Best Places To Celebrate New Years In India

Known For : Calangute Beach Basilica of Bom Jesus Water Sports in Goa

For Beach Lovers 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 years in India.

Best Time: October to March

View packages starting from ₹ 4,100

Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Seaside Promenade

For Beach Lovers 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 making Pondicherry one of the best places to celebrate new years in India.

Best Time: October to March

View packages starting from ₹ 6,768

Known For : Om Beach Water Sports in Gokarna Mahabaleshwara Temple

For Beach Lovers 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 also a beach-lover’s paradise. This is the best place to celebrate the new year in India if you want enjoy 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.

Best Time: Throughout the year

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Known For : Scuba Diving In Andaman Havelock Island Radhanagar Beach

For Beach Lovers 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.

Best Time: October to Jun

View packages starting from ₹ 8,850

Known For : Minicoy Island Agatti Islands Bangaram Island

For Beach Lovers Good for: Beaches, Serene, Romantic, Coral reefs Not as commercialized as the Andamans and a shade too beautiful as well, Lakshadweep 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 attractions the coral reefs which are an underwater paradise for people interested in scuba diving and snorkelling.

Best Time: September to May

Known For : Nathu La Pass MG Road, Gangtok Rumtek Monastery

For the cool minded 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.

Best Time: Throughout the year

View packages starting from ₹ 11,934

Known For : Bhagsu Falls Namgyal Monastery Tsuglagkhang Complex

For the cool minded 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.

Best Time: October to June

View packages starting from ₹ 10,000

Known For : Solang Valley Rohtang Pass Adventure Activities in Manali

For the cool minded Good for: Hills, Adventure Sports, Hippies Manali is the Indian favourite for witnessing snowfalls and skiing. Full of pine trees, fruit orchids and hippies, it’s an ideal place to celebrate the 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.

Best Time: October to June

View packages starting from ₹ 6,250

Known For : Kheerganga Trek Trekking in Kasol Tosh

For the cool minded Good for: Hills, Happiness, 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.

Best Time: October to June

View packages starting from ₹ 6,500

Known For : Green Valley View (Suicide Point) Kodai Lake Bear Shola Falls

For the cool minded 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 fairytale! 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.

Best Time: September to May

Known For : Lake Pichola City Palace, Udaipur Sajjangarh Palace

For the Lovers Good for: Lakes Palaces, Historical Also known as the “City of Lakes”, Udaipur is famous for its Rajputana Palaces, handicraft market and diverse wildlife. A romantic heaven, the climate and surroundings of Udaipur have given it the informal title of the “Kashmir of Rajasthan”. Visit the place around new year’s eve if you want to be treated like royalty.

Best Time: October to March

View packages starting from ₹ 5,228

Known For : Abbey Falls Talacauvery Golden Temple (Namdroling Monastery)

For the Lovers Good for: Hills, Wildlife, Buddhism, Trekking The Kodagu region, also known as Coorg, is famous because of its cool climate throughout the year and picturesque surroundings. The tea gardens and the coffee and spice plantations, just add to the beauty of the place. One of the best places to celebrate the new year against a scenic backdrop. A popular hangout spot for the Bangalore IT crowd, Kodagu is also famous amongst the birdwatchers and backpackers.

Best Time: October to March

Known For : Houseboats Alappuzha Beach Backwaters in Alleppey

For the Lovers Good for: Backwaters, Beaches, Ayurveda Alappuzha or Alleppey is called the “Venice of the East” and with its vast variety of canals, lagoons, beaches and backwaters, rightly so. If a serene getaway is on your mind this year end, look no further. A very traditional village life coupled with the best backwaters experience in India makes Allappuzha ideal for those looking to greet the new year in peace.

Best Time: June to March

View packages starting from ₹ 7,500

Known For : Jaisalmer Fort Desert Safari in Jaisalmer Kuldhara Village

For the Lovers Good for: Desert, Clear Skies Famous for the Sonar Quila or the Jaisalmer Fort (A UNESCO World Heritage Site), the city of Jaisalmer is also known for its golden sand dunes and of course, the mystery of the Thar Desert itself. The hue of the desert has given it the name of the “Golden City” and it’s one of Rajasthan’s most well-known tourist destinations. The clear, starry nights giving you a stunning view of the Milky Way, the slow and peaceful camel safari, the chill of the desert and of course, the local Rajasthani cuisine, make it one of the new year destinations in India where you can have the best time.

Best Time: October to March

View packages starting from ₹ 12,000

Known For : Marine drive, Mumbai Gateway of India Colaba Causeway

For the City Explorers 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 bungalows, 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.

Best Time: October to February

Known For : Humayun's Tomb Hauz Khas Village Qutub Minar

For the City Explorers 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 artistic heaven but if food or shopping is your idea of fun, Delhi should be at the top of your 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 colourful new year celebration.

Best Time: October to March

View packages starting from ₹ 7,000

Known For : Bangalore Palace Cubbon Park MG Road, Bangalore

For the City Explorers 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 the new year for 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.

Best Time: Throughout the year

Known For : Great Rann of Kutch Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary Dholavira

For the City Explorers With vast expanses of white salt desert, Kutch is one of the most surreal places in India. The Rann Festival that takes place between the months of December and February making the place come to life! Experience cultural programs, camping, hot-air ballooning and have a fun-filled new years celebrations!

Best Time: July to March

Known For : Mawlynnong Umiam Lake Elephant Falls

For the City Explorers The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong offers a mesmerizing experience in the lap of nature. Beautiful lakes, waterfalls and mountains adorn the city of Shillong. And it is due to this abundance of scenic beauty, the city is also known as ‘Scotland of India’. The natural beauty and serenity of Shillong is what draws tourists from all over India and abroad. The breathtaking view from the peaks of the mountains adds to the charm of Shillong.

Best Time: September to May

View packages starting from ₹ 5,476

Known For : Victoria Memorial Fort William Kolkata Belur Math

For the City Explorers Labelled as the ‘City of Joy’, the ‘Cultural capital of India’, Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta) is a city with character and remnants of British Raj visible in its Victorian-style architecture, trams and feel. It is one of the most densely populated cities in India With a heritage as dense and the population, this city along the banks of river Ganga is known for its culture, people, food, music, literature and the movies.

Best Time: October to March