5 Amazing Places to Visit in India in December 2023 for a Magical Vacation
Witness the Beginning of Snowfall in Kashmir in December
The meadows of Sonamarg, Kashmir, turn golden in December as the snow begins to fall. The weather is cold and crisp, making it a perfect time for couples to enjoy the winter wonderland.
One of the best things to do in Sonamarg in December is to visit the Thajiwas glacier, which is just 7 kilometers away. The glacier is a popular spot for sledge rides, snowboarding, and skiing. You can also go for a trek to the glacier or hire a pony to reach the top.
Here is a sample itinerary for a 3-day trip to Sonamarg in December:
Day 1: Arrive in Srinagar and drive to Sonamarg. In the afternoon, visit the Thajiwas glacier and go for a sledge ride.
Day 2: Go for a trek to the Kolahoi peak or go skiing in the meadows of Sonamarg.
Day 3: Drive back to Srinagar and catch your flight back home.
Here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Sonamarg in December:
- Pack warm clothes, as the weather can be very cold.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as the sun can be very strong at high altitudes.
- Book your accommodation in advance, as it can get crowded during this time of year.
Here are some budget-friendly options for accommodation in Sonamarg:
Hotel Tourist Palace: INR 3,400 per night
Hotel Snow View: INR 2,800 per night
Hotel Green View: INR 2,500 per night
Here are some popular souvenirs to buy in Sonamarg:
Shawls
Handicrafts
Cardigans
Carpets and other woolens
Stone carved jewelry
Embroidered bags
You can buy these souvenirs from the Sonmarg market, which is located on National Highway 1D.
Discovering Shillong in December
Shillong is a hill station in northeast India that is known for its pleasant weather, beautiful scenery, and rich culture. The temperature in December ranges from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius, making it a perfect time to visit.
One of the most popular things to do in Shillong in December is to go boating on the Umngot River in Dawki. The water in the river is so clear that it looks like the boat is floating in mid-air. You can also enjoy the sweet and juicy oranges that are grown in the area.
Here are some other things to do in Shillong in December:
- Visit the Lady Hydari Park, a beautiful garden with a variety of flowers and plants.
- Hike to the Shillong Peak, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding hills.
- Explore the Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, which has exhibits on the region’s native people.
- Attend one of the many Christmas festivals that are held in Shillong during this time of year.
Here are some tips for planning your trip to Shillong in December:
- Book your accommodation in advance, as it can get crowded during this time of year.
- Pack warm clothes, as the nights can be chilly.
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses, as the days can be sunny.
- Be sure to try the local food, such as Khao Suey, Thukpa, and Jadoh.
Here are some recommended places to stay, eat, and shop in Shillong:
- Places to stay:
- Hotel Aura Hotel reviews
- Vivanta Meghalaya Shillong (luxury option)
- Pinewood Inn (mid-range option)
- Places to eat:
- The Umiam Kitchen (local food)
- The Doolally Bar & Kitchen (international food)
- The Shillong Bakery (desserts)
- Places to shop:
- Laitumkhrah Market (local handicrafts)
- Police Bazaar (electronics and clothes)
- Don Bosco Handicraft Centre (souvenirs)
How to reach:
The nearest airport to Shillong is the Guwahati Airport, which is located about 200 kilometers away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to Shillong.
Manali in December: A Magical Journey
Manali is a beautiful hill station in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is known for its snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and adventure sports. December is a great time to visit Manali, as the weather is cold and there is usually a good amount of snowfall.
Here is a suggested itinerary for a 3-night/4-day trip to Manali in December:
Day 1: Arrive in Manali and check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring Old Manali, a charming village with narrow streets and traditional wooden houses.
Day 2: Visit Chandrakhani Pass, a high-altitude pass with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, go paragliding or ice skating.
Day 3: Hike to Hadimba Temple, a 16th-century temple dedicated to the goddess Hadimba. In the afternoon, go for a rafting or a trek to Beas Kund, a beautiful lake located in the Beas River valley.
Day 4: Visit Rohtang Pass, the highest motorable pass in Himachal Pradesh. In the afternoon, drive back to Bhuntar and catch your flight or train back home.
Here are some of the cheapest places to stay in Manali:
Holiday Heights Manali: This hotel is located in Old Manali and offers rooms with attached bathrooms starting at INR 3,500 per night.
Hotel Sunshine: This hotel is located in the Mall Road area and offers rooms with shared bathrooms starting at INR 2,500 per night.
Hotel Hill Top: This hotel is located in the Solang Valley area and offers rooms with attached bathrooms starting at INR 3,000 per night.
Here are some of the famous foods to try in Manali:
- Red rice: This is a traditional Himachali dish made with red rice, vegetables, and spices.
- River trout: This is a delicious fish that is caught fresh from the Beas River.
- Masala omelet: This is a hearty omelet made with spices, vegetables, and herbs.
- Sidu: This is a thick porridge made with barley flour.
- Babru: This is a type of bread made with wheat flour and spices.
- Patande: These are sweet dumplings made with flour and sugar.
Here are some of the things to buy in Manali:
- Prayer wheels: These are small wheels that are used to pray.
- Kullu cap: This is a traditional hat made from wool.
- Tibetan handicrafts: These include items such as jewelry, carpets, and souvenirs.
- Woolen clothing: This is a great way to stay warm in the cold weather.
- Shawls: These are a popular choice for gifts.
- Thangkas: These are religious paintings that are made on cloth.
Here are some of the places to buy these items:
- Old Manali market: This is a traditional market where you can find a variety of souvenirs and handicrafts.
- Himachal Emporium: This is a government-run store that sells a variety of Himachali products.
- Tibetan Market: This market is located in the Tibetan Colony and sells a variety of Tibetan items.
- Manu market: This market is located in Old Manali and sells a variety of local produce and spices.
- The Mall Road: This is a popular tourist area where you can find a variety of shops and restaurants.
To reach Manali, you can fly into the Bhuntar airport, which is located about 50 kilometers away. You can also take a train to the Pathankot railway station, which is about 285 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Manali.
Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh: A Serene Escape
Dalhousie is a picturesque town in Himachal Pradesh, India. It is one of the best places to visit in India during December, as the snow-covered Deodar forests create a magical winter wonderland. The town is also a popular destination for trekking enthusiasts, who can attend the National Himalayan Winter Trekking Expedition in December.
Here is a suggested itinerary for a 2-night/3-day trip to Dalhousie:
Day 1: Arrive in Dalhousie and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Khajjiar, a meadow surrounded by pine trees and known as the “Mini Switzerland of India.” In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk around the town and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Day 2: Go for a hike to Dainkund Peak, which offers stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Kalatop Wildlife Reserve, home to a variety of animals, including leopards, snow leopards, and Himalayan tahr.
Day 3: Visit the St. Francis Catholic Church, a beautiful church built in the 19th century. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the Chamera Lake, a picturesque lake surrounded by mountains.
Here are some other things to do in Dalhousie:
Go paragliding over Khajjiar
Take a dip in the Satdhara Falls
Visit the Panch Pulla, a group of five pine trees that are said to have magical powers
Enjoy the local cuisine, which includes dishes such as madra, luchi-poti, and siddu
Here are some tips for planning your trip to Dalhousie:
- The best time to visit Dalhousie is during the winter months, from December to February.
- The average temperature in December is around 10 degrees Celsius.
- Pack warm clothes, as it can get very cold at night.
- There are many hotels and guesthouses to choose from in Dalhousie.
- The nearest airport is Gaggal, which is around 13 kilometers from Dalhousie.
- The nearest railway station is in Pathankot, which is around 80 kilometers from Dalhousie.
Auli, Uttarakhand: Winter Beauty
Auli is a hill station in Uttarakhand, India. It is a popular destination for skiing, as the snow-clad peaks of the Neelkant, Mana Parbat, and Nanda Devi provide a stunning backdrop for the sport. The best time to go skiing in Auli is from December to March, when the snow is at its best.
Here is a suggested itinerary for a 2-night/3-day trip to Auli:
Day 1: Arrive in Auli and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, go for a skiing lesson.
Day 2: Go for a hike to Gurso Bugyal, a meadow with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, take a cable car ride to the top of the mountain.
Day 3: Visit the Trishul Peak, one of the highest peaks in the Garhwal Himalayas. In the afternoon, drive to Joshimath and catch a bus back to Delhi.
Here are some other things to do in Auli:
- Attend the National Championship of Skiing, held in February
- Go camping in the snow
- Take a hot air balloon ride over the mountains
- Visit the Nandaprayag temple, a famous Hindu pilgrimage site
Here are some tips for planning your trip to Auli:
- The best time to visit Auli is from December to March.
- The average temperature in December is around 5 degrees Celsius.
- Pack warm clothes, as it can get very cold at night.
- There are many hotels and guesthouses to choose from in Auli.
- The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant airport in Dehradun, which is around 200 kilometers from Auli.
- The nearest railway station is in Rishikesh, which is around 250 kilometers from Auli.
Here are some additional information about Auli:
- The cost of skiing is INR 500 for two hours, and it is recommended to hire an instructor for INR 1,000.
- The cheapest stay in Auli is at the Maya Deep Herbal Resort, which charges INR 1,600 per night.
- The most famous food in Auli is dal, leafy vegetables, rice, and bal mithai.
- Souvenirs, handwoven shawls, woolen caps, blankets, and gifts can be bought from the Lower Market in Auli.