Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Best Places to Visit in December

10 Best Places to Visit in December in India 2024 with Activities list

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Best Places to Visit in December in India. If you are planning to travel somewhere at the end of the year, then northern India is no less than a paradise for you. In December, the hills here are covered in a blanket of snow, and the atmosphere becomes so pleasant that the heart becomes happy. So, let’s see some beautiful places where you can enjoy visiting in December:

Places to visit in December in Northern India in 2024

1. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Shimla
Best Places to Visit in Shimla

Witness the Winter Beauty of the Queen of Hills

Shimla is also called “Queen of Shimla”, and in December it fully justifies its name. Snow-capped mountains, streets decorated with Santa Claus, and hot pakoras – here you can enjoy Christmas to the fullest. Also Read :- Best Places to Visit in June

Here’s how to make your trip even more special:

Travel the beautiful mountains of Shimla by sitting in a toy train.

Enjoy a road trip by driving a car on the Kalka-Shimla National Highway. Do try the local dish “Siddu” in the famous restaurants of Shimla.

  • 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, visit the famous Gaiety Theatre, shop at Lakkar Bazaar, enjoy a leisure walk on the Mall Road and indulge in ice skating at Circular Road
  • How to Reach
    • Nearest Airport: Jubarhatti Airport (25 km)
    • Nearest Train Station: Kalka Railway Station (96 km)
    • Nearest Bus Stand: Shimla Bus Depot

2. Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir

Sonamarg, Jammu & Kashmir
Best Places to Visit in December

Heaven on Earth: Pahalgam’s Little Brother

“Sonamarg” is called “Pahalgam’s Little Brother”. It is a beautiful hill station in Jammu and Kashmir, which gets covered with snow in December. Here you can enjoy snow skating, snowball fight, and trekking. You will laugh at yourself seeing yourself made of snow in the evening!

Gentle Reminder:

Before going to Sonamarg, make sure to know the weather conditions.

Do not forget to take warm clothes to go here.

Respect the local people and take care of environmental protection.

  • 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, enjoy camping with friends, include trout fishing in your itinerary and shop at the Main Market at Sonamarg
  • How to Reach
    • Nearest Airport: Srinagar Airport (81 km)
    • Nearest Train Station: Jammu Railway Station (326 km)
    • Nearest Bus Stand: Sonamarg Bus Stand

3. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh

Dalhousie Mall Road
Best Tourist Places in Dalhousie

If you are looking for a quiet and beautiful hill station, then Dalhousie is the best option for you. Called the “Crown of the Queen of Hills”, this place is known for its beautiful hills, dense forests, and colonial era buildings. There is light snowfall here in December, which further enhances the beauty of this place.

Here’s how to make your trip even more special:

Have a picnic in Khajjiar’s Mini Switzerland.

You can enjoy boating on Sagar Lake.

Treking on Hanuman Tibba and see the panorama of the city.

Buy some handicraft items from the local markets here as a souvenir.

Something to Remember: Also Read :- Best Places to Visit in June

The weather here becomes dark very early in December, so set out for a walk before sunset.

  • Places to visit in Dalhousie: St. John’s Church, Satdhara Falls, Dainkund Peak
  • Things to do in Dalhousie: Experience boating on Chamera Lake, enjoy a picnic at Khajjiar, savour the beauty of Panch Pulla Waterfall, and hike to the Kalatop Khajjiar Sanctuary
  • How to Reach
    • Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport (107 km)
    • Nearest Train Station: Pathankot Railway Station (80 km)
    • Nearest Bus Stand: Dalhousie Bus Depot

Things To Do In December

4. Auli, Uttarakhand

Queen of the snow-clad mountains

If you like thrill and adventure, then Auli, also known as the “Queen of Uttarakhand”, is the best option for you. Here you can enjoy skiing amidst the snow-clad mountains, experience the thrill of heights by sitting in the ropeway, and spend the evening in an end-of-day party enjoying hot cocktails.

Here’s how to make your trip even more special:

Go trekking in the Garbaad Valley and see the beauty of nature.

Experience camping in Nanda Devi National Park.

Learn about their culture and lifestyle with the local people.

  • Places to visit in Auli: Gurso Bugyal, Kwani Bugyal, Trishul Peak, Chenab Lake, Joshimath, Rudraprayag, Nandprayag, 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
  • How to Reach
    • Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (149 km)
    • Nearest Train Station: Haridwar Railway Station (273 km)
    • Nearest Bus Stand: Joshimath Bus Stand (10 km)

5. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali Tourist Places
Best Places to Visit in December

Heaven Nestled in the Lap of the Mountains

“Manali”, known as the “abode of the gods”, attracts millions of tourists every year. It is cold here in December, but the beauty of this place is so much that the cold is not felt. Here you can visit Hadimba Devi temple, trek on Rohtang Pass, and enjoy hot water springs in Manikaran.

Enhance the fun of coming here in some ways (Here’s how to make your trip even more special):

Enjoy roaming and shopping on the famous Mall Road of Manali.

You can enjoy adventure sports like rafting and paragliding.

Definitely taste the local dishes “Siddu” and “Dham”.

  • Places to visit in Manali: Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Vashisht Hot Water Springs, 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
  • How to Reach
    • Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (50 km)
    • Nearest Train Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station (50 km) and (Chandigarh Railway Station (310 km)
    • Nearest Bus Stand: Manali Bus Depot

6. Chopta, Uttarakhand

The Hidden Gem of the Mountains

If you are looking for a calm and beautiful hill station, then “Chopta”, called the “Unseen Gem of Uttarakhand”, is the best option for you. Here you can spend quiet time amidst the beauty of nature, trekking, riding horses, or just lie down in a meadow and relax while watching the sky. There is light snowfall here in December, which further enhances the beauty of this place.

Gentle Reminder:

Be sure to know the weather conditions before going to Chopta.

Do not forget to take warm clothes to go here.

Take care of environmental protection and contribute to the cleanliness of the mountains.

  • Places to visit in Chopta: Deoria Tal, Tungnath, Rohini Bugyal, Omkar Ratneshwar Mahade
  • Things to do in Chopta: Trek to Tungnath and visit the summit at Chandrashila, spot wildlife at Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
  • How to Reach
    • Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (221 km)
    • Nearest Train Station: Haridwar Railway Station (226 km)
    • Nearest Bus Stand: Chopta Bus Station

Also Read :- Best Places to Visit in June

7. Binsar, Uttarakhand

The World of the Jungle

If you want to see wildlife, then “Binsar”, called “Jungle Ka Sansar”, is the best option for you. Located in the Kumaon hills, this place is known for its biodiversity. Here you can see deer, bears, and many types of birds.

Here’s how to make your trip even more special:

Go on a jungle safari at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Treak at the “Zero Point” to see the panorama of the Himalayas.

See the handicrafts of the locals and buy some souvenirs.

Something to Remember:

Jungle safari should be booked in advance before going to Binsar.

Follow the rules of roaming in the jungle so that the wild animals are not disturbed.

  • Places to visit in Binsar: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Things to do in Binsar: Explore the rustic charm of the quaint villages in Binsar, spot wildlife at the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, and try local delicacies like Madve ki roti, Kaudh ki daal
  • How to Reach
    • Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (127 km)
    • Nearest Train Station: Kathgodam Railway Station (119 km)
    • Nearest Bus Stand: Patiakhali Bus Stand

8. Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand

A Peaceful Abode in the Lap of the Mountains

If you are looking for a peaceful natural place away from the noise, then “Mukteshwar”, called “Peaceful Abode in the Lap of the Mountains”, is the best option for you. This hill station located in the Kumaon hills is known for its enchanting views. Here you can enjoy trekking amidst the beauty of nature, visit temples, or sit in a camp and enjoy a bonfire.

Increase the fun of coming here in this way (Here’s how to make your trip even more special):

Visit the Mukteshwar temple and experience peace.

Talk to a local who can tell you about the history and culture of this place.

Enjoy the fruits here, Mukteshwar is also very famous for its fruits.

  • Places to visit in Mukteshwar: Nanda Devi, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, and Renewable Park
  • Things to do in Mukteshwar: Trekking to the Shiva Temple
  • How to Reach
    • Nearest Airport: Dehradun Airport (183 km)
    • Nearest Train Station: Kathgodam Railway Station (62 km)
    • Nearest Bus Stand: Mukteshwar Bus Stand

9. Leh, Ladakh

Leh Ladakh
Best Places to Visit in December

Higher Than Heaven: The Crown of Ladakh

If you are looking for an adventurous journey in your life, then Leh, called “higher than heaven”, is the best option for you. Leh is the main city of Ladakh, known for its beautiful hills, tranquil lakes, and ancient monasteries. Here you can enjoy road trips by bike or jeep, see the beauty of Pangong Tso Lake, and experience Tibetan culture yourself.

A few important reminders:

Before going to Leh, make sure to know about the weather there.

The oxygen level is low here, so keep yourself calm and do not walk fast.

Respect the local people and take care of environmental protection.

  • Places to visit in Leh: Pangong Lake, Zanskar Valley, Magnetic Hill, Shanti Stupa, Stakna Monastery, Royal Leh Palace
  • Things to do in Leh: Hire a bike and explore the open roads and tiny hamlets of Ladakh, Try your hand in mountain cycling, Sign up for winter treks, hone your skiing skills on the slopes of the snow-clad Himalayas, and try local dishes at any of the cafes and eateries in Leh Market
  • How to Reach
    • Nearest Airport: Leh Airport (4 km from the centre)
    • Nearest Train Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station (687 km)
    • Nearest Bus Stand: Leh Bus Union Station

10. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Best Places to Visit in December

Kasol, also known as “Israel”, is a great option for you. This small village located in the Parvati Valley is known for its trekking paths, its own beauty, and cafe shops. Here you can enjoy trekking amidst the beauty of nature, camping on the banks of the Parvati River, or sit at a cafe shop and admire the mountains.

Here’s how to make your trip even more special:

Talk to foreign tourists and learn about their culture.

Definitely taste the local cuisine, the Israeli dishes here are very delicious.

You can also enjoy the thrill of rafting in the Parvati River.

  • Places to visit in Kasol: Tosh Village, Malana Village, Nature Park, Kheer Ganga, Chalal Village, Manikaran Sahib
  • Things to do in Kasol: Brave the slippery paths in the Kheerganga trek, sip on hot beverages at the cosy cafes, indulge in some nature photography of the snow-clad mountains
  • How to Reach
    • Nearest Airport: Bhuntar Airport (30 km)
    • Nearest Train Station: Joginder Nagar Railway Station (144 km)
    • Nearest Bus Stand: Kasol Bus Stand

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