December month is associated with beautiful winters, Rann Utsav, Dubai International Film Festival, Christmas and the year end celebrations. We bring you some of the interesting destinations which you can visit in this awesome month
Best Picks
Dubai
Tall buildings, shopping malls, adventure activities, desert safari, belly dancing, luscious delicacies - name it and you find it all in the dazzling city of Dubai. To believe it, you will have to experience it. So, plan your next trip to Dubai in December (rainy time) when the weather is cool, providing relief from the scorching heat. You can indulge in the popular activities - visit Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), for history lovers visit - Al Shindagha Museum and Al Fahidi Fort, go on a Desert Safari on the sands of Sahara, visit Dubai Dolphinarium, shop till you drop at the Dubai Mall and enjoy the private helicopter ride. You can also witness the happening Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF), which honors international talents and is a popular film festival in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. It will be held at Madinat Jumeirah, the luxury resort and the festival dates are 9 December, 2015 to 16 December, 2015.
For more details and to indulge in the delightful experiences of this fabulous city, please visit 25 Things to do in Dubai.
Australia
Thinking of visiting that one destination which offers forests, beaches, mountains and deserts, then think Australia. When in Sydney, do visit the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the Taronga Zoo. Visit the Byron Bay for indulging in scintillating beaches, surfing, scuba diving and the breathtaking panorama of the lighthouse at sunset. For picturesque drive - hit The Great Ocean Road, the nature lovers must visit Daintree Rainforest to catch the glimpse of wildlife. Don’t forget to visit Uluru (Ayers Rock), a large sandstone rock, which will overwhelm you with its rich history and magnificence. To explore some more interesting facts, please visit Australian dream drive.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan is home to magnificent forts, awe-inspiring carved temples and impressive palaces. Visit Jaipur which is popularly known as ‘Pink City of India’ and get mesmerised by the beautiful artistic architecture and pink colour of the buildings. Udaipur known as the ‘Venice of the East’ has beautiful lakes and offers breathtaking vistas of the Aravalli Mountains. Jodhpur is popular for its beautiful hill forts and palaces, do visit the amazing Mehrangarh Fort. Another interesting place is Jaisalmer, popularly known as ‘Golden City’ due to the golden sands of the Thar Desert and the Jaisalmer Fort is a must-visit, which will delight you with its golden and yellow mixed sandstone look. Jain temple and mouth-watering Rajasthani cuisines make Bikaner a hot spot. Don’t forget to visit Ranthambore Fort, Ranthambore National park and Chittorgarh Fort, which are quite popular out here. If you want to experience the glimpse of rural Rajasthan, you can visit Experience the rural Rajasthan
Long Weekend (25 December, 2015 - 27 December, 2015)
Goa
The most happening place to visit in December is Goa, the fun capital of India. You can soak yourself in the music festivals, wild beach parties till wee hours, indulge in the water sports and visit the flea markets, while enjoying the beautiful winters. If you want to experience the Sunburn Festival, you can plan an early visit, as this popular electronic music festival will be celebrated from 22 December to 24 December this year at the Candolim Beach.
Konkan coastal strip (Maharashtra)
For the weekend getaway, the Konkan coastal strip offers a number of wonderful places. You can visit Ganapatipule, which is popular for its amazing beaches, coconut palms and is home to one of the Ashtavinayak (eight Ganapatis) of Maharashtra. Visit the awe-inspiring Janjira Sea Fort in the Raigad district and enjoy the eye-catching sunset view at the Alibag beach. Other popular activities include tent holiday at Kihim and visiting Mandwa village for its striking grooves of coconut palms. For more information on the places, you can visit Best beaches of Maharashtra
Honeymoon destination
Bali, Indonesia
Bali in Indonesia is home to golden beaches, beautiful ancient temples, lush green fields and rich culture, which makes it a popular destination among the honeymooners. Visit the Uluwatu Temple, which is popular for its spectacular structure and stunning sunset view. You can visit Pura Ulun Danu Bratan (lake temple) and enjoy the dolphin sighting boat trip at Lovina. Ubud has to be a must-visit place in your itinerary, which is popular for its whitewater rafting, stupendous spas and massages, theatres and markets. For a luxurious escape, you can explore the Nusa Dua Beach which offers private scintillating beaches and is a perfect getaway for honeymooners. When in mood to party, you can hop to the Kuta Beach and have an experience of a lifetime!
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands
At the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, lies a group of pristine islands, known as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With its tropical islands, fascinating marine life, breathtaking corals, pristine forests and wonderful beaches, this stunning getaway has won hearts of millions across the globe. This place is home to ancient tribes and appears to be part of a different world altogether. For all those of you with adventure in your blood, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, offer you thrilling water sport activities which include scuba diving, snorkeling and exploring the rich marine life. Havelock Island is an undisturbed haven, which will astonish you with its awe-inspiring beaches and is also a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkelling. As you indulge in these adventurous activities, you will be transported to a new -unexplored marine world and find that universal soul-connect with the lovely water animals. The islands here will surprise you with the unbelievable, rare and fantabulous flora-fauna species. Apart from these mind-boggling fun activities, you can also visit the historical Cellular Jail, known as ‘Kala Pani’ (Black Waters), where the freedom fighters were kept in exile by the Britishers.
Unique Experience
Rann Utsav, Kutch (Gujarat)
Kutch, the white desert of India, in Gujarat is a must -visit destination, if you haven’t visited so far. The stunning view of the scintillating endless deserts, dazzling oasis, glorious heritage palaces, finger-licking delicacies and beautiful temples are sure to sweep you off your feet. For the handicraft lovers, this is a paradise, as you can shop for some gorgeous crafts and embroidery works. The best time to visit this awesome place is during the popular Rann Utsav which happens in December, when Kutch gets its wonderful look. This festival is celebrated during the full moon nights of the winters, treating the travellers with hospitality and delighting them with the local traditional flavour. It is full of huge camps celebrating engaging cultural programs and the people are immersed in the festive spirit. Don’t forget to experience the hot-air balloon ride and capture those wonderful moments! For more visit Time to Rann away.
Adventure destination
Skydiving in New Zealand
Skydiving is the most adventurous and thrilling activity these days. The popular destinations where you can experience skydiving in New Zealand include Bay of Islands - North Island, Abel Tasman National Park - South Island, Fox Glacier - South Island, Taupo - North Island and Lake Wanaka - South Island.
Events / Festivals
- Merry Christmas - 25 December, 2015
December 25, Christmas Day, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated on a grand scale across the globe. The happening places where you can celebrate this wonderful festival include Goa, Puducherry and Kerala. If you have plans to indulge in white Christmas celebrations, then please visit, Top 5 places to celebrate white Christmas in Asia
- Full Moon Party (Koh Phangan, Thailand) - 25 December, 2015
The Full Moon Party is an all-night beach party that is celebrated in Haad Rin on the island of Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand and will take place on December 25.
- Rhythm and Vines Festival - 29 December, 2015 to 31 December, 2015
Celebrate the Rhythm and Vines Festival, which is a popular annual music festival, and will be held at Waiohika Estate vineyard in New Zealand from December 29 to December 31.
- Hogmanay Festival - 30 December, 2015 to 1 January, 2016
Witness the Hogmanay Festival between 30 December, 2015 to 1 January, 2016 in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is the biggest street party and people come out in the streets, dance and participate in the street parades.
- New Year's Eve -31 December, 2015
Marina Bay Singapore Countdown
Want to experiment and experience something new and dazzling this year end? Then we highly recommend you to celebrate the New Year’s Eve at Marina Bay for the famous New Year countdown. The spellbinding fireworks lighting up Singapore’s beautiful skyline at the stroke of midnight will enthral you. Writing and expressing your wishes or dreams at the wishing stations here is quite popular. You could also request your wishes online on their virtual wishing spheres, in case you can’t be present. The view of the various wishing spheres being lit up and set afloat transforms the bay into an amazing visual arts showcase. The live outdoor musical performances and waterfront bazaars lift the festive spirit to new heights! For more information on enticing places, where you can head for your New Year bash, please visit Best places in Asia to ring in 2015