travellers throughout the year. Home to some important Buddhist monasteries, this hill town is famous for its picturesque setting too. A trip to this place with the backing of a pleasant climate will is a perfect recipe for a peaceful and enjoyable vacation.
Places to visit in Tawang: Tawang Monastery, Madhuri Lake, Sela Pass, Gorichen Peak, Tawang War Memorial, Nuranang Falls, Taktsang Gompa, Jaswant Garh and Peng Teng Tso Lake
Things to do in Tawang: Trek to Geshila Peak, witness the Bumla Pass, visit the Urgelling Gompa, and shop at the local Tibetan Market
9. Gaya
Gaya | #9 of 10 Best Places to Visit in December
An important pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus, Gaya lies on the banks of the holy Phalgu River. Mahabodhi Temple and Vishnupad Temple are the two most important shrines at this place, which are flocked by devotees in large numbers every day. Gaya is also an important site for Pind Daan pujas. If you wish to reach Gaya, then the best option would be to travel to Patna, which is only about 100 km from here.
Places to visit in Gaya: Mahabodhi Temple, Dungeshwari Cave Temples, Barabar Caves, Vishnupad Temple, Chinese Temple and Monastery, Thai Temple and Monastery, and Royal Bhutan Monastery
Things to do in Gaya: Spend some time near the Bodhi Tree, get mesmerized by the chants and hymns sung by the priests at the Mahabodhi Temple, pay a visit to Mangla Gauri Temple and Dakshinaarka Temple and explore the Bodhgaya Archaeological Museum
10. Pondicherry
Pondicherry | #10 of 10 Best Places to Visit in December
The Union Territory of Pondicherry, officially called Puducherry, is one of the most sought-after destinations in the country owing to its landscape being an amalgamation of French architecture and traditional Indian culture. A calm and peaceful destination, Pondicherry is perfect for those who wish to spend their vacation in a leisurely manner.
Places to visit in Pondicherry: Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Gingee Fort, Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Jawahar Toy Museum, Ousteri Lake, French War Memorial and Pondicherry Botanical Garden
Things to do in Pondicherry: Spend some relaxing time at Promenade Beach and Paradise Beach, by handicrafts at Pondy Bazaar, hangout at Goubert Avenue beach road, take a ride in the Chunnambar Boat House, explore the White Town and pay a visit to Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple
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