Planning a December getaway but not sure where to go?
That feeling when you want to escape somewhere beautiful but South India has way too many options… we’ve all been there.
But here’s the truth. December is one of the best months to explore South India. The weather feels just right. No harsh heat. No heavy rains. Just cool breezes, clear skies, and that soft year-end holiday vibe everyone loves.
In this blog, you’ll find 9 amazing places in South India that look and feel their best in December. You’ll learn what makes each place special, what you can do there, and simple tips that actually help in real life.
Ready to pick your perfect December destination?
Come with me. 🙂
9 best tourist places in South India during December that you can travel to
South India in December feels like pure magic. Whether you want misty mountains, calm backwaters, ancient temples, or lively beaches, everything opens up beautifully this time of the year.
These 9 destinations are ready to welcome you.
Let’s explore them.
Munnar, Kerala
Munnar in December feels like someone turned the entire hill station into a soft, green dream. The mountains stay wrapped in gentle mist that lifts slowly through the morning, revealing endless tea gardens glowing under winter sunlight.
Every corner smells fresh, clean, and earthy, thanks to the tea bushes that cover the hills like a green blanket. December brings cool breezes, clear blue skies, and comfortable weather that makes walking, trekking, and sightseeing feel effortless.
You could spend hours just sitting at a viewpoint watching clouds drift across the valleys. Munnar is peaceful, scenic, and unbelievably refreshing in December, which is why so many travellers call it the most magical hill station in South India.
Top attractions of Munnar
- Eravikulam National Park – Home to the endangered Nilgiri Tahr with trekking trails and sweeping views
- Tea Gardens and Plantations – Walk through lush green hills and see how tea is made
- Lakkam Waterfall – Beautiful falls with perfect water flow in December
- Attukal Waterfall – Quiet, peaceful, and great for relaxing
- Mattupetty Dam – Scenic spot with boat rides
- Top Station – Highest point in Munnar with views of the Western Ghats
December weather stays around 15 to 22°C. Mornings are misty and magical, afternoons clear and perfect for trekking. No sweating, no sudden rain, just calm and cool days.
Pro tip: Start morning treks early to catch fog rolling over tea gardens. Carry layers since mornings get chilly.
Thekkady, Kerala
Thekkady feels like stepping into the wild heart of Kerala. December brings cool weather, bright mornings, and perfect conditions for spotting wildlife inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The forests look greener, the lake becomes calm like glass, and animals often come out near the water where visibility is clear.
It is one of those places where you wake up to birdsong, walk through spice plantations that smell like cardamom and pepper, and feel the thrill of being surrounded by untouched nature.
Whether you are cruising on Periyar Lake, exploring the jungle trails, or learning about spices from local growers, Thekkady in December gives you that real forest adventure feeling without the discomfort of heat or humidity.
Top attractions of Thekkady
- Periyar Tiger Reserve – Boat rides and nature walks where you might see elephants or even tigers
- Spice Plantation Tours – Walk through cardamom and pepper farms with expert guides
- Periyar Lake – Peaceful boat rides during sunset
- Elephant Sanctuaries – Interact with rescued elephants and learn about conservation
- Kumily Market – Fresh spices directly from farmers
- Bamboo Rafting – Calm rafting with jungle views on both sides
December weather stays around 15 to 21°C with clear visibility for safaris and excellent birdwatching.
Pro tip: Book early morning boat safaris. Bring binoculars. Hotels fill fast in December, so book early.
Kochi, Kerala
Kochi in December is the perfect blend of coastal charm, culture, and calm sea breeze. The weather stays warm but pleasant, making it ideal for long walks through the historic lanes of Fort Kochi, café hopping, and watching sunsets by the Chinese fishing nets. The entire city feels lively yet relaxed this month.
You get colourful street art, centuries-old architecture, peaceful backwater cruises, and food that tastes even better when the air is cool. December is also festival season here, so the city feels energetic with events, lights, and music around the waterfront.
Kochi is one of those places where you can explore history in the morning, relax in a café in the afternoon, and enjoy the sea breeze in the evening, all in one day.
Top attractions of Kochi
- Chinese Fishing Nets – Best at sunrise or sunset
- Fort Kochi Historic Quarter – Colonial buildings, street art, and cafés
- Mattancherry Palace – Known for its murals and history
- Jewish Synagogue – One of India’s oldest synagogues
- Jew Town – Antique stores and spice shops everywhere
- Backwater Cruises – Peaceful boat rides through coconut lined canals
- St. Francis Church – Oldest European church in India
December is festive here. Weather stays around 23 to 32°C. Seafood tastes amazing this time of year, and evening walks feel heavenly.
Pro tip: Stay in Fort Kochi for the real experience. Try fresh seafood right by the water.
Coorg, Karnataka
Coorg in December feels like a fresh breath of mountain air. The coffee estates turn lush and aromatic, the hills stay wrapped in soft mist, and the temperature stays cool enough to make every walk feel energizing.
This is also the time when coffee harvesting happens, so estates are buzzing with activity and the smell of freshly processed coffee fills the air. December skies stay clear, making trekking trails brighter and viewpoints more stunning.
Whether you are hiking up a peak, visiting waterfalls, or simply sitting on a balcony overlooking endless green hills, Coorg gives you that peaceful, cozy winter getaway feeling. It is the kind of place where time slows down and nature takes over in the best possible way.
Top attractions of Coorg
- Coffee Plantations – Learn the entire bean to cup journey
- Tadiandamol Peak – Easy trek with stunning views
- Abbey Falls – Scenic waterfall surrounded by greenery
- Dubare Elephant Camp – Interact with elephants
- Brahmagiri Peak – Slightly tougher trek with gorgeous sunrise views
- Madikeri Fort – Historic fort with wide valley views
- Iruppu Falls – Spiritual waterfall with a dipping pool
December weather stays around 16 to 27°C. It is also coffee harvest season, so estates look beautiful and active.
Pro tip: Visit coffee estates early in the morning. Book Dubare in advance. Trails stay clear and safe in December.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal is called the Princess of Hill Stations for a reason. The moment you arrive, the air feels cooler, cleaner, and lighter, almost like the mountains are welcoming you in. December adds another layer of magic.
Mornings are wrapped in soft mist where trees fade in and out like a painting. Afternoons open up to clear blue skies, perfect for long walks around the lake or slow drives through forest roads. Evenings turn cozy with chilly breezes, warm cafés, and that calm silence you only get in the hills.
If you want a peaceful winter getaway where you can slow down, breathe, and feel connected to nature, Kodaikanal is exactly that kind of place.
Top attractions of Kodaikanal
- Kodaikanal Lake – Perfect for boating and evening walks
- Coaker’s Walk – Stunning cliffside pathway
- Pillar Rocks – Three unique rock formations
- Shembaganur Museum – Great for nature lovers
- Kurinji Andavar Temple – Set among clouds
- Green Valley View – Amazing views from the top
- Berijam Lake – Calm and untouched (permit required)
December weather stays around 8 to 22°C. Misty mornings and clear afternoons give you perfect photos.
Pro tip: Bring warm clothes. Visit viewpoints early. Book Berijam permits ahead of time.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Ooty is the Queen of Hill Stations, and December is when she looks her best. The weather feels crisp the moment you step out, the kind of cold that wakes you up without biting. Every road is lined with tall eucalyptus trees, tea estates roll out like green carpets, and the hills stay wrapped in soft winter sunlight.
December gives you clear mountain views, calm lakes, and perfect conditions for exploring. The toy train ride feels extra magical this month because the skies are bright and the valleys look endless from the windows. Whether you are sipping hot tea on a viewpoint or wandering through gardens filled with flowers, Ooty in December gives you that classic hill station charm that never gets old.
Top attractions of Ooty
- Ooty Lake – Peaceful boating and long walks
- Botanical Gardens – Over 55 acres of rare plants
- Pykara Lake – Clean, quiet, and perfect for picnics
- Doddabetta Peak – Highest point in the Nilgiris
- Nilgiri Toy Train – Iconic ride through mountains
- Ooty Deer Park – Good for families
- Charing Cross – Shopping and cafés
December weather stays around 9 to 22°C. Trekking is pleasant, and the toy train is at its best.
Pro tip: Book toy train seats in advance. Visit gardens early in the morning. Carry light layers.
Alleppey, Kerala
Alleppey in December feels like the world has slowed down just for you. The backwaters turn calm like a mirror, reflecting coconut trees, blue skies, and passing houseboats. The weather stays warm but gentle, the kind that lets you sit on a boat deck for hours without feeling tired.
As your houseboat moves through quiet canals, you’ll see village life unfolding around you fishers heading out, women washing clothes by the water, and birds gliding low over the lake. Evenings are the best part. The sky turns golden, the water sparkles, and it feels like time has paused.
If you want a relaxing December break where you don’t rush, don’t plan, and simply enjoy the moment, Alleppey is perfect.
Top attractions of Alleppey
- Houseboat Cruises – The classic backwater experience
- Alleppey Beach – Perfect for sunset walks
- Alleppey Lighthouse – 360 degree views of sea and backwaters
- Pathiramanal Island – Bird lovers paradise
- Kumbalangi Sanctuary – Mangroves and rare bird species
- Shrikrishna Temple – Culturally rich and spiritual
- Backwater Fish Farms – Interesting local experience
December stays around 23 to 29°C. Water is calm, humidity is low, and sunsets stunning.
Pro tip: Book houseboats through verified operators. Wear sunscreen. Try Kerala meals cooked on the boat.
Pondicherry
Pondicherry in December feels like stepping into a little European town with Indian warmth. The air gets cooler, the beaches feel calmer, and the streets of the French Quarter look even prettier under soft winter sunlight.
It is the kind of place where you can spend an entire day just walking through cafés, pastel coloured buildings, and quiet seaside roads. December makes everything comfortable. You can explore Auroville without sweating, sit at a beachside café for hours, rent a bicycle and ride through narrow lanes, or just relax by the water.
Pondicherry has a peaceful, reflective vibe this month that makes you slow down and enjoy the simple things.
Top attractions of Pondicherry
- Promenade Beach – Beautiful sea facing walkway
- Auroville – Unique global community
- Sri Aurobindo Ashram – Peaceful meditation space
- Serenity Beach – Quiet and clean
- Paradise Beach – Reach by ferry, great for swimming
- French Quarter – Colourful colonial lanes and cafés
- Chunnambar Boat House – Backwater rides
December weather stays around 22 to 28°C with clear skies and great beach conditions.
Pro tip: Rent a bicycle to explore easily. Try French-Indian fusion food. Walk the Promenade at sunset.
Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Mahabalipuram becomes a beautiful blend of culture, history, and beach life in December. The weather turns pleasant with clear skies, gentle sea breezes, and warm sunshine that feels perfect for outdoor exploring.
Walking through centuries-old rock temples and carvings becomes even more enjoyable because it is not too hot. You can spend your mornings exploring UNESCO sites, afternoons relaxing at quiet beaches, and evenings watching classical dance performances during the famous Mahabalipuram Dance Festival.
The whole town feels alive in December. The energy is festive, the light is perfect for photography, and the sea looks calm and inviting. If you want a December trip that mixes history, culture, and beach vibes, this is the spot.
Top attractions of Mahabalipuram
- Shore Temple – UNESCO site by the sea
- Pancha Rathas – Iconic monolithic temples
- Krishna’s Butterball – A giant rock balancing on a slope
- Mahabalipuram Dance Festival – Annual cultural festival
- Arjuna’s Penance – Largest rock carving in India
- Tiger Caves – Peaceful cave shrine
- Local Beaches – Clean and relaxing
December stays around 20 to 30°C with cultural events happening everywhere.
Pro tip: Visit Shore Temple at sunrise. Hire a local guide for deeper stories. Book festival tickets early.
So where will your December in South India take you next
You’ve just gone through 9 amazing places. Now you’re probably thinking, “Ok, but which one should I actually pick?”
And honestly, that feeling is normal. South India in December is so good that choosing just one place feels like you’re missing out on something else.
But here’s the simple truth.
Whichever place you choose from this list, you’ll have a good trip. The weather will be nice. The views will be worth it. The food will be solid. And you’ll come back with stories you’ll talk about for months.
The real challenge isn’t choosing the place.
It’s planning the trip without stressing out.
And you already know this.
- Do I book hotels now or later
- How many days do I need
- Which guide is actually reliable
- How do I move between cities
- Where should I eat
- What’s the real budget here
These little things pile up and suddenly the trip feels like homework.
This is where I’m telling you honestly, let us make it easier for you.
At Varanasi Excursion, we’ve planned enough South India trips to know what works and what doesn’t. We know the hotels that are actually worth staying in. We know which guides treat you like a person and not a transaction. We know the routes, timings, shortcuts, good food spots, and the places you shouldn’t waste time on.
You just tell us the basics:
- Your travel dates
- The places you liked from this list
- The kind of trip you want relaxing, spiritual, adventure, culture, or a mix
- Your budget
And we’ll stitch the whole trip together for you without overcomplicating anything.
If you want to talk, call us at +91 90051 04999 or just book a free call.
No pressure. No sales push. Just a simple conversation to help you figure out your trip.
Because honestly, December comes and goes fast.
If you want to do this, let’s get it sorted.
And if not, it’s okay.
I’m still glad you read this far.
Whenever you’re ready, I’m here to help you plan the trip properly.
🙂