18 Best Places in the World to Visit in December 2026
10. Kerala, India - Backwater Serenity and Spice Coast Delights
December in Kerala, known as "God's Own Country," offers perfect weather conditions with temperatures averaging 28°C (82°F), low humidity, and gentle monsoon-refreshed landscapes that showcase the state's lush tropical beauty at its most vibrant and accessible. The famous Kerala backwaters, a network of interconnected canals, rivers, and lakes, provide ideal conditions for houseboat cruises through palm-fringed waterways where visitors can observe traditional village life, witness spectacular sunsets, and enjoy freshly prepared Kerala cuisine featuring coconut, spices, and local seafood. December marks the peak season for experiencing Kerala's renowned Ayurvedic treatments and wellness programs, with comfortable temperatures and post-monsoon freshness creating optimal conditions for rejuvenation therapies, yoga retreats, and meditation programs offered at traditional resorts and specialized wellness centers throughout the state. The Western Ghats mountain range offers excellent trekking conditions in December, with hill stations like Munnar showcasing vast tea plantations, spice gardens, and wildlife sanctuaries where visitors can spot elephants, tigers, and exotic bird species while enjoying cooler mountain temperatures and misty morning landscapes. Kerala's rich cultural heritage comes alive during December through Kathakali dance performances, traditional music concerts, and temple festivals that showcase the state's artistic traditions, while the historic port city of Kochi offers insights into the region's role in ancient spice trade through its Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial architecture. December visitors can explore spice plantations in Thekkady, where cardamom, pepper, cinnamon, and vanilla grow in their natural habitat, participate in cooking classes that reveal the secrets of Kerala cuisine, and experience the state's unique Christian traditions through visits to ancient churches and participation in Christmas celebrations that blend local customs with Portuguese colonial influences.
