Karnataka is a beautiful mix of different cultures, tastes, and stunning landscapes. It’s a place that captures your heart with its breathtaking views. December, with its cool air and festive mood, is the perfect time to see Karnataka at its best. This list offers the top 10 places to see in Karnataka in December, each one a treasure ready to explore. This guide is specially made for you to enjoy Karnataka’s beauty.
Weather Guide: Why Visit Karnataka in December?
December in Karnataka greets visitors with a serene climate, quite the departure from its usual tropical fervour. The monsoon’s retreat blesses the state with a fresh vibrancy, painting the landscapes in lush, lively hues Cities like Bengaluru and Mysore luxuriate in sun-kissed afternoons at a pleasant 22-28°C (72-82°F), while nighttime brings a refreshing coolness of 15-20°C (59-68°F). Coastal gems such as Mangalore and Udupi remain comfortably warm, 25-32°C (77-90°F), with soothing breezes mitigating the tropical humidity.
The hill stations of Karnataka are where the December weather truly delights. Coorg and Chikmagalur, being in the Western Ghats, have a cooler climate with day temperatures between 15-20°C (59-68°F) and can sometimes drop to as low as 10°C (50°F) during the night. This cool weather is perfect for enjoying the hot cups of local coffee and exploring the verdant surroundings.
A common feature across Karnataka in December is the clear blue skies, which allow for uninterrupted travel and exploration. It’s a month free of the torrential rains that can sometimes impede travel in the region, and the mild sunshine makes outdoor activities and sightseeing thoroughly enjoyable.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Karnataka in December:
1. Coorg
Nestled among the lush Western Ghats, Coorg, officially known as Kodagu, is a picture postcard that comes alive at every nook and corner. With its undulating hills, spice, and coffee plantations exuding a heady aroma, and a misty charm that blankets the landscape, Coorg is a heaven for nature lovers.
What makes it special in December? The winter month of December brings a refreshing coolness to this hilly retreat. It’s the perfect time to trek up to spots like Thadiyandamol or push through the foliage of Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. The Abbey and Iruppu Falls roars with fresh monsoon feeds, presenting a magnificent sight. Meanwhile, the coffee plantations are abuzz with activity, with berries turning a ripe red, ready for harvest.
2. Hampi
Once the epicenter of the Vijayanagar Empire, Hampi today stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its ruins telling tales of a bygone era. The landscape is studded with temples, ancient market streets, royal pavilions, bastions, royal platforms, treasury buildings, and remains of aquatic structures.
Why December? With the sun mellowing down, the stone surfaces of the ancient structures of Hampi no longer scorch but instead radiate a warm, welcoming glow. This is the time when the Hampi Utsav dazzles the city with performances, arts, and crafts that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka.
3. Gokarna
Gokarna is recognized as one of the top December holiday spots in South India, offering a serene coastal retreat with its peaceful beaches and relaxed ambiance, distinctly different from Goa’s lively beach scene. This destination uniquely combines spirituality with beach life, creating a harmonious and tranquil environment for visitors.
December charm: December marks the onset of the dry season in Gokarna, with clear skies and a cooler climate. The waters are perfect for a dip, and the beaches, particularly Om Beach with its unique om-shaped bend, are less crowded, giving you a more peaceful experience. The Mahabaleshwara Temple, a renowned Shiva shrine, sees less of a pilgrim rush in December, offering a more serene spiritual encounter.
4. Mysore
Mysore, or Mysuru, is often synonymous with grandeur and opulence, thanks to the majestic Mysore Palace. The city is imbued with the aroma of sandalwood and the rustle of rich silk sarees.
December’s touch: As the chill sets in, the city lights up, not just figuratively but literally. The Mysore Palace is illuminated on weekends and public holidays, creating a spectacle not to be missed. The Mysore Zoo and Brindavan Gardens are at their lushest, offering lovely ambles amid blooming flowers and verdant trees.
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5. Chikmagalur
Serenity and scenery go hand in hand in Chikmagalur, the birthplace of coffee in India. This hill station is dotted with plantations that stretch over the horizon and mist-covered mountains.
In December: The winter air is filled with the crisp scent of coffee as you walk through the plantations. This is also a great time for bird watchers to spot exotic species as they migrate here. The trekking routes, especially to Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, are perfect during this cooler month.
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6. Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal
The trio of Badami, Aihole, and Pattadakal is Karnataka’s showcase of ancient Indian rock-cut architecture. These sites house temples and structures that date back to the 5th and 8th centuries.
December perks: The climate is congenial for exploring these architectural marvels. The Badami cave temples with their intricate carvings and the Chalukyan architecture of Aihole and Pattadakal are more enjoyable when the sun is gentle, and the air is fresh.
7. Udupi
Udupi is not just about its world-famous cuisine but also its centuries-old Krishna Temple which draws devotees from across the globe. The Malpe beach near Udupi is another attraction, known for its silvery sands and sunsets.
Why Udupi in December?
The Paryaya Festival, held every alternate year in January, starts prepping in December, and the festive vibes are in the air. It’s also a great time for temple visits and beach experiences as the weather is pleasant, enhancing the coastal delight.
8. Dandeli
Dandeli is the go-to place for adrenaline junkies with its offering of white-water rafting, kayaking, and other water sports on the Kali River.
December thrills: The river is brimming from the monsoon rains, making it perfect for rafting. The Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with the cooler temperatures making safaris a pleasant affair. Bird watching is particularly rewarding during this month as migratory birds flock in.
9. Nagarhole National Park
Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Nagarhole National Park is a wild canvas of thick jungles, meandering water bodies, and a significant tribal culture.
December in Nagarhole: It’s a fantastic time to go on wildlife safaris as animals are more active in the cool weather. The backwaters of the Kabini River offer stunning opportunities to spot elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
10. Belur and Halebidu
Belur and Halebidu are the remnants of the Hoysala Empire, known for their spectacular architecture. The intricacy of the carvings in the Chennakeshava Temple at Belur and the Hoysaleswara Temple at Halebidu are astonishing.
Why visit in December? With the winter season setting in, the stone structures are soothing to explore. The light of the winter sun adds a different dimension to the soapstone carvings, making them come alive in the soft sunlight.
Check More Karnataka Travel by Month:
- Places to See in Karnataka in February
- Karnataka Visit in March for Best Places
- Places in Karnataka to Visit in July
- Karnataka Places to Visit in August
- Tourist Places Karnataka Visit in September
- Karnataka Destinations Visit in October
- Places to See in Karnataka in November
How to Reach Karnataka
Karnataka, with its varied landscapes and significant historical and cultural sites, is well-connected by air, road, and rail, facilitating easy access for travelers.
By Air:
- Bengaluru International Airport (BLR) is the largest and most well-connected airport in the state, offering both domestic and international flights.
- Mangalore International Airport (IXE) is another gateway to Karnataka, especially convenient for visitors heading to the coastal regions.
- Hubli Airport (HBX) and Belgaum Airport (IXG) cater to the northern parts of the state.
These hubs offer extensive connectivity, with a steady stream of flights from major cities worldwide, serviced by renowned airlines.
By Rail:
Karnataka’s vast railway grid links it seamlessly to the nation, featuring prominent stations such as:
- Bengaluru Railway Station (SBC)
- Mysuru Railway Station (MYS)
- Hubli Junction (UBL)
- Mangalore Central (MAQ)
These stations are served by numerous trains, including luxury services like the Golden Chariot which connects popular tourist destinations within Karnataka and Goa.
By Road:
Karnataka has a well-maintained network of national highways and state highways. Private and state-run buses connect major cities within Karnataka as well as neighbouring states. Driving enthusiasts can rent cars in major cities, with the route from Goa or Maharashtra to the Western Ghats offering breathtaking scenic views.
By Sea:
Though not commonly used for travel to Karnataka, the sea route is available for some cargo and limited passenger services. The New Mangalore Port is an international port that handles the state’s cargo traffic.
As the year wanes, Karnataka dons a festive robe, its destinations teeming with life yet offering tranquil moments. December could very well be the perfect month to explore this southern jewel of India, with every destination offering a unique experience, wrapped in the cool embrace of winter. Whether it’s for adventure, spirituality, nature, or history, Karnataka’s December canvas is vibrant and diverse, waiting to be experienced by every kind of traveller.
