Not all the best travel experiences happen in what is traditionally deemed to be 'Peak Season'. In fact, December is one of the best months to visit places like India, with cooler conditions in many parts of the country making it easier to enjoy everything from wildlife safaris and cultural experiences to family adventures and beachside celebrations.
Whether you are hoping to search for Bengal tigers in the wilderness, celebrate Christmas beneath the tropical sunshine or introduce your family to India's fascinating wildlife and culture, there are plenty of reasons to consider spending some time in India during December.
Our Luxury Travel Specialists have first-hand experience of travelling throughout India and can use their knowledge to help you discover the destination in a way that suits you. From the wildlife-rich landscapes of Rajasthan to the beaches of Goa and the family-friendly experiences of Madhya Pradesh, these are some of the best places to visit in India in December for all kinds of holiday makers.
The Best Places to Visit in India in December on Safari
For wildlife enthusiasts, December is the perfect time to experience a safari in Rajasthan. The cooler, pleasant daytime conditions make exploring the state's national parks and reserves considerably more comfortable than during the stifling summer months, with animal activity also tending to be more pronounced.
Morning and evening Jeep or Canter safaris provide opportunities to venture into the wilderness in search of India's magnificent Royal Bengal tigers. The cooler weather is particularly appealing for early starts, when the landscape is atmospheric and wildlife can be particularly active. A safari in Rajasthan can also be combined with the state's remarkable forts, palaces and historic cities, making it an excellent option for travellers who want to experience India's wildlife alongside its rich cultural heritage.
For travellers hoping to encounter one of India's most elusive big cats, the Jhalana Leopard Safari Reserve in Jaipur is another great option. Located close to the Pink City, the reserve provides opportunities to search for leopards in their natural environment, creating an exciting addition to a tailor made Rajasthan safari holiday itinerary.
December's more comfortable conditions make Rajasthan particularly appealing to couples and adventurous travellers who want to combine luxury accommodation, fascinating cultural experiences and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
The Best Places to Visit in December in India for Christmas and New Year
For travellers who would rather swap cold winter weather for tropical sunshine, Goa is one of the best places to visit in December in India. Daytime temperatures can reach around 32 degrees, providing the perfect conditions for enjoying the region's beautiful beaches during the Christmas and New Year period.
Goa has a distinctive festive atmosphere at this time of year. Christmas beach celebrations bring music, food and entertainment to the coastline, while the approach to New Year sees the atmosphere become even livelier. As midnight approaches, parties take place across the destination before spectacular fireworks illuminate the night sky.
Of course, Goa offers much more than festive celebrations. Its beautiful beaches provide opportunities to relax beneath the sunshine, while its Portuguese-influenced architecture, colourful markets and exceptional restaurants offer plenty of reasons to venture further inland.
Goa is therefore particularly well suited to couples and groups of friends looking to celebrate Christmas or New Year somewhere vibrant and warm. It can also be incorporated into a wider India holiday itinerary, allowing you to combine a relaxing beach breaks with cultural and sightseeing experiences elsewhere in the country.
The Best Places to Visit in India in December for Families
Families looking for an unforgettable wildlife adventure would do well to consider Madhya Pradesh, where December provides excellent conditions for exploring Pench National Park. Winter brings cool and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from around 7 degrees at night to an average of 29 degrees during the day, creating comfortable conditions for outdoor exploration.
Pench is particularly attractive to nature lovers at this time of year. December sees a large influx of migratory birds, making it an excellent period for birdwatching and nature photography. Families can also head out on early morning and late afternoon Jeep safaris in search of Royal Bengal tigers and leopards, creating exciting wildlife encounters for children and adults to cherish the memory of long after the holiday has ended
The experiences extend beyond traditional game drives. Families can follow the Runi Jhuni nature trail, where children can learn to identify animal paw prints, or visit the nearby village of Pachdhar to try their hand at traditional pottery. These hands-on experiences offer a fascinating insight into local life while giving younger travellers an opportunity to learn about India's culture and natural environment.
For families, Baghvan, A Taj Safari in Pench National Park is an especially appealing place to stay. The luxury lodge runs the acclaimed Wild Kids @ Taj programme, which provides a fantastic range of educational, interactive and entertaining experiences designed specifically with younger guests in mind.
Children can join local chefs in the kitchen, visit Pachdhar village or spend time discovering the hotel's organic farm. They can also enjoy a fully supervised experience at the nearby Alikatta elephant camp, where they can interact with elephants and their mahouts, before setting off on an exciting 4x4 safari vehicle adventure.
It is this combination of luxury accommodation, exceptional wildlife and engaging children's experiences that makes Pench National Park an excellent choice for families seeking something far beyond a conventional December holiday.
Create Your Perfect December Holiday in India
From tiger safaris in Rajasthan and leopard encounters near Jaipur to sun-drenched Christmas celebrations in Goa and family adventures in Pench National Park, India offers an extraordinary variety of experiences for travellers to enjoy in December which are far removed from conventional Christmas festivities.
However, the best places to visit in India in December ultimately depends on the type of holiday you want to experience. At Elegant Resorts, our Luxury Travel Specialists have first-hand experience of travelling throughout India and can draw upon their knowledge to provide advice on not only the best places to visit in India in December, but also the best accommodation, activities and excursions. Whether you want to discover India's wildlife, celebrate Christmas and New Year in the sunshine or introduce your family to the country's incredible natural and cultural heritage, speak to our Luxury Travel Specialists today and let us create an unforgettable December holiday in India designed entirely around you.