The first week of December and for the majority of us the question of the hour is "Where I'll be this holiday?". Because last year too it was just you, a bag of chips and a coke sitting in front of the television posting a New year's resolution. But where's the motivation to go out? Who will push you from the comfy sofa, to a plane seat? What can be the reason luring enough to make you leave your house to a place unknown?
These destinations below.
The names you will read below are some everyone reads about but it calls for action. Seriously, it does. And no matter how convincing the plan of postponing this vacation might feel like, December is the time you need to visit these places as you will get to see a side so awe-inspiring which is hard to perceive any other month.
Go-Go Goa!
Stating the obvious firstly, Goa is the go-to destination for everyone at this time of year in India. Not just India but for the world, as you will see this state flooded with tourists here. It is as calm as it can be under the sun, but there is a beast in this city which breaks its slumber as the sun drowns. So many people, and just a spirit binding all of them together. All the flea markets on streets, shacks on beaches and hotels in Goa are lit-up like Christmas. Oh wait!
Sher Khan from Ranthambore!
The Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan has this vibrant scape of forests and forts, where is situated the National Park of Ranthambore. About 130 Kms from Jaipur, this place once used to be the hunting ground of the royal family and now is the residence of the Royal Tiger. December is the best time of the year to spot this majestic creature, and there are many other exotic animals and birds to explore. Ranthambore fort and three of the temples are also the attractions which you cannot miss to visit.
Do the Diu!
These beaches hold the longest sea-shore festival at this time of the month. A number of concerts, night parties, bonfires and many other events are organized throughout this period. With many other things to do and chapels and churches chiming at this time of the year, it will be a blissful experience for you. Rather going for packages from your travel agent, spend some time on a hotel booking app to find a stay near the festival saving a lot of hassle while doubling the fun.
Go get Leh'd!
Snow is one thing to be excited about but Leh-Ladakh have ice! Yes it is that cold there, but reaching there is itself a bit of a task. Road trips are not possible and you can reach here only via flight. And since the journey is of only a few hours so it takes 2-3 days for you to get accustomed to the climate which sometimes is -30° C. A chilling weather, icy climate and a pocket-heavy vacation(learn to save money for travel), but the rush of a once in a lifetime adventure is also something you should not miss.
Snowy Dalhousie!
From Khajjar lake to Pachpula, and the view of snowfalling at Chamera Dam is a sight which will haunt you forever. Dalhousie is a high-altitude town spread across 5 hills near the Dhauladhar mountain range in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It channels peace into your system with calm and cool surroundings, spiritual vibes and trekking adventures at places like Sach Pass will make your winter ecstatic.
The place with a palace, Udaipur!
Udaipur, formerly the capital of the Mewar Kingdom, is a city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh II in 1559, it’s set around a series of artificial lakes and is known for its lavish royal residences. The city has so much of history, and with innumerous palaces, forts, lakes and temples one can confuse it for easy-going place. But with its active Tourism board there are a lot of things making this spot fun and young.
God's own Kerala!
This mystical land has tropical beaches, glistening backwaters and humbling traditional wealth. Not to forget, Elephants. The warm and cozy weather of ‘God’s Own Country’ can not be anymore ideal for a vacation in December. The temperature usually ranges between 32 and 23 degrees Celsius during this month, making it perfect to go out sightseeing. Glide through the backwaters, witness the glistening meadows, try the local cuisine or just relax on any short stay hotels for a herbal spa, there's so much to do. The whole festive atmosphere during this time also makes it one of the best places to go on a trip in December.
From Indore to Jal Mahotsav-Hanuwantiya!
Once an unexplored place, now a destination where India’s largest water carnival is held. Hanuwantiya lies an island in the backwaters of Indira Sagar Dam on River Narmada. Well, if you are an thrill geek you won’t be disappointed with the series of adventure sports and those in search of a halt from regular life can sit back in a luxurious tent and feel the cool breeze to unwind every bit of themselves. Find yourself any hotels in bhopal or better, halt at Indore, just 130 Kms away, when not at the festival to enjoy the amazing food and nightlife.
January 1 is a holiday because it is World Family Day that day. But what we do is that we hold our phones to post a selfie with a caption "Happy New Year! Spending time with loved ones. #family #love". Make a pre-new year resolution that you will spend your time with actual humans and not virtual avatars.