India is home to some of the most beautiful
and fun places in the world. So when it’s time for New Year’s eve, one can
choose from a plethora of destinations to visit and have a great time. PirateCompass presents to you a list of some of the best New Year Destinations in India.
For the Beach Lovers
1) Goa
Good for: Beach, Parties, Sunburn Festival, Seafood,
Cheap booze, Carnivals
With the cheap booze and beach shacks every few metres, Goa is an ideal place for a vacation around New Years.
If that’s not enough, Goa is also blessed with a wide range of biodiversity
from sea-eagles to water buffaloes. Add the luxurious hotels, the umpteen food
choices and the numerous party
places to the
list - you now have the best places to celebrate New year
2016, or any New year for that matter.
2) Puducherry
Good for: Beach, French colony, Peaceful Ashrams,
Cafes, Cheap booze
The Union Territory, lending cultural and architectural elements
from its French lineage, is still very much Indian at heart. The quaint town,
also host to the “Aurobindo Yoga Ashram”, is a good place for self reflection.
The variety of restaurants, the steak and wine, just add to its natural
alluring and create the perfect destination for a laid-back but fun New Year Celebration.
3) Gokarna, Karnataka
Good for: Beach, Secluded, Peaceful, Religious, Cheap
accommodation
Situated on the coasts of Karnataka, Gokarna lives
a dual life. Famous for being a Hindu pilgrimage centre, home to Lord
Mahabhaleshwara, it is a also a beach-lover’s paradise. This place is highly
recommended if you want to celebrate
the New year with
a group of close friends without much interference. Given the lack of
commercialization, early booking is advised.To know more you may read this Gokarna Travelogue.
4. Andaman and
Nicobar Islands
Good for: Beaches, Resorts, Peaceful
The Andaman
and Nicobar islands are
easily one of the best new
year destinations in India. The otherwise really peaceful,
serene and calm atmosphere of the place is transformed into one which includes
crazy parties on yachts, resorts and beaches. Add to it the pristine white sand
beaches and the clean natural surrounding areas, this place becomes the ideal
new year getaway for everyone. Apart from the usual beaches and water sports
activities, there are other tourist spots too one can visit while here.
However, due to the increased popularity of this place, early reservations are
definitely recommended.
5.
Lakshwadeep
Good for: Beaches, Serene, Romantic, Coral reefs
Not as commercialized as the Andamans and a shade too beautiful as
well, Lakshwadeep is emerging as one of the new year destinations in India.
Only 10 out of the 36 islands are habited and that too the population not being
a lot. This makes it a perfect place to spend the new year with your
significant other. The major attraction are the coral reefs which are an
underwater paradise for people interested in scuba diving and snorkelling.
For the Cool Minded
6. Gangtok, Sikkim
Good for: Hills, Trekking, Natural Beauty, Buddhism
Situated at an altitude of 5410 feet, Gangtok (meaning “Hill Top”) is aptly
named so. Coupled with its beautiful sunset and dawn views and its clean
surroundings, this small town is also called the “Switzerland of the East”.
Trekkers and mountain lovers, do look out for Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest
peak in the world. Now, imagine spending the eve of New
Year in a place with such beauty.
7. McLeodganj, Himachal
Pradesh
Good for: Hills, Trekking, Religious
The headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile, McLeodganj boasts some amazing sightseeing
places, food cafés and unique Tibetan souvenirs. A mix of cultures, Mcleodganj is
the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama and famous of the Bhagsunath temple. Shiva
cafe, a small trek near the temple is recommended. Mcleodganj is one of the
best new year destinations in India if you are looking to welcome the New
Year in a peaceful place with a different
culture and amazing scenery all around.
8. Manali, Himachal
Pradesh
Good for: Hills, Adventure Sports, Hippies
Manali is the Indian favorite for witnessing
snowfalls and skiing. Full of pine trees, fruit orchids and hippies, it’s an ideal place to celebrate new year in
India for those who want to end their year
on a high, both
literally and figuratively. Take a ride on the Manali-Leh highway or visit the
choicest little winter destinations nearby. The natural beauty of this place is
sure to liven up your spirits as the year ends.
9. Kasol,
Himachal Pradesh
Good for: Hills, Hippiness, Trekking
A small, quaint and cosy escapade in the scenic hills of the
Himachal, Kasol gives you the best of both worlds. Parvati Valley, located here is one of
the most beautiful destinations not only in India, but in the world. It would
obviously be very cold here during New Year, but the great time you’ll spend
here partying and breathing in the fresh mountain air and enjoying the scenic
beauty, is bound to make you forget about the chill. With its crazy party
scenes and beautiful natural scenery, this is the place to be during New Year’s eve.
10. Kodaikanal,
Tamil Nadu
Good for: Hills, Natural Beauty, Coffee
Here’s one from the South! A charming hill station located in
Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is often referred to as the “Princess of hill stations” and is a popular honeymoon and
holiday destination in the South. The cool and misty climate, waterfalls,
the lush green hills and forests make it look like something straight out of a
fairy tale! One must definitely visit this place during New Year, be it with
family or friends. I’m sure you’re in for an amazing time here! Psst, don’t
forget to try some of their amazing coffee.
For the City
Explorers
11. Mumbai, Maharashtra -
The Maximum City
Good for: Beaches, Nightlife, Religious, Fine dining,
Historic, Shopping
The city of dreams, which hosts everyone and everything, from rags
to riches, from beaches to high rise, from slums to bunglaws, from street
vada-pao to luxurious 7-stars, Mumbai is
the amalgamation of Indian culture and people. With many beaches and historical
places to explore and clubs ready to give you a dazzling start to your new year – Mumbai caters to you the way you would like
it to.
12. New Delhi -
The Centre of Everything in India
Good for: Historic,
Religious, Party, Food, Shopping
Being the nation’s capital, New Delhi is
full of historical places and museums. With its amazing performing arts
scene, it is an artistic heaven but if food or shopping is your idea of
fun, Delhi should be at the top of you list as well. With Mughlai to South
Indian to Continental food and from Rajasthani Handicraft to Madhubani
paintings to cheap Chinese electronics, Delhi has it all. This city makes for a
colorful new
year celebration.
13. Bangalore, Karnataka
Good for: Nature, Wildlife, Historical, Shopping
The silicon valley of India, Bangalore, is not just the Mecca for the IT
crowd but also a tourist magnet. Head here on the occasion of new
year for a
an eclectic celebration. The moderate climate, large green gardens and open
spaces give it a positive and healthy aura all the year round. The youthful
energy shows all around, especially if you are into shopping. A stroll on MG
road and partaking in the city’s restaurant culture is definitely recommended.
