10 Best Places To Visit In Jharkhand In December: Nature, Temples & Adventure

Surya Mandir, a Hindu temple complex, is located near Bundu at Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Jharkhand is a winter wonderland in December with chilly mornings, foggy landscapes, warm towns and sun-kissed jungles. The winter ignites misty valleys, ice-capped waterfalls, and colourful tribal festivals to its natural beauty. Places to visit in Jharkhand in December include hill stations, religious pilgrimage sites and much more. From serene wildlife sanctuaries to ancient temples, the state has a delightful blend of experiences. December is the best time of the year to be in Jharkhand. Adventure, spirituality, or just unwinding, the state’s winter wonderland has something special for all classes of travellers.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Jharkhand In December

Explore the best places to visit in Jharkhand in December with pleasant weather, diversity of culture, and lifetime experiences brimming with warmth.

1. Ranchi

Scenic lakeside park with trees, pathways, gazebos, and a view of calm blue water.

Photo: Pratyushphotographyindia / Shutterstock

December showers Ranchi, otherwise referred to as the “City of Waterfalls,” with cool breezes, pleasant days, and chilly mornings. The pretty state capital of Jharkhand, a great winter destination, finds itself situated in rolling plateaus, lush green forests, and stunning waterfalls. The chill winter air adds to the loveliness of sites such as Jonha Falls and Dassam Falls even further. Kanke Dam offers peaceful backdrops for picnics and boat cruises, and Tagore Hill offers panoramic views of the city. The winter beauty of Ranchi is its peaceful atmosphere, chilled climate, and plenty of nature’s splendour, making both family vacations and individual vacations perfect.

Major Attractions: Tagore Hill, Kanke Dam, Jonha Falls, Dassam Falls

2. Netarhat

Silhouetted pine trees with layers of misty mountains under a soft orange-pink sunset sky.

Photo: Deshna Bera / Shutterstock

Renowned as the “Queen of Chotanagpur,” Netarhat is converted into a winter wonderland in December. Its pristine mountain air, golden early morning sunlight, and inspiring golden sunrises transform this hill station into a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike. The region is full of dense pine and Sal forests that make it a serene and picturesque one. Popular sightseeing points such as the Upper Ghaghri Falls, Magnolia Point, and Children’s Park provide peaceful experiences and stunning views of the valleys and hills around. Magnolia Point is especially famous for its sunsets, which colour the topographical landscape with golden tones.

Major Attractions: Magnolia Point, Upper Ghaghri Falls, Netarhat Children’s Park

3. Hazaribagh

Megaliths in Hazaribagh, surrounded by a dense line of tall green trees under a clear bright sky.

Photo: GR8DESIGNS / Shutterstock

Hazaribagh, a serene hill station in Jharkhand, is a wonderful winter getaway in December, especially for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Nice weather and dry forest trails help wildlife spotting at the famous Hazaribagh National Park. Tourists mostly get to spot exotic wildlife like spotted deer, peacocks, langurs, wild boars, and even reclusive tigers. Apart from the park, Hazaribagh also offers beautiful places like Canary Hill, renowned for its sunset points and horizon views. Tons Valley has rolling hills that slope gently and a peaceful atmosphere that offers a wonderful platform for trekking and bird-watching.

Major Attractions: Hazaribagh National Park, Canary Hill, Tons Valley

4. Baidyanath Dham, Deoghar

A large crowd gathered at the white temple complex during a vibrant religious festival.

Photo: Dr.Arpan Chatterjee / Shutterstock

Deoghar, a religious hub in Jharkhand, is even more enchanting in December. Home to the holy Baba Baidyanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the town draws thousands of devotees to achieve blessings from above. These spiritual energies are also complemented by locations like Trikuta Hills, whose vertical view and serene atmosphere offer the perfect environment for contemplation. Satsang Ashram, founded by Thakur Anukulchandra, is another source of religious significance of Deoghar. Whether pilgrimage or mere leisure in a holy ambience, Deoghar in December is a blend of religion, culture, and nature.

Major Attractions: Baba Baidyanath Temple, Trikuta Hills, Satsang Ashram

5. Betla National Park

A herd of elephants in Betla National Park, surrounded by trees and hilly landscape.

Photo: Henk Bogaard / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only

Places to visit in Jharkhand in December often include Betla National Park, in the midst of Palamu Tiger Reserve, Jharkhand’s winter wonderland. December boosts wildlife sighting chances, with chances of catching a glimpse of majestic tigers, elephants, sambar deer, peacocks, and gaurs. The serene scenery of the park, with waterfalls and rivers, offers a peaceful ambience to nature photography and ecotourism. Adding another historical essence to the journey is the Palamu Fort nearby, with ruins tracing back in time and offering glimpses into local history. Nature lover, animal lover, or history lover, Betla National Park offers an experience never to be forgotten amidst winter wilderness.

Major Attractions: Safari trails, Palamu Fort, varied wildlife

6. Bokaro

A pair of blackbucks gazing directly into the camera, in Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park, , one of the best places to visit in Jharkhand in December.

Photo: Ravi Shekhar / Unsplash

Bokaro Steel City, a blend of industrial power and natural beauty, is a great winter destination in Jharkhand. In December, the city enjoys cool and pleasant weather. Visitors can explore Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park, home to rare wildlife. They can also unwind at City Park, featuring a serene lake and lush gardens. The Bokaro Ispat Pustakalaya offers insights into the city’s steel-making legacy. Bokaro Steel Plant is the third largest steel plant in Asia in terms of area, and the second largest in India after Bhilai Steel Plant. With its comfortable climate, scenic spots and cultural significance, Bokaro Steel City offers travellers a mix of nature and history.

Major Attractions: Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park, Jagannath Temple, Bokaro Steel Plant

7. Chitra

A pretty pair of swans in a lake near Chitra Coal Mine, , one of the best places to visit in Jharkhand in December.

Photo: nilotpal / Shutterstock

Places to visit in Jharkhand in December aren’t complete without mentioning Chitra, located on the serene banks of Barakar River. During December, the sunbeams of winter gently fall on the weathered stone frame of the 11th-century Chitra Temple in reverence to Lord Shiva. The ruins of aged structures and lovely stone carvings, scattered everywhere about the temple compound, stand as proof of the past. The serene riverside location, with the spiritual ambience of the region, makes it the perfect retreat for history enthusiasts and culture vultures. Chitra’s quiet ambience and heritage charm make it a great winter destination.

Major Attractions: Shikharji Temple, river walks, street bazaars

8. Parasnath Hill

Scenic mountain trail with stone steps and forest views, one of the best places to visit in Jharkhand in December.

Photo: vidhya yash jain / Shutterstock

Parasnath Hill or Shikharji is one of India’s most religious Jain pilgrimage destinations. It is a serene but spiritually charged spot in December when Jharkhand’s sacred hill draws pilgrims and adventure seekers. The stimulating winter weather makes it a cool and invigorating hike to the summit. Through the curved path, there are over 300 Jain temples and monasteries, every single one of them filled with centuries’ worth of spiritual meaning. As one climbs, there are panoramic vistas of the plateau below that reveal themselves in stunning minutes of peace and contemplation. For religious devotion or mountaineering activity, Parasnath Hill during winter is a soul-enriching experience.

Major Attractions: Jain temples, trekking routes, scenic points

9. Rajrappa

Rajrappa Temple complex features vibrant architecture, stone carvings, one of the best places to visit in Jharkhand in December.

Photo: AnilD / Shutterstock

Places to visit in Jharkhand in December feature many sacred spots like Rajrappa at the sacred confluence of the Damodar and Bhairavi rivers. At its core is the Chhinnamasta Temple, the temple of the fearsome and great goddess Chhinnamasta is one of the Hindu Mahavidyas. In December, the cold and invigorating weather of the place adds to the mystique of the temple for pilgrims. The followers offer prayers by taking ritual baths at the Sangam (confluence point) since they feel the ritual washes their souls clean. Rajrappa in December is an experience of tranquillity, nature, and the divine all mixed up in heavenly harmony.

Major Attractions: Chhinnamasta Temple, Fakir Dungri (holy hill temple), surrounding forests

10. Dumka

Roadside with ornate spires in Dumka, one of the best places to visit in Jharkhand in December.

Photo: PradeepGaurs / Shutterstock

Dumka, Jharkhand’s oldest district, is even more welcoming in December with its pleasant climate and peaceful surroundings. The area’s biggest pull is Fakir Dungri, the piety shrine hill drawing pilgrims as well as nature enthusiasts. Ascending the hill steeply gives wide-screen views of the Dumka landscape and the invigorating rush of winter’s cold. The shrine on the top of the hill is serene and ideal for contemplative meditation and quiet retreat. Climbing Fakir Dungri in December’s pleasant weather is a serene activity. On a picturesque winter day excursion in pure beauty, Dumka offers a peace-filled experience of nature and spirituality.

Major Attractions: Fakir Dungri, city view, countryside

December unfurls Jharkhand’s winter wonderland as peaceful hill stations, picturesque wildlife walks, sacred pilgrimage centres, and historical archaeological sites. The cool winds and clear blue skies are the ideal time to visit the state’s varied landscapes and cultural heritage. If you want peace, adventure, or spiritual tranquillity, places to visit in Jharkhand in December are all yours. Get your tour booked today with TripXL and experience the tranquil beauty of this offbeat winter destination.

Cover Photo: Arnav Pratap Singh / Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

December provides pleasant weather with gentle temperatures, clear skies, and fresh air, ideal for trekking hills, forest walks, and pilgrimages in Jharkhand. Cultural festivals and village fairs colour the landscape. Pleasant weather guarantees outdoor travelling, so these places are ideal for nature lovers, pilgrims to shrines, and adventure seekers.
May and June are the warmest months of Jharkhand, with the temperature going up to a maximum of 45 °C. December is one of the coldest months, ranging from 8°C to 22°C. The pleasant climate of this month makes it perfectly suitable for sightseeing, trekking, wildlife excursions, and visiting temples across the state.
The top tourist destinations to go to in December are Ranchi for waterfalls, Netarhat to see the sunrise, Betla National Park for nature tours, and Deoghar for religion. They all appeal to visitors seeking winter holidays in nature, religion, and culture and hence are ideal for diverse interests in travel.
Tourists in Jharkhand have options ranging from forest lodges and hill resorts to boutique hotels and pilgrim guest houses. Be it as a backpacker, nature enthusiast, seeker of the divine, or a luxury traveller, the options of accommodation have something for everyone.
A 7 - 10 day visit is ideal to visit Jharkhand. It provides sufficient time to visit 6 - 8 of the major places, which may be hill stations, wildlife sanctuaries, temples, and heritage sites. This is ideal for peaceful holidays and hectic touring, offering a large winter experience.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month