December is the best time to visit hill stations for holidays in India. Snowfall, cold breeze and the beauty of the mountains attract everyone in this season. Shimla is the ‘Queen of Hills’, a snow-covered paradise is Manali, and Auli is famous for skiing. Nainital is known for its lakes and Mussoorie is called the winter wonderland. Darjeeling is famous for tea gardens and snowy views. Ooty and Gulmarg also look very beautiful in winter.
1. Shimla – The Queen of Hills in Winter
Shimla is a very beautiful place to visit during december. Here snow falls and the whole city appears covered in a white sheet. The view of the mountains and the cold air give a lot of peace to the mind. Tourists like the most to roam on Ridge and Mall Road. Shopping, eating and drinking, and taking photos can be enjoyed here. Jakhu Temple and Christ Church are also worth visiting places. In December the weather in Shimla remains cold but this is its real beauty. People here also enjoy small snow games and ice skating. From the hotels and resorts built on the mountains, the fun of seeing the snow-covered views is something else. Visiting Shimla with family and friends makes the December holidays special.
Activities in Shimla
Enjoy Snowfall, Ice Skating, Horse Riding (Kufri), Skiing (Kufri), Trekking to Jakhu Temple, Toy Train Ride, Shopping at Mall Road, Walking at the Ridge, Making Snowman and Playing with Snow, Visiting Christ Church.
Famous Food of Shimla
Chana Madra, Dham, Siddu, Babru, Chha Gosht, Thukpa, Trout Fish, Mittha, Momos, Sepu Vadi.
Temperature in Shimla
December temperature: -2°C to 8°C
2. Manali – Snow-Covered Paradise
In December Manali looks like a snow-covered paradise. The valleys and hills here are covered in a white sheet. In this season people definitely visit Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass. It feels great to sit on the banks of the Beas River and experience the peaceful atmosphere. Manali is the best place for couples, friends, and family in December. From the resorts and hotels here, the fun of watching the snow-covered mountains is different.
Activities in Manali
Enjoy snowfall, paragliding, river rafting, skiing (Solang Valley), horse riding, trekking to Hidimba Temple, visit Rohtang Pass, shopping at Mall Road, camping in snow, hot spring bath (Vashisht).
Famous Food in Manali
Sidu, Babru, Kullu Trout Fish, Dham, Aktori, Tudkiya Bhath, Mittha, Chana Madra, Momos, Thukpa.
Temperature in Manali
December temperature: -1°C to 10°C
Read More: Places to Visit in Winter in India for Snowfall Experience
3. Auli – Skiing Destination of India
Auli becomes the most renowned skiing destination in India during December. A magical view all around is given by the high peaks and snow-covered hills.
From far and wide people come here to enjoy skiing. The view of the Nanda Devi mountain from Auli looks very beautiful. The ropeway ride here is very famous, which gives the fun of seeing the entire snowy mountains from above. It is very cold in December but the real adventure experience is found here. Tourists can also do snow trekking and camping in Auli. The experience of both adventure and peace this place gives.
Activities in Auli
Skiing, snow trekking, camping, ropeway ride, visit Gurso Bugyal, trek to Kuari Pass, visit Chattrakund Lake, enjoy Nanda Devi Peak views, nature walks, bird watching.
Famous Food in Auli
Kafuli, Chainsoo, Phaanu, Aloo ke Gutke, Kumaoni Raita, Bal Mithai, Singori, Jhangora ki Kheer, Arsa, Dubuk.
Temperature in Auli
December temperature: -4°C to 7°C
4. Nainital – Lake City in December Charm
In December Nainital becomes very beautiful. On the banks of the lake the snowy weather and cold winds attract every tourist coming here. In the cold of December boating on Naini Lake gives a unique experience. Walking on Mall Road and drinking hot tea is a fun part here. From the Snow View Point the view of the entire mountains looks very spectacular. In December light snowfall is also seen here, which further enhances its beauty. A trip to Nainital with friends and family makes the holidays memorable.
Activities in Nainital
Boating in Naini Lake, ropeway ride to Snow View Point, trekking to Tiffin Top, shopping at Mall Road, horse riding, visiting Naina Devi Temple, walking at The Mall and The Flats, exploring Eco Cave Gardens, visit Nainital Zoo, enjoying Himalayan views.
Famous Food in Nainital
Ras, Bhatt ki Churkani, Aloo ke Gutke, Baadi, Arsa, Bal Mithai, Singori, Gulgule, Dubuk, Jhangora ki Kheer.
Temperature in Nainital
- December temperature: 0°C to 10°C
Read More: Top 10 Places to Visit in Manali in December
5. Mussoorie – Winter Wonderland of Uttarakhand
In December Mussoorie looks like a snow-covered wonderland. In December the weather in Mussoorie becomes pleasant and cold. The pine trees and hills here are covered with snow, which makes it more beautiful. People come here to do shopping, see the snow view, and spend time in small cafes. Mussoorie is a special place for couples as well as families. A trip to Mussoorie in December you will remember for a lifetime.
Activities in Mussoorie
Ropeway ride to Gun Hill, walking on Mall Road, trekking to Lal Tibba, visiting Kempty Falls, Camel’s Back Road walk, horse riding, visit Mussoorie Lake, hiking to George Everest House, shopping for handicrafts, enjoying winter carnival.
Famous Food in Mussoorie
Aloo ke Gutke, Bal Mithai, Singori, Chainsoo, Kafuli, Kumaoni Raita, Gulgule, Jhangora ki Kheer, Momos, Thukpa.
Temperature in Mussoorie
- December temperature: 2°C to 10°C
6. Darjeeling – Tea Gardens with Snowy Vibes
Darjeeling looks very beautiful in December. The cool breeze, tea gardens and snowy mountains spread far and wide are very popular among tourists. Watching the sunrise from Tiger Hill can be the most special memory of December, where the first rays of the sun shine on Mount Kanchenjunga. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as “Toy Train”, is very much liked by both children and adults. The weather here is cool and clear in December, which makes the view of the mountains more clear. In the local shops here, buying warm clothes, tea, and crafts is a fun activity. The smell of tea gardens and the cool wind make a trip to Darjeeling extra special.
Activities in Darjeeling
Toy train ride (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway), sunrise at Tiger Hill, visit Batasia Loop, ropeway ride, exploring tea gardens, trekking to Sandakphu, shopping at Chowrasta, visit Peace Pagoda, walking at Mall Road, visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.
Famous Food in Darjeeling
Momos, Thukpa, Aloo Dum, Sel Roti, Sael Roti with Aloo Dum, Naga Pork Curry, Churpee, Gundruk Soup, Sha Phaley, Darjeeling Tea.
Temperature in Darjeeling
December temperature: 2°C to 11°C.
7. Ooty – Misty Hills of the Nilgiris
Ooty looks very attractive covered in mist in December. Situated on the Nilgiri hills, this place becomes even more beautiful in winter. The lakes, botanical gardens and tea gardens here are very popular among tourists. Boating in Ooty Lake makes the December vacation enjoyable.
The cold breeze and the hills covered in greenery all around give a calm and relaxing atmosphere. The weather in Ooty in December is cool and charming, which is great for both family and couples. A ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway is considered to be the best experience of coming here.
Activities in Ooty
Boating in Ooty Lake, visit Botanical Garden, toy train ride (Nilgiri Mountain Railway), trekking at Doddabetta Peak, exploring Rose Garden, horse riding, visit Tea Factory & Museum, walking in Pine Forests, shopping for tea and chocolates, visit Avalanche Lake.
Famous Food in Ooty
Ooty Varkey, Avial, Rasam, Pongal, Idli & Dosa, Upma, Kesari Bath, Filter Coffee, Lemon Rice, Biryani.
Temperature in Ooty
December temperature: 5°C to 15°C
8. Gulmarg – Heaven for Snow Lovers
Seeing Gulmarg in December seems like a dream. Snow-capped mountains, pine forests and cold winds make the view here even more special. Gulmarg is also called the “Winter Sports Capital” of India, because skiing and snowboarding are the most fun here. The weather here is very cold in December, but the fun of playing and roaming in the snow is memorable for everyone. This place is no less than heaven for couples and adventure lovers.
Activities in Gulmarg
Skiing, gondola ride, snowboarding, trekking to Khilanmarg, sledging, ice skating, visit St. Mary’s Church, golfing (summer), horse riding, photography in snow landscapes.
Famous Food in Gulmarg
Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Dum Aloo, Gushtaba, Modur Pulao, Kahwa, Sheer Chai, Harissa, Nadru Yakhni, Marchwangan Korma.
Temperature in Gulmarg
December temperature: -4°C to 7°C
9. Munnar – Green Hills with Winter Bliss
South India has a beautiful hill station, Munnar In December, the greenery and tea gardens here look even more attractive with cool winds. The fragrance of tea spread on the hills and the mist-covered mountains are the specialty here. For nature lovers, Munnar’s Eravikulam National Park is a nice place. Attukal Waterfalls and Mattupatti Dam are good spots to visit in the cold of December. Here the weather is cold and pleasant, perfect for families and couples. The peaceful mood and nice sights make trips to Munnar great.
Activities in Munnar
Visit Eravikulam National Park, explore tea gardens, trekking at Anamudi Peak, boating in Mattupetty Dam, visit Top Station viewpoint, walking in Tea Museum, Echo Point visit, Attukad Waterfalls, shopping for spices and tea, camping in hills.
Famous Food in Munnar
Appam with Stew, Kerala Parotta, Idiyappam, Puttu with Kadala Curry, Fish Curry, Kairali Thali, Malabar Biryani, Rasam, Payasam, Kerala Banana Chips.
Temperature in Munnar
December temperature: 10°C to 20°C
10. Shillong – Scotland of the East in December
Shillong is called the “Scotland of the East” and it becomes even more attractive in December. The cool winds, lakes and waterfalls here are very much liked by the tourists. Umiam Lake and Elephant Falls are the most popular places for tourists. Christmas and New Year are celebrated here with great pomp in December, which makes it more special. The weather here is cold and pleasant, which adds to the fun of the holidays. The natural beauty and culture of Shillong make it a place worth visiting in December.
Activities in Shillong
Visit Shillong Peak, boating in Umiam Lake, explore Elephant Falls, Ward’s Lake walk, trekking at Laitlum Canyons, shopping at Police Bazaar, visit Don Bosco Museum, Mawphlang Sacred Forest, golfing at Shillong Golf Course, music and café hopping.
Famous Food in Shillong
Jadoh, Dohneiiong, Tungrymbai, Pukhlein, Doh Khleh, Kyat (local rice beer), Momos, Chowmein, Smoked Meat, Tungrymbai Pickle.
Temperature in Shillong
December temperature: 4°C to 15°C
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Conclusion
Hill stations in India are considered the best places to visit during December vacations. The snow, chilly air, and natural beauty here attract everyone. Hill stations such as Shimla, Manali, Auli, Nainital, Mussoorie, Gulmarg, Darjeeling, and Ooty become very popular places in December.At these destinations, you can enjoy snow, taste the local food, and also do adventure activities. For family, couples, or friends, these places are perfect for spending holidays. For these hill stations, December becomes the most special time