Looking for some respite from the tedium of everyday life this winter? Here are the tourist places in north India for winter. The northern regions of the country, with its timeless cities, ancient temples, exotic lands of wilderness, history, and spiritualism have no dearth of some of the best places to visit in December in North India. Turning into heaven for explorers and travellers in the winter months, each of these places is more inviting than the other for distinct reasons.
Explore the non-serenaded beauty of the North by including these places in your itinerary on your next trip to North India in December.
Best Places To Visit In North India In December 2024
1. Mystical Gangtok
Sitting along the eastern Himalayan ranges, the mystic charm of Gangtok with its snow-capped mountains awakens the lost adventurer in all of us. The lush green valleys and the thick blanket of fog make it one of the most gorgeous places to visit in North East India in December.
Distance From New Delhi: 1,640 kilometres
Things To Do In Gangtok: Nathula Pass, Rumtek Monastery, Ganesh Tok, Tsongmo Lake, Banjhakri Falls
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport- Bagdogra, West Bengal
- Nearest Railway- New Jalpaiguri, Siliguri
- Buses From- Siliguri
Also Read: Places To Visit In North India In Monsoon
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2. Holy Amritsar
Amongst the numerous best places to visit in North India in December, Amritsar is world renowned for the famous Golden Temple. People also like to visit the Jallianwala Bagh, the heart-wrenching bullet-strewn sanctuary that speaks volumes of the massacre that the Britishers had mercilessly ordered down upon our people. However, the holiest shrine of the Sikhs has a lot more to offer other than shrines and historic monuments to overload one’s senses with its unequalled beauty!
Distance From New Delhi: 466 kilometres
Things To Do In Amritsar: Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Durgiana Temple, Partition Museum, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Wagah Border
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport- Raja Sansi Airport, Amritsar
- Nearest Railway- Amritsar Railway Station
- Buses From- Delhi, Chandigarh, Patiala, Ambala and Jammu
From The Times Immemorial
3. Breathtaking Agra
The city of love is on everyone’s list of India’s best places to visit in December. Out of all the places to visit in India in December, Agra is thronged with tourists and the warm winter sun is ideal for sightseeing and witnessing its architectural marvels unrestrained.
Distance From New Delhi: 210 kilometres
Things To Do In Agra: Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Akbar’s Tomb, Jahangir Palace, Fatehpur Sikri
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport- Kheria Airport, Agra
- Nearest Railway- Agra Cantt Station, Agra Fort Railway Station, Raja ki Mandi, Agra City and Idgah Railway Station
- Buses From- Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Lucknow and Kanpur
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4. Vibrant Jaipur
Image Credit: Vyacheslav Argenberg for Wikimedia Commons
Amongst the many places to visit in north India in winter, come, experience the royalty of this heritage city in the pleasant winter sunshine and explore the grandeur of its rugged fortresses, beautiful Jain temples and indulge in some traditional Rajasthani delicacies for a complete regal feel!
Distance From New Delhi: 216 kilometres
Things To Do In Jaipur: Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, Albert Hall, Nahargarh Fort
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport- Sanganer Airport, Jaipur
- Nearest Railway- Jaipur Junction
- Bus From- Delhi, Gurgaon, Ahmedabad, Udaipur
5. Magnificent Jaisalmer
This popular winter getaway attracts honeymooners, families and travellers alike. Noted for its architectural brilliance in Sonar Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, and several magnificent Jain Temples, Jaisalmer is one of the best places to visit in north India in December. Spend a night beneath the starry blanket of the desert sky by enjoying a surreal camping experience in the Thar!
Distance From New Delhi: 805 kilometres
Things To Do In Jaisalmer: Sonar Fort, Vyas Chhatri, Desert Cultural Center, The Thar Heritage Museum, Patwon ki Haveli, Bada Bagh
Major Desert Camps: Royal Desert Camp, Spirit Desert Camp, Prince, Desert Camp, K K Resort & Camp, Camp-e-Khas
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport- Jodhpur Airport
- Nearest Railway- Jaisalmer Railway Station
- Buses From- Jaipur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Jodhpur
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From The Hilly Winter Wonderlands
6. Majestic Srinagar
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The sparkling Dal Lake, the majestic gardens, and the serene natural beauty of the “heaven on Earth” have forever attracted travellers like moths to fire. One of the top winter holiday destinations in India, Srinagar never ceases to amaze one with the exceptional creations of nature. A walk among its subtle wondrous beauty will keep you coming back for more!
Distance From New Delhi: 800 kilometres
Things To Do In Srinagar: Dal Lake, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Pari Mahal, Shankaracharya Temple, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Gardens
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport- Srinagar Airport
- Nearest Railway- Jammu Tawi and Udhampur Railway Station
- Buses From- Delhi, Jammu
7. Tranquil Dharamshala
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Nestled in the Dhauladhar ranges in Himachal, this picturesque hill station brings out the unique confluence of Indo-Tibetan culture. The list of holiday destinations in north India in December is incomplete without mentioning Dharamshala as it is every trekker’s dream destination. Mcleodganj in December is a paradise for trekkers and peace seekers.
Distance From New Delhi: 489 kilometres
Things To Do In Dharamshala: St. John, Kareri Lake, Tibetan Museum, Kangra Valley, Namgyal Monastery, Triund Trek, Tsuglagkhang Complex
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport- Gaggal Airport
- Nearest Railway- Pathankot Railway Station
- Buses From- Delhi, Haryana
Related Post: Winter Honeymoon Destinations In India
Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
8. Beautiful Mussoorie
Image Credit: Bhargav0895 for Wikimedia Commons</a
The colonial architecture clad in the white blanket of snow brings out the beauty of Mussoorie like none other. Amongst the best places to visit in north India in December, Dalhousie’s charm is unprecedented and can’t be missed if Christmas white magic is what you crave!
Distance From New Delhi: 290 kilometres
Things To Do In Mussoorie: Kempty Falls, K Dev Bhoomi Wax Museum, Company Bagh, Lal Tibba, Bhatta Falls, Dhanaulti
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Nearest Railway- Dehradun Railway Station
- Buses From- Delhi, Gurgaon, Dehradun
From The Land Of The Gods
9. Pious Haridwar
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Located at the point where the Ganges enters the land from the Himalayas, Haridwar ranks the highest in the hierarchy of Hindu religious places, thereby becoming one of the best places to visit in India in December in the North. Witness the enchanting beauty of the river coming alive with flickering flames during the famed “Ganga aarti” and experience the tranquillity of the land that frees one of all their sins!
Distance From New Delhi: 213 kilometres
Things To Do In Haridwar: Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Chandi Devi Temple, Daksheswara Temple
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Nearest Railway- Haridwar Railway Station
- Buses From- Delhi, Jaipur, Gurgaon, Manali, Udaipur
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10. Colourful Ajmer
Bringing religion, history, culture and beauty together Ajmer is inevitably the best place to visit in north India in December. Being the sacred site of Moinuddin Chishti’s Dargah, Ajmer is renowned far and wide. This final resting place of Ajmer Khwaja Garib Nawaz also serves as an emblem of harmony and spirituality. Encircled by an aura of tranquillity, this shrine in Rajasthan compels one to embark on a path of spirituality.
Distance From New Delhi: 391 kilometres
Things To Do In Ajmer: Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Anasagar Lake, Foy Sagar Lake, Daulat Bagh, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, Soniji Ki Nasiyan, Akbar’s Palace
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport- Sanganer Airport, Jaipur
- Nearest Railway- Ajmer Junction
- Buses From- Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur
11. Thrilling Rishikesh
Famously known as the yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh in December, is an epicentre of solitude. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, this religious town is also famed for white-water rafting and as the base camp for many treks, making it one of the important holiday destinations in north India in December.
Distance From New Delhi: 233 kilometres
Things To Do In Rishikesh: Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Ram Jhula, Laxman Jhula, Parmarth Niketan, Triveni Ghat
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Nearest Railway- Haridwar Railway Station
- Buses From- Haridwar, Dehradun, Delhi
Related Post: Road Trips In India
From The Wilderness
12. Fascinating Jim Corbett National Park
Nestled in the Kumaon ranges, this is a refreshing yet thrilling winter escape located in the northern parts of the country. An important place to visit in north India in December, this exquisite tourist attraction sees flocks of migratory birds arriving each year and the presence of the royal Bengal Tiger adds to the rich flora and fauna of the region.
Distance From New Delhi: 260 kilometres
Things To Do In Jim Corbett National Park: Jeep Safari, Canter Safari, Elephant Safari
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Nearest Railway- Ramnagar Railway Station
- Buses From- Ramnagar, Moradabad, Delhi, Haldwani
13. Enthralling Hemis National Park
Image Credit: Irbis1983 for Wikimedia Commons
The snow-clad wilderness of this national park makes it hard to miss from among the best places to visit in north India in December. The sight of the snow leopards and other endangered species like the Tibetan Wolf, Eurasian Brown Bear, Red Fox and Golden Eagle to name a few, makes it a unique experience to be cherished forever.
Location: Leh, Jammu and Kashmir 194302
Distance From New Delhi: 562 kilometres
Things To Do: Trekking, Stok Kangri Peak, Hemis Monastery
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport- Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh
- Nearest Railway- Jammu Tawi Railway Station
- Buses From- Srinagar, Manali
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14. Intriguing Ranthambore National Park
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The largest tiger reserve in India, Ranthambore National Park is undeniably amongst the best places to visit in India in December in the north. The wide range of animal species that inhabit this region includes Leopards, Nilgai, Hyenas, Wild Boars, Parakeets, Sloths and Egrets among others. The winters turn this park into a hotspot for wildlife lovers who cannot seem to have enough of its natural beauty.
Distance From New Delhi: 19 kilometres
Things To Do In Ranthambore: Jogi Mahal, Khandar Fort, Mansarovar Lake, Bhoori Pahari Sand Dunes, Soorwal Lake, Chauth Ka Barwara, Karauli
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport- Sanganer Airport, Jaipur
- Nearest Railway- Sawai Madhopur Railway Station
- Buses From- Sawai Madhopur
The Most Happening Metro In North India
When talking about rocking places to visit in North India in winter, how can we not include Saadi Dilli?
15. Historic New Delhi
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The capital of the country with its unparalleled fusion of history and a plethora of varied cultures is forever bustling with tourists from all over the globe who cannot miss having a taste of the Delhi winters. Among the umpteen places to visit in north India in winter, Delhi is home to several historical forts and monuments that stand as symbols of Indian history. Add to that, the striking contrast between the quaint Chandni Chowk and the colonial ambience of Connaught Place and Rashtrapati Bhavan makes Delhi a hard-to-miss destination.
Things To Do In Delhi: Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple, Jama Masjid, India Gate, Lodhi Garden, Rashtrapati Bhavan
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport- Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Nearest Railway- Nizamuddin, Anand Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi Cantt, Delhi Sarai Rohilla
- Buses From- Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Haryana
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Doesn’t the North offer a perfect blend of culture, adventure, spirituality and beauty? Don’t miss out on the best places to visit in North India in December and set off on your trip to these happening cities for creating some timeless memories. Hurry! Book your trip to north India now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Places To Visit In North India In December
What are the places in India to visit in December for snowfall?
One can enjoy snowfall in Mukteshwar, Manali, Shimla, Kullu, Binsar, Chopta, Nainital, Lansdowne, Tawang, Kufri, Gulmarg, Munsiyari, Pahalgam, Auli, Dhanaulti, Sonmarg, Sikkim, and Ladakh.
What is the best time to visit Gangtok?
During its peak season, that is from September to June, Gangtok draws in many tourists. However, the best time to visit Gangtok is in the bracing autumn that is the months of September and October and from spring to summer that is from March to June.
Where is Dharamshala located?
Dharamshala is a popular hill station located in the Kangra district and is known for its idyllic surroundings amidst pine trees, tea gardens, and snow-capped mountains. It is also home to His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.
How to reach Hemis National Park?
Here’s how you can reach Hemis National Park by various means and modes of transport:
By Air: From June to September, one can fly to Leh from Delhi, Chandigarh, Srinagar or Jammu. Indian Airlines is the only airline with flights to Leh. In winter, however, proceeding by road is a safer option.
By Road: Approachable by road from Leh, this national park contains several camping sites. The area is barren and rocky, covered only sparsely with vegetation. There is a daily bus service from Leh to Hemis.
On foot: The route from the Spituk Gompa just below Leh, through Jingchen valley onto Gandu La and the Markha valley, proceeding to Hemis via Kongmaru La is a fabled trek that the adventurous would be happy to experience.
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Kanika has 4 years of experience in writing blogs and marketing content for travel. And when she’s not writing, she’s either exploring new terrains in a different corner of the world, or out in the city freezing urban scenarios in her camera.
