The word 'Christmas' is synonymous with celebration. It is about heading out and enjoying yourself in the company of your loved ones. In keeping with the spirit of Christmas, we decided to list out some destinations for you that'd make for a mighty good time this Christmas.
1. Pondicherry- For traveling purposes, Pondicherry is like pizza- perfect for all occasions.
The weather is great, the beaches are scenic and the people, interesting. Though it's good to go all year round, Pondicherry comes alive on Christmas. As the festival closes in, the city's rich architecture is lit up, along with the rest of the city. Pondicherry, fondly called 'little France', makes good use of its French lineage, with glorious French cuisine, and a devout Christmas tradition amongst its people.
The churches here are perfect to experience authentic Christmas celebrations. The Church of Immaculate Conception and the Sacred Hearts Church are stunningly decked out, hosting many church-goers to the mass and exhibitions of the birth and life of Jesus. For some offbeat fun, head to the Gandhi beach or the Aurobindo Ashram, and unwind amidst the revelry with a pint or five. Who's counting?
2. Old Manali- 'White Christmas' isn't just an adage, it's a living reality if you visit Manali now.
The mercury dips to zero and below, and it snows like a ritual during the Christmas days. You can feel the chilly wind on your face (and fingertips) and play with the snow will remind you Christmas like you see in movies. You'll see a deluge of tourists here, and being the cultural potpourri it is, you can celebrate the festival in several ways. Visit the several cafes and restaurants, and enjoy live music performances. You can also visit the local churches and celebrate with the locals.
3. Ranthambore - Festivals are like people- each unique in their way.
And we all have different ways to celebrate them. If you're the type who looks for every chance of a quick getaway, this is the perfect time to consider Ranthambore for a Christmas escape. Ranthambore National Park boasts of the highest number of tiger sightings in India. And even if that's not high on your agenda, just the prospect of lounging amidst wilderness in a plush jungle camp should be lucrative enough. There's authentic Rajasthani cuisine and country life to explore, and the bare natural beauty is exemplary. The wildlife here is diverse- leopards, hyenas, black bucks, jackals, grizzly bears, etc. And December is just right weather-wise for the wildlife safaris too.
4. Shillong- Shillong promises unobstructed natural beauty and exciting, vibrant culture.
Its relative obscurity as a tourist destination doesn't harm either. With regal churches and many Christians, the place is a must-go for people looking to witness Christmas celebrations. The Cathedral Church is a century old and has a rich tradition of celebrating the festival. Besides that, the All-Saints Cathedral is also a good place to observe the mass and partake in the festivities. Being a hotbed for musical talent, one can also see many bands playing gospel and rock music during the festival.
5. Kolkata- Speaking of Christmas, one cannot miss Kolkata, with its lip-smacking food and pompous celebrations.
Kolkata is a foodie's paradise, and a cultural hub, and you can see that all through the city during the festival. The Park Street, a major attraction, is made up like a bride, and it hosts a two-week long Christmas Carnival. The State Government, along with local hospitality establishments, organise the Carnival to help the visitors celebrate. One can expect several food stalls, live music, church celebrations, bright lights, among others.
6. Varkala- If you haven't heard, Varkala is the 'next Goa'.
With breezy beaches, a truckload of interesting architecture, and an exciting nightlife, the place attracts a lot of foreign travelers. Though it is always good for a quiet getaway, the particularly pleasant weather during winters and the heightened party scenes make it a compelling choice as a unique destination to visit. There are extensive and varied Christmas celebrations, what with its curious merger of cultures. The beaches, the rolling hills, the Ayurvedic retreats and the ample partying is why Varkala should be on your radar.
7. Old Goa- No list extolling of Christmas destinations is complete without mentioning Goa.
A bonafide international party destination, what most people miss about Goa is the cultural depth this place has to offer. Owing to its Portuguese heritage, Old Goa boasts of some of the most culturally rich Churches and related architecture in India. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the remains of St. Xavier, hosts a traditional mass which sees a massive number of attendees who come for the tradition and stay for the food and the cultural shows. If you're in the mood for a more flamboyant Christmas, head to a few of the many beaches here which see wild celebrations. We recommend the Arambol beach, for its relatively uncertain status, the view of the Sea besides the hill, and the shacks which see a fantastic crowd.
