Does every new year’s eve feel the same nowadays? After a few years of going to the same parties with the same people, the feeling of deja vu is hard to escape. With the coming new year though, it would be an adventure to head out of your comfort zone and go somewhere unknown. Experience the magic in a different city with and imbibe the unknown or head to one of the lovely vacation spots common to all and see them transform for the new year!
1. Pondicherry
With its easy access beaches, Pondy is a place you can enjoy whether you’re with friends or family or both. The delicious food aside, the presence of two distinctly varied cultures of French and Tamil lends the place a special charm on new year’s eve that leaks onto the celebrations in a swirl of oneness. Also, the daaru is damn cheap!
2. Manali
The best place to enjoy new year’s regardless of if you’re a fan of raving or whether you just want a chill time by the fireside. The snow and the good vibes are sure to make you ring in the new year with a smile. Linger in Old Manali, sip on some special hot chocolate and feel the warmth seep through to your brain.
3. Mumbai
If you’re more of a fan of the party than the place, then you can’t go wrong with going for a new year’s party in Mumbai. Music and events catering to every kind of celebration you want make this the easiest place to have a good time on the new year. A bit of night-time parasailing perhaps?
4. Goa
If you’re at Mumbai however, it would be even easier to just go down to Goa in a matter of hours and enjoy the most hardcore partying experience of your life, dancing on the beach under the stars with fire spitters and the best music around. From Anjuna to Palolem, dirty feet are welcome here!
5. Bangalore
Another no-brainer, especially if you’re familiar with B-town’s bar culture. Combine that with the new year party atmosphere and you’ve got the perfect place to enjoy a new year pub crawl while chugging some of the choicest brews. Hit up Arbor brewery first and sample the fruity homebrew: the best kind of buzz. Or you could head a little outside the city and enjoy the calming Cauvery fishing camp.
6. Kasol
Here’s another Himachali wonderland that combines the best of both worlds. Easy access to the multitudes of new year parties plus the beauty of the rivers and mountains make Kasol a place where you won’t even feel the biting cold of December weather thanks to the breathtaking surroundings. Explore around a little to find the best spots to chill and party.
7. Varkala
The most serene beaches you can imagine, not too crowded and a whole bunch of delicious food options at the clifftop cafes make Varkala as close to heaven on earth as you can get. Check out Abba restaurant for authentic Swedish cuisine courtesy the Nepali(!) chefs and give the local surf school a call to enjoy the most amazing views while on a board in the sea. The perfect new year!
8. New Delhi
The capital of the country is of course also the capital of partying, which guarantees you a good time here on new year’s eve. A bunch of different themed parties and a new year countdown at Connaught Place also add the special touch that few places can boast of.
9. Shillong
Party at the rock capital of India with a bunch of different events to choose from. Personally though, it would be a whole lot more fun to drive out of the city a little way out, put up some tents in one of the sprawling meadows or visit the area around the Sacred Forest and have your own intimate festivities there.
10. Lakshadweep Islands
Go to one of the few newly opened islands in Lakshadweep that was uninhabited until recently. These islands still remain supremely empty, so it would be best to take your significant other and enjoy the most intimate new year’s eve ever doing whatever it is that love birds do on empty islands. Blue Lagoon anyone?
11. Leh
Losar, the Ladakhi new year, takes place in mid December. It is a good idea to visit during this time and witness the fervour with which the Buddhists make offerings to their Gods. Stick around after the festival and bring in your own new year with the unsurpassable sights of the mountains and lakes of inimitable Leh.
12. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The islands have their own festival dhamakas as well as more laid back scenes for families and water lovers. It doesn’t matter whether you’re 18 or 80, a new year’s celebration at Andaman’s is guaranteed to please. Say hello to the water elephants, definitely don’t say hello to the crocodiles and simmer under the curling mangrove bushes.
13. Pushkar
Celebrate here just for cheap thrills. With no easy access to alcohol and a conservative outlook in general, the place forces you to turn creative with your celebration plans. Perhaps a bottle hidden in a popcorn cup or a visit to Floyd cafe for a glass of something stronger!
14. Kodaikanal
The perfect place to visit, regardless of if you’re going with friends or if you’re going for your honeymoon. Beautiful mountains, lush green surroundings and crystal clear lakes are just the beginning. The food is also scrumptious, the coffee is incredible(Duh, Tamil Nadu) and the lights on new year’s eve are just sublime.
15. Varanasi
One of the best places to enjoy new year’s eve if you plan on more of a spiritual and clean start. The lights, floating candles and fireworks along the ghats are a blessed sight to behold. The chanting and the sacred air of the place is sure to fill you with a new strength and a sense of spiritual fulfillment for the coming year.
16. Jaipur
The pink city is the place where you can enjoy a new year with an olden twist. Book a room at the magnificent Rambagh hotel, a sprawling palace that was home to the chambers of a maharaja in the early years. Walk around the lush greens, watch the dancing fireworks, take a dip in the peacock pool and celebrate king size!
