Within a matter of a few days, we all will bid adieu the year that was not just terrific for the world, but also made everyone stronger than ever. The coming year has a lot of hopes for us, and it’s our duty to welcome it with our open arms. And what’s better than welcoming and celebrating the new year at such a place that is safe and the best one?
A place where you can countdown the new start with your closest ones through utmost peace and safety. And December being the best month to visit places because of warm weather, you should plan a getaway without questioning twice. Whether it’s a beach destination or treks, you will surely enjoy each hour of the day. And with that being said, here’s the list of Eight best places in India to visit this New year –
1. Auli
Auli is a hidden gem for everyone looking forward to spending their New year with peace and comfort. It’s a lovely and beautiful hill station situated in Uttarakhand. The place is popularly known as the skiing destination of India, where one can enjoy a skiing expedition. There are also several happening places and hidden picnic spots flooded with a large land of green pastures. The hill station is cold and chilly during December, and that’s why it’s on the top of our list. Winter makes this hill station cold, chilly and undoubtedly romantic.
Pro Tip – If you love trekking, then you must visit the Garhwal Himalayas. The sunrise here is worth every little step you will take.
2. Munnar
With a fusion of history and modernity, Kochi is a beautiful destination to relax, rejuvenate, and start with a bright new year. Munnar has delightful weather during December, which will never disappoint you at all. You can stay in a rented apartment or hotels to enjoy the mountain air in the night time. There are acres of tea plantations, museums, and gardens to give you an aromatic treat.
Pro Tip – Anamudi peak, Chinnakanal Waterfalls, Echo Point, and the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary are the must visit place in Munnar.
3. Shillong
Shillong, popularly known as the ‘Scotland of the east’ for its manicured gardens and parks has become the popular tourist destination. During winters, when the days get shorter, the city turns into a winter wonderland. The city follows strict COVID measures to ensure utmost safety to the visitors. The place is best for solo travelers as well.
Pro Tip – To make your trip more memorable one, make sure to visit the outskirts along with Mawphlang Sacred Grooves, the Living Root Bridge in Cherrapunjee.
4. Goa
Situated in the southwestern coast of India, Goa is the favorite tourist attraction of everyone. The beaches and the scenic beauty are overwhelming to watch during December. There are several private villas who are taking the Pandemic situation very seriously, and are the safest to stay with families and friends. You will feel the Christmas vibe throughout December and January. The fireworks and lights near the beaches catches the eye of everyone.
Pro Tip – There will be several new year parties celebrated by the locals near Anjuna beach, Galgibaga beach, and other beaches you must visit.
5. Nainital
Beautiful mountains surrounded by snow is the best stunning view to catch during December and make a bright start of the New year. Being the real treasure of Uttarakhand, Nainital has the stunning snow-cloud peak, narrow winding paths, that adds to the charm of attraction. The fragrance of blooming flowers, and the scenic beauty is popular since the British era.
Pro Tip – Snow view point, Eco cave gardens, and High altitude zoo are the must-watch destinations to visit in Nainital during winters.
6. Rann Of Kutch
Apart from traditional clothing, culture, and festivals, Gujarat is also famous for its white salt desert, Rann of Kutch. Rann utsav is the most popular festival celebrated during winters, and it’s filled with joy, colours, and love. You can reside in a tent nearby the desert, to make the trip more lively. Also, try the Gujarati cuisine because it’s highly delicious along with some finger-licking food varieties.
Pro Tip – Never forget to Go on a camel ride during December in Rann of Kutch, because it’s highly adventurous and a lively experience.
7. Udaipur
Udaipur, also popularly known to be The City of Lakes, is a perfect destination to kick start the new year. You can not only relax and rejuvenate but also can visit nearby locales to discover Rajasthani cuisine. The emerald lakes, forts, and palaces are the must watch places. If you are tight on budget, Udaipur is the best place to visit because it’s highly affordable. There are several flight options available easily, along with roadways.
Pro Tip – Try your best to go boating at Lake Pichola and also reside in a Haveli, Udaipur instead of restaurants to make your trip the best one.
8. Manali
This destination is best suited for families and friends. If you are tired of your hectic and tedious schedule, and looking forward to hanging out in a chilled place, then this is your search. Manali is popular for its adventurous hills, snowfalls, sports, and hippies. With so many pine trees, fruit orchids, this place is ideal for starting up with a bright year ahead.
Pro Tip- Take a morning ride on the Manali-Leh highway and visit the nearby destinations.
9. Shimla
Be it the historical architecture, snow-clad mountains, and mouth watering cuisines, Shimla has endless tourist spots to visit this New year. If you are looking for a peaceful getaway, you can easily explore many wonders in the neighbouring attractions. The majestic peaks are breathtaking to watch in the morning, and the ideal spot to bid a goodbye to 2020!
Pro Tip – During the night time, make sure you do visit the Night bazaars like Ram bazaar and lower bazaar and get yourself traditional shimla clothes.
Kick start this new year with assurance and a bang by visiting any of the above places in India. All the options mentioned have its own uniqueness be it meditative locales to serene, or adventure filled destinations. Simply choose what kind of celebration you desire for, and pick the best suited destination. Have a fiesty, hearty, and Happy New Year!
You may also like to read How To Travel Smart With Kids
After reading your list, I want to visit all of them. But to start with I would like to go to Nainital, Shimla, and Udaipur. This is the first time, I am hearing about Auli.
Your post is making me tempted to plan our next travel trip soon. Since last many months due to pandemic we all bound to stay indoor. But hope things get normalized soon and we can enjoy travel like before. Munnar is in my list first. I had heard a lot about this before. Would love to visit someday with my family for sure.
these are super suggestions. I have visited most of these places except Auli. India has such a variety, right?
Such a tempting post it is. I am a malayali. So I feel proud to see Munnar in the list. I need to visit all the places once the pandemic scare is less.
You have touched all parts of India. It’s like everyone in India would be able to easily access one of the places. That’s awesome
Thanks a lot dear for this post. I will be keeping each places in bucket list. My kids would love these places and the fact that they are safe make them all the more tempting
I loved your list dear, of all of the above I have only not visited Auli and will live to go there at the soonest thanks to your article above
I’ve heard a lot about Uttarakhand. Never been there though. It’s already on my list of places to visit once the pandemic is done and dusted.
You have curated the best places and few are not popular.. I would personally like to explore places that are less crowdy in general too to absorb nature to myself.
With newer strains of covid emerging in different countries, i think all our travel plans might never get executed. This danger of contracting the newer strain always hovers in my head these days. Thats a lovely compilation of places worth visiting.
The places are superb & I would have love to visit Manali, as I saw many went and shared such stunning snow pictures. However, we went to our parents home after a year to celebrate.
It’s a great list, I have been to all these places except Auli and I so wish to plan our next travel. But we are still thinking to wait it out until it’s completely safe outside.
I have been to couple of places mentioned by you, however all memories just flashed back reading your post. Will surely plan again!
I really want to visit all these places which you mentioned above. Some of the places I already visited but I am planning to visit Munnar soon. Bookmarking this post for future reference.
You know what I am sitting in shimla right now as I an readinf this blog…. this place is indeed very beautiful and a perfect place to enjoy the winter chills. Though it’s very crowded (may be for new years and weekend). The food is just sumptuous here.
The places are superb. This stunning snow pictures looks fabulous. Manali is indeed very beautiful and a perfect place to enjoy the winter chills. Great thoughts.
I am longing to visit some of the places mentioned in your post. Thanks for reminding me that I need to start working on my travel plans in 2021.
These are some lovely places you have mentioned. However, we stayed home this holiday season – just being careful about the new strain!
Amazing! I know nothing about traveling all over the country, what a wonderful looking place to explore.
These are such amazing places. I would love to see Auli and visit it hopefully by end of this year.