Before winter holidays begin, you can score some pretty sweet last-minute vacations. These destinations are perfect to escape the chaos and squeeze in an overseas adventure before the year closes out – and they all have something unique to offer this December. From Southern Indian warm weather getaways to cold winter destinations to get into the holiday spirit, here’s where to travel this December.
India is one of the world’s most diverse countries with so many different cultures, and people of different religions and ethnicity live there. It is one of the biggest countries in the world with respect to area, and the second biggest in terms of population. India has some of the most scenic and picturesque places for tourism.
It is so vast that you can’t visit all the places in one attempt. You have to visit India several times to even think about touring all the places. It is a beautiful country, and its mesmerizing culture, cuisine, beaches, mountains, sunsets, and wildlife will definitely make your trip meaningful. It has 36 states with each state having its own culture and traditions.
India offers great tourism potential and it is full of surprises. It caters a plethora of beautiful destinations to visit and explore. If you are a true travel lover and tired of known tourist trails, here's a list of Indian destinations that let you step away from the beaten path and try something new!
Not sure where to go in India? Through the ages, the rich diversity, natural beauty, culture, art and cuisine of India has enticed travellers from across the globe.
If you are ready to enjoy winter in India, then you can go through this post and know the best places to visit in India that deserve visiting. Read on!
1. Thajiwas Glacier, Jammu
Who would not like to be surrounded by the white beauty of snow? You can pack your bags and visit the famous Thajiwas Glacier in Jammu and Kashmir. Here, you will be able to enjoy snowfall as well as subzero temperatures. The delicacy that you can enjoy while having a gala time with your family includes Rogan Josh, Yakhni and Dum Aloo.
2. Haryana
Want a Valentine holiday but don't have too much time to head out of town? Or do you want to have a private un-valentine with your family or gal pals? Either way, this farmhouse in Sohna Hills is a great chance to escape the city without going too far. A mere 40 minutes drive from the NCR, it's a great spot to walk through fields, enjoy a smooth drink, and have a picnic party.
3. Rajgir, Bihar
Rajgir is a city which has seen repeated historic events in every thousand years. Under the Magadha Pradesh during Mahabharata, it was the capital city of Jarasandha, which also was one of the richest cities of that time. Later, the city became the hub of Chanakya-Chandragupta duel and even after that, it became the connecting place for Buddhism and Jainism.
Collecting all, this city of Bihar is one of the historically significant cities of India and a place which visitors should never miss out. Son Bhandar cave is quite popular and it is located in the Nalanda district. There are two caves and they are western and eastern cave. Son Bhandar caves have been associated with Jainism and they date back to third to fourth century AD.
As per the inscription, the caves were created by Vair, a Jain muni for the ascetics. There were Teerthankara sculpture and these are found in caves. There is similarity with Nagrjuni cave and also Barabar cave of Mauryan period. Digambar group is associated with the caves. Vaibhar Hill has been controlled by the jains of Digambar order.
The primary attraction for tourist is the city walls of the period of Ajatshatru. It is also great to see the jail of Bimbisar. There is Akhara of Jarasandh. Rajgir has been known for hot water springs and local people call it Brahmakund. It is important to note that seven springs or Saptarshi combine here and this is popular for the healing.
Peace pagoda or vishwa shanty stupa was created in 1969 and it is one of 80 peace pagodas across the world. This has been regarded as the oldest peace pagoda in our India. There is a rope-way which helps the visitor to reach another tourist spot. A spiritual leader from Japan named Fuji Guruji had gifted it in 1960s.
There is a temple of Japanese origin named Venu Vana. This has been artificial forest. Budhha had used it at the time of meditation. There is a popular spot known as Makhdoom Kund. Ramakrishna Math has been involved in humanitarian activities. They are also engaged with social service. Rajgir Heritage Museum is a popular tourist spot.
Sariputta Stupa is situated on top of Giriyak Hills and there is some distance from Ghora Katora Lake.
4. Nalanda, Bihar
Nalanda, one of the most popular monasteries of antiquity, a significant Buddhist seat of academic excellence and a spiritual pilgrimage centre, continues to be an equally enriching place even today. The city has one of the oldest and best residential universities in the world which is itself an architectural masterpiece.
Although in ruins, the whole complex presents a beautiful picture and tourists visit day after day. It is preceded by "Bihars" or monasteries and to the west by "Chayas" or temples. In addition to these, the complex has an interesting small collection, which contains a collection of several original Buddhist stupas, bronzes, coins, terracotta jars, burnt rice specimens, etc.
It is also an attractive tourist destination considering its rich heritage and historical significance. Due to the influence of most of the Buddhism, very common food habits are found in Nalanda. The recipes made from a combination of dal bread and vegetarian seasonal vegetables are quite spicy and healthy. A few other popular dishes are Singara, Kachori, Alu Kabli, Bhuj, Ghughni Chura, Dahi Chura etc.
You must try dipping the crispy fried dish made with water-fried flour dipped in sugar syrup. The place is also great for sweets made from condensed milk. Sour and pineapple are some of the more popular sweets in the region. The best time to visit Nalanda is September to March. It is very hot in summer and the temperature of the sun is high so it is time to go out.
Heavy rains in the rainy season fill the mud all around so it can disrupt your travel plans. So lastly it can be said that the best time to see Nalanda is winter (September-March).
Other than these places, you can also consider visiting hotspots such as Auli, Dehradun, Darjeeling, Nainital, Ooty, Munnar and Kodaikanal.
You can plan your winter vacation to any of these places and leave aside budget worries as you can apply for a personal loan online.
Happy and safe travels! Tell me in the comments below, which place got you most excited and why?