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This list is for people who prefer greenery to fireworks, calm over crowds, and chirping birds in place of loud concerts
It is time to usher in a New Year and say goodbye to the past one. Some people welcome the New Year in the company of loved ones at home. Others celebrate it at parties. And then there are the ones who travel to eccentric destinations. For the latter variety, here is a handpicked list of places that will make a year-end holiday memorable.
So what's your choice going to be? Is it golden beaches or spiritual towns, mighty mountains or wildlife safaris, snowing hills or shifting deserts? Whatever your choice, an unconventional New Year holiday awaits you.
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Start your New Year feeling high (8000 ft. from sea level), in Mukteshwar. Usually, for many tourists, all roads for a vacation in Uttarakhand lead to Nainital or Mussoorie, but if you drive a bit further, you will reach a peaceful destination called Mukteshwar. The drive through the coniferous forests itself is picturesque and offers many options for snapping pictures.
Still untouched by commercial tourism, the place retains its appeal and manages to keep its serene nature intact. It has also received its stamp of approval from none other than Jim Corbett— the British hunter, naturalist, and writer. He refers to Mukteshwar as Muktesar in his book The Temple Tiger. The place carries some colonial charm, but the main highlight is the marvellous views it offers of the imposing Himalayan range. While the nights here are quiet and wintry, the days promise adventure.
Stroll through the villages and fruit orchids, visit the 350-year-old eponymous temple after which the place is named, or walk through a meandering trail to reach the legendary Bhalu Gaad waterfall. Depending on your taste for adventure, you can explore different places. Also, don't forget to have the mouth-watering Kumaon thali!
Nearest Airport: New Delhi / Pantnagar!
If you are looking for something magical but not a beach or a mountain, then The Great Rann of Kutch will impress you. Although technically a desert, The Rann of Kutch is different from your regular sand desert. To begin with, it is a salt desert reminiscent of an ice rink. Rann of Kutch is a vast expanse of salt marshland located in the Thar Desert of Gujarat.
The place offers miles and miles of solitude in the celestial company of a clipped fingernail-like moon, with no stairs or stars to trek in the listless night. While cultural outings in search of dancers and wildlife can fill your mornings and noon, the sunsets and silent nights can fill your soul.
Nearest Airport: Bhuj / Ahmedabad!
While summers are the best time to visit a wildlife sanctuary, there is a lot of thrill in starting the New Year in the wild, with campfires and stargazing activities.
The Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary offers stunning visuals and murmuring secrets of wildlife, the hidden beauty of waterfalls and lakes, and above all, a window of escape from the rush of city life. Warbles of birds will wake you in the morn and the riverside will invite you for breakfast. Start your days with jungle safaris, and the joys of caressing winds as you spot exotic wildlife. No two jungle safaris will ever be the same, and an unexpected call of the wild can just be the difference between a promising new year and a repetitive familiar one.
Nearest Airport: Bangalore!
If the New Year celebration is synonymous with Goa for you but you want to avoid crowds, visit Divar Island. Located about 12 km from Panjim, Divar Island is arguably Goa’s best-kept secret. The name of the island ‘Divar’ is derived from the word ‘Dipavati’, meaning ‘small island’ in Konkani. However, do not go by its literal meaning, this small island is big in beauty and its susegad (Portuguese for 'quiet') way of life, attracts many here.
Colourful Goan houses and villas, charming churches and temples, and paddy fields surround the island. And of course, no trip to Goa is complete without binging on some delicious Goan food and wine. Divar island is a good place to clink your glasses when the clock strikes twelve.
Nearest Airport: Panjim!
If your body needs a good dose of Vitamin Sea this New Year, think no further — head to the beach town of Bordi. This beach town is located 150 km from Mumbai and is very close to the Gujarat border. Even the drive from Mumbai to Bordi is devoid of traffic.
The place has a beautiful beach dotted by chikoo and casuarinas trees. The sand on the beach is not golden but greyish-black, adding an enigmatic charm to it. One can indulge in horse riding while on the beach. Therefore it is an ideal place to get your feet wet and soak in some beach vibes, enjoy some good food and witness the last sunset of the year.
Nearest Airport: Mumbai!
While Puducherry needs no introduction, the Auroville ashram situated about 15 km from Puducherry is a must-visit for those seeking spiritual discovery as the year ends. Founded by a member of the Sri Aurobindo Society, Auroville is the epicentre of peace and harmony.
The best way to experience the ashram’s serenity is by foot, resting under canopied trees when tired. Do visit the Matri Mandir, a spot that radiates tranquillity and is surrounded by greenery. Auroville will force you to slow down and explore a new way of living. Another interesting aspect of Auroville is meeting and talking with the residents of the ashrams who come from different walks of life from all over the world. Do try the healthy hibiscus juice served here that will pleasantly surprise you. Spending the last few days of the year at Auroville can be refreshing and rejuvenating for the body, mind and soul.
Nearest Airport: Chennai / Puducherry!
Situated 64 km from Kottayam is one of Kerala’s hidden gems – a hill station called Vagamon. Blessed with lush green hills, beautiful waterfalls, meandering meadows, and vast tea plantations, this is one pristine getaway to welcome the New Year. The place is devoid of pollution and blessed with cool weather throughout the year.
What is also amazing about this place is that it is also an adventure enthusiast’s paradise. From cycling through the mountains to trekking, rock climbing to paragliding, there are many ways to explore this hill station. Vagamon offers the best of two worlds— nature and adventure.
Nearest Airport: Cochin!
Known as the birthplace of Dalai Lama Tsangyang Gyatso, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is a beautiful destination dotted with scenery, historical monuments, friendly locals, and unique cuisine. Majestic views of alpine mountains welcome you as you enter Tawang. This one destination ticks off the bucket list of most of the things one seeks in a holiday destination.
Tawang houses several monasteries, including the 400-year-old Tawang Monastery — one of the biggest Buddhist monasteries in India. Snow could also be on the cards in December transforming Tawang into a skiing paradise. The gorgeous topography infused with the promise of spirituality makes this place worth a visit.
Nearest Airport: Tezpur!
Laced with golden dunes, the Khimsar village in Rajasthan is an underrated destination. Located about 100 km from Jodhpur, Khimsar offers a rustic getaway and a chance to experience desert safaris, and authentic Rajasthani culture.
One of the main attractions of this village is the Khimsar Fort, which was built in 1523 CE. Visiting this architectural marvel, one can go back in time, and witness the majestic lives of the Rajputs. You can also visit the Panchala Black Buck Reserve for a wildlife encounter. It is home to different species of antelope, namely the Blackbuck, Chinkara, and Blue Bull.
Nearest Airport: Jodhpur!
A hidden green paradise, Vattakanal is about 6 km from Kodaikanal. Vattakanal is a hill station surrounded by dense forests and cliffs. The town has several quaint cafes and homestays that one can book to explore the beauty of this place while understanding the local culture. The place is also an ideal backpacker’s destination and has a hippie vibe. At the end of the year, gift your lungs some clean air that is omnipresent in Vattakanal before you head back to your ordinary life.
Nearest Airport: Madurai!
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