The fifth edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale starts on December 12 and continues till April 10 next year. Wander through the venues from 10 am to 6 pm, and sign up for the free tours every day between 11 am and 3 pm. This year’s theme is titled ‘In Our Veins flow Ink and Fire’, a show of optimism in the face of disillusionment. The coastal city is at its most vibrant this time of the year. Do a bit of vintage furniture and décor shopping in Jew Town, and don’t forget to tuck into fresh seafood at Rice Boat in Taj Malabar Resort & Spa.

The Rann of Kutch is a surreal sight in December. It’s cold, but the chills are worth braving when you glimpse the salty spread glowing blue under a full moon night. The Kutch festival takes starts in November, lasting two months into January, keeping you warm and energised through the day and night with performances, exciting food, shopping and crafts.

The Meadow of Gold as Sonmarg is called usually shuts down at the end of the month. But just before it does, it presents itself as the perfect snowy paradise. Just a few kilometres away from Sonmarg is the Thajiwas Glacier, fast becoming a popular tourist destination. Skiing, sledge rides, snowboarding—just a few of the many activities you can indulge in here.

Wayanad promises pleasant days and chilly nights. Combined with excellent food, fantastic tea and coffee and some of the best views in the Western Ghats. Hikes, picnics, wildlife safaris, adventure trails with ziplining and kayaking, and Ayurvedic massages are on the menu for your perfect December getaway.

Keep a date with a tiger at one of the country’s most beautiful and famous tiger sanctuaries—Ranthambore National Park. You can club your trip with a few days in Jaipur and then drive into the forest for a couple of days of safari rides. Being on the trail of the tiger is a thrilling prospect, and Ranthambore is densely populated, so, your chances of an encounter are high. Don’t miss a visit to the Ranthambore Fort, marked by its massive gates and walls, once the only form of defence against a dangerous jungle.