India is as diverse as any nation could ever be. Be it culturally or geographically, it also has plethora of multifarious destinations. You just have to decide where to go. Here is a list of the coolest places in India for your new year celebrations 2019 and to start-off fresh.
For beach lovers
Goa
First place that comes on to the mind when we think of partying is ‘Goa’. There is no better way to spend your New Year’s Eve than by spending it with your best buddies by the beautiful beaches of Goa. One of the busiest destinations in December, famous for it’s party places, booze, Goan food and the beach shacks. You can never go wrong with Goa as a new year destination.
Why to go- Swim and play with the waves, eat and drink to the fullest and dance like no one’s watching.
Book a hotel in Goa.
Puducherry
If Goan style parties are not your cup of tea and you are looking for a party environment with solitude, then Puducherry beaches will surely entice you. You can relax on the soft sand, party by the waters, walk along the shores, watch beautiful sunsets, go swimming, build sand castles, try the coolest water sports, and spend a romantic evening with your partner.
Why to go- To begin New Year in a peaceful way, meditate or pray at the Aurobindo Yoga Ashram, or hang out at the Beach and have beach fun or Rock and booze at the Auro beach.
Gokarna
Originally a Hindu pilgrimage center, it is now, an important tourist destination – not just as a temple town but also due to its lovely rocky beaches and hills. Around 140 kms from Goa, this place has become increasingly popular with the foreign tourists in India. Murudeshwar –the gigantic Shiva statue is worth a visit for its sheer magnificence with a lovely blue backdrop of the Arabian Sea.
Why to go- Chill out at the paradise beach sipping on some brewery or pray at the Mahabelshwar temple.
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Andaman and Nicobar islands
Andaman islands are the paragon of beauty and a landscape full with scenic and picturesque extravaganza. Be sure to quench that adventure thirst with scuba diving in the breathtaking blue waters and enjoy the exotic marine life. Don’t miss to visit the ill-reputed Andaman cellular jail and know the stories.
Why to go- Relax on the pristine sands of the beaches, taste some best sea food, explore underwaters or relax at the Jolly Buoy Islands.
For nature lovers
Shillong
Partying at the rock capital of India will be marvellous, isn’t it? Shillong is no doubt one of the lovely seven sisters to celebrate New Year. Shillong offers a perfect mix of old world and modern charm and it hosts a lot of cultural events, music festivals all year round. Put some tents on any of the sprawling meadows, visit the Sacred Forest, trail on the David Scott, get mesmerized by the Sweet falls, or gush down to see Spread Eagle falls.
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Why to go- Places to visit include Barra Bazaar, Elephant Falls, Mawlynnong, Stay in Laitumkhra, Umaim Lake, Don Bosco Museum, Shillong peak, Mawsynram and Ward’s lake and walk walk walk.
Gangtok
Gangtok (meaning “Hill Top”) is aptly named so. Gangtok is all about trekking, pilgrimage, monasteries, natural beauty and hills. Start your New year with an adventurous and serenity seeking trip. Traditional monasteries stand in perfect harmony with the city’s evolving cafe culture. Coupled with its beautiful sunset and dawn views and its clean surroundings, this small town is also called the “Switzerland of the East”. Now, imagine spending the eve of New Year in a place with such beauty.
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Why to go- Literally a perfect place to Eat, Pray and Love. Do Monastery hopping, trek to the Kanchenjunga or climb mountains. Major attractions in Gangtok include the Tsomgo Lake, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Pemayangtse Monastery, Saramsa Garden, Banjhakri falls and park, Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir etc. If you want to add a little adventure, you can hike up Nathu La and Zero Point Yumesamdong.
Kohima, Nagaland
The capital city of Nagaland, Kohima has a spellbinding ambience and cool weather during winters. This charming hill capital is where the famous Hornbill Festival takes place. So, if you are looking forward to attending this cultural affair then December is the month for you.
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Why to go- Spend a serene time with your loved ones in the cozy green hills of Kohima. Major attractions here include the Catholic Cathedral at Aradura Hill, World War II Cemetery, the Nagaland State Museum, and the Zoological Park. Apart from sightseeing in Kohima, you can also attempt a trek with your family to the Dzukou Valley.
Allapuzah
Want to see Venice in India, head to Allappuzha. This beautiful place in Kerala is the threshold of lagoons, backwaters, beaches and coconut palms and is best known for its houseboat cruises along the rustic backwaters of Kerala.
Why to Go: Coast along the silvery waves of the Arabian sea, under the blurry shadows of the palm fringes in a cozy houseboat, and revel in peaceful strolls along with your spouse along the sandy beaches. Immerse yourself in the serene country life of the Pallipuram village, interact with nature’s marvels at the Kumarakom bird sanctuary and be ready for a stress-free new year.
Kodaikanal
This Tamil Nadu charming hill station Kodaikanal is one of the best places to celebrate this New Year in India. Kodaikanal speaks of coffee plantation, hills and natural beauty; experience this pleasure by celebrating this New Year there.
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Why to go- Enjoy the fullest from this princess of hill station by getting drenched in the Thailayar falls, drink some fresh coffee, trek in the exquisite locations, offer prayers at the Karthikeya temple, or go to the extreme danger spot at the Devil’s Kitchen.
Udaipur
Udaipur, the City of Lakes, has a rustic charisma and something magnetic about it! Apart from the lakes, tourists are here for -the charm of its palaces, its lanes, its tradition & culture, golden sand dunes and the desert! Start your day one of 2019 with some fine touches of royalty.
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Why to go- Gaze at the Lake Palace for a while, do handicraft shopping, touch the Aravalli hills, touch the Peak of Bansdara Mountain, or play with cars at the vintage car museum, explore the Haldhigatti caves, enjoy sunset at the Pichola Lake, and to top it all, wrap your evening with a special Rajasthani Thali.
Mumbai
The heart of India is in Mumbai, visit this never sleeping city, ‘New York of India’. Begin your New Year watching the sea and the skyscrapers where man-made beauty meets the natural beauty. Mumbai is one of the best places to celebrate this New Year with its wonderful skyline.
Why to go-Light up the crackers near the Gateway of India, sip some coffee at Nariman point, enjoy the beach view at midnight, linger to the taste of fine foods or do some shopping at the local markets.
Book a flight to Mumbai.
New Delhi
Eat some Mughlai, south or north Indian foods, shop tonnes for low price at the Connaught Place, or open your spiritual year by opening it at Red Fort or Parliament house, or eat multiple cuisines from all over the world, Delhi has everything that you want.
Why to go –New Delhi, the capital city of India is the hub for party animals.
Kasol
Frequented by tourists and hippies, Kasol has everything from Reggae Bars to Internet Cafes. This paradise of Himachal Pradesh provides tourists with whatever they need. From trekking to hippies to the Hills, everything is so mesmerising. So, stop your search here.
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Why to go– Pump some adrenaline with trekking, river rafting, trout fishing, or tour to Manikaran, experience the hippie culture at Tosh, or visit the village in disguise or simply party around the mountains and enjoy the scenic beauty. Kasol is, without the shred of a doubt perfect destination for new year celebrations amidst high slopes.
Manali
Known for outdoor activities, it isn’t hard to find something to do every day in Manali. Like enjoying the views of the Beas from Old Manali, visiting the temples of Vashist and its therapeutic hot springs, and driving to Solang Valley for Zorbing or Paragliding. Manali is the best place to enjoy your New Year regardless what you do.
Why to go– Experience the snow fall, engage in plenty of adventure sports like trekking, zorbing, horse riding, skiing, paragliding, and white river rafting. Don’t forget to start your New Year by taking the Manali-Leh highway ride.
I would not be surprised if you are already looking up for your trip after reading this list of things to do. Pick any of these options and you’re all set to with your new year celebrations.
