Hello Folks! 2018 is not far away and it will be time for you to bid adieu to 2017 and welcome the New Year with love, warmth and joy. On the occasion of New Year, there’s no better way to celebrate New Year by heading to new and interesting destinations to take a break from the monotonous life and reunite with your friends and loved ones. So here’s how you can plan your perfect New Year getaway as we bring to you these awesome New Year destinations in India.

1. UDAIPUR – Celebrate New Year in the City of Lakes

 

Udaipur, popularly known as the City of Lakes and the Kashmir of Rajasthan, is an ideal vacation spot to visit with your beloved. Not only lakes, this city lets you discover the royal grandeur of Rajasthan through its forts, palaces and temples.

Attractions – City palace, Pichola lake, Fateh Sagar Lake, Saheliyon ki Bari, Jaisamand Lake, Eklingji temple and Jag Mandir palace

Things to do –

1. Take a tour of City Palace and its complex
2. Buy exquisite hand-crafted items from the bazaars of Udaipur
3. Witness the amazing vintage cars collection of the King of Udaipur
4. Take a spectacular boat ride at Pichola Lake
5. Savor Rajasthani food delicacies to satiate your taste buds

2. JAISALMER – Golden Splendor of Rajasthan

 

The 12th century city of Jaisalmer, also known as the Golden city of Rajasthan, is famous for its forts, palaces, temples and havelis cladded with golden yellow sandstone and its rippling golden sand dunes. For an unforgettable camel safari, Jaisalmer is the best place in India. Spending your New Year eve enjoying a spectacular camel safari through the desert villages and at night, relishing the traditional Rajasthani cuisine, gazing at the starry night amidst the chill of the desert and dozing off in a desert camp, is definitely a perfect start to 2018.

Attractions – Jaisalmer fort, Khuri and Sam sand dunes, Gadisar Lake etc.

Things to do –

1. Take a camel safari in the Thar Desert
2. Take a boat ride at the Gadisar Lake – most beautiful lake of Jaisalmer
3. Explore the historical forts like the Jaisalmer Fort and Havelis – Patwaon ki Haveli and Salim Singh ki Haveli etc. of Jaisalmer.
4. Savor Rajashtani food delicacies Dal Bati Churma, Rajasthani Kadi, Masala Raita, Kachori, etc.

3. MCLEOD GANJ – A snowy celebration amidst the snow-clad Himalayas

 

A new year trip to McLeod Ganj is a different experience for those who prefer peace over the thrill and noise of new year parties. Home to His Holiness Dalai Lama, this tranquil city is located just 10 km from Dharamashala in Himachal Pradesh. Nestled amidst the Dhauladhar mountain ranges and pristine nature, this town is culturally blessed by Tibetan Buddhism as it boasts the Namgyal Monastery and Tsuglagkhang – where the Dalai Lama resides.

Attractions – Bhagsunath temple, Chamundi Devi temple, Tea gardens, Namgyal monastery, Norbulingka Institute, HPCA Cricket Stadium (highest altitude cricket stadium in the world; 4,780 ft above sea level) and Dhauladhar ranges.

Things to do –

1. Spend time at St. John’s Church.
2. Take a challenging trek to Triund.
3. Witness the magnificent Buddha statue at the Namgyal Monastery.
4. Stroll through the tea gardens of Dharamshala.
5. Interact with the local Buddhist monks and learn more about Buddhist Culture.
6. Savor palatable delights at the Italian and Tibetan cuisine cafes here.

4. KERALA – Welcome New Year in the backwaters of the God’s Own Country

 

Kerala, known as God’s Own Country, is one of the most happening New Year destinations in India. Here, you get a chance to celebrate New Year and Xmas amidst the beautiful backwaters of Kerala. These backwaters are the biggest tourist draw from around the world. A houseboat ride on these backwaters is a unique New Year experience. This city observes a 500-year old tradition of burning the statue of Pappanji (a giant statue of Santa) to mark the end of Christmas and New Year festivities in the city of Kochi located in the southwestern coastline of Kerala. Also, the Cochin Carnival hosted in the last few days of December, is one of the main highlights here. This carnival ends with a mass procession led by decorated elephants, accompanied with South Indian dance performances, music and drum beats.

Attractions – Munnar, Alleppey, Kumarakom, Thekkady, Kochi, Varkala and Kovalam beach, etc.

Things to do –

1. Take a spice plantation tour in Munnar.
2. Sunset visit to the tea plantations in Munnar.
3. Houseboat ride on the backwaters of Alleppey .
4. Take a Jeep safari in Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
5. Explore the historical fort complex of Kochi.
6. Relax at the Kovalam beach.
7. Feed and bathe the elephants and go for an Elephant Safari in Kodanad.
8. Spot the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Mountain Goat) at Eravikulam National Park.

5. GOA – the Beach paradise of India

 

With booze and beach shacks every few metres, Goa is an ultimate destination to begin your New Year. Blessed with pristine beaches, ancient Churches, warm-hearted people, luxurious cottages, umpteen seafood, and infinite party places, there is nothing better than Goa to make your New Year unforgettable.

Attractions – Anjuna Beach, Candolim beach, Club Cabana, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se cathedral etc.

Things to do –

1. Go for Dolphin Safari.
2. Explore the beautiful Portuguese-inspired Churches of Goa.
3. Water sports on the beaches of Goa.
4. Take a Spice plantation tour.
5. Spend your night at an off-shore casino.
6. Eat, drink and dance to the fullest at popular beach parties in Goa.

6. PONDICHERRY – Welcome New Year in the French Style

 

This quaint town is an ideal vacation for those looking for peace and tranquility. The renowned “Aurobindo Yoga Ashram” here is a great idea for self reflection. With its abundance of beaches and sea shores, Puducherry is counted among best places to visit India on New Year. It is not only a favored party spot but also a spiritual solace for spiritually-inclined people and meditation lovers.

Attractions – Aurobindo Yoga Ashram, Paradise beach, Seaside Promenade, The Basilica of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Serenity beach, Auro beach etc.

Things to do –

1. Watch sunrise from the vast expanse of Bay of Bengal.
2. Do a Meditation session at the Aurobindo Ashram.
3. Take a boat ride to the Paradise Beach.
4. Enjoy bird watching at Ousteri Lake.
5. Go on an underwater date with the vibrant corals.
6. Explore this French-styled city on a Bicycle.
7. Pamper your taste buds with authentic French cuisine.

7. KODAGU (COORG) – Lesser Unexplored Nature’s Paradise 

Coorg, located in southwestern side of Karnataka, India, is famously called the Scotland of India. The spice plantations and natural beauty of this place, offers perfect setting to celebrate New year with your loved ones. Covered with stunning greenery, picturesque waterfalls and aromatic tea and coffee plantations, it is a splendid place that you would love exploring this New Year.

Attractions – Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Madikeri Fort, Mallali Falls, Omkareshwara Temple, Namdroling monastery, Nagarhole National Park and the list is endless…

Things to do –

1. Shop the world’s best coffee – Coffee Arabica and Robusta, honey and spices, oranges, homemade chocolates and wines here.
2. Do white river rafting at Barapole River.
3. Make a visit to the spectacular Bylakuppe, a Tibetan Monastery, known as the Golden Temple of Coorg.
4. Take a jungle trek to the dense forests of Coorg.
5. Enjoy breathtaking sunset views at the Raja’s Seat (Seat of the King).
6. Take a relaxing Ayurvedic spa session amidst the natural settings of Coorg.

8. MUMBAI – The city that never sleeps as it parties all night

 

The city of Mumbai is a visual delight for everyone as it boasts some of the most impressive colonial structures. The people of Mumbai abide by the mantra of no sleep and dance all night and they love to celebrate every festival with great fervour.

Attractions – The Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, Chatrapathi Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (Prince of Wales Museum), Juhu and Chowpatty Beach, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Marine Drive, Bollyood Film City and many more.

Things to do –

1. Take a ferry ride to the Elephanta Caves.
2. Enjoy Sunset views at the Marine Drive.
3. Stroll through the local markets and savor various street food delicacies.
4. Watch a live play at the Prithvi theatre.
5. Click photographs at the Gateway of India.
6. Travel by the legendary local trains of Mumbai.

9. DELHI – The Godfather of New Year celebrations in India

 

This beautiful capital city of India will be like a crazy place for the party lovers especially during New Year. Be it any festival, occasion or event, the people of Delhi celebrate leave no stone unturned and same goes for New Year! You can shop, eat enjoy street shopping, roam, party and actually do whatever you want. ust like the last year, Delhi observes grand celebrations at finest luxury hotels, live music performances at city’s amazing pubs, lounges and a plethora of top-notch DJs playing peppy music tracks all night.

 

Attractions – Qutab Minar, Red Fort, India Gate, Akshardham Temple, Humayun Tomb, Lotus Temple, Chandni Chowk, etc.

 

Things to do –

1. Taste Mughlai Food at local food outlets in Chandni Chowk.
2. Go shop-hopping at Dariba Kalan famous for its antique gold, silver and semi-precious jewellery.
3. Take a rickshaw ride to witness the local life of Old Delhi.
4. Excursion to Khari Baoli – Asia’s largest wholesale spice market.
5. Soak in the soulful sounds of Qawwalis sung by Sufi saints at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah.
6. Behold the architecture brilliance of the Jama Masjid – largest mosque in India.
7. Go for an early morning cycle tour covering the prime heritage attractions of Delhi.
8. Relax at the Kunzum Travel cafe and interact with other like-minded travelers, share your travel stories, learn more travel ideas and buy travel books.
9. Watch fireworks display in different corners of the city

11. RANN OF KUTCH – The white salt desert

Rann of Kutch is a wide expanse of white sand desert where the Rann Utsav Festival is held every year. This festival begins almost a week before Christmas and ends in the last few days of February month. This 3-4 months carnival is an exquisite manifestation of the indigenous culture and ethnic flavours of Gujarat through creative displays of local craftsmen, assorted folk music and performances, representation of culture and communities etc. In short, this celebratory fest is a great way to experience the true essence of Gujarat.

Rann Utsav Festival 2018 Date: 1st November 2017 to 20th February 2018

Places to visit – Mandvi Beach, Dholavira, Kutch Museum, Narayan Sarovar, Prag Mahal, Bhadreshwar Jain Temple, Siyot Caves and many more.

Things to Do –

1. Take a camel ride amidst the white desert of Rann of Kutch
2. Glance upon the ancient Kutchi scripts and the wide collection of coins at the Kutch Museum
3. Soak in the royalty of the Prag Mahal and the Aina Mahal
4. Explore the most famous shooting location of Kutch – the Vijay Vilas Palace
5. Travel back to the time of one of the oldest civilizations of India at Dholavira
6. Go for an excursion to the Dhordo and Hodka villages to see and learn more about Kutch handicraft and how it is made.
7. Stay in mud house, locally known as Bhunga, for a night.

Closing Thoughts

New Year is undoubtedly the most celebrated day all over the world in a year and to make it more special, a visit to any of the above destinations will make your New Year 2018 a lifetime moment.