Note: Due to the new COVID variant (Omicron) and surge in cases, it is advised to read state-wise Travel Guidelines before planning your vacation.
The winter season is here, and so is our long list of plans from celebration to welcoming the new year to packing summer essentials and getting winter ones out to making books for travel, learning special festival recipes, and a lot more. Winters are always special when it comes to good weather, many holidays and long weekends, and excuses to travel.
It’s December, an ideal time to take that much-needed escapade to rejuvenate on the hills or by the beach. It’s the onset of the winter season in India. With Christmas and New Year around the corner, December is the time to travel and explore.
Here is the list of top exotic lands to explore during December in India with Myles self-drive.
- Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
The quaint village on the banks of River Parvati, Kasol in Himachal, is fondly known as the Amsterdam of India. The laid-back town is ideal for chill and relaxing and has gained immense popularity among backpackers, trekkers, and nature lovers. The café culture here is lit and allows you to get along with like-minded people from across the globe.
Place to Explore: Malana, Kullu, Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara and Hot Spring, Nature Park Kasol, Kheerganga Peak, Tosh, and other small villages around.
Things to Do: Famous Trek such as Kheerganga, Sar Pass, Yanker Pass & Pin Parvati Pass, Hot Spring Bath at Manikaran Sahib, Shop on the Streets, Camping at the riverside, and attend famous Parvati Shangri-La Annual Festival starts on 31st December.
What to Eat: The place is famous for Himachali and Israeli Cuisine. You can try famous delicacies, bakery goods, rice beer, and much more.
- Auli, Uttarakhand
The winter wonderland of Uttarakhand, Auli, is an ethereal place to visit in December or January. It is fondly known as the Skiing Capital of India, and one can also indulge in adventure activities. The natural beauty of this place, especially the Nanda Devi Peak, can be enjoyed from various charming viewpoints.
Place to Explore: Auli Resort, Cliff Top Club, Nanda Devi National Park, Joshimath Nandprayag, and more.
Things to Do: Skiing, Trekking, Cable Car Ride from Gurso Bugyal to Kwani Bugyal, Snowboarding, etc.
What to Eat: Being a tourist place, you’ll get innumerable options. You can opt to have local delicacies like Kachmauli, Bal Mithai, Singhori, and of course, Garhwali cuisine.
- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Not a usual place to go for vacation, but Lucknow is definitely a haven for foodies and shoppers. The city is sprinkled with Islamic and British Raj-era architecture furbished with fascinating local bazaars and food joints. Book a self-drive car rental in Noida, travel to Lucknow and witness stunning monuments, wide boulevards, and beautiful gardens.
Place to Explore: Bara Imambara, Chota Imambara, British Residency, Rumi Darwaza, Chatta Manzil, Jama Masjid, Dilkusha Kothi, Ambedkar Park, State Museum, Hazratganj Market, etc., to name a few.
Things to Do: Shop at Hazratganj Market & Aminabad Market, Heritage Walk around the city, Food Walk to taste the flavours of Awadhi Cuisine, enjoy Tonga/Tanga Ride, and enjoy Start Gazing.
What to Eat: The city is heaven for non-vegetarians and is also known for street food like Chaat. Try Nihari and Kulcha, Idris ki Biryani, Basket Chaat, Nimish, Kulfi Khasta Kachori, Sheermal, Tunday Kebabs, and much more.
- Bikaner, Rajasthan
Bikaner is fondly known as the Camel Country and land of forts. It is a colourful, dust-swirling, colourful desert town in Rajasthan. December is a perfect month to visit this beautiful place and enjoy camel rides and Dessert Safari. The city offers you a one of its kind of experience.
Place to Explore: Visit places like Junagarh Fort, Karni Mata Temple, Gajner Palace & Wildlife Sanctuary, Lallgarh Palace, Rampuria Haveli, Ornate Temples, Devikund Sagar, etc., to name a few.
Things to Do: Bikaner Camel Fair or Festival if you travel in January, Dessert Safari at Thar, Desert Camel Ride, Shop at MG Road, Kote Gate or Station Road, city tour, and more.
What to Eat: Try Bikaneri Bhujia, Raj Kachori, Ghevar, Kasta, Kesar Fini, Gatte ki Sabzi, Rasgulla, Laal Maas, Pakodi, and authentic Rajasthani Thali.
- Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Gwalior was the winter capital of Madhya Pradesh prior to Independence, and today it is one major city of the state. It is beautiful and famous for its gorgeous places, ancient temples, and medieval fort. It is the birthplace of the great musician Tansen. Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of the city this December.
Place to Explore: Visit Gwalior Fort, Saas Bahu Temple, Jai Vilas Palace, Gopachal Parvat, Padavali and Bateshwar, Gujari Mahal, Tansen Memorial, Sun Temple, Tighra Dam, Samadhi of Rani Laxmi Bai, and much more.
Things to Do: Stroll around the city, Shop at local bazaars like Patankar, Sarafa, etc., sip amazing coffee at Indian Coffee House, and boating in Tighra Dam.
What to Eat: The place is amazing for foodies. You can try Kachori, Laddoo, Lambi Pani Poori, Karela Chaat, Poha, Petha Gilori, Paneer Jalebi, and more.
- Shirdi, Maharashtra
Take a spiritual break in the last month of the year and travel to the city of Sai Baba. Shirdi or Sainagar is one of the holiest place in India and popular among pilgrimages and tourists. It is known as the birthplace of spiritual Guru Sai Baba, a saint who preaches that God is One. Apart from visit Sai Temple, enjoy the holistic beauty of majestic Western Ghats. Hire a budgeted car rental in Mumbai or Pune and visit Shridi this December.
Place to Explore: Visit Dwarkamai, Sai Heritage Village, Sai Baba Temple, Dixit Wada Museum, Shree Saibaba Chavadi, Shani Singapur, Samadhi Mandir, and Jangli Maharaj Ashram.
Things to Do: Witness the beauty of Western Ghats, Stroll at Lendi Baug Garden, Trekking, visit Sai Heritage Village, evening strolls at River Godavari, and spend time with locals.
What to Eat: Here, you will get authentic South Indian and Maharashtrian cuisine, Baba’s Prasad Ladoo at Shirdi Prasadalaya, and you’ll get a free cost meal and more.
- Gokarna, Karnataka
Book a self-drive car rental in Bangalore and go for an adventurous long weekend trip to this serene beach town. The coastal beach town of Gokarna is the calmer version of Goa, located beside the Arabia Seas. The pristine beaches, alluring landscapes, and stunning sunrise and sunset views make you feel ecstasy.
Place to Explore: Visit Koti Teertha, Kundle Beach, Sri Mahabaleshwara Swami Temple, Om Beach, Half Moon Beach, Paradise Beach, Yana Caves, Mirjan Fort, Koti Tirtha, Sirsi, and more.
Things to Do: Water Sports like Kayaking, Scuba, Parasailing, Banana Boat Ride, Jet Ski, etc., Beach Camping & Trekking, Shop at local shops, fishing and Dolphin Sightseeing, and other city & social tours.
What to Eat: Try Patrode, Todadevu, Calm Curry, Prawn Masala, Seer Fish Fry, Laffa, Konkani Fish, Prawn Biryani, etc., to name a few.
- Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu
Nilgiris are known as one of the oldest mountain ranges located at the tri-junction of three beautiful Southern states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The place is ideal for nature lovers who love to have a relaxing one day or weekend getaway. Nilgris are embellished with stunning views, rolling grasslands, dense shola, streams, lakes, waterfalls, amazing view, and a vast plantation of tea & vegetable gardens.
Place to Explore: Visit stunning places in the location like Ooty, Coonoor, Kotagiri, Masinagudi, and more.
Things to Do: Heritage walks, witness spellbinding sunset and sunrise views, Trekking, camping, etc.
What to Eat: You can have a vast variety of local food and other cuisines in this region, from authentic South Indian to Sea Food and many more.
- Puri, Orrisa
One of the famous Hindu pilgrimage sites in India, Puri, is the land of scared Jagannath Temple. The place is fondly known as Jagannath Puri and sees thousands of devotees travelling here across the nation to take blessings of the lord. Puri is one of the four Dhama for Char Dham Yatra and Dwarika, Badrinath and Rameshwaram. It is also famous for being the world Longest Golden Beach.
Place to Explore: Jagannath Temple, Narendra Tank, Gundicha Temple, Markandeshwara Temple, Lokanath Temple, and take a day trip to Chilika Lake and Konark Temple.
Things to Do: When in Puri, shop for local handicrafts, mediate at Puri beach, relish yummy seafood, spiritual tour, and more.
What to Eat: Treat yourself to local delicacies like Khicede, malpua, dalma, ukhuda, abadha, chenna poda, santula, chungudi malai, pitha, and macha chenncheda.
- Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
The surreal land of 400-years-old and one of the biggest Buddhist Monastery, fluttery prayer flags, and breathtaking views, Tawang is an enchanting place that makes you feel at peace. The magical town shares its boundaries with Tibet and Bhutan and holds a rich culture and history. December is an ideal time to spend in the white town of Tawang if you love snow.
Place to Explore: Tawang War Memorial, Panga Teng Tso Lake, Bumla Pass- Indo-China Border, Jaswant Garh, Nuranang Falls, Nagula Lake, Shong-tser Lake, Geshila Peak, Thingbu Hot Spring, and Tawang Monastery.
Things to Do: Hiking, Meditation or Spiritual Retreat, Rock Climbing, Rappelling, River Rafting, Paragliding, Shop at Tibetan Settlement Market, Stroll around the city, and witness nature’s magic in every sight.
What to Eat: Try momos, thupka, chhang, zan, khura, gyapa khazi, and other dishes of traditional Monpa Cuisine that feature a lot of chillies and flavours.
- Gangtok, Sikkim
A cheerful and pleasant town in Sikkim, Gangtok is embodied with a precipitous mountain ridge, a green valley shrouded in mist, and a snow-topped glimpse of Khangchendzonga. It is an enthralling place to travel this winter season and enjoy calmness at its best.
Place to Explore: Nathula Pass, MG Road, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, Ganesh Tok, Reshi Hot Springs, Kabi Longstok, and much more.
Things to Do: Enjoy the breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga, river rafting, paragliding, trekking, Yak safari, cable car ride, and enjoy sunset view at Tashi viewpoint.
What to Eat: Try sel roti, thupka, phagshapa, chhurpi soup, sha phaley, momos, gundruk, thenkthuk, Wonton, gyathuk, etc., to name a few.
December makes an ideal month to take a break, have a vacation, enjoy food, be with family, and do everything much-awaited. Before the year ends, complete your travel journal with Myles Self-Drives and these beautiful places.
To book your self-drive car for an upcoming road trip or to explore your city, visit https://www.mylescars.com/.
