Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a history buff, the best places to visit South India in December have something for you. From the tea estates of Coorg to the opulent mansions of Chettinad, and from the wildlife reserves in Karnataka, the region boasts spectacular natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Let’s explore some of the must-visit winter vacation destinations in South India.
Best Places to Visit in December in South India
With the festive season coming up and winter well on its way, the best places to visit in December in South India are open for bookings. If you haven’t made any travel plans yet, fret not.
Our editors have curated a list of winter getaways in South India that are not only pristine but also offer customized experiences that most people don’t know about.
Coastal Karnataka: Think Shimmering Beaches and Sparkling Seas
One of the best places to visit in December in South India is Karnataka. Dramatic skies, lush greenery, beautiful coasts, and cooler temperatures are just some of the reasons to visit this region. Here’s the perfect guide to get you started.
1. Kumta, Karnataka
In a world where few places seem undiscovered, Kumta offers a sightseeing experience unlike any other. One can visit the famous tall Shiva Idol here.
2. Murudeshwar, Karnataka
Murudeshwar offers a visit to the Mahaganpati and Mahamaya Temple, the Chitrapur Saraswat Math at Shirali, the Ganesh Temple, and Eco Beach.
3. Gokarna Tour – Sirsi, Karnataka
Take a few steps out in the morning and you will be surrounded by the unimpeded views of Gokarna. Customized Gokarna tour packages by Anubhav Vacations allow you to explore this small coastal town which has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries. One can observe mourning rites at its Koti Teertha, along with visiting the sacred Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple on the way.
4. Banvasi, Karnataka
At Banvasi, one can explore the Rock Utsav, the Madhukeshwara Temple, the Monolith Asthana Mantapa, and the Triloka Mantapa.
5. Yana, Karnataka
With the sound of gentle waves and cool breeze, Yana is the perfect place to see the structures of Bhasma and Marikamba Temple.
6. Sirsi, Karnataka
Here one can explore the Unchelli Falls, one of the biggest tourist attractions with stunning views.
Discover Karnataka: Endless Greenery and Prettiest Small Towns
When it comes to one of the best places to visit during December in South India, Karnataka offers an intense range of landscapes and coasts of jaw-dropping beauty. If you’re strapped for time, you can take advantage of the Discover Karnataka tour for 8 days. It showcases the prettiest towns, monasteries, temples, and lakes.
7. Hubli, Karnataka
A stone’s throw from Hubli, one can enjoy the sunset at the Dharma Jalashay, the Backwaters of the Dam.
8. Mundgod, Karnataka
At Mundgod, travelers can explore the country’s biggest Tibetan Monastery and Marikamba Temple.
9. Rock Utsav, Karnataka
As a part of the Discover Karnataka tour, you can visit the Rock Utsav.
10. Kumta – Honnavar, Karnataka
This is a neighborhood filled with well-preserved architecture. You can enjoy the Mirjan Fort and Eco Beach.
11. Jenkalgudda, Karnataka
Looking for a place for cultural exploration as well as a bit of quiet? Here visitors can see Ghanta Ganpati, Kavdikere Lake and enjoy the sunset at Jenkalgudda.
Heritage Karnataka Tours: Architecture and Historical Marvels
Serene, exhilarating, ancient, and unexpected, Karnataka offers a rich heritage and colonial-era hamlets and temples that are perfect for any history buff. Karnataka tour packages for 8 days are perfect to cover all that this state offers.
12. Hampi, Karnataka
Made for the perfect family holiday, Hampi offers spectacular views of the gardens of the Tungabhadra Dam, the ancient temples and ruins, and beautiful rock architecture.
13. Badami, Karnataka
Travelers can explore the Jowar, Corn, and Sugarcane fields, the ruins of Aihole and Patadkallu, Badami Caves, and Shakambari Temple.
14. Ilkal Village, Karnataka
Here, travelers can head to the to Ilkal village for shopping Ilkal sarees, visit the
Sangameshwar Temple, Samadhi at Basaveshwara, and mighty Almatti Dam.
15. Vijayapura, Karnataka
In this storied setting, one can visit the Ibrahim Roza, Narasimha Temple & Mallik-E- Maidan tope. Our Karnataka tour packages also cover Shivagiri, Jamia Masjid & Jod Ghumat along with beautiful Gol Gumbaz.
Hills of Karnataka by Train: Breathtaking Views and Picturesque Cities
Imagine slowing down to meander across the hills of Karnataka, reveling in the romantic atmosphere of your first-class train travel all the while.
Karnataka and Kerala tour packages for 10 days offer you historical marvels, and picturesque cities perfect for couples and groups of friends.
16. Mulki, Karnataka
A warm, homely town, Mulki offers you a tour of Annapoorneshwari temple, Thousand Pillar temple & Karkala Bahubali statue.
17. Coorg, Karnataka
Nestled in the lush hills of Karnataka, Coorg is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich coffee plantations, and vibrant culture. Coorg tour packages offer a lot of hidden gems and offbeat locations most people don’t know about. Here, one can see Tal-Kavery, white-water rafting, one of the biggest Tibetan monasteries, the famous Abbey Falls, and Dubare Nature Camp.
18. Hassan, Karnataka
Travelers can visit the world-famous ancient monuments at the fascinating Hoysala Village Resort.
Malabar Kabini: Think Surreal Sunsets and Spiced Odors
If you love adventure, visiting Kabini in December is a must. Take advantage of the customized Kabini Tour Package offered by Anubhav Vacations for 7 days that covers natural beauty, wildlife, forts, and backwaters of this region.
19. Kasargod, Kerala
Nature lovers, rejoice. Here, one can visit The Bekal Fort, Anand Ashram, Shri Madiyan Koolam Temple, and enjoy hours of boating on the Backwaters near Neeleshwar.
20. Kannur, Kerala
Kannur is an ecological wonderland, brimming with life and energy. Travelers can explore the St Angelo Fort, the Arakkal Museum, and the Kannur Lighthouse.
21. Wayanad, Kerala
With undiscovered species of flora and fauna lying in the depths of this magical ecosystem, our Kabini tour package is perfect for anyone who appreciates the outdoors. Here, one can visit The Lakidi viewpoint, the Tushargiri Waterfall, and the Pookode Lake, and shop for spices, coffee, and tea. You can also explore the Banasura Dam, the Nagarhole Sanctuary, and Nagarhole National Park.
Chettinad: Think Majestic Mansions and Opulent Temples
Looking to get lost in time? The Chettinad Tour Packages offer a trip down memory lane with around 11,000 abandoned mansions and ancient temples with intricate carvings. A 5-day tour is perfect for those strapped for time or looking for a quick winter vacation.
22. Madurai – Karaikudi, Kerala
Once travelers arrive at Madhurai they can then drive to Karaikudi which is known for the Chettiars community and their splurges on mansions in the bye-gone era.
23. Karaikudi – Thirumayam, Kerala
The ideal hands-on, family-friendly, experience for all nature lovers, travelers can visit the hill fort in Thirumayam, the famous Chettinad mansions, the Aayanar temple of Kanadukathan, and local Chettinad cuisine.
24. Karaikudi, Kerala
A visit to Kerala isn’t complete without our Chettinad tour packages. Enjoy a drive to Koviloor to visit the home museum of Chettinadu. One can also explore the 1000-year-old temple of Koviloor, the house of Raja Rajan, and the local market where you can visit a handloom workshop and buy Chettinad cotton sarees from the weaver itself.
25. Dindigul, Kerala
Here you can drive through the mountains to the Dindigul district and enjoy a guided tour of the farm, growing spices, fruits, vegetables, and coffee.
26. Madurai, Kerala
Madurai’s unique façade is what makes this quaint little area stand apart from other cities. Travelers can explore the flower market here and even buy some to take home.
The Western Ghats: Think Wilderness and Grand Safaris
From long whistling calls to short, high-pitched chirps, and something like a gong fading out in the distance, the Western Ghats is home to several species of flora and fauna. If you’re looking for something off-beat and relaxing for the family, a 10-day trip here is perfect.
27. Mysore, Karnataka
Far from the maddening crowds, Mysore offers a drive to the Mysore Palace to enjoy the sound and light show and the illumination of the grand palace for 10 minutes.
28. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
The perfect place to enjoy the simple pleasures of the South, one can visit the beautiful Bonsai Gardens, the Bandipur wildlife reserve in Karnataka, and the Madhumalai reserve in Tamil Nadu. Tucked away atop the Nilgiris, travelers can also view a wide variety of bird and animal life during a nature walk and head for a tea-tasting session.
29. Siruvani, Kerala
There’s no such thing as too much nature. Descend the mountains to your homestay while you enjoy a trip to Isha Foundation, a spiritual place that is home to The Sadhguru.
30. Siruvani – Valparai, Kerala
The perfect place to rest and reinvigorate. Guests can visit the unexplored Pollachi and Valparai mountains, the surrounding estate, and tea gardens. You can also see the Sholayar Dam.
31. Marayoor, Kerala
At this destination, you can see the Mud House, enjoy a night safari, visit a jaggery-making plant, and sip fresh sugar cane juice. Later you can drive to the highest point in this range, taste some of the locally grown produce, and visit burial sites with stone houses dating back to the Iron Age.
32. Neriamangalam, Kerala
Travelers can enjoy a nature walk to reach the Inchathotty Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Kerala. One can also visit the Kodungallur region on the Malabar Coast, the Jewish Synagogue, and the Mahadev Temple.
Make Year-end Memories
Those were some of the best places to visit in December in India. With the long weekends round the corner, curating travel plans can be a hassle. This is why the professionals at Anubhav Vacations have curated a series of winter packages, for the history buff, adventure lover, and nature enthusiast.
These places are not only one-of-a-kind but also offer family, couple, and solo-friendly experiences.
The Best Places to Visit in December: For Winter Sun
While the best places to visit in December in India are stunning, if you’re a traveler looking to explore the rest of the world for a much-needed dose of sunshine, then here are some of the finest winter sun destinations around the globe.
We recommend …
- Oman, Arabia
- Bhutan
- East Europe
- Peru & Iguazu, South America
- Egypt
- New Zealand
- Turkey
- Morocco
Explore Beyond the Standard Tourist Trail
At Anubhav Vacations, it’s always the right time to travel. These professionals offer a range of tailored vacation packages to cover the best holiday destinations in December, in India, and beyond.
