Best places in India for Christmas and New Year long weekends

This festive season, we are blessed with not one, but two long weekends – Christmas and New Year’s! India, with its diverse landscapes and cultural richness, offers a number of exciting options for delightful long weekend getaways. And we all know, December is one of the best times when it comes to travel in India. All around, the weather is mostly favourable, be it the mountains or the warm coastal regions.

Here are some great travel destinations to consider for a memorable holiday in December.

Shimla in December is everything you expect a snowy destination to be – fun, beautiful and picture-perfect. Shimla transforms into a winter wonderland in December. The surrounding forests and the localities, they all get covered in a blanket of snow. Whether you are out enjoying the snow or enjoying the warmth of a fireplace, one thing is for sure, Shimla in December is an unforgettable experience.

If sunny beaches and dry weather is what you are looking for this December, Goa is what you should be exploring. Goa, this time around, is excellent because it’s time for various traditional festivals and carnivals, and most importantly, no more rains. Goa’s beaches and vibrant nightlife makes it a great tourist destination.

Why not? These two cities are located along the Ganges River, and they are most popular among religious and spiritual travellers. Though it might be a bit too cold for water adventures, one can have a great time with Ganga Aarti and yoga sessions along the banks of the river.

Jaipur enjoys mild temperatures in December, making it easy to explore outdoor attractions. When in the city, you can do a lot of sightseeing. Explore the majestic Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, and the colourful local markets.

Get the best of the Western Ghats in Munnar, a breathtakingly beautiful hill station known for its tea plantations, lush greenery, and cool climate. Rolling mist sure makes things very romantic in Munnar.

For a laid-back and culturally rich experience, head to Pondicherry. Explore the French Quarter, relax on the serene beaches, and visit the Aurobindo Ashram. December offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities.

Auli is known for its perfect skiing slopes, and is a popular winter sports destination. When in Auli, it’s easy to get blown away by the beauty of the place. All around, you will see stunning views of the snow-covered peaks. Take out some time for the cable car ride too.

Visit Kolkata during Christmas to see the famous Park Street come to life with interesting Christmas decorations. This iconic and historic street is famous for Christmas and New Year festivities.

Head to the tropical Andaman and Nicobar Islands to escape the biting cold of this winter. Water sports, pristine beaches, vibrant marine life and a lot of snorkelling and scuba diving awaits.

Manali receives heavy snowfall every winter, and it is possible that roads may get blocked once we are in the middle of heavy winter. But till the roads are open, one should make full use of this and go see the wonders of winter in Manali.