Explore South India in December: A Travel Guide

South India is considered a preferred tourist attraction. Tourists from all over the world certainly visit this place on a regular basis. Even if South India experiences warm temperature conditions most of the time, still during winter tourist can enjoy their visit.

When you plan to visit South India it is important for you to visit it at the right time of the year.

So when is the right time to visit South India?

It is obvious that South India is the best to visit during December. This is the time when the place is not facing extreme heat or rain. The climate is pretty cool and so you can easily visit many places. Besides December is also festival time for South India so, you can also get to enjoy the festival and be a part of their local culture.

Why Visit South India in December?

Well, there may be many reasons for visitors to visit South India during December. One of the main reasons is that during this time, a lot happened in South India. This is also the time when explorers get a chance to explore a lot in South India.

Cool climate.
Events.
Festivals and a lot more!

Places to visit in South India in December

It is obvious that South India is a big place with many states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andra Pradesh, etc. So, if we are speaking about the best places to visit, then there are numerous options. We will try and make our best picks for tourists and visitors.

1. Kasaragod

Kasaragod is a nice place for tourists to visit in December. The place is located in Kerala state, God’s own City. Here you can visit Aptly, which is also termed Sacred Land.

A lot of heritage structures and monuments are also there that are of historic importance. You can visit some of the best temples, Bekal Fort, Lake temple, Thonikadavu waterfalls, etc. during December, this place is also known for its festival celebrations.

Things to Do: Visit the majestic Bekal Fort, explore the serene Ananthapura Lake Temple, and relax at Kappil Beach.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, about 50 km away. Kasaragod is well-connected by train and road networks.

Read also:

Why November is the Perfect Time to Visit South India

Top Destinations in South India for October Travels

2. Kochi

Kochi is a small place that is best to visit during December. Here you can get a chance to be a part of the Kochi carnival which is also very popular within the whole of South India. A lot of zeal and fun can be experienced during the festive season in December.

You get to enjoy the festival, music, fancy dress, food, decorations, and much more. When in Kochi you can visit Bolgatty Palace, Willington Island, Backwaters, Vasco Da Gama Square, and Kochi Fort. Read Also: Budget to 5 Star: 20 Best Hotels to Stay in Cochin

Things to Do: Wander around the historic Fort Kochi, visit the Paradesi Synagogue, and enjoy a sunset cruise in the harbor.
How to Reach: Kochi has its own international airport. It’s also accessible by train and has good road connectivity.

3. Alleppey

This is yet another destination in Kerala which is ideal to be visited in December. This certainly is also one of the most famous places amongst tourists in December or other times of the year. You can get a chance to enjoy the clan backwaters, herbal oil therapies, and much more. Read Also: Top Amazing Reasons to Visit Alleppey Kerala

The place is best at around 25 degrees during December, which means not cold nor extreme heat. When in Alleppey, you can visit Marari Beach, Vambada Beach, and Alappuzha Beach.

Things to Do: Experience the iconic houseboats, visit Alappuzha Beach, and explore the Vembanad Lake.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport. Alleppey is connected by rail and road.

4. Chennai

There certainly is no other place as compared to Tamil Nadu and its capital city Chennai. Just like Mumbai, this city is known for its 24 hours of entertainment, open malls, shopping complexes, beaches, drives, and busy streets.

For travelers, December is the right time to enjoy Christmas, New Year, and many other festivals. You get to be a part of the Carnaval that is extended for the entire December month.

Here you get to experience local culture with the ultra-modern city and Vallur temple, Covelong village, national park, and Zoological Park.

Things to Do: Visit the famous Marina Beach, explore the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and experience the city’s vibrant culture and food.
How to Reach: Chennai has an international airport, a major rail junction, and excellent road connectivity.

Read Also:

5. Tiruvannamalai

This place celebrates the Karthigai festival on the 2^nd of December when the entire city is decorated with light and music. You can see Diyas and lights enlighten each home in the city. A lot of Puja and Archana are offered in each temple in this city during this time.

There are a lot of temples that are decorated with ornaments and flowers throughout the month. A lot of fireworks and food can be enjoyed during the festival season. Apart from this, you can also visit Annamalaiyar Temple, Virupaksha Caves, Sri Rama Ashram, and much more.

Read also: Where to Go in South India in November

Things to Do: Visit the sacred Arunachaleswarar Temple, trek up Mount Arunachala, and explore the Ramana Maharshi Ashram.
How to Reach: The nearest airports are Chennai and Bangalore. It’s connected by rail and road.

Read Also:

6. Mahabalipuram

If you like the beach and coastal area then Mahabalipuram is the best place in Tamil Nadu. The place is near to coastal plains of Tamil Nadu and is famous as a fishing village. During December, the place is celebrating the fishing season and so lots of food and music!

You can visit the ancient temples and the coastal town. The place experiences 25-degree temperatures during winter so is ideal during December month for tourists who don’t enjoy extreme heat.

Things to Do: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site monuments like the Shore Temple, visit the Pancha Rathas, and enjoy the beach.
How to Reach: The closest airport is Chennai. Mahabalipuram is easily accessible by road.

6 Days - Tamilnadu Tour Package
4 Days - Pondicherry Itinerary
6 Days - Tirupati Kanchipuram Pondicherry
4 Days - Chennai Kanchipuram Mahabalipuram
View More Packages

Tamil Nadu Information:

7. Ooty

Ooty certainly is considered one of the best places amongst most tourists. So if you visit South India then it is certain that you need to visit Ooty. The place is also one of the preferred places for enjoying the weather, coffee, and tea plantations.

The place can be as cold as 9 degrees in winter while the maximum temperature can go as high as 22 degrees. Read More: 10 Best Places to Visit and See in Ooty

Things to Do: Ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, visit the Ooty Botanical Gardens, and see the views from Doddabetta Peak.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Coimbatore. It’s accessible by road and has a toy train connection from Mettupalayam.

8. Coorg

Coorg is a beautiful place in South India that has to be visited by tourists. The place is best in December and certainly very much peaceful.

You can visit this place while attending the Tamara festival, contemporary dance, festival food, and local fiestas. The place is a perfect hill station in South India.

Things to Do: Visit the Abbey Falls, explore vast coffee plantations, and enjoy trekking in the Western Ghats.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Mangalore. It’s also accessible by road from Bangalore and Mysore.

Coorg (Karnataka) Articles:

9. Dakshina Kannada

This place is considered the Southernmost tip of Karnataka and is a beautiful coastal place. The destination is best to be visited during December as the temperature is quite cool. So if you love sunset and beaches or exciting landscapes then this is the best place for you to visit.

When in Dakshina Kannada, you can enjoy your stay at Tannirbhavi Beach, Kudle Beach, Paradise Beach, Sultan Battery, Mirjan Fort, and much more!

Things to Do: Enjoy the pristine beaches, explore local temples, and experience the rich culture.
How to Reach: Mangalore is the major city in this region with an airport. Well-connected by road and rail.

Read Also:

10. Murudeshwar

There certainly is no ending to entertainment here in Murudeshwar, and December is the best time to visit. You can enjoy nature, temples, traditions, and culture best at Murudeshwar.

The place is between 18 to 20 degrees during December, and so many tourists often travel during this time of the year. Read More: 8 Popular Tourist Destinations to See in Murudeshwar

Things to Do: Visit the towering Murudeshwar Temple, explore the Murudeshwar Beach, and scuba dive at Netrani Island.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Mangalore. It’s also well-connected by road and rail.

7 Days Karnataka Tour Itinerary
6 Days Karnataka & North Kerala Tour
7 Days Karnataka & Kerala Tour
Mysore Ooty Kodaikanal Tour Itinerary
View More Packages

11. Araku Valley

It is certain that Borra Caves can best be visited during December. The climate is pleasant and peaceful. You will enjoy the bright open day, cool weather, and lots of open skies. Araku Valley is the best place for nature lovers, and December is the time when the Valley is filled with unlimited Green stretches.

The temperature in the place is anything between 20 to 24 degrees, which is ideal for travelers.

Things to Do: Visit the Tribal Museum, explore coffee plantations, and the stunning Borra Caves.
How to Reach: The closest airport is in Visakhapatnam. Accessible by road and has a scenic train route.

12. Nalgonda

Certainly the best place for tourists from all over the world….! Nalgonda offers travelers comfortable and cozy weather conditions and a cool breeze. The place is best for solo travelers who enjoy exploration and adventure.

The temperature is also between 15 to 20 degrees and is best during December.

Things to Do: Explore historic forts like Bhongir and Devarakonda, visit the Nandikonda village for ancient temples, and enjoy the scenic beauty.
How to Reach: The nearest major airport is in Hyderabad. Nalgonda is well-connected by road and rail.

13. Devarayandurga

High mountains, low visibility, and a foggy climate are what you can expect in this place during December. The place is a romantic spot and offers some of the best yet most memorable for travelers.

During December this place gets more romantic and many couples visit this place because of the pleasant climatic conditions.

Things to Do: Engage in trekking, visit ancient temples, and enjoy panoramic views from hilltops.
How to Reach: The nearest major city is Bangalore. It’s accessible by road.

14. Havelock Island

Havelock is a nice place in Andaman and Nicobar. The place is ideal for people who like the open sea, breeze, and bright sunshine. The weather during December is also favorable as the sky is covered with soft visible clouds.

Things to Do: Enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling at Radhanagar Beach, explore Elephant Beach, and relax in the serene environment.
How to Reach: Reach Port Blair by flight, and then take a ferry to Havelock Island.

Read Also:

15. Visakhapatnam

The place is just not known for Shipbuilding yards but is also a favorite tourist spot. The seaside area is cold during December, so this is the best time to visit.

You can go around the city, to national parks, gardens, shopping malls and much more. During December, the weather is favorable for travelers.

Things to Do: Visit the Rishikonda Beach, explore the Submarine Museum, and enjoy the Kailasagiri Hill Park.
How to Reach: Visakhapatnam has its own international airport and is well-connected by train and road.

Read Also:

16. Srisailam

The place is known for its simplicity, religious monuments, and rich South Indian Culture. There are some tourists, especially Hindu religious visitors who visit this place every year. December is the best time for tourists to visit as the climate is pleasant and soothing.

Things to Do: Visit the Srisailam Dam, explore the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple, and experience the Nallamala Forest.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is in Hyderabad. Srisailam is accessible by road.

17. Anthargange

Nature, rocks, and open land, this is what Anthargange is all about, and certainly, December is the best time for tourists. You can enjoy rock climbing, trekking, and lots more.

Things to Do: Engage in cave exploration, and trekking, and enjoy the scenic beauty of rocky hills.
How to Reach: The nearest major city is Bangalore, from where it’s a short drive by road.

18. Kalpetta

This is a place for nature lovers and many tourist visits this place every year during December. This is one of the most preferred destinations amongst Hindu devotees.

Things to Do: Visit the Edakkal Caves, explore the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Western Ghats.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Calicut. Kalpetta is well-connected by road.

19. Athirapally

Waterfalls, camping, bird watching, and lots more! These are what tourists can enjoy in December when traveling to Athirrapally.

So if you like to enjoy and relax under the sun, during winter, then this is the best place for you. Read Also: Athirappilly Falls Thrissur: Things To Do, Nearby Attractions, Guide & Tips

Things to Do: Witness the majestic Athirapally Waterfalls, explore the nearby Vazhachal Falls, and immerse in the lush greenery.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Cochin. It’s accessible by road from major cities in Kerala.

20. Kanyakumari

There certainly is no end to South India Tourism if you don’t visit Kanyakumari. The place is a coastal area and you can enjoy the beach, sand, sun, and fishing. During December, this place is cool and a paradise for tourists. You can visit the temples, historic monuments and much more.

Apart from these mentioned above, South India is a place that is best to visit during December.

Things to Do: Visit the Vivekananda Rock Memorial, witness the unique sunrise and sunset, and explore the Thiruvalluvar Statue.
How to Reach: Kanyakumari has its own rail junction and is well-connected by road. The nearest airport is in Thiruvananthapuram.

Read Also:

Planning a trip to South India? Check out theIndia Tour Package including private guide & car, relaxing itinerary and affordable price. Get an update from our blog with the latest travel news, places to visit, travel guide, Things to do. Let’s be friends on social media Follow TuskTravel.com onTwitter, Instagram, Facebook, and on YouTube and get our updates and fresh inspirations.

Read Also:

20 Best Places to Visit in South India in December 2024

So when is the right time to visit South India?

Why Visit South India in December?