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Best Places to Visit in December for Mountain Lovers

Nainital (Uttarakhand)

Source uttarakhandtourism.gov.in

Nainital is a popular hill station situated in a valley in the state of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by mountains and one of it’s main attractions is the mango shaped lake after which the place is named. Some of the popular tourist spots in the place are Naina Peak, Tiffin Top, Snow View Point, Gurney House, Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Naina Devi Temple, Cave Garden, Sat Tal, Hanumangarhi, Mall Road, Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, Nainital, Himalaya Darshana and Echo Zone, St. John’s Church, Kilbury and Thandi Road.

There is the Tibetan market for all your shopping needs. You can find shops selling everything from clothes, bags, shoes to souvenirs and even fresh fruit and veggies. Nainital doesn’t have an airport. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, from where you can hire a cab or board a bus to Nainital.

Manali (Himachal Pradesh)

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Manali is a tiny resort town in Himachal Pradesh, famous for it’s scenic beauty and great weather. It’s close to the state capital Shimla. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Manali are the Hidimba Devi Temple, the Manu Temple, Manali Sanctuary and the Mall Road.

Manali is great for hikers and adventure sports junkies as there are many hiking trails around the place, a popular one being Beas Kund Trek. There is also river rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, zorbing and skiing during the winter months. The place also has some great eateries serving everything from local cuisine to continental food. You can reach Manali by taking an Air-India flight to Bhuntar Airport which is the nearest one. There is no direct railroad to Manali. You can travel there from Shimla by car.

North Sikkim (Sikkim)

Source www.outlookindia.com

North Sikkim is a hiker’s and mountain lover’s paradise. The high altitudes guarantee that the temperatures are always on the lower side. You will find snow here almost throughout the year. The population here is very sparse. Therefore you will not find many places to stay or even many restaurants. What you will find thought are breathtakingly beautiful valleys, crystal clear lakes and cascading waterfalls.

So if you are drawn by these kinds of things then you should definitely give the place a visit. Popular attractions in North Sikkim are Yumthang Valley, Nathula and Tsomgo. You can travel to North Sikkim by taking a shared jeep, bus and or a taxi from Bagdogra, which is the nearest airport, or from Gangtok or Darjeeling.

December Destinations for Lovers of Warm Weather

Goa

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Goa is one of the most popular beach destinations in India, attracting a large number of tourists from all over the world. Goa is a small state on the Konkan coast and is frequented for it’s beautiful beaches, nightlife and bohemian vibe. Goa was inhabited by Portuguese merchants in the past and is steeped in colonial history.

With a large Christian population, there is no dearth of churches and cathedrals in the state, the most famous ones being the Bom Jesus Basilica, where the remains of St. Francis Xavier are still preserved and the Se Cathedral. Goa has an international airport with scheduled domestic and international flights. One can also travel to Goa by road. There are buses leaving from Mumbai and Mangalore.

Varkala (Kerala)

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If you can’t decide between hills and the beach, then Varkala is the place for you. This beach town in Kerala has breathtakingly beautiful natural beaches adjacent to cliffs. Varkala also has many estuaries, backwaters and lakes. The place also has many places of worship like the Janardana Swami Temple, Sarkara Devi Temple, The Sree Saraswathi Temple and the Kaduvayil Juma Masjid.

Located nearby at Anjengo are the remains of the old English fort once inhabited by the British East India Company. Varkala can be reached by train with trains coming in from most major cities, by bus, by boat through Varkala Tunnel and also by helicopters landing at Varkala Helipad. The nearest airport is at Trivandrum.

Pondicherry

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Pondicherry is the capital of Puducherry which is a union territory in the Southern part of the country. This beautiful beach town used to be the headquarters French East India Company in the past and it’s past history is still very much evident in the culture and the atmosphere of the place. If you like walking or biking around in shady tree lined lanes with quaint architecture, pretty little cafes and boutiques or relaxing by the beach then Pondicherry is the place for you to be.

Pondicherry, though a quiet town, also has some great night life. If you are done with partying then find some quiet contemplation in the meditation and yoga centers scattered around the place. Pondicherry can be reached by bus from Chennai or Bangalore. There are trains also from most major cities. Pondicherry airport has direct flights to Bangalore and Hyderabad, and chartered flights to Chennai.


Perfect Winter Spots for History Enthusiasts

Jaipur (Rajasthan)

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The city of Jaipur is also known as the Pink City. This historic capital of the state of Rajasthan is the place to head to if you want to experience old world charm and grandeur. The city is filled with palatial buildings known as "Havelis" some of which have been turned into hotels, therefore letting you experience a piece of royal luxury.

Must visit places in Jaipur are City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Albert Hall Museum, Amer Fort, Nahargarh Fort and Jantar Mantar, which is an astrological landmark accommodating a collection of nineteen architectural astronomical instruments built by the Rajput king Sawai Jai Singh II, and completed in 1734. Jaipur is a shopper’s haven with a dozen famous markets including Nehru Bazaar, Hawa Mahal Market, Bapu Bazaar and Tripoli Market selling beautiful hand-loom pieces, clothes, local shoes known as jootis, jewelry, bags and souvenirs. There are domestic and international flights to Jaipur and also trains. You can also travel to Jaipur by road from Delhi via highway.


Hampi (Karnataka)

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If you want to visit a place right out of the history books then head to Hampi, also known as the city of ruins. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, situated in the state of Karnataka. The place is Surrounded by 500 ancient monuments, spectacular temples, busy street markets, citadels, treasury building and enchanting remains of Vijayanagar Empire.

Located on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, the old city is surrounded by boulders of different sizes. Must see places include the famous Virupaksha Temple, which has exquisite carvings. There are no modern structures in the main area, giving the whole place a feeling of authenticity. You can reach Hampi by road from the nearest major cities including Bangalore.

Mysore (Karnataka)

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Mysore is called the City of Palaces, and aptly so. The whole city gives out a flamboyant vibe; brimming with the history of its astounding royal heritage, and grand architecture. The city is situated in the foothills of the Chamundi Hills, in the state of Karnataka. Mysore was one of the three largest Princely States during British Empire.

The most iconic structure in the city is probably the Mysore Palace, which also houses a museum, drawing thousands of visitors every day. It’s an architectural marvel, with every corner showcasing intricate detailing and workmanship. Other places of interest in the city are the Chamundeshwari Temple, Somnathpura Temple, Mysore Zoo and Vrindavan Gardens. Mysore is well connected by train to most other places in the region. You can also reach there by taking a bus from Kempegowda Airport in Bangalore.

December Hot Spots for Adventure Lovers and Sports Enthusiasts

Auli (Uttarakhand)

Source therealtrips.com

Are Snowy slopes the place you want to be in winters? Then head to Auli in Uttarkhand. This hill station dotted with coniferous forests and orchards is the place to be for skiing enthusiasts in winter. With slopes that are 2500-3000 meters high, adventure seekers are bound to get the adrenaline rush that they crave.

Apart from skiing, you can also visit Auli if you love a picture perfect snowy landscape, forests of pine and oak and pristine surroundings. You can reach Auli by catching a taxi or a bus from Dehradun.

Rishikesh (Uttar Pradesh)

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If you are an adrenaline junkie looking for your next adventure then head to Rishikesh. This place is a gold mine of activities for thrill seekers. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand in the Dehradun district, this place has a lot to offer for adventure lovers.

The activities that you can participate in include river rafting, rappelling, bungee jumping, the ‘flying fox’, mountain biking, giant swing, cliff jumping, waterfall trekking, valley crossing, kayaking, zorbing, parasailing, body surfing and trekking. You can reach Rishikesh by taking a bus or car from Dehradun or Haridwar which is the nearest railway station.

Bonus Idea: Go Camping or Hiking

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December is the perfect month to go camping, as there is no fear of snakes, very low chances of rainfall and overall good weather conditions. There are camping sites dotted all over the country. Some of the well-known ones are at Spiti Valley, Chandrataal Lake and Solang Valley in Himachal Pradesh, Tso Moriri in Ladakh, Rishikesh and Mussoorie in Uttarkhand, Nameri Eco Camp in Assam, Anjuna Beach Camp in Goa, Sam Sand dunes in Jaisalmer, Neora Valley Camp in West Bengal, Kodachari, Coorg and Dubare in Karnataka, Mudumalai at the confluence of three states namely; Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Yelagiri in Tamil Nadu, Godavari River Camp in Andhra Pradesh, Munnar and Wayanaad in Kerala. Some of these places are certified camping sites where you can set up your own tents and others have pre-erected luxury tents where you can enjoy the thrill of camping without getting yourself too dirty!

How to Pick the Best Spot for a Winter Holiday?

Weather - Just the Way You Like it

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The weather is something which is as unpredictable as human nature. But that’s why we need holidays. To escape to cooler climates when it gets too warm, or vice versa. The weather is something that is one of the main deciding factors that helps us pick a vacation spot when in doubt. Some people enjoy warm weather, some like the cold, and then there are those who like something in between.

Our country wondrously has something for all kinds. If you want snowy hill stations, we have the state of Jammu and Kashmir in the extreme North; places like Shimla, Manali, Nainital, Auli, Dharamshala and many more. In the east we have Darjeeling, Shillong, Gangtok, Kurseong, Aizawl, to name a few. In the South there is Ooty, Munnar, Wayanad and Kodaikanal. If you want to spend your December in a warmer climate then we have the beaches of Orissa in the east, Daman and Diu in the west, Goa, Gokarna in the South West and places like Chennai, Pondicherry, Kochi, Kanyakumari in the South. Apart from these, there are picturesque places tucked away in every nook and cranny of the country.

Holiday Activities Are the Icing on the Cake

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Picking a vacation spot is not easy, especially in a country like India where each destination is so diverse. But vacation time means something different to each person. For some a great holiday would be to stay wrapped up inside, pursuing their favorite hobby like reading or maybe enjoying a relaxing spa session. For others, holidays are an opportunity to soak up the vibe of the place or to find the next great adventure.

The kind of activity that you like to do can help you decide your decide your next destination. If you like shopping and discovering a place by walking around, then pick a place with great boutiques or flea markets, beautiful streets and balmy weather. If you are the sporty kind then pick a place which has adventurous activities to satiate your lust for thrill. If you like discovering new cuisines then do a quick Google search to find a place with great eateries, cafes and the likes. Websites like Tripadviser can be of great help regarding these.

Factor in Age and Health, Not Only Yours but Everyone on the Trip!

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Indian terrain is diverse. Therefore pick a place based on your constitution. If you are a healthy and young individual then you don’t have anything to worry about. But people with certain conditions and ailments should pick their vacation spot with a little more care. Certain regions in India are hard to traverse, still. High altitudes, bad road conditions and unpredictable weather may make it hard for older individuals to travel to these parts, especially during the cold December month.

Some places have heavy snowfall, disconnecting them from surrounding areas. There may also be shortage of power and sometimes even food. Therefore people with weak constitution are better off sticking to places which are nearer to the ground.

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From our editorial team

Create Some Fun-Filled Memories in 2019 Winters by Visiting these Places

December is the best time to vacation. The cool breeze, no mosquitoes and snakes, the warmth of a bonfire, mouth-watering seasonal veggies, all make it a perfect time to vacation. So, choose a place in India this winter according to your needs and get ready to go-on a relaxing as well as a stimulating vacation.