It is difficult to pick out just 17 of the numerous gorgeous places that India has to offer. We would, nevertheless, try to list the absolutely indispensable places to visit. The focus month is December, a winter month in India. So, we have chosen places that are not freezing cold but make you look up to the blanket gratefully. Certain places have a lot of conventional attractions, while others would just need your ability to “feel” the beauty of nature. Without further ado, let us now dig into the handpicked tourist attractions that you cannot afford to miss.
Kodaikanal:
Ensconced in the valley of the Palani Hills, Kodaikanal is one of the most popular retreats in Tamil Nadu. Whether it is the Kodai Lake that sprawls over scores of acres or the Devil’s Kitchen, this place entices you like no other. The Thalaiyar and the Bear Shola Falls lend ample breathtaking beauty to the place. Choose the resort that is closest to your places to visit in Kodaikanal and enjoy your stay! The average temperature in December is around 8°C, which ensures a pleasurable trip.
Auli:
You should definitely have Auli on your bucket list of places to visit in Uttarakhand if you love skiing. Although the place is located at a whopping 2800 meters, you will find no dearth of beautiful resorts to stay. It is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, and expect a spiritual experience at the staggering heights of this place.
Kutch:
Kutch easily makes it to your places to visit in Gujarat. The vast white expanse of salt desert that it enfolds is in itself an awe-inspiring sight. The “Rann of Kutch” is actually the Thar Desert that is inviting in its plethora of life forms, don’t miss the full moon view of Rann and sunrise and sunset too which gives a sparkling white rann view in all the surrounding, you will feel like you are on the moon. Visit the Kutch Wildlife sanctuary and spend a day among a variety of wildlife ranging from turtles and monitors to storks and cormorants. The Mandvi beach provides a good respite at the day end.
Goa:
All is not understood about India’s colonial past without a trip to Goa. Divide your time between old and new Goa and enjoy the best of both. Old Goa is ridden with old Portuguese churches which could be a reason enough for you to take the trip. The Calangute and Baga beaches are definitely the places to visit in Goa. New Goa has a boisterous nightlife to offer, like all burgeoning metropolis. If you are the adventurous kind, Goa has scuba diving facilities at Grande Island.
Alleppey:
Alleppey must be there in your list of the top places to visit in Kerala. Although most prefer to travel to Kerala between June and March, December might be a strategic triumph. Firstly, the crowd would be much less in this part of the year. Secondly, the rainfall in December is the lowest in Kerala barring the core summer months. Do not worry about the weather because it is pretty warm in Kerala in December. Explore and enjoy the palm-frond-laden bliss of a place to your heart’s content.
Ranthambore:
Ranthambore is your go-to place if you are visiting Rajasthan. It is your immediate choice because it offers the best that Rajasthan has to offer. What do you think of when you consider Rajasthan? Majestic forts, a safari in Ranthambore National Park, and temples among other things. Ranthambore has it all. Get your dose of spiritualism at the Trinetra Ganesh temple and then retreat to the languor of the Kacheeda valley among the resounding twitter of the parrots.
Manali:
Manali is one of the must-see places to visit in Himachal Pradesh. A widely popular choice among honeymooners, Manali can be quite unpredictable in winter. While the weather can be clement in the sun, the temperature might drop to negative values at night. This unpredictability is one of the many charms that Manali is known for. Rohtang Pass and Solang valley are the key places to watch out for in Manali. Like Auli, Manali is also a popular choice for adventure sports. You can rent the accessories at your resort itself and dive into the fun with your loved ones! This youtube video of Manali on Walking Wanderer channel is awesome.
Gokarna:
If you are looking for places to visit in Karnataka, Gokarna should be among your first choices. It has become a first-rate choice among young people in recent times because of the lazy drive it offers. The sheer possibility of a long drive from Bangalore to Gokarna is tempting as it is. The lure of the beach and a perfect weekend with friends is heightened by the hippie culture Gokarna promotes. Although the monsoons are preferred by many, winter has its own charm in this place.
Pondicherry:
If you are visiting India, you cannot afford to give this place a miss. We recommend this place largely for the same reasons we recommended Goa. Unlike Goa, Pondicherry was a French colony. You can find the essence of India’s past through the unique architecture of the bygone era. Further, the place offers you ample adventure opportunities through its scuba diving clubs. The place still remembers its colonial past in the form of midnight cafes, which Paris is so well known for.
Shillong:
if northeast India seems charming to you, as it should, you should visit Meghalaya. Among the places to visit in Meghalaya, you must visit Shillong, it’s the capital city. There are a lot of places to see in Shillong, the most notable of them being Elephant Falls and Mawphlang. While the former is a breathtaking waterfall, the latter is a village surrounded by a sacred grove. Immerse yourself in the unique culture of the Indian northeast by mingling with the indigenous people of the state.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands:
Located at the feet of the Indian peninsula, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a famous tourist attraction. With the coastal region cutting out the cold, it will be perfect weather for you to visit in December. The place is historically important because the Indian Nationalists were put away in the Elphinstone Jail on this island. Just like the other coastal options that we have suggested, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands too pride you on opportunities for adventure sports.
Wayanad:
Located in Kerala, Wayanad is a quiet little place tucked away at a corner of the state. The place stands steadfast, guarding its ancient history, represented with its hills and caves. The fierce power of untamed nature is somewhat tapped into by building dams, like the one at the footholds on the Banasura Hills. We would recommend that you go to the wildlife sanctuary that tourists mainly come for. If you can afford to travel into the far interior of the place, you will reach quaint old villages. These villages tell the story of the traditional agrarian struggle in the age of the green revolution. There are resorts galore even in these interiors, and your comfort is assured at any cost.
Kaziranga National Park:
This wildlife sanctuary is one of the most important places to visit in Assam. Tourists come here all through the year because the sanctuary is home to the one-horned rhino. The average temperature during this time of the year normally does not fall below 15 degrees. This aspect should make your stay in Assam a comfortable one. Recognized as a heritage site by UNESCO, the Kaziranga National Park is also home to the Royal Bengal Tiger.
The Sundarbans:
These marshlands in West Bengal are perfect for your winter visit. If you can mingle well with the locals, they can tell you chilling stories, enhancing the thrill of the season. These marshlands are pervaded by the mangrove trees that have saved the state many a calamitous cyclone. The place is crisscrossed by a number of rain-fed rivers, although the principal river is the Ganges. You would also find a lot of fascinating wildlife here if you can find the right guide for yourself.
Varanasi:
Located in the spiritual capital of India, Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi is a unique experience. Apart from the temples that line this city, the burning ghats are a major tourist attraction. It is amazing how the emotions about the other realm mix with the spirit of prayer, making the ambiance ineffable. If you happen to visit Uttar Pradesh, you cannot miss this place. Lots of tourists flock around throughout the year to experience the spiritual and the tranquil in this place
Tawang:
Tawang is one of the best places to visit in Arunachal Pradesh. Located in north-eastern India, the place is predominantly inhabited by people following the Buddhist faith. The place is also believed to the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama. You will find a number of monasteries in the place which will help you understand its culture. Apart from the religious sentiments, the place also bears witness to the silk route. The war memorials are a mark of the bloody wars of possession fought in this land. In all, you would not be disappointed by the perspective the place would offer regarding the diversity of India.
Sonamarg:
Located in Jammu & Kashmir, Sonamarg is a piece of beauty that is located at more than 2700 meters above sea level. At this staggering height, Sonamarg is accentuated by two glaciers, Kolhoi and Machoi. The Sonamarg valley is bifurcated by the Thajiwas range, which adds to the beauty of the place. Although the temperature always remains close to -5°C, it is worth witnessing this snow-covered beauty in India.
These are our recommendations for you if you want to put on your traveling shoes this December. A fair number of places have been left out, as is expected with a country like India that is so diverse. However, places have been picked from all regions of the country—thus giving you a comprehensive idea of the place.
We have included certain places that have subzero temperatures intentionally. We believe that the real beauty of these places is not in comfort but the unique discomfiture that they push you into. Nature is not to be tamed but to be endured and admired. We believe that you would travel responsibilities in these times of a world pandemic, and we wish you a happy and safe journey!
PS: If you are interested to share your travel experience, please visit our Travel write for us page to send your article.
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