Sorry – I only know Goa

I would recommend Rajasthan. You’d need to check the temperatures over Christmas, but it’s the desert and very warm, so I think it would be warm there. Jaipur and Jodhpur are both historic and very interesting. And I highly, highly recommend Udaipur. It is my VERY favorite place in all of India. It’s absolutely beautiful and charming. I don’t think you could go wrong there. We stayed at the Udai Kothi for $45 a night and it was a beautiful palace with a rooftop pool and restaurant. However, there are cheaper places that are still really great.

i’ve only been to bangalore (south / central) and the weather should be warm enough for you (25C). i haven’t been in a year, but there is usually plenty to do (even with a new law in place that cut down on danceclub hours…not sure if still in use). although bangalore has plenty of young people (technological center) and i’ve had a great time there, i’ve only been there for work and am not sure if i’d choose it as a cheaper vacation destination.

Anything above the Tropic of Capricorn is considered to be a cold place during Indian Winters. As you don’t want to go to a cold place – Himalayas are obviously ruled out. If you can survive warm days with nigh temperatures around 5-6 degrees celcius, then you would be able to visit most of India – except ofcourse the hilly regions. Thus you would be abke to see the beautiful Taj Mahal or the splendid Golden Temple.
But if you want to be in a more warmer place – I would recommend a tour of Southern India. You could visit the temples, small hill stations like Ooty or backwaters in Kerala.
If you wish to celebrate christmas – either go to Goa or to Pondicherry. Pondicherry was a french territory till 1963 and French influence on its architecture still exists to a remarkable extent.
Other than these – the options left would be a visit to Andaman or Lakhwadeep Islands.
In any case have a happy stay in India :)

if you like some nice beaches try om beach area in karnataka

I have been in India in late January – early February, and mostly in the south (Pondicherry, Chennai, Bangalore). It’s very warm there. I was in Kolkata for a few days, and it was noticeably cooler there. Pune and Mumbai were also quite warm.

My top recommendation for a quiet relaxing place is one of the lodges set up by http://www.junglelodges.com/. I have been to the Devbagh resort, which is maybe the only beach resort they have, the others are more proper “jungle” resorts. It was wonderful! Not touristy at all, but very relaxing, clean, and well maintained.

Of course, one of the reasons to go to India is to experience the culture, which you will not see much of at a resort like this. So I suggest travelling around, visiting cities and villages, and then spending several days at a resort.

have you thought about Hampi in Northern Karnataka?

http://www.hobotraveler.com/138hampi.shtml

http://www.indiaplaces.com/india-monuments/karnataka-hampi.html

Stay on the far side of the river, there are some gorgeous places on that side. From memory, though I can’t remember the name of the place, the last one along on the left side is a great place to stay.

I loved Hampi and sorely wished I had time to stay longer there. It’s one of those places in India where you can relax and get away from the craziness.

good luck!

First, I want to say you are awesome for reaching your goal of going to India!
I went up north and had a great experience, but it won’t be too warm. Simla, Kulu-Manali, Daramsala. It was already cold in November there. Goa was great, but I went during low season, so I guess you are trying to avoid tourists by not going now. I think you will always be able to find cheap accomodation in India, it just depends on what type of conditions you can tolerate. Varanasi and Khajuraho are certainly worth visiting. As for Delhi, Jama Masjid is cool, and any of the markets- Connaught Place, Chundi Chuck. The forts are cool too. The whole country just amazes me actually.
Always have ear plugs on hand! Have great trip TorbenA! I hope you don’t get a belly ache. :)

I survived the tsunami by changing my travel plans and instead of spending it in a beach front hotel in Pondicherry, stayed with contacts in Kerala. Spent the 26th in Madurai, which I’d high recommend, along with other hill towns in the area. Still, Pondicherry might be a nice place. The Kerala coast and backwaters too. Anywhere south!

Kerala on the beach is nice.

Thanx everyone for your answers
I think i’ll be able to find a nice place by what you’ve told me
!
Today I leave for India – in exaxtly 10 hours and 55 minutes :)

love love love :))

COCHIN COCHIN COCHIN you will love it, no where near as touristy as Goa

this is probably too late. sorry!