10 Best Places To Visit Near Bangalore In December For An Unforgettable Experience

Bangalore nature scene in one of the best places to visit near Bangalore.

Bangalore seems therapeutic in December because of the moderate climate amidst the busy city life. One can easily explore some of the amazing places to visit near Bangalore in December. This is the season for travel as the year winds down and the climate becomes wetter. For those who wish to escape the crowds, engage in some sport, or simply sit back and enjoy some beautiful structures, the outskirts of Bangalore have it all. Every region from Coorg to Nandi Hills has its own set pieces exploding with beauty for the tourists’ enjoyment.

Best Places To Visit Near Bangalore In December

Let’s look at some of the places to visit near Bangalore in December to help you out with your holidays:

1. Gokarna

Om Beach in Gokarna looks like the Om.

Photo: Alexey Komarov / Wikimedia Commons

Gokarna is a small but beautiful town on the coastline of Karnataka, making it a great holiday destination in December. The climate is slightly humid and warm making it ideal for beach activities and sightseeing. Om Beach attracts many tourists because of its unique features of shape, which in turn looks like the Om. Kudle Beach is much less crowded than Om Beach, and hence suitable for people looking for peace and delightful sunsets. Mahabaleshwar Temple is an old temple known for its intricate designs built in worship of lord Shiva. The coastal region has well-fitted scenic trails that offer majestic views of the Arabian sea.

Distance From Bangalore: 485 km
Travel Time: Approximately 8 hours

2. Mysore

Mysore Palace or Amba Vilas Palace, one of the best places to visit near Bangalore.

Photo: Whistleraja / Wikimedia Commons

Mysore, famous for its splendid culture and beautiful buildings, is an interesting place to visit in December. During this month, the temperatures remain moderate. The city receives a very low volume of rainfall thus making it the best period for touring and engaging in other activities. Mysore Palace is the best place for tourists especially at night when the palace is lit up with its grandeur. Brindavan Gardens are well known for their musical fountain more so in December when flowers are plenty. Considering Mysore as the best place to visit near Bangalore in December is a good idea.

Distance From Bangalore: 145 km
Travel Time: Approximately 3 hours

3. Nandi Hills

Sunrise at Nandi Hills.

Photo: JzG / Wikimedia Commons

Nandi Hills is a well-known hill station that provides a perfect retreat in December. The weather in this month is breezy and pleasant, most favourable for engaging in various outdoor events and sightseeing. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace is a heritage site that provides visitors with a glimpse of the rich history of the region. Nandi Temple is an ancient temple carved in honour of Lord Shiva which is famous for its decor. Amrita Sarovar is a small lake located within a green cover ideal for leisurely walks. These spots make Nandi Hills one of the best places to visit in December near Bangalore.

Distance From Bangalore: 60 km
Travel Time: Approximately 1.5 hours

4. Coorg

 Coorg, with beautiful views, is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore.

Photo: Subharnab Majumdar / Wikimedia Commons

Coorg, or Kodagu, is another mesmerising hill station in Karnataka with visitors thronging throughout the year, especially in the month of December. The cold season setting is conducive to any form of adventure. The beauty within the thick green vegetation spellbinding due to the rains making for an enthralling getaway. December is a season ideal for coffee lovers to visit the gardens which are vast and even help in harvesting the coffee beans. You should visit Abbey Falls which is made pleasant with the seasonal fog. Raja’s Seat is a terrace that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys filled with haze.

Distance From Bangalore: 260 km
Travel Time: Approximately 5-6 hours

5. Chikmagalur

Beautiful picture of hills in the distance which are filled with coffee plantations in Chikmagalur.

Photo: Chidambara / Wikimedia Commons

Chikmagalur, a charming hill town situated in Karnataka, is an inviting location for a tourist visit in December. The environment remains green and healthy for most of the year after the rains, providing beautiful pictures of hills in the distance which are filled with coffee plantations. Mullayanagiri Peak is the tallest mountain of Karnataka, suited for trekking and providing a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. Hebbe Falls is located in a thick jungle and is nice for a picnic. Bhuta Kola festival dedicated to the Forest Gods and local spirits happens in December with lots of cultural dancing.

Distance From Bangalore: 245 km
Travel Time: Approximately 5 hours

6. Hampi

Matanga Hill with a spectacular sight, one of the best places to visit near Bangalore.

Photo: Sangramgovardhane / Wikimedia Commons

Hampi is yet another spot among places near Bangalore to visit in December. This month enables tourists to traverse the exteriors and breathtaking sceneries of the ancient temples and structures without the torture of heat. Vijaya Vittala Temple encloses the well-known stone chariot and other distinct carvings that are major attractions for tourists. Hampi Bazaar is a lively area with shops selling handicrafts and other artefacts of the region. Matanga Hill is a great spot to get a view of the ruins of Hampi and also an ideal place for dawn and dusk treks. December also honours the Hampi Utsav festival which highlights the traditional arts of the area.

Distance From Bangalore: 340 km
Travel Time: Approximately 7 hours

7. Dandeli

Beautiful and alluring foxtail orchids in Dandeli.

Photo: Chinmayisk / Wikimedia Commons

Dandeli, situated in the Western Ghats region of Karnataka, is one place you must visit in December. This month has a good atmosphere, suitable for engaging in outdoor exercises as well as wildlife viewing. The green vegetation creates a very beautiful scenery for nature lovers. Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is teeming with vegetation and wildlife including elephants, leopards, and various species of birds. The month of December is also the best for spotting wild animals. Kali River is famous for offering exhilarating white-water rafting sports even the cooler water adds more thrill to the sport. Syntheri Rocks is an amazing photographic natural rock structure with stunning views.

Distance From Bangalore: 460 km
Travel Time: Approximately 8 hours

8. Kabini

Elephant family on the Kabini River bank, one of the best places to visit near Bangalore.

Photo: Gnissah / Wikimedia Commons

Kabini housed in the Western Ghats is a delight to visit in December. The climatic conditions of this month are quite favourable which is suitable for engaging in sports and wildlife views. The rainfall during monsoon has sculptured beautiful green forestry which is quite ideal for nature cravers. Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary comprises a variety of wildlife such as elephants, and tigers, as well as prevalent species of birds. December is more appropriate for birding since a lot of seasonal visitors come into the region. Relax on a cruise on the Kabini River and spot some wildlife on the riverbanks. Nagarhole National Park is next to Kabini and is known for its great flora and fauna and is open for safari trips.

Distance From Bangalore: 220 km
Travel Time: Approximately 5 hours

9. Ooty

 Ooty Lake Boat House in cool and fresh weather.

Photo: Ashwin Kumar / Wikimedia Commons

In December, Ooty makes for a great getaway because this place is often called the “Queen of hill stations.” This month’s weather is generally cool and fresh. Such a favourable climate helps one to engage in touring amidst the green vegetation. Botanical Gardens are the gardens where one gets to find different plants and the beautiful sceneries, ideal for walking around. Ooty Lake below the main hill station is a lovely place to go boating in calm waters. Nilgiri Mountain Railway is a picturesque heritage toy train ride also offers amazing views of all the hikes along the route.

Distance From Bangalore: 270 km
Travel Time: Approximately 6 hours

10. Udupi

Malpe Beach in Udupi is one of the best places to visit near Bangalore.

Photo: Nativeplants garden / Wikimedia Commons

Udupi is situated on the South West coast of India in the state of Karnataka and is an interesting place to visit in December. The days are hot with somewhat cool nights. The month of December does not record too much rainfall making it possible to engage more in sightseeing. Sri Krishna Temple is one of the famous temples which is also a great architectural temple and a centre for pilgrimage. Malpe Beach is an exquisite beach enjoyed for its activity, beaches as well as local gastronomy. St Mary’s Islands can be reached by a short boat ride where the island’s intriguing rocks and pristine beaches are the main attractions.

Distance From Bangalore: 400 km
Travel Time: Approximately 8 hours

These places to visit near Bangalore in December are full of fun, culture, history and nature and can truly make your December vacation memorable. Each place is unique in itself, reflects its own charm and awaits visitors. Whether you wish to unwind in the lap of nature or indulge in some exciting adventures, every destination has some distinct feature to offer. Plan your trip with TripXL so that you can utilise the best of this wonderful season.

Cover Photo: Bhumit K. Patel / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The weather is moderate and cool making it a good time for stretching out in active and outdoor activities such as trekking, sightseeing and communing with nature. Added to that, most places have a warm holiday season which enhances their beauty.
Activities are specific to the location but include most commonly those activities like trekking, wildlife safaris, coffee plantation visits, history sights and local food delicacies.
A lot of places also have shrines or other events during December. For example, during this month, the city of Mysore is decorated with all its glory.
The majority of the places can be visited comfortably by road in private cars or buses. However, some places also have railway stations within their vicinity or include airports for further distance travel.
Yes, there are lots of hotels and homestays for the tourists in which these regions are situated, however, advanced booking is advised during the high season period.

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