Imagine this for a second.
December is around the corner. The weather is shifting. Your mind is craving a break. And you start thinking about that one trip you want to take before the year ends.
You open your phone.
You check a few destinations.
Bali pops up. Europe shows up. Thailand looks tempting.
But then it hits you.
India in December feels different.
Crisp winter mornings.
Golden sunsets.
Snow in the mountains.
Warm beaches in the south.
Festivals lighting up the season.
And a vibe that honestly feels magical.
Travelers who visit in December always say the same thing. They come for a holiday and end up having a moment they remember long after. Because India in December is not just a trip. It is a feeling. A mix of culture, nature, food, people, and stories you carry with you.
Now here is where it gets tricky.
There are hundreds of places you can visit.
Every region looks inviting in December.
And choosing the perfect destination becomes stressful.
What if you pick the wrong place?
What if you miss the best experiences?
What if you spend money but do not get the vibe you want?
That is exactly why this guide exists.
We curated the top 17 destinations that truly shine in December. Each one offers something special. Snow adventures. Spiritual calmness. Romantic views. Cultural celebrations. Beaches that feel like your own hideaway.
Whether you want a peaceful break or an action packed getaway, you will find your ideal December destination here.
Why December is the best time to visit India
December is that rare month when almost every type of traveller finds their perfect setting. If you love the cold, the Himalayas turn into a winter playground. If you prefer the sun, the beaches in the south stay warm and breezy. If you enjoy culture, big cities stay lively with events, Christmas markets, and year end celebrations.
Travel also becomes easier. Roads are clearer. Flights face fewer delays. Most treks, safaris, and outdoor activities open fully for the season, giving you access to experiences that remain closed during the monsoons.
And above all, the atmosphere is unmatched. There is a mix of holiday spirit, festive charm, and travel friendly weather that you do not get in any other month. Whether you want peace, adventure, or celebrations, December offers all three without compromise.
Top 16 best places to visit in December in India 2025
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
If you ever wanted to visit a place that feels alive every minute, Varanasi is that city. When you walk near the Ganga early in the morning, the whole river looks calm and beautiful. People are taking a dip, priests are doing rituals, and boats are moving slowly. The small lanes near Kashi Vishwanath Temple are full of sounds, smells, and stories. You’ll keep looking around because everything feels new and old at the same time.
And in the evening, the Ganga Aarti will grab your attention like nothing else. Lamps, music, chants… it’s honestly a moment you’ll remember. December makes it even better because the weather is cool and you can walk around without feeling tired. It’s the best month to just slow down and take it all in.
Top attractions of Varanasi
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
- Ganga Aarti
- Sunrise boat ride
- Sarnath
- BHU campus
Why visit Varanasi in December
Cool weather, clear mornings, and a very lively vibe around the ghats.
Who should visit Varanasi
Anyone who wants a peaceful, meaningful, or first-time India experience.
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
You know that feeling when a place is both peaceful and full of energy at the same time? Ayodhya gives you exactly that. The moment you reach the city, you’ll see people walking with flowers in their hands, bells ringing from different temples, and that soft hum of devotion everywhere. And when you step inside the new Ram Mandir… it hits differently. The whole place feels bright, huge, and honestly a little emotional too.
Even if you’re not super into temples, the vibe here is good. You can take a slow walk near the Sarayu River, sit for a bit, watch the water, and just breathe. December makes the whole city even nicer because the weather is cool and the days feel calm. It’s one of those places where you don’t rush anything… you just go with the flow.
Top attractions of Ayodhya
- Ram Mandir
- Hanuman Garhi
- Kanak Bhavan
- Nageshwarnath Temple
- Sarayu River
Why visit Ayodhya in December
The weather is cool, the city feels fresh, and temple walks become super comfortable.
Who should visit Ayodhya
Families, first time visitors, spiritual travelers, anyone who enjoys calm but meaningful places.
Delhi, India’s Capital
Delhi is one of those cities that hits you with everything at once. You step out and boom… food smells, autos honking, big roads, tiny lanes, old buildings, shiny malls, all at the same time. And weirdly, it all makes sense together. If you walk around Old Delhi, you’ll feel like you’ve time-traveled… chaotic streets, tiny shops, and food that honestly tastes better than it looks. Then you go to India Gate or Rajpath, and suddenly the city feels calm and huge and open.
What I love about Delhi in December is that the weather is finally nice. You’re not melting in the sun. You can actually walk around, explore markets, sit in parks, and take your time at monuments without feeling tired. Evenings get a little chilly, but in a good way, perfect for street food, night markets, and long drives.
Top attractions of Delhi
- Red Fort
- India Gate
- Humayun’s Tomb
- Old Delhi Bazaars
- Jama Masjid
- Raj Ghat
Why visit Delhi in December
Cold but comfy weather, great for long walks, sightseeing, and street food without sweating.
Who should visit Delhi
First timers, history lovers, foodies, families, budget travelers.
Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Agra is one of those places where you already know what you came for. The moment you see the Taj Mahal in real life, trust me, it feels different. Photos do not come close. When you stand in front of it, everything suddenly goes quiet for a second. The marble, the details, the whole vibe… it really is something special. And if you go early in the morning, the Taj looks soft and golden, like it is glowing just for you.
But Agra is not only the Taj. Walk around Agra Fort and you will feel the royal history in the halls and balconies. Mehtab Bagh on the other side of the river gives you a relaxed view of the Taj where you can just sit and chill. December is the best month because the weather is cool and walking around all day actually feels nice.
Top attractions of Agra
- Taj Mahal
- Agra Fort
- Mehtab Bagh
- Itimad ud Daulah
- Fatehpur Sikri
Why visit Agra in December
Clear mornings and cool weather make the Taj and other monuments more enjoyable.
Who should visit Agra
Couples, first time visitors, photographers, history lovers, families.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur feels like someone took history, color, food, and royal charm and mixed everything perfectly. When you walk inside Amer Fort, you actually feel like kings once lived here. The views from the top hit different. The pink streets in the old city are fun to explore and the shops are full of clothes, jewelry, and little things you did not plan to buy but will still buy. The whole city has this warm, welcoming feeling.
December is honestly the best time to be in Jaipur. The weather is cool so you can explore forts without getting tired. Evenings feel nice and lively. You can sit on a rooftop cafe, watch the city lights, and enjoy the breeze. Jaipur is that perfect mix of culture and comfort.
Top attractions of Jaipur
- Amer Fort
- City Palace
- Hawa Mahal
- Jantar Mantar
- Jaipur Bazaars
Why visit Jaipur in December
Cool sunny days make sightseeing easy and the city feels more vibrant.
Who should visit Jaipur
Families, photographers, culture lovers, couples, solo travelers.
Ranthambore, Rajasthan
Ranthambore is the kind of place where you wake up early, sit in an open jeep, and feel the cold morning air hit your face. The jungle is quiet at first, and then you start hearing birds, leaves, and little sounds from deep inside the forest. The best part is the thrill. Any moment, a tiger might walk out of the trees and look right at you. Even if you do not spot one, the whole safari feels like an adventure movie happening in real life.
The fort inside the park is another cool surprise. You climb up and suddenly the jungle spread out below you looks huge and beautiful. December makes the whole experience better because the weather is cool and animals come out more often. It is the perfect mix of nature and excitement.
Top attractions of Ranthambore
- Tiger Safari
- Ranthambore Fort
- Padam Lake
- Wildlife Trails
- Bird Watching
Why visit Ranthambore in December
Cool weather and clearer forests mean better chances of spotting animals.
Who should visit Ranthambore
Adventure lovers, families, wildlife fans, photographers, solo travelers.
Buddhist Circuit: Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar
The Buddhist Circuit feels different from regular travel. It is calm, slow, and very grounding. When you visit places like Lumbini or Bodhgaya, you don’t feel rushed at all. People sit quietly under trees, walk slowly around temples, or meditate near peaceful spots. You kind of fall into the same rhythm without even trying. Even if you are not a big meditation person, the stillness makes you feel relaxed.
Sarnath and Kushinagar add a deeper feeling to the journey. You see old stupas, ancient ruins, and places where Buddha taught or spent his last moments. December makes the whole circuit nicer because the weather stays cool and perfect for long walks. It is a trip where your mind gets more space to breathe.
Top attractions of Buddhist Circuit
- Lumbini Garden
- Mahabodhi Temple
- Bodhi Tree
- Sarnath Stupa
- Kushinagar Temples
Why visit Buddhist Circuit in December
Cool days make walking, meditating, and exploring these calm places more enjoyable.
Who should visit Buddhist Circuit
Solo travelers, spiritual seekers, culture lovers, slow travelers, anyone wanting peace.
Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir
Kashmir in December feels like you walked into a snow postcard. The air is cold in a nice way and the mountains look huge and beautiful. When you reach places like Gulmarg or Pahalgam, you will see fresh snow on trees, houses, and roads. It is the kind of place where you just stop and stare because everything looks calm and dreamy. Even a simple cup of chai tastes better here.
If you go to Dal Lake, the shikara ride feels super peaceful in winter. The markets are small and cosy, people are warm, and the whole place moves slowly. December is perfect because you get the early winter vibe without the heavy snow that blocks roads later. It is a mix of quiet moments, amazing views, and a cold that actually feels good.
Top attractions of Kashmir
- Dal Lake
- Gulmarg
- Pahalgam
- Mughal Gardens
- Shikara Rides
Why visit Kashmir in December
Fresh snow, clear views, and a peaceful winter vibe without too much crowd.
Who should visit Kashmir
Couples, families, snow lovers, photographers, anyone wanting a calm and scenic break.
Goa, India
Goa in December just feels happy. The sun is warm, the breeze is light, and the beaches look perfect. You can spend your mornings sitting by the water, afternoons exploring cafes and old Portuguese streets, and nights enjoying live music or just walking on the beach. It is one of those places where every day feels easy and fun without trying too hard.
If you like exploring, you can visit forts, churches, waterfalls, and little beach towns that all have their own vibe. December is a big month here because the weather is amazing and the whole place feels more alive with events and Christmas lights. You can party, relax, explore, or do nothing. Goa works for every mood.
Top attractions of Goa
- Baga Beach
- Fort Aguada
- Basilica of Bom Jesus
- Dudhsagar Falls
- Water Sports
Why visit Goa in December
Perfect beach weather and a lively atmosphere with festivals and events.
Who should visit Goa
Friends groups, couples, solo travelers, party lovers, families.
Kerala, South India
Kerala feels like a slow, peaceful break from everything. The moment you reach, the air feels fresh and the views are green everywhere you look. If you sit on a houseboat in Alleppey, the backwaters move so quietly that you forget about time. It is just water, coconut trees, small villages, and that calm feeling you rarely get in busy cities. And if you head to Munnar, the tea gardens look like a green carpet laid out just for you.
Even simple things feel nice here. Drinking coconut water, watching fishermen pull nets, seeing the mist in the hills early in the morning. December is the best month because the weather stays cool and the skies are clear. You can explore all day without feeling tired and every place looks fresh after the monsoon season.
Top attractions of Kerala
- Alleppey Backwaters
- Munnar Tea Gardens
- Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Kochi City
- Ayurveda and Spa Experiences
Why visit Kerala in December
Clear skies, cool weather, and beautiful green landscapes make exploring very enjoyable.
Who should visit Kerala
Couples, families, nature lovers, wellness travelers, solo explorers.
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mumbai hits you with energy the moment you arrive. The city is fast, loud, fun, and full of things happening all the time. One minute you are walking near the Gateway of India with the sea breeze hitting your face, and the next minute you are eating the best street food at a tiny stall. Marine Drive in the evening feels like the whole city decided to come out for a slow walk. And honestly, it is one of the best places to just sit and watch life go by.
What I love about Mumbai in December is how pleasant the weather feels. No humidity, no heavy rains. You can explore forts, old markets, art streets, beaches, and even take a boat ride without sweating. The city lights look prettier, cafes stay busy, and everything has a nice festival mood. It is a chaotic city in the best possible way.
Top attractions of Mumbai
- Gateway of India
- Marine Drive
- Colaba and Fort Area
- Street Food Markets
- Ferry Rides
Why visit Mumbai in December
Comfortable weather and a lively mood all over the city.
Who should visit Mumbai
Food lovers, city explorers, photography fans, solo travelers, families.
Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho is one of those places you do not fully understand until you stand in front of the temples. The carvings are so detailed and so perfect that you end up staring for a long time without even noticing. The whole area feels open and peaceful. You can walk around slowly, sit on the grass, click photos, and just enjoy the space without any rush. It is calm and beautiful in a very natural way.
What I like most about Khajuraho is that the town itself is simple. No big crowds, no loud noise, just a relaxed vibe. December makes it even better because the weather stays cool and the sky looks really clear. The temples look amazing in winter sunlight and you can explore for hours without feeling tired.
Top attractions of Khajuraho
- Khajuraho Temple Complex
- Light and Sound Show
- Local Villages
- Sculpture Museum
Why visit Khajuraho in December
Soft winter light and cool weather make temple walks and photography perfect.
Who should visit Khajuraho
Art lovers, couples, history fans, solo travelers, anyone who enjoys quiet scenic places.
Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur feels like a city made for slow, happy days. The lakes are calm, the buildings look pretty in white, and the whole place has this soft romantic vibe without even trying. When you stand near Lake Pichola and look at the palaces reflecting in the water, it genuinely feels like a movie scene. Walking through the old streets is fun too. Small cafes, cute shops, colorful doors… everything feels warm and welcoming.
Sunset boat rides are the best part. The sky turns orange, the water turns gold, and the whole city looks magical. December is perfect here because the air is cool and the views stay clear all day. You can explore the palaces, climb terraces, take photos, and enjoy long lakeside evenings without sweating or rushing.
Top attractions of Udaipur
- City Palace
- Lake Pichola
- Jagdish Temple
- Fateh Sagar Lake
- Old City Streets and Havelis
Why visit Udaipur in December
Cool days and clear evenings make the lakes and palaces look even more beautiful.
Who should visit Udaipur
Couples, families, photographers, solo travelers, anyone who loves scenic places.
Cochin, Kerala
Cochin feels like a mix of calm and charm in the best way. When you walk around Fort Kochi, the streets are quiet, the buildings look old and colourful, and the sea breeze follows you everywhere. The Chinese fishing nets look even prettier in the evening when the sun starts going down. It is one of those places where you do not rush anything. You just walk, look around, and enjoy the slow mood.
And the best part is how quickly the city turns into pure Kerala greenery. One minute you are near cute cafes and art walls, and the next minute you are floating on backwaters in a houseboat. Coconut trees, calm water, soft light… everything feels gentle. December is perfect here because the weather is cool and the days feel fresh. It is the kind of trip where your mind finally relaxes.
Top attractions of Cochin
- Fort Kochi
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- Backwater Houseboat Cruise
- Spice Markets and Local Streets
- Nearby Wildlife and Nature Spots
Why visit Cochin in December
Cool and pleasant weather makes walking in the city and cruising on the backwaters really comfortable.
Who should visit Cochin
Couples, families, slow travelers, nature lovers, anyone who wants a peaceful and scenic break.
Ready to pick your December destination?
If you’re still thinking about where to go, that is totally normal. India has so many good places in December that choosing one feels tough. But the fun part is this. No matter which place you pick from this list, you will end up with good weather, good memories, and that nice year end feeling we all look for.
And if you want help planning the trip without stress, that is exactly what we do every day at Varanasi Excursion. We organise private tours, group trips, temple journeys, wildlife safaris, houseboat stays, Golden Triangle routes, and fully customized plans based on what you want.
You just tell us your dates and the kind of trip you want, and we take care of everything from hotels to guides to travel routes.
If you want to talk to a real person and get suggestions, just call us at +91 90051 04999
or book a free call here.
Whenever you’re ready, we will help you plan a December trip that actually feels like a holiday.