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December is the perfect time to explore the hidden gems of India, away from the usual tourist crowd. Several offbeat places offer a peaceful and unique travel experience, while other famous destinations are full of visitors. These best offbeat places to visit in December in India have something special to offer everyone, whether you want to witness untouched natural beauty, explore cultural wonders, or enjoy a quiet retreat. Let’s explore some of these offbeat winter destinations and make your holiday memorable.
10 Best Offbeat Places To Visit In December In India
Let’s explore some of the best places to visit in December in India to make your winter holidays exciting:
1. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Photo: Arkadipta Chandra / Wikimedia Commons
Tawang is a stunning hill station in Arunachal Pradesh. It offers amazing landscapes and a rich Buddhist heritage. In December, it transforms into a snowy paradise, which makes it one of the best offbeat places to visit in India. Visitors can explore the grand Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, and frozen lakes. The peaceful atmosphere, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and warm hospitality of the locals make Tawang a very special, untouched winter getaway.
Top Experiences: Enjoy the views of the Eastern Himalayas, and adventure seekers can also enjoy trekking through snow-covered trails
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
Nearest Railway Station: Tezpur Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Rangapara Railway Station
2. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
Photo: Ashwani Kumar / Wikimedia Commons
Ziro is the home to the Apatani tribal community and is one of the best offbeat places to visit in December in India. The winter brings cool weather, perfect for exploring the beautiful paddy fields, pine forests, and traditional bamboo houses. Ziro offers a glimpse into Indigenous culture through handcrafted art, folk music, and tribal festivals. Its untouched beauty and peaceful surroundings make it a hidden treasure for nature lovers.
Top Experiences: Relish the unique flavours of traditional Apatani cuisine for an authentic cultural experience
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Railway Station: Lilabari Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Naharlagun Railway Station
3. Chaukori, Uttarakhand
Photo: Daniel Romanson / Wikimedia Commons
Chaukori is a lesser-known hill station in India that offers panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul. This small town turns into a winter wonderland in December, making it a good offbeat place to visit. With few tourists, it’s perfect for those seeking peace, nature walks, and stunning sunrises. The tea gardens, dense forests, and local Kumaoni cuisine add to its charm.
Top Experiences: Enjoy sunrise views over the Himalayas and visit tea estates
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Railway Station: Pantnagar Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
4. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Spiti Valley is known as “The Middle Land,” the best winter paradise in Himachal Pradesh. It is covered in snow and offers a mind-blowing experience with frozen rivers, isolated villages, and ancient monasteries. Despite the extreme cold, it is known as the best destination for adventure lovers in India. The stunning Pin Valley and the frozen Chandratal Lake in Spiti Valley create an unforgettable winter landscape for all ages.
Top Experiences: Explore the beautiful Dhankar Monastery, stay in a homestay, and experience Spitian culture
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 days
Nearest Railway Station: Bhuntar Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Shimla Railway Station
5. Kumbalgarh, Rajasthan
Photo: Shail Sharma / Unsplash
Kumbhalgarh is famous for its majestic fort and is an unexplored winter destination in Rajasthan. The cool December weather makes it ideal for exploring, as it has the second-longest wall in the world. Unlike the bustling cities of Rajasthan, Kumbhalgarh offers a peaceful retreat with historical landmarks and wildlife safaris in Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can also witness the stunning light and sound show at Kumbhalgarh Fort, which brings its rich history to life in a soothing way.
Top Experiences: Enjoy the thrilling trekking trails, which allow visitors to explore its rough terrain and enjoy stunning sunrise and sunset views
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Nearest Railway Station: Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur
Nearest Railway Station: Udaipur Railway Station
6. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya
Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons
Mawlynnong is known as “Asia’s Cleanest Village” and is a soothing village in Meghalaya. It offers a mix of natural beauty, eco-friendly living, and the warm hospitality of locals. December brings misty mornings, pleasant weather, and clear views of the Living Root Bridges. The calm environment and stunning landscapes make Mawlynnong one of the offbeat places to see in December in India. Visitors can also climb the Sky View Tower to enjoy panoramic views of the Bangladesh plains and dense green surroundings.
Top Experiences: Explore the rich Khasi culture, traditional bamboo houses, and organic farming practices
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Nearest Railway Station: Shillong Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Guwahati Railway Station
7. Mandu, Madhya Pradesh
Photo: Shrikant Bansod / Wikimedia Commons
Mandu is a historical town in Madhya Pradesh and is an architectural wonder with its forts, palaces, and Persian-style gardens. The winter months provide the perfect weather to explore its grand structures, making it one of India’s best offbeat places to visit in December. The Jahaz Mahal, Rani Roopmati Pavilion, and Baz Bahadur Palace transport visitors to a bygone era, which makes your visit a more memorable experience.
Top Experiences: Explore The intricate Afghan architecture, stunning baobab trees, and echoing corridors of Mandu
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Railway Station: Indore Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Ratlam Railway Station
8. Loktak Lake, Manipur
Photo: Sharada Prasad / Wikimedia Commons
Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is known for its floating phumdis (islands). This peaceful destination offers boat rides, birdwatching, and a unique chance to witness beautiful floating houses. It is one of the offbeat places to see in December in India for those seeking a quiet and soothing escape. Visitors can also explore Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is the world’s only floating national park and is home to the rare and endangered Sangai deer.
Top Experiences: Take a boat ride around the floating islands
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Railway Station: Imphal Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Dimapur Railway Station
9. Gokarna, Karnataka
Photo: Alexey Komarov / Wikimedia Commons
Gokarna is often called the “quieter version of Goa” and is one of the best offbeat places to go in December in India for those looking for a peaceful beach escape. Unlike the crowded beaches of Goa, Gokarna offers stunning shorelines, large cliffs, and spiritual vibes. December brings pleasant weather, which makes it ideal for beach trekking, yoga retreats, and exploring ancient temples. Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach are must-visit spots for an amazing winter getaway.
Top Experiences: Indulge in delicious coastal cuisine and enjoy beautiful sunsets over the Arabian Sea
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Railway Station: Dabolim Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Gokarna Road Railway Station
10. Haflong, Assam
Photo: JyotiPN / Wikimedia Commons
Haflong is the only hill station in Assam and one of the most stunning, offbeat places to travel in December in India. It is surrounded by rolling green hills, peaceful lakes, and orange orchards and is a paradise for nature lovers. December offers cool, misty mornings, perfect for relaxing by Haflong Lake, trekking through the hills, and exploring local tribal culture. The vibrant markets and warm hospitality of the Dimasa people make this a must-visit hidden gem.
Top Experience: Enjoy paragliding over the stunning valleys
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Railway Station: Silchar Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Haflong Railway Station
These best offbeat places to visit in December in India offer a mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. From snow-capped mountains to peaceful coastal retreats and charming heritage towns, each destination provides a unique and unforgettable experience away from the usual tourist spots. Enjoy soothing landscapes, thrilling activities, and rich traditions. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore India’s hidden winter gems for a memorable getaway.
Cover Photo: Supratik Deshmukh / Unsplash
