Wondering where to go this winter? Winter is one of the best time for traveling in India. Tourists from around the world flock to India during the winter month as it is considered to be the most conducive time for holidays in India. So as always we have come up with the list of best places in India to visit in December.
Golconda Fort (Andhra Pradesh)
Golconda Fort, located in Andhra Pradesh, is a mud fort built during the 13th century by the Kakatiya Kings of Warangal. Golconda attained fame under the reign of the Qutub Shahi dynasty (1518 to 1687).
The place is also popular as the priceless Kohinoor diamond was also found here. The amazing light and sound show, held every evening, adds to the beauty of the fort. The echo effect also makes it a popular attraction amidst tourists.
The sound made at the entrance of the fort could clearly be heard at the highest point of the fort - ‘Bala Hissar’. The temperature in December ranges between 15 °C - 28 °C.
Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh)
The temple city of Central India, Khajuraho is a must-visit travel attraction for tourists due to the incredible temple complex. The temples are carved beautifully in stones. Tourists gather here to explore the immortal saga of Hindu culture and art. Moreover, the temple city is also regarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being one of the important historical and archaeological monuments.
The temples in the complex were built in a span of hundred years, from 950-1050AD. Originally, there were 85 temples, out of which only 22 have survived and constituted as one of the great artistic wonders of the world.
The temples in the complex are categorized as Eastern Group of Temples (Adinath Temple, Ghantai Temple, Parsvanth Temple, Hanuman Temple, and Brahma Temple), Southern Group of Temples (Chattarbhuj Temple, and Dulah Deo Temple), and Western Group of Temples (Chitragupta Temple , Chaunsat Yogini, Kandariya Mahadeo, Matangeswara Temple, and Lakshamana Temple). The temperature in December ranges between 11 °C - 27 °C.
Fatehpur Sikri (Uttar Pradesh)
Fatehpur Sikri, located 40 km west of Agra, is popularly known as the Ghost City. The city also served as a capital for Mughals between 1571 and 1585. The city was constructed to thank Sufi Saint Shaikh Salim Chisti, whose prediction of the birth of an heir to the Mughal throne came true.
The city showcases an excellent masterpiece of Indo-Islamic style of architecture. As the city suffered from water scarcity, soon after the death of Mughal Emperor Akbar, the city got abandoned. The city is a retreat for art lovers and travelers wanting to explore the architectural heritage of India. The tomb of Akbar is also located nearby at Sikandra.
Some of the popular attractions of the city are Diwan-i-Khas- Hall, Panch Mahal, Tomb of Salim Chisti and Buland Darwaza. The temperature of the city ranges between 9 °C - 24 °C.
Elephanta Caves (Maharashtra)
Caves of Elephanta, located at a distance of approx 9 nautical miles from the Gateway of India across the sea, are also popular as ‘Gharapuri’.
The caves, representing the architectural wonder of the 7th century, is a must visit travel attraction amidst native and foreign travelers. The beautiful hewn rock-cut cave temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The Maheshamurti panel is one of the attracting features of the Elephanta caves, which features Lord Shiva as a creator, protector and destroyer. Please note, the caves is closed on all Mondays. The temperature here ranges between 21 °C - 32 °C.
Humayun's Tomb (Delhi)
Winter is magical in Delhi. Mist covered chilly mornings accompanied with warm scrumptious street food is a lifetime experience. Humayun's Tomb is one of the popular attractions in Delhi and a must visit due to its architectural brilliance.
It has been previously recommended by us as one of top 7 must visit places in Delhi.
The Tomb of Humayun is situated close to the crossing of Mathura road and Lodhi road. Thus, this is the first substantial specimen of Mughal architecture in India. The tomb was constructed in 1565 A.D., almost after 9 years after the death of Humayun, by Bega Begam his senior widow.
Chaharbagh (garden squares) with pathways water channels and well proportional mausoleum topped by a double dome in the center are the attracting features of the Humayun's Tomb. The tomb also plays an important role in Indian History. The temperature here in December ranges between 9 °C - 23 °C.
If you are scared of Delhi Belly, do check out our small but essential guide to Delhi's street food.
Vadodara (Gujarat)
Vadodara (Baroda) is located about 100km southeast of Ahmedabad, and praised as a cultured, and a harmonious university town in Gujarat. During the time if festivals and celebration, the town has amazing colors to showcase.
The city is dotted with numerous gates, mosques, tombs, forts, temples, shrines, palaces/buildings, walls, churches and minarets to visit and explore. The beautiful Tambekar Wada, impressive museum, and intricate Indo-Saracenic palace are some of the places of interest in Vadodara. Champaner, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is something that attracts tourists from all parts of the world.
Some of the attractions of the town are Sayaji Baug, Kirti Stambh, Nazarbaug Palace, Laxmi Vilas Palace, and EME Temple. The temperature here in December is between 12 °C - 29 °C.
Check out some more things to do in Gujarat.
Interested in Gujarat tour? See our recommended holiday package in Gujarat.
Bodhgaya (Bihar)
Bodhgaya is one of the world’s popular pilgrimage sites for Buddhist pilgrims. Almost 26 centuries ago, Prince Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment here beneath a Bodhi tree and thus, became the Buddha. Mahabodhi Temple is a UNESCO inscribed World Heritage Site for its cultural importance.
The temples and monasteries featured here are built by international Buddhist communities. These monasteries and temples are dotted around and therefore attract pilgrims from all round the globe to study, meditate and absorb the ambience.
The The Dalai Lama himself spends December and January at Bodh Gaya. The temperature in December here ranges between 19 °C - 29 °C.
Here are some of the important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in India.
Havelock Island (Andaman & Nicobar)
Havelock Island in Andaman and Nicobar is a must visit travel destination as it features the most dazzling beaches and affordable bamboo-hut accommodation.
The island is a great escape from sleepy winters as visitors can enjoy thrilling activities such as snorkelling and scuba-diving. In spite of being of the developed islands, the lifestyle here is simple and low-key.
The place experiences tropical climatic condition throughout the year, thus, makes it a worthy visiting destination at any point of the year. The temperature here in December ranges between 14 °C - 22 °C.
Here's a brief travel guide to help you plan your holiday in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu)
In South India, Rameswaram is the most significant pilgrimage center for both Vaishnavaites and Shaivites. Ramanathaswamy Temple is a place of interest in Rameshwaram and an important temple in India.
Here's our post on 10 best temples in India.
The temple features a representation of India in miniature and pilgrims including everyone from colorfully clad Rajasthani tribespeople to urbane sophisticates.
The Indira Gandhi bridge, opened in 1988, is one of the great engineering wonders of India. This bridge connects the mainland at Mandapam to Rameswaram (Gulf of Mannar). The temperature here is pleasant and during December, it ranges between 22 °C - 28 °C.
Fort Kochi (Kerala)
Fort Kochi in Kerala is one of the finest travel destinations in India. Over 600 years, Kochi has served as a favorite getaway for traders and wanderers. The destination also serves as a living homage to its varied colonial past.
Some of the attracting features of Kochi fort include giant Chinese fishing nets, a 16th-century synagogue, Portuguese Houses (constructed half a millennia ago), ancient mosques, and the crumbling residuum of the British Raj.
Here, the visitors find a perfect mix of Holland, English and Portuguese country village. Visitors can enjoy the natural setting of the place and quality time in solitude. The temperature here in December ranges between 23 °C - 28 °C.
Do check out this Kerala tour package if you are interested planning your vacation to 'God's own Country'
Contributed By Neelam Talreja