7 Places for Christmas in July in India

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Christmas in July is an alien concept in India and probably to many countries in the Northern Hemisphere. In India, we associate Christmas with the end of the year, winter vibes and plenty of holidays.

Hence, it is likely that many who read my travel posts will click this post out of sheer curiosity and not because they’re in a Christmas mood. However, it is fun to write on topics that most travel bloggers skip.

What is Christmas in July?

For those who are unaware of what is Christmas in July let me explain that this is also known as Christmas in Summer. It is about celebrating Christmas on July 25 and it is usually associated with those who live in the Southern Hemisphere.

Countries in the Southern Hemisphere like Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Brazil generally prefer to celebrate Midwinter Christmas events. This is because during this time they experience annual winter.

Of course, I do not live in any of those four countries mentioned above. However, this post is a participation in the Christmas in July blog event by Teagan Geneviene. The idea behind the event is to spread some positive vibes when most of India would be soaking wet in the monsoon weather.

While I usually write about Christmas cake shops in Mumbai and popular local markets for Christmas shopping in Mumbai this time I’m focusing on something different. Since this post is all about making the most of July let me take you to places where you can still enjoy some Christmassy vibes.

Note: July is the wettest month for most states in India, so always keep track of the weather before you make plans.

Here are 7 destinations in India for celebrating Christmas in July.

Pahalgam, Kashmir

One of the best places where you can head to celebrate Christmas-like holidays in July is Pahalgam. This remains one of the favourite destinations in India. While there might be showers in Pahalgam you will still find plenty of time and space to enjoy some comfortable Christmas holidays. The temperatures here would range from 12 to 25 degrees Celsius (54F to 77F).

Also, one of the benefits of visiting Pahalgam at this time of the year is that there are fewer tourists. This means you can grab some excellent accommodation discounts. Aru Valley remains one of the most visited places in Pahalgam. You can find excellent hotels and resorts close to the valley and enjoy some relaxing holidays.

Auli, Uttarakhand

If you are looking for a great destination where you can unwind and relax you can head to Auli. This is one of the places where you might experience moderate rainfall during July. However, these showers might not be heavy enough to interrupt your holiday spirit. Hence, you can always look out for Auli as one of your destinations.

While Uttarakhand has a bad reputation for bad roads and other nature-made situations, you can double-check the weather before you pack your bags. With stunning views of the mountains, you can have a great time enjoying time with your friends and family.

Panaji, Goa

Goa is known for its beaches. However, during July most of the beaches in Goa would not be as sunny and sandy as you would wish. With torrential rains pouring down, you would want to explore the other side of the Goa. Panaji is the capital of Goa and if you prefer to enjoy monsoons this is where you should head. With plenty of churches around, you can enjoy the Christmassy spirit and attend mass.

Some of the popular churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of Our Lady of the Mount, and Mae De Deus Church are some you can visit. On the other hand, you can explore local markets and savour the delicious Goan cuisine.

Leh, Ladakh

For many, Christmas is all about heading outdoors with family and friends. If you are seeking adventure you can head to Leh. This is the peak tourist season in Leh and therefore it is likely that you will find more tourists here than any of the locations on this list.

Leh during July is ideal for nature lovers, newlyweds, adventure enthusiasts and even motorbike lovers. With temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius (50F to 77F) you can enjoy the open valleys and endless roads in Leh. While the landscape might look barren for a Christmas in July situation you can still have a great holiday experience here.

Gulmarg, Kashmir

One of the popular hill stations in Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg (Meadow of Flowers) is a great choice for those who want to enjoy some snow in July. With pristine Himalayan peaks and serene landscapes, you can have a great Christmas in July celebrations here. Enjoy the uninterrupted views of the thick timbers, rolling meadows and snowy peaks in the distance. Gulmarg also remains one of the top honeymoon destinations in India.

The temperature in Gulmarg ranges from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68F to 77F) which is ideal for outdoor activities. You will likely experience gentle showers occasionally but nothing that can break your Christmas spirit. The only challenge you might experience is reaching Gulmarg as the road might not be as smooth as you expect after a downpour. However, once you are here you can have a great time in Gulmarg.

Sonamarg, Kashmir

Four hours drive east of Gulmarg lies Sonamarg (Meadow of Gold) which is another popular destination for enjoying Christmas celebrations in July. Not many know that Sonamarg was one of the important stops on the ancient Silk Route. In July the weather is relatively pleasant and you can have a great time here.

If you prefer outdoor activities you can indulge in some like horse riding, pony riding, trekking and camping. With not many tourists around you can find some excellent accommodations that would only make your holiday experiences better.

Manali, Himachal Pradesh

If you are not looking for more outdoor activities but enjoy the lush greenery and misty environment you can head to Manali. This is where you would experience moderate rainfall but that should not bother you much. You will likely get to see plenty of rainbows around as the weather keeps turning from cloudy to sunny.

Manali also has excellent accommodations and during July with not many tourists around you can grab some great offers. This would help you cut down your Christmas in July budget and still enjoy the lovely weather. You can walk the local markets and enjoy shopping souvenirs and local handicrafts.

Conclusion

Being entirely in the Northern Hemisphere the Christmas in July concept is not known in India. However, you can still find places in India that can offer you a Christmassy vibe. Most of these places are located in north India near the Himalayas. Hence, they can offer you that snowy mountainous landscape that can evoke Christmas spirit and some holiday experiences. However, if you are visiting Mumbai in July you can try these ways to celebrate Christmas in Mumbai and not let the rains bother you.