December is coming, and you might be wondering where to head. One such place is definitely South India. If you have been there already but not in November-December, visit South India one more time, this time during December. Why? Because there are many things happening in December, from festivals to the awesome weather, it is the best time to visit South India. The winter months are when the whole of South India is welcoming and ready to entertain its visitors. There are many places in South India to visit in December; however, some destinations stand out. Below are the best recommendations on the Best places to visit in South India in December-
1. Chennai, Tamil Nadu
The annual Chennai music festival is held in December. Need more reasons to travel to Chennai? I guess not, especially if you are into music. Six weeks of Carnatic music, instrumental and Hindustani vocal music accompanied by rhythmic classical dance make the Chennai Music Festival a ‘never miss‘ event in South India. Therefore, Chennai heads the list– Best places to visit in South India in December. The festival is not just the reason you must add Chennai to your December travel bucket; you have the Marina Beach, the world’s second-longest beach, the Kapaleeswarar Temple, the Government Museum of Chennai and much more.
2. Coorg, Karnataka
Oh! The hills, of course. Hill stations are every traveller’s favourite, and a holiday is incomplete for many without spending at least a night atop the hills. I picked Coorg for December, the so-called “Scotland of India”. The weather is simply fantastic in December, as it gets chilly and the slight drizzles make it even more adorable. Simple stroll around the mountains, coffee and tea plantations, enjoy waterfalls and yes, a good big hot cup of coffee. Relax and rejuvenate your mind and body at Coorg. The cool breeze, lush green surroundings and coffee would definitely help you with it.
3. Kannur, Kerala
Kannur is a northern district in Kerala, famous for the Thalassery Biriyani and the Theyyam festival. These 2 things are enough for you to make a visit to Kannur. Theyyam is an energetic dance form of Kerala which has been a part of Kerala culture for more than a millennium. It is performed during November– March at small shrines spread across Kannur and Kasargod districts of Kerala. The performance is pretty intense, where the artist undergoes an elaborate make-up and dances to the rhythmic beats of Chenda [local percussion instrument] and other instruments. It is believed that the artist is possessed by god and gets into a trance-like state when he starts performing. There are nearly 400 different forms of Theyyam; however, the most popular are the “Pottan” Theyyam, the “Muchiloottu Bhagavathy Theyyam” and the “Raktha Chamundi” Theyyam.
It is a must-experience for any traveller. Also, do remember to catch the Thalassery Biriyani, a rice and meat-based dish famous in Northern Kerala. Muzhapilangad Drive-in Beach is another famous attraction at Kannur, which is the only drive-in beach in Kerala with a 4km long coastline.
4. Rushikonda Beach, Vizag
Named the “Jewel of the East Coast”, Rushikonda is one of the upcoming beach destinations which not many are aware of. Its pristine waters and virgin Greenland are attracting travellers for a quiet, peaceful getaway. This December, head to Rushikonda if you like to go for a beach holiday and also, if you are into water sports, don’t think twice, you will be served at Rushikonda. Jet Ski, surfing, motor boating, options are plenty here.
5. Arakku Valley, Vizag
A serene hill station, untouched and unexplored, the Arakku Valley at Vizag [Vishakapattanam] is a perfect spot for a holiday in December. Located 1300 meters above sea level, Arakku Valley offers some of the most beautiful vistas of nature. It is popular for its abundant coffee plantations and the Araku Emerald brand of coffee, which sells globally. There are spectacular waterfalls to enjoy in and around Arakku, namely the Arakku Falls, the Duduma Falls, the Tadimada Falls and the Katiki Falls.
South India in December is a sight to behold, where everything feels at peace, and every valley, every beach, every mountain is calling your name.
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