Cheap Places In India To Visit This December

Have you cancelled your travel plans this December due to a financial crunch? No worries. It is a completely wrong notion that it is just not possible to go for a trip when you are on a shoestring budget. There are many cheap places in India to visit this December, that too with absolutely no need to spend a huge amount.

Be it the serene beaches at Goa or the astonishing temples at Rishikesh, the options are endless. In this article, we take you through 15 cheap places in India to visit this December that are worth visiting

15 Cheap Places To Visit In December

1. Goa

If your interest lies in exploring beautiful beaches and churches, then there is no better place than Goa. Goa is one of the cheap places in India to visit this December. Located between the Indian states of Maharashtra on the north and Karnataka on the east and south, Goa is literally a paradise for beach lovers. Here, the major attractions include Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach and Calangute Beach. Goa is also famous for its magnificent churches such as St Francis Of Assisi, St Cajetan Church and The Church of St Anne.

If you are crazy about adventurous activities that give you an adrenaline rush, Goa welcomes you with kneeboarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, white water rafting and scuba diving. The other aspects that deserve a special mention include the active nightlife and the must-try seafood dishes at Goa.    

How To Reach – If you prefer to travel by flight, the nearest airport is Dabolim Airport. It is around 26 Km away from Panaji, the capital city of Goa. On the other hand, if you love road travel, take the NH 4 route if you are driving from Bangalore or Mumbai. Those driving through the Mangalore side have to take NH 17. The two major railheads connecting Goa are Vasco da Gama and Madgaon.

2. Manali

Another cheap places in India to visit this December is Manali. A gift of the Himalayas to the world, Manali is a beautiful town located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh state. If you love to explore picturesque locations and scenic beauty, Manali offers a breathtaking view of snow-capped mountains and a cool climate. The other important tourist attractions include Solang valley, Jogini waterfalls, Manali Gompa, Bhrigu Lake and Hampta Pass.  Apart from that, Hidimba Devi Temple and Manu Temple are places of religious importance that pilgrimage travellers just cannot afford to miss.

How To Reach – For flight travellers, the nearest airport is Bhuntar. It is located at a distance of 50 Km from Manali. If you prefer train travel, there are broad gauge trains that go up to Pathankot. From there, board a narrow gauge train and you reach Joginder Nagar. Also, there is good road connectivity from Manali to various cities such as Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun and Haridwar.

3. Hampi

Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka state is another cheap places in India to visit this December. During the 14th century, Hampi was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Famous for its Hindu monuments, Hampi offers visitors a rare sight of architectural marvels such as the Stone Chariot, a shrine dedicated to Garuda and Virupaksha Temple, a Shiva temple constructed during the 7th century.

The other major spots that attract tourists across the globe include Krishna temple, Achyutaraya temple, Vitthala temple, Hemakuta hill monuments, Hazara Rama temple and Kodandarama temple. Apart from Hindu monuments, Hampi also houses Jain monuments such as the Ganagitti temple complex and Ahmad Khan mosque and tomb, a Muslim monument.

How To Reach – There is an airport at Vidyanagara, Bellary located at a distance of 35 Km from Hampi. However, there are only limited flights from this airport. The major international airport is at Bangalore, at a distance of 290 km from Bellary. If you opt for a train journey, Hosapete is the major junction. There is also good bus connectivity from Hampi to all major states of Karnataka which makes Hampi one of the cheap places in India to visit this December.

4. Jaisalmer

If you are passionate about geology, then Jaisalmer should be at the top of your bucket list. Also known as the ‘Golden City’, the city of Jaisalmer is located in the state of Rajasthan, close to the Thar desert. As a geology enthusiast, you would love to visit the Wood Fossil Park or Aakal, located 15 Km from the city. Here you can explore the geologic tragedies that took place in the Thar desert 180 million years back.

The other places and activities that deserve a special mention include Jaisalmer Fort, Light and sound show at Gadisar Lake, Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Jaisalmer Government Museum, Salim Singh Ki Haveli and Patwon Ki Haveli.

How To Reach – With a civil airport facility, there is direct air connectivity from Jaisalmer to many major Indian cities such as Jaipur, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. If you are planning to travel by bus or taxi also, there is good connectivity to Jaisalmer. For train travellers, there are a few trains that provide services between Jaisalmer and Delhi.

5. Pushkar

If you are planning for a pilgrimage, Pushkar, located in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan would be a perfect choice. Surrounded by hillocks on three sides, Pushkar is situated at a height of 510 metres. Famous for the essence of Pushkar rose essence, this place is also known by the name ‘ the rose garden of Rajasthan’.

The famous temples of Pushkar include Brahma Temple, the only temple in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma, Varaha temple, Savitri temple, Rangji temple and Pap Mochini temple. Gurudwara Singh Sabha, a religious place of importance for Sikhs is another important centre. Apart from temples, the other attractions at Pushkar include the Pushkar fair, Pushkar lake and Man Mahal.

How To Reach – For flight travellers, the nearest airport is Sanganer airport at Jaipur, located within a distance of 146 kilometres from Pushkar. If you prefer train travel, there is good connectivity between Pushkar Terminus Railway station and Ajmer railway station, located at a distance of 14 kilometres. For bus travellers, there are frequent buses from Ajmer bus stand to all major cities such as Jaipur and Jodhpur.

6. Kutch

Kutch, the largest district in India located in the Gujarat state of western India is one of the cheap places in India to visit this December. A major attraction is the Great Rann Of Kutch, offering its visitors a fantastic view of a massive expanse of cracked earth, inland from the sea. As a tourist, you would also love to visit Kachchh Museum, Dholavira, an archaeological site, Kachchh desert wildlife sanctuary,  Pingleshwar beach, Prag Mahal, the palace and the Chhari Dhand reserve.

How To Reach – From Kutch, the nearest airport is The Kutch Airport in Bhuj. For train travellers, the nearest railhead is the railway station at Bhuj. If you are planning a road trip, the best option would be to travel via National Highway 8A. There is also good bus connectivity to Kutch from the major cities of Gujarat and even from Rajasthan.

7. Chikmagalur

Are you looking for a serene hill station blessed with an abundance of natural beauty? Then, Chikmagalur, located in the state of Karnataka is the ultimate destination you can think of. Famous for its cool climate, the major places of interest at Chikmagalur include Horanadu, housing the temple of goddess Sri  Annapoorneshwari, Mullayyanagiri, the tallest peak in Karnataka, Sringeri Mutt, Hebbe falls, Z Point and Hirekolale lake. Apart from that, adventure enthusiasts can also experience river rafting at Magundi.  

How To Reach – The nearest airports to Chikmagalur are at Bangalore and Mangalore. The nearest railhead to this place is at Kadur. For bus travellers, there are lots of buses available from Bangalore and Mangalore.

8. Wayanad

Famous for its natural beauty and lush green forests, Wayanad one of the cheap places in India to visit this December, will captivate your heart for sure. Located in Kerala, popularly known as God’s own country, the must-visit tourist spots at Wayanad include the Kanthanpara Waterfalls, Karapuzha Dam, Pookode & Karlad Lake.

If you are crazy about adventures, then you just cannot miss exploring the Cheengeri Rock Adventure Center. For trekking enthusiasts, the two natural rock formations at Edakkal Caves offer an unforgettable trekking experience.

How To Reach – If you opt for train travel, the nearest railway station is the Calicut railway station, at a distance of 62 Km from Wayanad. For flight travellers, Calicut International Airport is the nearest, just 93 Km away. Last but not the least, there are lots of KSRTC and private buses plying from all nearby cities to Wayanad.

9. Meghalaya

One of the cheap places in India to visit this December includes Meghalaya, which is blessed with an abundance of thick primary forests and a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is also one of the most preferred destinations of those who are passionate about mountaineering, rock climbing and trekking.

The major tourist attractions at Meghalaya include Cherrapunji famous for its rainfall, Balpakram National Park, Shillong, Elephant Falls, Double-decker Living Root Bridge and the Don Bosco Museum.

How To Reach – For air travellers, the options are limited, as Meghalaya’s only airport is at Umroi, located around 35 km from Shillong. If you are travelling by train, the nearest railway station is Guwahati, around 100 km away from Shillong. If you are planning a road trip, the best option is to go via NH40, which connects Guwahati to Shillong.

10. Gokarna

One of the most visited pilgrimage destinations of Hindus, Gokarna is a small temple town located in the state of Karnataka. The famous temple at this place is the Mahabaleshwar Temple, which has a shrine dedicated to the deity Shiva. The other important temples include Murudeshwara temple and Maha Ganapati temple.

Also, if you are a beach lover, there are several beautiful beaches at Gokarna to entice you. Some of them are Kudle beach, Om beach, Half moon beach and Paradise beach. The other attractions include Mirjan fort and Yana hills.

How To Reach – The nearest airport from Gokarna is in Dabolim, Goa at a distance of 140 Km. If you prefer train journeys, the nearest railway station is at Ankola, about 20 Km away. For bus travellers, there are lots of  KSRTC buses plying to Gokarna.

11. Andaman and Nicobar

A union territory of India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands float in splendid isolation in the Bay of Bengal. Famous for its 572 islands including 32 inhabited ones, the stunning beaches add to the beauty of Andaman and Nicobar islands. The beautiful islands worth visiting are Havelock Island, Ross Island and Jolly Buoy Island.

The tourist places of tourist interest include Radhanagar Beach, Cellular jail, Elephant beach, Kalapathar beach and Chidiya Tapu, the sunset point. Apart from sightseeing, you can also have lots of fun with water sports and adventurous activities such as banana boat rides, scuba diving, underwater sea walking, glass bottom boating, snorkelling, kayaking, parasailing and Jet skiing. Andaman and Nicobar are included in the list of cheap places in India to visit this December due to their low travelling expense.

How To Reach – Port Blair Airport is the nearest airport to Andaman, just 2 Km away. There are daily flights from all major Indian cities to Port Blair. The other option for travelling to Andaman is by ship. From Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam, there are cargo ships to Port Blair’s Haddo Jetty.

Explore Goa's most protected turtle nesting sites. From beaches to the hinterlands & more. Goa has it all. Catch the #FIFAU17WWC matches during your vacation in Goa. Take your time. There is lot's to see.
#goatourism #letsgoa #incredibleindia #goa #Goa #indiatourism #gogoa pic.twitter.com/ZwwyA8SIDv

— Goa Tourism (@TourismGoa) October 18, 2022

12. Alleppey

Renowned for its beautiful backwaters and houseboat cruises, Aleppey is situated in the state of Kerala. Also known as Alappuzha, this place offers the fantastic sight of canals, lagoons and lakes to its visitors. While visiting Alleppey, you just cannot afford to miss the Alappuzha beach, Mullackal, the Konkani Brahmin settlement, the Alleppey Backwaters, R and QST Block Islands, Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple and Marari beach.

How To Reach – From Aleppey, Cochin International Airport is the nearest one, situated at a distance of 75 Km. For train travellers, Aleppey railway station is the nearest railhead with connectivity from all major cities. If you opt for a bus journey, there are plenty of  KSRTC buses and private buses connecting Alappuzha to major cities.

13. Varanasi

A place frequented by Hindu pilgrims for performing the final rites, Varanasi is located in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Also known by the name Banaras, Varanasi is situated on the banks of the river Ganges. One of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism, Varanasi is also famous for being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is one of the cheap places in India to visit this December

The popular tourist attractions worth a visit include Shree Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sarnath, a place located 10 kilometres northeast of Varanasi and Ganga Ghat, the river steps leading to the banks of the Ganges river.

How To Reach – Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport or Varanasi Airport is the nearest airport with flights operating to major Indian cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. For bus travellers, there are many state-owned and private buses operating from Lucknow to Varanasi. When it comes to trains, the two major railheads are the Varanasi railway junction and the Kashi railway station at Varanasi.

14. Shimla

A beautiful hill station where you come across an abundance of cedar, rhododendron, fir and Himalayan oak trees. Shimla, located in the state of Himachal Pradesh, is also famous for its snow-capped mountains and natural beauty. The major tourist spots at this place include the summer hills, the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Annandale, a colonial building, Jakhoo Hills, the highest peak in Shimla, The Scandal Point, Ridge, Naldehra and Shaily Peak.

If you are an adventure enthusiast, you would definitely enjoy several thrilling activities such as river water rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, skiing, golfing and ice skating at Shimla.

How To Reach – From Shimla, Shimla Airport or Jubbarhatti Airport, is just 20 km away. Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) and private buses operate trips from Shimla to other neighbouring cities. If you opt for train travel, the nearest railway station is Kalka railway station, located at a distance of around 96 km.

15. Rishikesh

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a part of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. A famous pilgrimage centre visited by tourists across the globe, Rishikesh is home to several famous temples of religious importance. Popularly known as the ‘yoga capital of the world, Rishikesh is also a place visited by many to learn yoga and meditation.

The major centres of tourist attraction include Ram Jhoola, Lakshman Jhoola, Neelkanth Mahadev temple, Byasi, Gita Bhawan and Shivpuri. Also, if you are crazy about adventurous activities, there are plenty of options such as river rafting, bungee jumping, giant swing, zipline tour and rock climbing.

How To Reach – Dehradun Airport or Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport to Rishikesh, hardly 20 km away.  There is also good bus connectivity to Rishikesh. For train travellers, the nearest railhead is in Haridwar, which is well-connected with cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, making it one of the cheap places in India to visit this December.

Conclusion

Hope the blog about “cheap places in India to visit this December” offers valuable insights into the top 15 tourist destinations to visit this December. Even if your budget is limited, you can still go ahead and plan a trip to all these places. However, choosing the destination purely depends on your interest. If you are more interested in a pilgrimage, Varanasi or Rishikesh would be a perfect choice.

On the other hand, if you are a beach lover, then Goa, Gokarna or Alappuzha would be a better option. Last but not the least, if you want to enjoy the beauty of nature, Shimla, Manali, Wayanad or Chikmagalur are cheap places in India to visit this December

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