Best Places to Visit in December from Delhi by Tempo Traveller (Routes, Distances and Fares)

Best Places to Visit in December from Delhi by Tempo Traveller: Rajasthan is cool and dry; the hills have snow, and the plains have pilgrimage and wildlife trips with comfortable days. A Tempo Traveller offer suits this season because one vehicle carries the whole family or group, luggage included, and one driver knows the route.

This guide covers 15 destinations, with road distance, December weather, what to see, road and permit cautions, the vehicle that suits each trip, and indicative fares. Distances are approximate road distances from Delhi and vary with the exact route and pickup point.

Quick answer: best places by trip type

Destination guide

1. Agra (about 230 km, 1 day)

The Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Mehtab Bagh make a comfortable day trip. Morning fog on the Yamuna Expressway is common in December, so leave Delhi after the fog lifts or accept slower speeds. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, so plan around that. Best vehicle: 12 or 20 seater Tempo Traveller.

2. Jaipur (about 280 km, 2 to 3 days)

Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar and the bazaars are comfortable in December daytime weather. Evenings are cool, so carry a light jacket. Plan 2 nights to cover Jaipur without rushing, and add Pushkar or Ajmer if you have a third day. Best vehicle: any size.

3. Udaipur (about 660 km, 3 to 4 days)

The City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jagmandir and Saheliyon ki Bari are at their best in winter. This is a long drive of roughly 10 to 11 hours, so many groups break the journey at Jaipur or Ajmer. Best for families and honeymoon-style luxury groups, so a luxury tempo traveller or Urbania is popular.

4. Jodhpur (about 600 km, 2 days)

Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace exterior and the Clock Tower market. It combines well with Jaisalmer and Udaipur as part of a circuit. Nights are cold, so check that hotel rooms have heating.

5. Jaisalmer (about 780 km, 2 to 3 days)

Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon ki Haveli, Gadisar Lake and a desert camp at Sam Sand Dunes. December is peak season. Desert nights can drop close to single digits, so carry warm clothing. Book camps in advance, especially for the last week of December. Best done as part of a Rajasthan circuit rather than a standalone trip, because of the distance.

6. Rishikesh (about 240 km, 2 days)

Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat, Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, yoga centres and cafes. Rafting is generally operated in the open season only, and rules around river levels and timing change, so confirm with the operator before promising it to the group. Best vehicle: 12 or 16 seater.

7. Haridwar (about 220 km, 1 to 2 days)

Har Ki Pauri Ganga Aarti in the evening, Mansa Devi and Chandi Devi temples, and the bazaars. It pairs easily with Rishikesh, which is around 25 km away, so a Haridwar and Rishikesh combined trip in 2 days and 1 night is the most efficient plan. Note that December mornings are cold and foggy.

8. Auli (about 500 km via Rishikesh and Joshimath, 2 to 3 days extra)

Auli is a ski destination in the Garhwal Himalaya with views of Nanda Devi. Snowfall is usually best from January to February, but December can bring snow at altitude. The Rishikesh to Joshimath stretch has had landslide and road disruption issues in recent years, so check road status with the local administration before departure. Plan for a long driving day each way.

9. Manali (about 540 km, 3 to 4 days)

Solang Valley, Old Manali, Hadimba Temple, Mall Road and the Atal Tunnel to Sissu and the Lahaul side. December is cold, with sub-zero nights, and snow is likely at higher points. Rohtang Pass is closed in winter. The Atal Tunnel provides access to the Lahaul side for much of the winter, but snow can still halt traffic. In snow conditions the local administration may require chains or restrict vehicles, so ask your operator how they handle this.

10. Shimla (about 345 km, 2 to 3 days)

The Ridge, Mall Road, Jakhu Temple, Kufri and Christ Church. Shimla is the easier hill option for families with children or older people, and it is a natural first stop on a Shimla to Manali trip. Christmas and New Year weeks are very busy, so book hotels early and expect traffic and parking limits near the Mall.

11. Kasol (about 520 km, 3 days)

A village in the Parvati Valley with riverside cafes, Chalal and Manikaran Sahib Gurudwara hot springs, and easy treks such as the short walk to Chalal. It is usually combined with Manali via Bhuntar. In December the weather is very cold and some higher treks such as Kheerganga are affected by snow, so only attempt them with a local guide and proper gear. Narrow valley roads are better handled by a smaller vehicle.

12. Spiti Valley (about 750 km to Kaza via Shimla, 7 to 8 days)

Spiti in winter is a serious high-altitude trip. The Manali to Kaza route over Kunzum Pass is closed in winter, and the Shimla, Kinnaur and Kaza route can be affected by snow and landslides. Temperatures drop far below freezing. Fuel, ATM access and medical help are limited. We recommend it only for experienced groups with flexible dates, and it should always be sold as subject to road status.

13. Varanasi (about 820 km, 3 to 4 days)

Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a sunrise boat ride, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath and the old lanes. At about 12 to 14 hours of driving each way, most groups choose train or flight for this distance, and use a tempo traveller from Varanasi onwards for local sightseeing and to Ayodhya or Prayagraj. If you do drive, use the expressway route and plan for an overnight halt in Lucknow or Kanpur. Note that the Dev Deepawali festival falls on Kartik Purnima in November, not in December.

14. Ayodhya (about 680 km, 2 days)

Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, Saryu Ghat and Kanak Bhawan. Visitor numbers are high all year, so check darshan timings, booking and security rules on the official temple trust and Uttar Pradesh tourism channels before travel. It combines well with Lucknow on the way and Varanasi after.

15. Ranthambore (about 380 km, 2 days)

Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur is open for safaris in December, which is a good month for tiger sightings. Safari tickets are limited and sell out early, and they have to be booked through the official forest department portal with ID details of each guest, so do this before confirming the trip. Mornings are cold, so carry a jacket, gloves and a scarf. Add Ranthambore Fort for a half day.

Sample December itineraries from Delhi

Which vehicle should you choose?

As a rule of thumb, book one seat size larger than your headcount if you have a lot of luggage. Hill trips in winter mean heavy jackets and bags.

Indicative tempo traveller fares in December

Important: the numbers below are indicative market estimates for a Delhi-based AC vehicle, based on a per-km rate and a daily minimum. Actual rates depend on the operator, the exact dates (Christmas and New Year can add roughly 10 to 25 percent), the route and the vehicle’s age. Please confirm a written quote before booking.

Sample trip fares at midpoint rates (before tolls, taxes and allowances)

Approximate cost per person (Shimla and Manali, 6 days)

A bigger vehicle gives the lowest cost per person only when the seats are actually filled.

What is usually extra

• Tolls and parking
• State entry tax and permits (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and others)
• Driver night halt allowance
• GST, where applicable
• Hotels, meals, safari tickets and monument entry

Always ask whether the quote is all-inclusive or not. This is where most fare disputes begin.

December travel tips

• Fog: Delhi, the Yamuna Expressway and the Rajasthan highways can have dense morning fog. Avoid very early starts and night driving.
• Snow chains: In Himachal and Uttarakhand, ask whether the vehicle carries chains and whether the driver has experience in snow.
• Peak dates: Christmas to New Year is the most expensive and crowded period. Book vehicles and hotels 3 to 4 weeks ahead.
• Documents: The vehicle must have a valid all-India tourist permit, fitness and insurance. Ask for copies before the trip. Carry an ID for every traveller, which is also needed for wildlife safaris.
• Road status: Check Manali, Kinnaur, Spiti and Auli road status a day before departure.
• Altitude: Spiti and the upper reaches of Manali can cause altitude sickness. Carry basic medicines and avoid rushing.
• Driving hours: A professional driver needs rest. Do not ask for more than about 10 to 12 hours of driving a day on hill routes.

Booking checklist

1. Confirm the vehicle type, model year and seating, since 12 seat claims can include the driver and tour leader.
2. Get the per-km rate, daily minimum km and night allowance in writing.
3. Ask what is included, particularly toll, parking, permits and GST.
4. Confirm the pickup time, drop point and what happens if the route changes.
5. Check the cancellation and refund policy for the festive dates.
6. Share the route and driver details with a family member.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best places to visit in December from Delhi by tempo traveller?

For short trips, Agra, Jaipur, Rishikesh, Haridwar and Ranthambore. For snow, Manali, Shimla and Kasol. For heritage, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer.

Is Manali safe by tempo traveller in December?

Yes, with an experienced hill driver, a well-maintained vehicle, chains were required, and flexible dates in case of snowfall or a road closure.

Is Spiti Valley open in December?

Parts of it can be reached via Shimla and Kinnaur, but the Manali route over Kunzum is closed in winter, and conditions change quickly. It is not recommended for first-time hill travellers.

Which tempo traveller is best for 12 people?

A 12 seater is the economical choice, but a 16 seater gives more luggage and leg room for the same group on long trips.

What is the difference between a tempo traveller and an Urbania?

Urbania is a newer van with a more car-like ride and better suspension, and it costs more per km. A tempo traveller is more widely available and cheaper.

How much does a tempo traveller cost from Delhi to Manali?

For a 6-day Shimla and Manali round trip, an indicative figure is about Rs 27,600 for a 12 seater to Rs 51,750 for an Urbania before tolls and allowances. Please request a current quote.

Does the quote include toll and parking?

Not always. Ask for this in writing.

Can I book a one-way drop?

Often yes, but one-way fares are usually charged on the return distance or a higher per-km rate. Confirm before booking.

Book your December tempo traveller with TaxiYatri

Tell us your dates, group size, pickup point and route, and we will recommend the right vehicle and confirm the fare before you pay. December dates fill up quickly, so enquire early.

Note: distances, fares and road conditions are indicative and change with season, route and operator. Always confirm the latest details before travelling.

Abhishek Singh

I’m a wanderer who loves venturing on to unknown and unseen places. I explore freely to various fun and adventurous places, whether it be spiritual temple tours, captivating landscapes, and more. I wonder around in search of hidden gems and tourist attractions, temples, and other places.