Do you want to spend your holidays during Christmas in India this year? If so, you’re in for a treat! The country is packed with a list of beautiful and different Christmas holiday destinations that you will never forget. Ranging from the chilly hills of Manali to the beaches of Goa every corner of India has something to offer during the festive season. Following is the list of top 15 places to go for Christmas in India That Are Incredible To Celebrate Christmas.
1. Goa
Many people prefer Goa as one of the best Christmas destinations for their Christmas holidays in India. This coastal state with mountains of gold sand, great island churches, pulsating culture and colour capability is surely a festive state to the extreme. Christmas is another joyous event and Panjim is especially charming with its lights, decorations and all the smell of cookies. They staged pompous midnight masses; they ate at lavish Goan-themed meals and danced till dawn broke.
2. Manali
To have Christmas celebrations as well as skiing and other winter sports, Manali is the right place for you. Ski slopes, snowy peaked hills, and pretty valleys also define the outlook of this beautiful town. Ski or snowboard by day, and have evenings filled with tradition and holiday celebrations. The town has a rather lovely church, and the landscape of the town and the church look very lovely during the Christmas lights.
3. Ooty
Ooty or Udhagamandalam is one of the popular hill stations of Tamil Nadu that extends a scenic view of mountains and richness in green forests. At Christmas, there are strings of lights and plenty of ornaments making the place look magical. The climate that we experience here is great for an extensive walk and going up on the surrounding hills. There are facilities for a guided tour around the government-owned Udhagamandalam Tea Factory and sampling the teas that are manufactured in the region, during the Christmas holidays.
4. Delhi
Delhi does offer the best of both worlds between the ancient and the contemporary. It is a historical city with trends and has modern and old monuments and riots. Connaught Place which is very famous is illuminated during the festive season and even has a huge Christmas tree and decorations. This is perhaps due to the cultural beliefs as well as the business end of the year season where many hotels and restaurants organize special Christmas programs and meals.
5. Pondicherry
Pondicherry is a French colony in South India and famous for its beautiful sites, nature, beaches etc and it is a very relaxed city. About 3000 people visit the Aurobindo Ashram which is a spiritual-cultural institution where special prayers and services are conducted during Christmas. There are bright Christmas lights on the streets, and coffee shops, bakery shops, restaurants and cafes of the town serve French Christmas cuisine.
6. Mumbai
Mumbai is a city which never sleeps and the people of this city are always warm and friendly. There are many options for the Christmas holidays in the city, starting with the famous Elephanta Caves and ending with the iconic Gateway to India. Some of these churches include the Cathedral of the Holy Name and Mount Mary Basilica all in Mumbai having gorgeous Christmas mass services. Living by the coast the population rejoices in the advent of Christmas, and the beaches are packed with individuals celebrating the holiday.
7. Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is one of the two famous hill stations of Tamil Nadu located in the Palani hills of southern India. The town is recognized as practically oriented to be associated with calm landscapes, green valleys, and bright water reflections – lakes. The town has different churches, which hold the Christmas mass services while the entire town puts up lights during this festive season. It’s probably one of the best xmas holiday destinations for me at Christmas since the climate is cool and the view is breathtaking.
8. Kerala
Kerala popularly known as “God’s Own Country”, is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas with backwaters pleasures, beautiful beaches and enviable green scenery. Kochi city holds some of the best celebrations of Christmas in particular. The large-scale contemporary art event, Kochi-Muziris Biennale takes place during this time to lure the art aficionados. The wonderful and colourful flags, foods, dances and songs that encompass the minds are worthy to watch and hear.
9. Shimla
Shimla is the state capital and is located in Himachal Pradesh. It is a famous hill station in India with beautiful buildings, Museums and natural scenery. During the Christmas holidays, the town is all lit up with lights, Christmas trees and wreaths. Tourist attractions in the area include Christ Church which is famously made famous during the festive season, and local markets.
10. Agra
The attractive red city of Agra that houses the world-famous Taj Mahal makes for any Indian Christmas holiday. The city has history, cultural and architectural attractions, and numerous Christmas-related activities. Christmas celebrations in the city include special events in the hotels and restaurants with a Christmas menu and Christmas lamp posts. It is a beautiful feeling to visit the renowned Taj Mahal during the Xmas holidays.
11. Darjeeling
One of the more famous places to spend Christmas is Darjeeling which is located in the West Bengal region of India. The town is full of tea gardens, sceneries, and great mountain ranges mainly with snow on them. Local churches create opportunities for coming to the mass during Christmas, and the town looks stunning with lights and other decorations. It is a perfect place to spend Christmas due to the favourable weather and beautiful scenery.
12. Munnar
Munnar: the heavenly of Kerala, the place famous for its beautiful exotic tea gardens, choice of serene lakes and eloquent cultural backdrop. What few visitors to the town do get to see is a particularly active Christmas season with plenty of lights, parades and music. If you are to spend your Christmas holidays in the South Indian state of Kerala, then the Eravikulam National Park rich in flora and housing the endangered Nilgiri Tahr is the place to go.
13. Gangtok
Christmas is also best celebrated in Gangtok, the capital city of the state of Sikkim. The city lies north of the Himalayas and is popular for monasteries, cultural museums, and waterfalls. Christmas is also celebrated by the local churches where mass is held and Christmas decorations and lights are put up all over the city. The climate is cool and the views breathtaking making it one of the best places to visit during christmas.
14. Chennai
Tamil Nadu’s capital city Chennai is one of the oldest living cities in the world. It has a superb beachfront, elegant temples, and colourful bazaars. Christmas masses are held in beautiful San Thome Cathedral this time of the year and Christmas spirit is seen all across the city. Accommodation is relatively cheap, and the local food is a delight to culinary lovers, not to mention the exclusive and special Christmas’ local music and dances.
15. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman is a group of islands situated in the Bay of Bengal, famous for its infrastructure of sun-kissed beaches, picturesque coral grounds and abundant tropical forests. At Christmas, lights and other decorations are put up and the island beaches are flooded with people following the spirit of Christmas. The climate is rather warm and the landscape is picturesque so it is perfect to visit during the Christmas time.
Conclusion
Hence, there are plenty of attractive and best Christmas holiday destinations for those who prefer India. From a peaceful time alone or with family to a fun bash, these fifteen destinations for Christmas should provide memories to cherish. Happy holidays!
