The cool and refreshing nature of December month makes South India an enjoyable destination to visit. The pleasant climate adds more comfort to travel while the sceneries appear lively and welcoming. Every traveller will find something to enjoy in the South Indian region, which provides a variety of experiences from beautiful hill stations to calm coastal towns. Exploring hills, beaches, and towns of South India during this time feels truly rewarding and creating long-lasting memories.
Top 10 Places to Visit in South India in December
1. Ooty
Ooty also known as the Queen of Hill Stations is one of the most visited destinations in Tamil Nadu. The town is located in the Nilgiri Hills and is surrounded by sloping tea gardens, pine forests, and mist-covered valleys.
Ooty has an appealing winter beauty in December, with cool mornings and welcoming nights spent near the fire. The atmosphere is peaceful and the chill air enhances the hill’s natural beauty.
Ooty weather in December ranges from 10°C to 20°C, making it perfect for long walks through gardens, boat rides on the lake, or a ride on the Nilgiri mountain toy train.
Travelers who visit Ooty in December usually point out the mist-filled mornings and chilly breeze as part of the destination’s true nature.
2. Kodaikanal
Another popular destination in Tamil Nadu is Kodaikanal. It is also known as the Princess of Hill stations and located in Palani hills at an altitude of over 2000 meters. Kodaikanal is popular for its clean lake, forested slopes, and peaceful walking paths. December is a perfect time to visit because the valleys are covered in fog and the town comes alive with seasonal markets.
Kodaikanal weather in December usually ranges from 8°C to 17°C, which is colder when compared to Ooty. Misty mornings, gentle breezes, and a peaceful atmosphere all day are what visitors may expect.
The best ways to enjoy Kodaikanal in December is by taking a leisure walk on Coaker’s Walk, rowing on the calm waters of Kodai Lake, or spending time with warm bonfires on resorts in the evening.
3. Munnar
Munnar located in the Western Ghats is one of the Kerala’s most popular tourist destinations. It is a paradise for nature lovers with its wide acres of tea plantations, winding roads, and green valleys. December transforms Munnar into a wonderful place with mist covering the hills and fresh breezes carrying the fresh air smells of tea leaves.
Munnar weather in December is pleasant and cold, with daytime temperatures between 15°C to 23°C and in nights around 10°C. So, it is better to carry light woollen clothing, especially for evening outings.
Visiting Munnar in December is perfect for long drives across the hills, visits to tea estates, or go to hill viewpoints where the valleys spread out in front of your eyes.
4. Alleppey
Alleppey is popular for its houseboats and backwaters, offers an entirely different experience when compared to Kerala’s hill stations. December is the peak time for visitors who want to cruise through beautiful lagoons, observe life along the canals, and enjoy the calm of the water. Coconut palms lining the banks and the slow speed of houseboats gives a more memorable experience.
Alleppey weather in December is mild, ranging from 23°C to 29°C. The warm days are balanced by gentle breezes and the nights are very cool.
It is best to visit Alleppey in December, where visitors may taste authentic Kerala food, watch the reflections of the moon on the water, and experience the way of life that has lived peacefully with the nature for years.
5. Coorg
Coorg also known as Kodagu is a popular destination in Karnataka for misty hills and coffee estates. This place is also referred to as the Scotland of India, as it attracts travelers with its relaxed pace and natural beauty. December is the best time to visit the plantations because it is a coffee harvest season and are filled with a lot of activity.
With temperatures ranging from 14°C to 25°C, Coorg weather in December is more pleasant. The climate is perfect for short treks in the hills or walks through plantations because of the cool air, occasional mist, and green surroundings.
If you are planning to visit Coorg in December, the town offers comfortable stays in homestays and cottages near the plantations, where the smell of freshly brewed coffee enhances your staying experience.
6. Mysore
The cultural center of Karnataka is Mysore, which is popular for its rich history, palaces, and gardens. Mysore has a nice atmosphere in December because of the weather, which makes it easy to explore its cultural history. The cool weather makes it much more pleasant to walking through the streets, exploring the city’s architecture, or attending cultural events.
Mysore weather in December usually ranges from 15C to 28C. This makes it is perfect for sightseeing, whether you are exploring palaces, temples or vast gardens.
Mysore in December offers visitors a well-balanced experience of relaxation and history, reflecting both elegance and serenity.
7. Araku Valley
Araku Valley is a beautiful hill station located near Vishakapatnam, is popular for its tribal culture and coffee plantations. Every view is amazing in December month, when the valley’s green vegetation with a cool climate makes a memorable trip. The train ride to Araku, which passes through tunnels and over bridges, adds more excitement.
Araku Valley weather in December usually ranges from 10°C to 20°C. The cool air combined with valley’s natural beauty, creates a perfect destination for those who enjoy both relaxation and outdoor exploration.
Araku Valley in December also feels more welcoming because of its quiet atmosphere and stunning landscapes.
8. Vishakapatnam
Vishakapatnam or Vizag is a coastal city where beaches, hills, and historical landmarks come together beautifully. December is the best time to visit here, because the weather allows you to enjoy both the coastline and the green surroundings. Highlights of the city during this season includes Rishikonda Beach, Kalasagiri Hill Park, and the Submarine Museum.
Vishakapatnam weather in December is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C. Evenings are especially nice because of the cool breeze from the Bay of Bengal.
Vishakapatnam in December also has festive spirit, with Christmas and New Year celebrations creating a lively mood across the city.
9. Warangal
Warangal is rich in history and architecture, because this place was once the capital of the Kakitaya dynasty. Lakes, forts, and magnificent stone temples all tell stories about the town’s historical past. The calm and pleasant weather in December makes it more enjoyable to explore these historic buildings.
Warangal weather in December usually stays between 16°C to 27°C. The cool conditions allow visitors to spend hours walking through the Warangal Fort, exploring the Thousand Pillar Temple, or enjoying the beauty of Ramappa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Warangal in December is a perfect destination for history lovers who want a combination of cultural exploration with peaceful surroundings.
10. Hyderabad
The capital of Telangana is Hyderabad, provides a mix of historic monuments, cultural experiences, and modern metropolitan life. Because of the cold temperature and lively atmosphere created by the festivals, December is a great time of year to explore the city. The city has a lot to offer, from the beauty of Chowmahalla Palace to the calm Hussain Sagar Lake, and from the beautiful scenery of Charminar to the magnificent architecture of Golconda Fort.
Hyderabad weather in December is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 26°C. The days are comfortable for sightseeing, while the evenings are perfect for trying out Hyderabad’s famous biryani or enjoying a walk through Laad Bazaar.
Hyderabad in December shines with festive lights, cultural events, and shopping fairs that lead up to the New Year.
How to Plan your Trip to South India During December?
To enjoy your journey to South India without stress, it is important to have a thorough plan.
Choosing the Right Destination
Every region of South India has something unique to offer. The best time to visit hill stations, coastal towns, and cultural hubs is in December. If you are interested in architecture and history, you can plan visits to cities like Mysore, Warangal, or Hyderabad. Kerala is a great choice for peaceful backwaters and green surroundings. If you prefer beaches, Vizag and Pondicherry are perfect option. If you love to visit mountains, the options are many such as Ooty, Kodaikanal, Munnar, or Coorg.
SouthIndiaTourism offers tour packages that help you combine different experiences, such as heritage, nature, and leisure in a single journey. This can save time and help you cover places that align with your preferences.
Plan the Duration of Your Trip
The duration of your trip depends on how much you want to explore. One week is perfect if you are focusing on one or two regions, such as Kerala or Tamil Nadu. If you want to cover more than two states, you need time of at least two weeks.
December can be a busy month, so always keep in mind that some places may require extra travel time due to seasonal visitors. Also, you can create an itinerary that includes time for rest days as well, because travel in South India requires long road journeys between towns. You can enjoy both sightseeing and relaxation with a well-balanced duration.
Booking Transportation in Advance
Transportation is one of the main aspects of travel planning. In December, flight and train tickets are booked quickly because of the increased travel activity. In order to avoid last-minute stress, it is better to book your tickets in advance.
For those who prefer flying options, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad are the major entry points. From there, you can use domestic flights to connect to nearby city to your destination or travel by train for a more scenic experience. South India is well-connected by rail and roads, so the journeys usually take you through beautiful landscapes.
If you prefer flexibility, renting a car with a driver is another practical option. This is especially convenient when traveling to hill stations or exploring regions where public transport is less frequent. Tour packages from SouthIndiaTourism usually include transportation, which can simplify the planning process significantly.
Choosing the Right Accommodation
Your vacation experience will be greatly influenced by where you stay. In December months, hotels and resorts in popular destinations tend to book well in advance. Whether you want a lucury resort in Kerala, a heritage stays in Tamil Nadu, or a beachside villa in Andhra Pradesh, making your reservations early is more important.
The options for staying in South India are quite diverse. You can choose for hotels, home stays or resorts. SouthIndiaTourism offers accommodations as part of their packages, which means that you do not have to spend hours searching for reliable options. Their options usually combine comfort with location convenience, so you can focus only on enjoying your trip.
Plan your Budget
Planning your trip requires careful consideration of your budget, as it helps you avoid overspending while still enjoying South India. You can start by dividing your expenses into major key categories like travel, accommodation, food, activities, and shopping.
South India is more flexible in terms of costs. You can find both high-end resorts and affordable guesthouses, depending on your preference.
Booking tour packages with SouthIndiaTourism can make budgeting easier, as their packages usually include transportation, stays, and guided tours in a single cost. This helps in lowering the possibility of unexpected additions and provides clarity on expenses.