December is peak travel season in India: clear skies in the desert, snow in the hills and calm backwaters in Kerala.
Here are our five picks for December 2026, with costs and tips for each.
In this list
Rann of Kutch
Gujarat, India
The white salt desert glows under the full moon, and the Rann Utsav tent city brings music, crafts and food.
Best timeNovember to February
Est. costRs 3,000 to 20,000 per person per day
Ideal forFamilies, photographers
StayDhordo tent city, Bhuj
Budget options
Normal
Rs 3,000/day
- Homestay in Hodka village
- Shared jeep
Premium
Rs 9,000/day
- Rann Utsav premium tent
- Guided craft village tour
Luxury
Rs 20,000+/day
- Rann Utsav luxury suite
- Private car from Bhuj
Food and local dishes
- Kutchi dabeli: the spicy local burger
- Bajra rotla with garlic chutney
- Kutchi thali at the tent city
Things to do
- Watch sunrise and moonrise on the white Rann
- Visit craft villages for embroidery and pottery
- Drive up to Kalo Dungar for the view
Who it suits
- KidsCamel rides and open space
- AdultsPhotography, crafts, culture
- SeniorsComfortable tents; cold nights
Travel tips
- Get the Rann permit online or at Bhirandiyara
- Check the full moon date for the best night view
Jaisalmer
Rajasthan, India
A living golden fort, carved havelis and dune camps under the stars.
Best timeOctober to February
Est. costRs 2,500 to 25,000 per person per day
Ideal forCouples, families, friends
StayInside the fort, Sam sand dunes
Budget options
Normal
Rs 2,500/day
- Guesthouse near the fort
- Shared jeep to the dunes
Premium
Rs 8,000/day
- Heritage haveli hotel
- Desert camp with dinner
Luxury
Rs 25,000+/day
- Luxury desert camp
- Private dune safari
Food and local dishes
- Ker sangri: desert beans and berries
- Dal baati churma: the Rajasthani classic
- Ghotua laddoo: the local sweet
Things to do
- Walk inside Jaisalmer Fort
- Camel or jeep safari at Sam dunes
- Visit Patwon ki Haveli
Who it suits
- KidsCamel rides and camp fires
- AdultsDunes, forts and photography
- SeniorsJeep safari is easier than camels
Travel tips
- Carry layers; desert nights are cold
- Agree on safari prices before you go
Alleppey
Kerala, India
A night on a houseboat through palm-lined backwaters is one of the calmest trips in India.
Best timeNovember to February
Est. costRs 3,000 to 30,000 per person per day
Ideal forCouples, families, seniors
StayHouseboat, Marari Beach
Budget options
Normal
Rs 3,000/day
- Homestay and shared canoe tour
- Ferry rides
Premium
Rs 10,000/day
- Private one-bedroom houseboat
- All meals included
Luxury
Rs 30,000+/day
- Luxury houseboat or lake resort
- Ayurvedic spa
Food and local dishes
- Karimeen pollichathu: pearl spot fish in banana leaf
- Kerala sadya on a banana leaf
- Toddy shop snacks like tapioca and fish curry
Things to do
- Overnight houseboat cruise
- Canoe through narrow village canals
- Relax at Marari Beach
Who it suits
- KidsHouseboats need supervision near the edge
- AdultsSlow, scenic and romantic
- SeniorsVery relaxing; boarding needs a steady step
Travel tips
- Choose a houseboat with a government licence
- Book Christmas week early
Auli
Uttarakhand, India
Snow slopes with views of Nanda Devi; skiing season usually starts once the snow settles.
Best timeDecember to February
Est. costRs 3,000 to 15,000 per person per day
Ideal forFriends, adventure lovers
StayAuli resort area, Joshimath
Budget options
Normal
Rs 3,000/day
- Guesthouse in Joshimath
- Shared taxi
Premium
Rs 7,000/day
- Ski resort room
- Ski lessons and gear
Luxury
Rs 15,000+/day
- Best rooms with slope views
- Private car from Dehradun
Food and local dishes
- Aloo ke gutke: spiced potatoes
- Kafuli: spinach curry with rice
- Hot momos and Maggi at the slopes
Things to do
- Try a beginner ski course
- Ride the Auli ropeway when it runs
- Short trek to Gorson Bugyal
Who it suits
- KidsSnow play; check altitude comfort
- AdultsSkiing and treks
- SeniorsVery cold; long mountain roads
Travel tips
- Check road and ropeway status before you go
- Carry thermals and waterproof boots
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
December brings perfect weather, the Dubai Shopping Festival and New Year fireworks at the Burj Khalifa.
Best timeNovember to March
Est. costUSD 80 to 600 per person per day
Ideal forFamilies, shoppers, friends
StayDowntown, Dubai Marina, Deira
Budget options
Normal
USD 80/day
- Hotel in Deira or Bur Dubai
- Metro and street food
Premium
USD 200/day
- 4-star hotel in the Marina
- Desert safari and attractions
Luxury
USD 600+/day
- Beach resort on Palm Jumeirah
- Fine dining and private tours
Food and local dishes
- Shawarma: the best at small Deira shops
- Al machboos: spiced rice with meat
- Luqaimat: sweet dumplings with date syrup
Things to do
- Visit the Burj Khalifa observation deck
- Desert safari with dinner
- Abra boat ride across Dubai Creek
Who it suits
- KidsTheme parks, aquarium and beaches
- AdultsShopping, food and nightlife
- SeniorsEasy metro and comfortable malls
Travel tips
- Book New Year Eve stays and fireworks spots early
- Get the Nol card for the metro
Before you go
December books up fast. Lock in stays for Christmas and New Year week first, then plan the rest of the trip around them.
