9 Offbeat Places to Visit in December in India for
an Unforgettable Winter Escape
India has plenty of offbeat places that people can explore in the winter season if they plan well. December is a perfect time to head towards such unknown regions where one can indulge in the natural beauty, different cultures, and peace, away from the crowd. If you are seeking an unconventional break, here’s a blog about some unique and offbeat places to visit in December in India, from misty mountains and calm valleys to quiet shores and old structures.
1. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Warmly welcomed by the Eastern Himalayan mountains, Tawang is one of the successful offbeat places to visit in December in India which is filled with rich culture and snow all around. This small town, situated at an altitude of 10,000 feet offers breathtaking views, its Buddhist monasteries, and tranquility that is generally not found in the usual tourist places.
- Why Visit in December: December transforms into blustering winters as a thick blanket of snow engulfs the place. The Tawang Monastery, the biggest one found in India, is the most attractive in winter.
- What to Do: Appreciate the Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass hike, and sightseeing the town and its interesting markets.
2. Gokarna, Karnataka
If you are a sun lover rather than someone seeking snow tips then Gokarna in Karnataka is one of the best options apart from Goa. This coastal town, famous for its untouched beaches and spirituality, as well as its easy-going lifestyle, makes it a perfect offbeat destination in India for a serene vacation by the beach during the month of December.
- Why Visit in December: The comfortable winter climate makes it ideal for beach sports and other recreational activities sans the heavy tourist burden commonly experienced in Goa.
- What to Do: Unwind at the quiet beaches of Om Beach, Kudle Beach, and Half Moon Beach, go to Mahabaleshwar Temple, and chill at the beachside Cafes which offer a rather easy-going unconventional approach.
3. Chopta, Uttarakhand
Chopta is an offbeat place to visit in December in India which is a growing tourist place in Uttarakhand known as the ‘Mini Switzerland of India’ and attracts visitors with its breathtaking views of mountains, lush valleys, and dazzling white peaks. This beautiful hill station is perfect for nature lovers as well as trekkers.
- Why Visit in December: December brings along snow capping the entire landscape transforming it into a beautiful winter wonderland. Perfect for snowscape trekking and seeking the serenity of the mighty Himalayas.
- What to Do: Go on the Tungnath-Chandrashila trek which is considered to be one of the prettiest winter treks in India, explore the ancient Tungnath temple, and step out for camping in the picturesque terrain for a delightful night.
4. Gurez Valley, Jammu & Kashmir
Nestled in the northernmost Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir, Gurez Valley is among the few unspoiled destinations and among the offbeat places to visit in December in India with picturesque sceneries, pleasant river landscapes, and friendly people. It lies not too far from the Line of Control (LOC) and thus this offbeat place has managed to preserve its natural and cultural richness, offering an authentic experience of the Kashmiri landscape.
- Why Visit in December: Though the winter season offers very low temperatures, the beauty of the valley is exceptional due to the snow-laden mountain tops with frozen rivers all of which paint a unique picture.
- What to Do: Visit the beautiful wooden houses, enjoy the breathtaking views from a height, and enjoy with the friendly people to experience the unique Dard-Shina ways of life. For a more authentic winter experience, one can indulge in snowshoeing or even go for a photography session along the river known as Kishanganga.
5. Kalimpong, West Bengal
Lying in the eastern foothills of the Himalayas, Kalimpong is a tiny town in West Bengal, which provides a welcome relief from the ethnic crowds of people in Darjeeling. Kalimpong is ideal for people seeking peace and quiet and has vibrant flower markets, colonial-style structures, and an undisturbed, calm, and relaxed nature, making it one of the best unexplored and offbeat places to visit in December in India.
- Why Visit in December: December is a fun month to travel in because the weather is cold but clear skies, and you can view the snow-capped Kanchenjunga in all its magnificent glory.
- What to Do: Visit the flower nurseries, go to the monasteries, and walk to Durpin Hill for an amazing view.
6. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro Valley, located in the northeast state of Arunachal Pradesh, is beautiful and also one of the hidden gems and the best offbeat places to visit in December in India. It is surrounded by paddy fields, and green hills, and has an entirely different tribal culture, Ziro is a tranquil place where one can experience nature at its best.
- Why Visit in December: Conditions are favorable for trekking and discovering the valley in December as the appealing winter climate allows one to enjoy the areas without the sticky summer weather.
- What to Do: Stroll around the sprawling rice fields, indulge in the traditional Apatani way of life in their villages, and navigate the underdeveloped Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary to spot the unique flora and fauna.
7. Majuli, Assam
Assam is also home to one of the beautiful islands in the rivers of Brahmaputra, which is Majuli; the world’s largest river island, where its culture can be appreciated fully. Majuli is known for the Satras(monastic centers), old Vallies, and scenic beauty which gives it a distinctive among the best off beat places in India for those who love Assam’s cultural and natural beauty.
- Why Visit in December: In December, the weather is also mild, and the skies are much clearer, hence it is the most suitable time to navigate around the island’s waters on a boat.
- What to Do: Visit the Satras, enjoy local cuisine, and experience traditional Assamese dance and crafts.
8. Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Tirthan Valley located in the Kullu district is a hidden gem in India, which is one of the offbeat places to visit in December in India and provides a peaceful retreat in the lap of nature. Enclosed with pine trees, with many apple orchards in the valley, it is admired for its calmness and unspoiled landscapes along with the gleaming Tirthan River.
- Why Visit in December: December is cold and shows with snow the peaks and valleys surrounding a place of water and the tourist discomforts from large places diminishes in order to find a retreat indoors inside.
- What to Do: Take a trek in the Great Himalayan National Park, go trout fishing in the Tirthan River, and cross over to local villages like Gushaini and Nagini for a cultural experience.
9. Meghamalai, Tamil Nadu
Meghamalai called the High Wavy Mountains, is a hill station located a short distance from the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu and is famous for many other breathtaking characteristics. For its foggy mountains, huge tea gardens, and diversified fauna and flora, Meghamalai is one of the best offbeat places to visit in December in India.
- Why Visit in December: The winter season also makes the weather misty and the temperatures pleasant, which makes all the difference and is ideal for wandering about tea gardens and forests.
- What to Do: Go to Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, visit the tea plantations, stroll in the thick green cardamom fields, and catch the beautiful views of the valleys around.
Conclusion
Whether it is the snow-capped Tawang mountains, the serene shores of Gokarna beaches, or the scenic tea plantations of Meghamalai, all these hidden places let you enjoy the beauty of nature, culture, and peace within themselves. Every place has something unique arranged for those who wish to take a break from the hustle-bustle of the cities and provides an opportunity to explore the country in a different way. So, this December go for something more than the usual travel – that’s why plan these unspoiled locations with European Travel and have a great time.