“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language
And next year’s words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.”
Borrowing this alluring quote from T.S. Eliot best defines the beginning of a new year and the continuity of the old year. Let the new year begin with travel and celebrate the new year in a new place this year which adds more joy and meaning to our life. What better way can one think of celebrating new years eve?
As we all know India is home to so many exciting places and hence it is the obvious choice for celebrating New Year. So, I am curating this list of the best New Year destinations in India for you. Decide and plan your next New Year trip to any of these beautiful places in India.
Best Places to Celebrate New Year in India
Here are the best places to celebrate New Year in India that you can choose to celebrate the New Year.
| New Year Destinations in North India | |
| 1 | Manali |
| 2 | Auli |
| 3 | Chopta |
| 4 | Gulmarg |
| 5 | Khajjair |
| 6 | Mussoorie |
| 7 | Dalhousie |
| 8 | Shimla |
| New Year Destinations in South India | |
| 8 | Goa |
| 9 | Pondicherry |
| 10 | Gokarna |
| 11 | Kerala |
| 12 | Andaman and Nicobar Island |
| 13 | Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu |
| 14 | Coorg |
| 15 | Ooty |
| 16 | Kerela |
| New Year Destinations in North East India | |
| 17 | Gangtok |
| 18 | Darjeeling |
| 19 | Meghalaya |
| 20 | Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh |
| 21 | Assam |
| New Year Destinations in West India | |
| 22 | Rann of Kutch |
| 23 | Jaipur, Rajasthan |
| 24 | Mount Abu |
| 25 | Udaipur |
| 26 | Jaisalmer |
| 27 | Lakshwadeep |
1. Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Manali is a high-altitude Himalayan resort town in the state of Himachal Pradesh and has a reputation as a backpacking and honeymoon center. Nestled in the snow-capped mountains during the time of New Year is a favorite place for visitors to view the snowfall and participate in adventurous activities like skiing. Even there are party places in Manali where you can celebrate New Year Party like Masquerade Party.
The town is filled with pine trees, fruit orchids, and hippies during the new year. The unadulterated rice beer of Himachal also known as Lugdi is also easily available around the time of New Year festivities along with some folk music known for its melodies and meditative qualities.
Trekkers and explorers come to Manali to head to the Himalayas. It is the getaway to a lot of exciting and adventurous treks. Tourists also engage in other activities like camping, paragliding, river rafting, etc. The buzzing market is lit brightly during the festive seasons.
2. Auli
Auli is the beautiful hill station in Chamoli district, Garhwal Himalayas. It is a popular skiing destination in India due to its slopes and clean environment.
This beautiful place is surrounded by coniferous and oak forests which give an amazing view of the Himalayas. During winter, Auli faces heavy snowfall which gives awesome scenic beauty to this place.
3. Kasol
Kasol is a small village in the Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh along with the bank of the Parvati River. It is a very famous trekking destination in India. Trekkers do trekking to Malana and Kheerganga from this place.
Kasol faces heavy rainfall from late December to February. If you want to enjoy rainfall and trekking, go to this place as New Year Destination in India.
3RD EYE NEW YEAR 2020 FESTIVAL
Kasol Music Festival New Year Party
4. Gulmarg
Gulmarg is a popular hill station in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a popular skiing destination in India which is situated in the Pir Panjal Range in the western Himalayas.
December to February is the best time to visit Gulmarg. But do check the weather conditions before going there in order to avoid any unwanted situations.
5. Khajjiar
Khajjiar is known as the Switzerland of India as this place looks like a popular foreign destination in Switzerland. This hill station is situated in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh and it is almost 24km from Dalhousie. So, you can visit both places in a single visit, if you plan your new year trip here.
6. Mussoorie
Mussoorie is an overrated place but still one of the best places to visit in winter. If you never went to Mussoorie, plan a trip there in New year and enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas. You can enjoy outdoor bonfire with music and make your new year more memorable.
7. Dalhousie
Well, Dalhousie is one of the best tourist destinations in India during winter. People plan their trip to Dalhousie mostly as a New Year trip to enjoy the New year and snowfall. So, if you are choosing this location as your next New Year Destination in India, do pre-book hotels and transport.
8. Shimla
Shimla is the most popular new year destination in India among northern Indians. There are a lot of New Year parties happening every year. So, you will definitely enjoy the snow and party here. But remember, this place gets very crowdy during New Year. So, if you want to avoid crowds, then don’t choose Shimla as a new year destination.
9. Goa
Goa is also famously known as the Vegas of India. This had to be the obvious response when one hears about Goa. Goa is known for its cheap beer, and exotic beachside parties. So, this makes go an ideal place for a vacation around New Year.
It not only attracts Indian tourists but is a hub for all international tourists too. Goa is blessed with a wide range of biodiversity from sea eagles to water buffaloes. It is a blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures which makes this place all the more exciting to visit.
The new year parties lit the sky with firecrackers lighting up the entire coastline. Many artists come and perform during this time and the city is a host to many music festivals around this time and is a hub for Jazz Lovers.
10. Pondicherry
Puducherry which was formerly known as Pondicherry is a well-known French Colony that lies in the southern part of the Indian Peninsula. It is one of the most popular tourist spots for Indian as well as International Tourists. Around New Year the revelry here is mostly centered on the beach road. Sweets are distributed and people exchange greetings amongst each other and jubilantly welcome the new year with the fireworks lit up the sky above them.
The variety of restaurants, the steak, and wine are a perfect way of ending the year. The beachside parties are the most famous attractions of this place along with electrifying performances on the street.
11. Gokarna, Karnataka
Gokarna is a town on the Arabian Sea and is situated in the southwestern part of Karnataka. It is famous for its Hindu pilgrimage destination, Mahabaleshwar temple, which was a shrine dedicated to the deity Shiva. Gokarna lives a dual life due to its geographical location on the coast of Karnataka and is a paradise for beach lovers.
It is considered to be a quieter version of Goa with serene beaches to take some time off for self-reflection and peaceful sessions of yoga and meditation. Due to its laid-back, unspoiled, and rustic nature, many youngsters of western descent visit this place more than often.
12. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an extensive group of Islands in the Bay of Bengal. The white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and mangrove forest attract a lot of tourists. The variety of marine life such as the sharks that one witnessed here is mind-blowing.
Popular activities like snorkeling and Scuba diving are major attractions for tourists. It is peaceful, and serene which around the New Year transforms into an ideal spot for yacht parties, luxurious living at resorts, and enjoying the beaches. The Island has a tropical rainforest and the flora and fauna are an embellishment to this place.
October to March is the best time to travel to this Island. So, If you are planning your New Year destination for this New Year, Must include Andaman and Nicobar on your list.
13. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
Kodaikanal is a hill town in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. Its name in the Tamil language means “The Gift of the Forest” and is famously referred to as the “Princess of Hill Stations”. This city was established in 1845 as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains and since, has had a reputation as a popular tourist destination.
The cool and misty climate welcomes everyone with the shimmering waterfalls along the way and the lush green hills and forests make this place an absolute beauty. Though the town sits on a plateau above the southern escarpment of the upper Palani Hills. The town is known for its rich flora and the big trees like the cypress, eucalyptus, and acacia. Large Dahlias of different hues are the main attractions of Byrant Park, which is situated close to Kodai Lake.
14. Coorg
Coorg is a popular coffee-producing hill station in Karnataka and the most popular destination in South India due to its scenic beauty. With the green hills, Mist, and light passing through the mist, you can not imagine this beautiful view without experiencing it.
15. Ooty
Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam is a small town in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu. It is a popular hill station among the Bangalore people. You can plan a trip on New Year to this beautiful place.
There are many beautiful places like Avalanche Lake, Ooty Lake, Emerald Lake, Kalhatty Waterfalls, and deer parks.
16. Kerala
Kerala is the southernmost state on the Indian map, sharing about 600 km of Arabian Shoreline, and is situated on the tropical Malabar Coast. Famous for its palm-lined beaches and backwaters, and a network of canals. The cuisine is an absolute delight that one must not miss out on. Most of the biodiversity of the flora and fauna is preserved in the western ghats.
Kerala is known for its plethora of species that range from 118 species of mammals, 500 species of birds, 189 species of freshwater fish, 173 species of reptiles and the list goes on. The culture of this state is both composite and cosmopolitan at the same time including the synthesis of Aryan and Dravidian cultures.
It is home to the harvest festival of Onam which is widely celebrated by the people of Kerala as well as performing arts that include five classical dance forms ranging from Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattom, Thullal, and Krishnanattam.
17. Gangtok, Sikkim
Gangtok is the capital of the mountains of the state of Sikkim. It was established as a Buddhist pilgrimage in the 1840s and the city became an independent monarchy after the British rule had ended and hence was known to be a kingdom of its own. However, it only became a part of the Indian States in 1975 under the leadership of Mrs. Indira Gandhi and still remains a Tibetan Buddhist center and a base for hikers.
The city during the month of December is an absolute charm covered in snow. The city is buzzing at night with local bars and pubs with live music and if you are lucky you could also get hold of a ticket or pass for the occasional Choir Performances that take place in the main Sikkim market. Isn’t it all this exciting to plan your next New Year trip here?
18. Darjeeling
I think Darjeeling needs no introduction if you are a fan of traveling in North East India. This beautiful and green place is like heaven on earth. Darjeeling is a small town in West Bengal located at the foothill of the Himalayas.
There are many beautiful places like Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, Rock Garden, Yiga Choeling Monastery and more to enjoy new year.
19. Meghalaya
Meghalaya justifies its name. It is a home of clouds. October to January is the best time to visit this place. The Cherapunji and Dawki are the must-visit locations in Meghalaya. Do visit these two places during your trip to Meghalaya. Dawki is famous for camping and its crystal clear water.
Read this complete Dawki Camping Guide to know more
20. Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
Tawang is a beautiful town in Arunachal Pradesh. It is famous for its one of the biggest Buddhist monasteries to be found in India which is 400 years old. It is a famous pilgrim center for the devotees of Buddhism. Apart from its religious importance, Tawang is famous for its natural beauty, which fascinates tourists.
21. Assam
Assam is one of Northeast India’s iconic seven sisters. It is the best holiday place where you can witness a heady mix of history, culture, and nature at the same time. This place is full of offbeat tourist attractions, a spiritual aura, a holy river, and amazing culture.
22. Rann of Kutch
The Great Rann of Kutch is a salt marsh located in the Thar Desert in the Kutch District of Gujrat. This place is famous for its Rann Utsav which is a three-month-long festival hosted by the government of Gujrat. At this festival, the tourists are encouraged to see the various sites of Rann. Therefore, the time around New Year is ideal to go and explore this place amongst the local festivities.
The Rann Utsav not only gives the tourists a chance to experience the full moon on salt deserts but also get a taste of the local culture, cuisine, and hospitality. The Rann Utsav is a carnival of music, dance, and culture of Gujrat and marks the celebration until the festival of Holi. Many activities like the traditional cultural dance, camel safari, and musical nights are all live events that take place throughout the Utsav.
The Utsav is celebrated in the Dhordo Village of Kutch which is 85 km from Bhuj. Around 355 luxury tents are built here during the festival to cater to the hospitality of the tenants of these tents. This Utsav makes Run of Kutch the best place to celebrate New Year in India
23. Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur is the capital city of the state of Rajasthan. This City is also known as a royal city owing to its rich and royal cultural history. It is most famously known as the Pink city, due to the dominant color scheme of the buildings in this city. The architecture of each building in this city has been preserved with a rich history. This city is just 280 km away from the capital city of India, New Delhi.
Jaipur is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Jantar Mantar, and the Amer Fort. It is a major tourist destination in India forming a part of the Golden Triangle. Jaipur has its own performing arts and the Gharana of Kathak is the most famous of it all and is known for its rapid intricate dance forms, vivacious body movements, and subtle Abhinaya along with popular folk dance Goohmar. The city also hosts the very famous Jaipur Literature Festival which brings a pool of eminent people from the world of Literature from all over the world.
24. Mount Abu
Mount Abu is the only hill station in Rajasthan. It is a part of the Aravali range. Guru Shikhar is the highest peak in Mount Abu and you can trekking here. Nakki Lake is another tourist attraction here. You can do boating and enjoy the sunset here.
Planning your New Year here in Mount Abu can make your new year more awesome. You can enjoy outdoor music, bonfire and beautiful sight here.
25. Udaipur
Udaipur is the city of lakes. If you love historical places and lakes and don’t want to celebrate New Year in very cold places then this is your perfect destination. You can enjoy boating and beautiful monuments here.
December and January months are best time to visit Udaipur. You can enjoy historical places and can do party on New Year in this place.
26. Jaisalmer
Winter is the best time to visit desserts in India. If you want to enjoy true dessert and cultures at these locations, do go to Jaisalmer. You will enjoy your new here in Sand dunes. Jaisalmer has many historical places as well.
27. Lakshwadeep
Lakshadweep is the smallest Union Territory of India which consists of 36 islands with an area of 32 sq km. It is situated some 400 km off India’s west coast in the Arabian sea.
You have to take permission before going to this island in India. Here is the list of best islands to visit in Lakshwadeep
Read More: Best Places to see Snowfall in India
These are the best destination for your next New Year celebration in India. You can choose any of these best places to celebrate New Year in India as per your taste. If you want to do a party at the beaches, choose Goa or Pondicherry. If you are a nature lover and want peace, choose Gangtok or Kerela, or any other.