Escape the ordinary with 9 new travel adventures at Indian destinations for an exciting and scenic New Year celebration away from the crowds
As the New Year approaches, many of us look for fresh places to start the year with excitement and a sense of discovery. Rather than crowded city celebrations, why not explore India’s lesser-known destinations that offer peace, beauty, and unique cultural experiences?
From relaxing beaches and mystical forests to heritage sites and quiet hill stations, these hidden gems provide the perfect escape to welcome the New Year in style. Whether you’re after adventure, tranquillity, or a blend of both, these offbeat locations offer an unforgettable start to the year.
So, pack your bags and get ready to explore nine extraordinary destinations across India. The blend of natural beauty, tradition, and peaceful vibes creates the perfect setting for a fresh, memorable beginning.
VARKALA, KERALA
Varkala in Kerala is an ideal destination for a peaceful yet vibrant New Year celebration by the sea. Known for its stunning cliff-side views overlooking the Arabian Sea, Varkala offers a unique beach experience, perfect for those looking to escape the usual New Year crowds.
The main attraction, Varkala Beach, is surrounded by red laterite cliffs dotted with cafes and shops, offering visitors a great mix of relaxation and local culture. Activities like paragliding, surfing, and beachside yoga give travellers a chance to unwind and enjoy the scenic coastline.
You can also visit the nearby Papanasam Beach, believed to have sacred waters, and the ancient Janardhana Swamy Temple, a spiritual retreat over 2,000 years old. As the sun sets, beach cafes come alive with music, fresh seafood, and local delicacies, creating a cosy and lively atmosphere. Varkala is a wonderful place to celebrate the New Year with nature, culture, and tranquillity.
HOW TO REACH:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (IATA: TRV), approximately 45 km from Varkala. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Varkala.
- By Train: Varkala has its own railway station, Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station, located about 3 km from the main beach area. It is a major stop for express and passenger trains running along the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod route.
- By Road: Varkala is easily accessible by road from various cities in Kerala and neighbouring states. The town is connected to the national highway network, and one can drive or take inter-state buses to reach here.
CHOPTA, UTTRAKHAND
Chopta in Uttarakhand is an incredible destination for a New Year celebration surrounded by snow-capped mountains and untouched natural beauty. Known as the “Mini Switzerland of India,” Chopta offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, including Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Chaukhamba in Uttrakhand.
For adventure seekers, the trek to Tungnath, the world’s highest Shiva temple, is a highlight. From there, a short but rewarding hike leads to Chandrashila Peak, offering panoramic views, especially beautiful during sunrise. Chopta’s natural charm makes it perfect for camping, with tents, bonfires, and stargazing opportunities that create a peaceful yet magical atmosphere.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Chopta’s rich biodiversity offers a chance to spot rare Himalayan species like the Monal pheasant, Himalayan tahr, and Musk deer. The quiet, snow-dusted forests and meadows are ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and embrace a serene New Year. With fresh mountain air, scenic hikes, and snuggly camp nights, Chopta is a hidden gem for an unforgettable start to the year.
HOW TO REACH:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Chopta is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 221 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Rudraprayag or directly to Chopta.
- By Train: The closest railway station is Haridwar, around 200 km from Chopta. Rishikesh Railway Station is also nearby at about 175 km. From either station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Chopta, passing through Rudraprayag and Ukhimath.
- By Road: Chopta is well-connected by road from major Uttarakhand towns like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. You can drive or take a bus to Rudraprayag or Ukhimath, from where local transport is available to reach Chopta.
UNAKOTI, TRIPURA
Unakoti in Tripura is an extraordinary destination for a New Year celebration with a mix of history, spirituality, and nature. Famous for its massive rock carvings, this ancient archaeological site, dating back to the 7th – 9th centuries, offers a unique experience for history and art lovers.
Unakoti, meaning “one less than a crore” (10 million) is connected with a belief that 99,99,999 deities were sculpted here overnight. The highlight is the imposing 30-foot “Unakotishwara Kal Bhairav” carving of Lord Shiva, alongside intricate depictions of other Hindu deities like Durga and Ganesha, making it a sacred place for locals and a marvel for art lovers.
For New Year’s, visitors can explore these incredible carvings, take nature walks in the lush surroundings, and enjoy peaceful moments by the waterfalls nearby. The nearest town to Unakoti is Kailashahar, and the site is accessible by road from Agartala, Tripura’s capital, which is about 180 km away. This offbeat destination is perfect for those seeking a quiet and culturally rich start to the year, away from crowded celebrations.
HOW TO REACH:
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala, approximately 178 km from Unakoti. From Agartala, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Unakoti.
- By Train: The closest railway stations are Kumarghat and Dharmanagar. Kumarghat is about 20 km from Unakoti, and Dharmanagar is approximately 47 km away. From these stations, taxis and buses are available to reach Unakoti.
- By Road: Unakoti is well-connected by road. Regular bus services operate from Agartala to Kailashahar, the district headquarters, which is about 10 km from Unakoti. From Kailashahar, local transport options like taxis or auto-rickshaws can be used to reach the site.
DARINGBADI, ODISHA
Daringbadi, the “Kashmir of Odisha,” is the perfect spot for a unique New Year celebration, offering cool weather, scenic views, and even occasional snowfall! This charming hill station, perched at 3,000 feet, is known for its lush pine forests, coffee gardens, and high-quality organic turmeric with a G.I. tag.
Visitors can explore the stunning Midubanda and Ludu Waterfalls, ideal for nature walks and peaceful moments. Adventure seekers can head to Belghar Nature Camp for paragliding, while wildlife enthusiasts can spot diverse flora and fauna and enjoy an Emu bird safari on the way from Baliguda. Daringbadi’s “Lover’s Point,” with its natural spring and beautiful surroundings, is perfect for a quiet escape.
For those interested in local culture, the region’s ethnic tribes offer a glimpse into Odisha’s vibrant heritage which makes it a placid, and refreshing place to start the New Year.
HOW TO REACH:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, 246 km from Daringbadi. Taxis and buses are available from the airport.
- By Train: Brahmapur Railway Station, about 125 km away, is the closest station. From here, you can take a cab or public bus to Daringbadi.
- By Road: Daringbadi is accessible by road. Taxis are available from nearby towns like Berhampur, Phulbani, and Balliguda. Bhubaneswar to Daringbadi is a 250 km drive, taking around six hours.
POLO FOREST, GUJARAT
Polo Forest in Gujarat, near Idar in Sabarkantha district, is a great spot for a peaceful New Year’s celebration. Covering 400 square km, it’s a blend of history, nature, and adventure. This forest is home to ancient temples, including the 10th-century Polo Jain Temple and the Shiva Temple, showcasing intricate stone carvings that reflect the region’s historical significance.
Visitors can trek through forest trails, with the Harnav River nearby, and enjoy activities like bird watching, camping, and photography. The forest’s diverse flora and fauna include rare bird species, butterflies, and mammals, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.
The Gujarat government also organises the annual Polo Utsav, celebrating local culture with events, craft displays, and performances. For those seeking a unique and calm New Year experience, Polo Forest offers a combo of history, natural beauty, and cultural richness.
HOW TO REACH:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, around 150 km from Polo Forest. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Polo Forest.
- By Train: The closest railway station is in Idar, about 30 km away. However, for more options, you can travel to Ahmedabad or Himmatnagar Railway Station (70 km away) and then take a cab or bus.
- By Road: Polo Forest is 150 km from Ahmedabad and 70 km from Himmatnagar, accessible by car or state-run buses.
ORCHHA, MADHYA PRADESH
Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, is an ideal destination for a New Year celebration filled with history, culture, and nature. Known for its well-preserved Bundela-era monuments, Orchha has been recommended for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Located by the Betwa River, the Orchha Fort Complex is a must-visit, featuring the Raj Mahal with detailed murals, Jahangir Mahal with its impressive architecture, and Rai Praveen Mahal amidst gardens. The Ram Raja Temple is unique as it’s one of the few temples where Lord Rama is worshipped as a king.
Other highlights include the Chaturbhuj Temple and the Orchha Chhatris (cenotaphs) along the river, offering scenic views. Nature enthusiasts can explore Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary, known for bird-watching and forest trails. For a bit of adventure, boating and river rafting on the Betwa River are also available.
HOW TO REACH:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Gwalior Airport, around 140 km from Orchha. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Orchha.
- By Train: The closest railway station is Jhansi Junction, about 16 km from Orchha. From Jhansi, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses are available to take you directly to Orchha.
- By Road: Orchha is well-connected by road to nearby cities like Jhansi (16 km), Gwalior (120 km), and Khajuraho (173 km). You can drive or take a bus from these cities to reach Orchha comfortably.
MAJULI, ASSAM
Majuli, Assam, the world’s largest river island on the Brahmaputra, is a special spot to celebrate New Year in a peaceful, culturally rich way. Known for its Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries), Majuli lets you explore Assamese traditions through dance, art, and music at places like Auniati Satra and Dakhinpat Satra.
For nature lovers, there’s plenty to do. You can take boat rides on the calm Brahmaputra, go bird-watching to spot beautiful migratory birds, and cycle through green paddy fields and charming villages. Exploring local tribal villages lets you see unique bamboo and mud houses while trying Assamese food adds to the experience.
Majuli is reached by a ferry from Jorhat, making it a scenic and serene escape for New Year. With its blend of nature and culture, this place offers a refreshing way to welcome the year.
HOW TO REACH:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jorhat Airport (Rowriah Airport), located about 20 km from Nimati Ghat, where you can catch a ferry to Majuli. From the airport, taxis are available to reach Nimati Ghat.
- By Train: The closest railway station is Jorhat Town Railway Station, approximately 15 km from Nimati Ghat. From the station, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the ferry point.
- By Ferry: To reach Majuli, take a ferry from Nimati Ghat in Jorhat. Ferries operate several times a day, taking around an hour to reach Kamalabari Ghat on Majuli Island. From Kamalabari Ghat, local transport is available to explore the island.
MANDAWA, RAJASTHAN
Mandawa, Rajasthan, is a great place to celebrate New Year if you’re looking for a cultural experience. Located in the Shekhawati region, Mandawa is known for its grand havelis (traditional mansions) and beautifully painted walls that reflect Rajasthani art and history.
Some must-visit spots include Jhunjhunwala Haveli and Murmuria Haveli, where you can see intricate murals and traditional architecture. Mandawa Fort is also worth exploring, offering amazing views of the town and a charming Rajasthani design.
Bollywood fans will love Mandawa too, as scenes from the popular movie PK were filmed here, featuring its vibrant streets and buildings. One can also browse local markets for block-printed fabrics and lacquer bangles, and enjoy traditional Rajasthani dishes like dal baati churma and gatte ki sabzi.
HOW TO REACH:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, about 180 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mandawa.
- By Train: The closest railway stations are Jhunjhunu (30 km away) and Churu (40 km away). From these stations, you can take a taxi or local bus to Mandawa.
- By Road: Mandawa is well-connected by road and is accessible from nearby cities like Jaipur (180 km), Delhi (250 km), and Bikaner (200 km). You can drive, take a bus, or hire a private taxi to reach Mandawa.
SUNDARBANS, WEST BENGAL
The Sundarbans in West Bengal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an incredible place to celebrate New Year for those who love nature and adventure. This vast mangrove forest, part of the world’s largest delta, is home to Bengal tigers, crocodiles, spotted deer, and unique bird species.
Exploring the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve by boat safari lets you cruise through narrow waterways, bringing one close to the region’s amazing wildlife. Key spots include the Sajnekhali Watchtower for birdwatching, the Dobanki Watchtower with its canopy walk offering views over the forest, and the Sudhanyakhali Watchtower, where visitors often spot tigers.
For a deeper experience, you can stay in a forest lodge, where evenings are often filled with traditional cultural performances. It’s a peaceful, adventure-filled New Year destination, perfect for starting the year in nature’s embrace.
HOW TO REACH:
- By Air: Fly to Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport, then travel by taxi or bus to Godkhali (100 km away).
- By Train: Take a train from Kolkata’s Sealdah Station to Canning (48 km from Godkhali), then continue by taxi or bus.
- By Road: Drive or take a bus from Kolkata to Godkhali (about 3 hours).
- By Boat: From Godkhali, ferries and private boats take you to the Sundarbans islands, with boat safaris available through local operators.
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