When December begins, South India feels completely different from the rest of the country. The air turns cooler, mornings feel softer, the hills wear their mist like a blanket, and the beaches finally breathe without the summer rush. If you’re planning a winter trip, this region gives you a mix of everything: mountains, backwaters, culture, beaches, and calm.
To make your search easier, here are the 7 Best Places to Visit in South India in December, the kind of places that instantly make you say, “Yes, this is exactly where I want to be this winter.” Whether you imagine yourself walking through misty hills, drifting on quiet backwaters, or watching the sun melt into the sea, these destinations are chosen to match the mood you’re craving for your December escape.
1. Munnar, Kerala – Tea Hills, Mist & Winter Magic
December is when Munnar truly comes alive. The early morning mist moves slowly over tea gardens, every viewpoint feels washed clean by winter, and the silence is something you instantly feel. Walking through Munnar in December is like stepping into a green dream, with cool breeze, rolling plantations, and endless mountain curves.
Why Visit in December
- Perfect cool weather for sightseeing
- Tea gardens look greener under winter light
- Great time for Eravikulam National Park and Anamudi Peak
- Calm mornings are ideal for slow walks and photography
How to Reach
- By Air: Cochin Airport is the closest, and taxis/buses take around 3-4 hours to reach Munnar.
- By Rail: Aluva Railway Station is the nearest to here, regular buses go towards Munnar.
- By Road: Well-connected from Kochi and Kerala towns, buses and cabs run frequently through scenic hill routes.
2. Coorg, Karnataka – Coffee Estates & Cool Winter Trails
Coorg in December feels like stepping into a softer, calmer world. As you walk through quiet coffee estates, the aroma hits a little stronger, the waterfalls look a little clearer, and the mist drifts slowly across the hills like it’s waiting for you. Every morning feels crisp enough to wake your senses, making it the perfect time for unhurried treks, peaceful forest walks, and moments where nature finally lets you breathe.
Why Visit in December
- Ideal temperature for trekking Mandalpatti
- Abbey Falls looks stunning after the post-monsoon flow
- Coffee harvesting season gives the whole region a fresh aroma
- Culture and nature blend beautifully this month
How to Reach
- By Air: Mangalore Airport is the closest cabs take about 3 hours to reach Coorg.
- By Rail: Mysore Railway Station connects well, and buses run onward frequently.
- By Road: Easy road access from Bangalore and Mysore with regular state buses and smooth highways.
3. Ooty, Tamil Nadu – Winter Mist & Mountain Nostalgia
Are you someone who loves quiet hill stations, soft mist, and slow mornings that feel cinematic? Then Ooty might be your perfect winter escape. December gives this place a calm, almost storybook-like charm, the kind that makes you slow down, look around, and truly enjoy every moment.
Walking through Ooty in December feels like stepping into a cold, gentle cloud. Tea gardens smell fresher, cottages look prettier against the fog, and every turn on the hill roads opens to another postcard view. It’s one of the Best Places to visit in South India if you want peace, greenery, and cool weather without the rush of peak crowds.
Why Visit in December
- Crisp winter air that makes every walk feel soothing
- The Nilgiri Mountain Railway looks magical, sliding through the mist
- Botanical Gardens & Ooty Lake stay less crowded and more peaceful
- Perfect for couples, families, and nature lovers who enjoy slow travel
How to Reach
- By Air: Fly to Coimbatore Airport and take a scenic 2–3 hour taxi ride to Ooty.
- By Rail: Mettupalayam Station connects to the famous toy train for a nostalgic uphill journey.
- By Road: Regular buses and private cars run from Coimbatore, Mysore, and nearby cities. The drive is smooth and beautiful.
If you want a winter break that feels calm and refreshing without spending too much, Ooty easily stands out as one of the best places to visit in December in South India, a perfect mix of cold mornings, green landscapes, and that timeless hill-station charm.
4. Wayanad, Kerala – Waterfalls, Forests & Winter Treks
Wayanad in December feels raw, green, and almost untouched, like nature pressed the refresh button just for you. As you move through the cool forest roads, the air smells of pepper and cardamom, waterfalls sound louder after winter rains, and every corner feels like a slow-motion moment. If you love nature, this is easily one of the best tourist places in South India in December, and genuinely one of the best places to visit in South India in December for treks, forest walks, and peaceful winter stays.
Why Visit in December
- Chembra Peak trek becomes comfortably cool and misty
- Edakkal Caves and spice plantations look fresh and vibrant
- Winter improves wildlife sightings in Wayanad’s sanctuaries
- Perfect for eco-stays, jungle camps, and slow nature experiences
How to Reach
- By Air: Calicut Airport is the nearest, a scenic 2-3 hour taxi ride takes you into Wayanad’s green landscapes.
- By Rail: Kozhikode Railway Station connects well with frequent buses heading toward Wayanad.
- By Road: Easy road access from Bangalore, Mysore, and Kochi. The winter drive through the ghats feels refreshing and peaceful.
5. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu – Lakes, Pine Forests & Winter Romance
If you’re someone who longs for a place where life finally stops rushing… where the air feels colder, cleaner, and kinder… then Kodaikanal in December will fit you like a warm blanket. The moment you arrive, it feels like the hills whisper, “Slow down… you’re safe here.”
Mornings begin with soft mist curling over the lake, pine forests breathing out that fresh winter smell, and a silence so comforting that even your thoughts start calming down. This is why travellers call it one of the best tourist places in South India in December, not because it’s famous, but because it makes you feel something.
Why Visit in December
- Watching the sunset at Coaker’s Walk feels like a quiet hug from nature
- Boating on Kodai Lake becomes slow, peaceful, and deeply relaxing
- Forest trails look dreamy under the December mist
- Stays are cosy, affordable, and perfect for a slow winter escape
How to Reach
- By Air: Land at Madurai Airport and take a 3-hour cab ride that slowly climbs into chilly, pine-covered hills.
- By Rail: Arrive at Kodai Road Station, then catch a bus that winds through valleys into Kodaikanal.
- By Road: Buses and cars from Madurai, Chennai, and Coimbatore bring you through scenic winter routes straight into the calm.
6. Alleppey, Kerala – Backwaters in Their Best December Mood
Have you ever wanted a December break that feels slow… but still full of quiet little moments you’ll remember? Alleppey gives exactly that. As one of the Best Places to Visit in South India in December, it blends calm backwaters, soft winter sunlight, and that end-of-year peace every traveller secretly craves. Whether you’re gliding on a houseboat or watching locals paddle through narrow canals, Alleppey reminds you why travellers love choosing it among the best tourist places in South India in December.
Why Visit in December
- Perfect weather for long backwater cruises
- Houseboat rides feel dreamy in soft winter light
- Marari Beach stays breezy, clean, and peaceful
- Ideal for couples, families, and solo travellers looking for quiet moments
How to Reach
By Air: Cochin Airport is the nearest cabs and buses reach Alleppey in about 2 hours.
By Rail: Alleppey Railway Station sits right inside town for effortless access.
By Road: Smooth connectivity from Kochi, Trivandrum, and major Kerala cities with frequent buses.
7. Pondicherry – French Lanes, Beaches & Perfect Winter Breeze
There’s something effortless about Pondicherry in December streets feel slower, colours look softer, and the sea wind carries a calm that settles into you the moment you arrive. The French Quarters glow under the winter sun, cafés spill warm aromas onto the lanes, and the beaches stay peaceful enough for long, lingering evenings. No rush, no noise, just a coastal town enjoying its most beautiful month.
With its soothing climate and European charm, Pondicherry easily stands among the best places to visit in South India in December, especially if you’re craving a blend of beachside silence and cultural warmth. It also ranks as one of the best tourist places in South India in December, thanks to its relaxed mood, walkable streets, and slow-travel vibe that makes you feel at home instantly.
Why Visit in December
- Perfect weather for exploring White Town and heritage lanes
- Beachside cafés feel lively but never overwhelming
- Auroville feels peaceful and glowing in winter light
- Great choice for budget travellers, couples, and slow explorers
How to Reach
By Air: Land at Chennai Airport and take a 3-hour drive or bus ride to Pondicherry.
By Rail: Villupuram Junction is the nearest, with frequent buses heading toward the town.
By Road: A smooth coastal highway from Chennai makes the journey scenic and easy.
Final Thoughts – Winter Moments You’ll Remember
Whether you’re drawn to misty hills, peaceful backwaters, or colourful coastal towns, these Best Places to Visit in South India in December offer winter moments that stay with you long after the trip ends. December brings the region alive with clear skies, soothing breezes, and landscapes that feel calmer and more beautiful than any other time of the year.
And if you ever wish to experience something equally refreshing yet beautifully different, then a Short Escape to Nepal Tour (3N/4D) is a wonderful option to keep in mind. It’s the kind of journey where you wander through ancient temples, walk inside UNESCO heritage cities, and end your days watching Himalayan sunsets in Nagarkot. With Towno handling your stays, transfers, guides, and city tours, your entire trip becomes effortless, you simply explore, breathe, and collect memories.
Let this December be the month you gift yourself experiences that feel warm, peaceful, and unforgettable.