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Don’t want to spend New Year’s eve enclosed at home? No worries, we’ve got your back! With just a few weeks left till you embark on your journey to 2025, you ought to start planning your much-needed vacation now!
India has a number of destinations that promise unlimited fun, mouth-watering food, coolest cocktails, hip music and grand fireworks – the top 5 ingredients to make any New Year party a big hit. We have rounded up the best places to celebrate New Year in India, so that you can dance your way into the newest chapter of your life.
From snow wonderlands to Christmas hotspots, beaches, cruise destinations and adventure hubs, these 15 New Year destinations in India are sure to get you shouting the December 31st’s countdown at the top of your lungs. Just take your pick!
Contents
1. Goa
Hands down, the best place to go for New Year’s eve in India is Goa. The done and dusted destination tops our list for a myriad of reasons. It’s the party capital of India and the most sought-after place to enjoy New Year’s Eve.
Every beach, resort, hotel and restaurant in Goa hosts a New Year’s party on December 31st, which goes on till the wee hours. With cheap booze, beach shacks every few meters, lavish resorts, karaoke bars, pool parties, cruise parties, casinos and lively clubs, the hippie beach paradise has a lot to offer.
If that is not enough for you, the tiniest Indian state is also popular for adrenaline-pumping water sports such as banana boat rides, jet skiing, parasailing, scuba diving, etc.
Moreover, if you want to welcome the new year in a relaxed way, then you should pick South Goa as it is home to beautiful hills, secluded beaches, laidback cafes, waterfalls, and quaint beach clubs. There are grand sea-facing resorts that organize parties for their guests.
Note: Just keep in mind that the trains, flights, and properties are likely to get fully booked as you approach New Year’s Eve. Make sure to finish all the bookings right away!
Top reasons to travel to Goa on New Year’s Eve:
The most happening party scene in the entire country
Planning to visit India during New Year’s eve? Reserve your stay at one of the top Indian hotels!
2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
For nature lovers, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is one of the best places to celebrate New Year in India. The destination is known for the most pristine white sand beaches and stunning sunsets.
Govind Nagar Beach is a topmost choice among travelers when it comes to beachfront resorts and restaurants. They are known for hosting happening New Year parties as well.
If you are not partying, you can spend quality time in the midst of nature or say hello to the marine animals while scuba diving. When it comes to exploring the oceanic depths, Havelock Island is your best bet! In its azure waters, you can encounter a number of incredible fishes and corals. And, its memories are sure to stay with you forever, as you can explore parts of the world that many don’t get to see.
Did You Know?
Radhanagar Beach in Havelock Island (renamed to Swaraj Dweep) is counted among Asia’s most beautiful and the world’s top ten beaches. How cool is that? The white silky sand and emerald blue waters make it the perfect spot for relaxing.
Top reasons to travel to the Andamans on New Year’s Eve:
Besides being the capital of India, Delhi is also one of the party capitals of India. You will find the most elite and expensive parties here at stunning lounges and nightclubs. India’s best DJs land up at celebrity-owned clubs here for New Year’s eve!
The best nightlife in Delhi can be experienced in Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, Khan Market, and Greater Kailash. At night, you can also visit India Gate to watch colorful fireworks.
The nation’s capital is also home to several historical places and museums, and is a great place to admire performing arts. Visit historical attractions like Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Jantar Mantar, etc. during the day.
Don’t miss indulging in Delhi’s flavorful food, which includes local and international influence. For shoppers, there are multiple options, ranging from high-end stores to street shopping.
TWT Tip: If you want to go for a theme party in Delhi on New Year’s eve, booking your tickets in advance is highly recommended. Most happening spots are jam-packed during this time.
Top reasons to travel to Delhi on New Year’s Eve:
Best parties at clubs and farmhouses
India’s best DJs in celebrity-owned clubs
Delicious food
Luxury hotels and restaurants
Incredible tourist attractions including museums & historical monuments
If you are a heritage & culture lover, Jodhpur is an ideal choice for your New Year’s eve celebrations. This royal city is also one of the best winter holiday spots for new year in India, owing to its pleasant weather in December. You can catch folk music and dance shows at multiple venues in Jodhpur.
The marvelous forts and palaces of Jodhpur are sure to leave you stunned! Include visiting Mehrangarh Fort, the largest fort in Rajasthan, when in Jodhpur. It sits magnificently on a hill, spread over three kilometers.
From the fort, peek into the blue houses below, which got Jodhpur its name of Blue City. For lovers of adventure, there is Flying Fox, which gives a zip tour out of the Chokelao Gardens within the fort.
You can also witness or join locals and foreigners around Toor Ji Ka Jhalra, who dive into the stepwell regularly as a recreational activity.
If you are bored of Goa and want to celebrate New Year’s eve at an offbeat beach location, Puducherry or Pondicherry is your best bet. A French colonial settlement until 1954, the ‘Paris of the East’ has splendidly preserved its French legacy.
The mustard-hued streets of Pondicherry, colonial villas, chic shops adorning the landscape, stunning churches along with tree-lined lanes offer a lot to architectural enthusiasts.
To welcome the New Year, you have plenty of choices to pick from. The popular ones include grooving to the beats of EDM at a beachfront party, enjoying live music at the stunning cafes or attending the Catamaran Beach Festival and showing off your crazy dance moves. Hands down, Pondy is one of the most sought-after New Year destinations in India if you are seeking something exquisite.
Whether you are tripping with your amigos or vacationing with your family, Pondicherry’s French town is your best place to celebrate.
If you want to spend a quiet afternoon away from the crowd, then you should definitely check out the organic cafes in Auroville or go to the secluded Paradise Beach. It is an island beach, and you have to take a short ferry ride to reach there. You will see a wide stretch of white sand and turquoise waters here.
Also spend some time at Promenade Beach, as its entire stretch is lined with water-facing cafes and stores. It is a lovely place to take a stroll or just relax.
Top reasons to travel to Puducherryon New Year’s Eve:
A beautiful mountain resort, Gulmarg is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Sought-after for its scenic beauty and snow-capped mountains, the New Year is a special time in the Switzerland of India, as the winter wonderland gets decorated with balloons, lights, and banners.
There are several tourist attractions in Gulmarg that are ideal for New Year celebrations. The Gulmarg Gondola is the highlight as it is the longest cable car in Asia. The stunning view of the snow-covered mountains is a sight to behold! Its ski slopes are perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Adventure junkies from all over the world come here to indulge in snow sports. Also, Gulmarg restaurants and cafes offer mouth-watering Kashmiri cuisine to keep the celebrations going. Activities like folk dance performances and music concerts add to the fun!
TWT Tip: When you are in Srinagar, include the popular floating vegetable and flower market in Dal Lake in your itinerary. You can also buy beautiful local handicrafts and souvenirs from here.
Top reasons to travel to Gulmarg on New Year’s Eve:
Researching about the best places to go for New Year’s eve? Want to enjoy adventure activities while celebrating New Year’s Eve? Consider traveling to Manali to have an action-packed vacation in December.
The crazy parties here on December 31st night attract party bums from all over the world. Also, the classy cafes and restaurants are beautifully decorated during the New Year week. Indulge in some lip smacking food and great views.
Visit its charming attractions including the Tibetan Monastery, Van Vihar, and the Vashisht Temple. During the New Year, these are dipped in merry festivities and decked up with lovely lights.
The adventurous souls can engage in captivating activities like skiing, paragliding and trekking to Kheerganga.
If you want to enjoy the festivity at a less-crowded, quaint place, cross the bridge over the gushing Manalsu River to visit the backpacker’s hotspot — Old Manali. It has a unique charm of its own, which is completely different from the touristy Manali.
TWT Tip: Visit Dylan’s Toasted & Roasted Coffee House in Old Manali to enjoy the most fantastic cold coffee and freshly baked cookies!
Looking for festive travel spots on a budget? Your search ends at McLeodganj. This hill station in Himachal Pradesh has everything that you will need to ring in the New Year with local dance and music.
If you are a party animal, then include these party places to your new year plans–Black Magic Restaurant, Espresso Bar, Indique, McLlo Bar & Restaurant, B6 Lounge & Bar, Bob’s N Barley, and Xcite Bar.
We highly recommend you to taste the local foods of Himachal Pradesh when you are in this picturesque Indian hill town.
If you are a spiritual person and find solace in peaceful places, then visit a monastery here. Don’t miss relishing the authentic Tibetan Thukpa and momos. You can also go for Triund trek under the clear sky, or head to the Tibetan Market for souvenir shopping. Clubbers can sip on Chhaang at a local bar.
Overflowing with heart-warming views and young energy, Kasol in Himachal Pradesh is a great place to enjoy the December 31st parties. Whether you are a nature lover or a party animal, this hill town has rightfully earned its tag of being the best place for New Year celebrations in India.
Its endless festivities and jolly parties make it an ideal destination to visit in December for both Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The hill town is also known for riverside camping and some of the best treks in India, including Kheerganga, Tosh, Malana, Chalal, Rasol, Grahan, Kalga, Buddhaban, and the Kutla Glacier.
TWT Tip: If you want to go for a hike, we would highly recommend the Tosh Valley trek. Tosh is a village situated at a height of 7,874 feet, located at the end of Parvati Valley. You can start your trek to Tosh from Barsheni, which is around 13 kilometres from Kasol. It takes nearly half an hour to get there by bus.
New Year is a great time to travel to the most popular coastal town of Karnataka – Gokarna. Known for its pristine beaches, stunning landscapes, and ancient temples, it is an incredible New Year destination in India.
The atmosphere in Gokarna is quite lively on the day of New Year’s Eve with tourists and locals flocking to the town to celebrate the beginning of a new year. There is a traditional pooja in the temples first. After that, people gather at the beach to watch lovely fireworks and enjoy the live performances. Its popular beaches include Kudle Beach and Om Beach, and the sight of the setting sun in the evening and the twinkling stars at night is mesmerising.
Apart from taking leisurely strolls at the beaches, adventure enthusiasts can indulge in fun water activities like banana boat rides, surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, bumper boating, speed boating, etc.
During the New Year, Gokarna is all about traditional music, dance, and other performances. For foodies, there are a plethora of local delicacies of Karnataka.
TWT Tip: Spend some time at the famous Namaste Café’s at Om Beach for its excellent location, relaxed ambiance, and yummy food.
If you are wondering which is the best place in India for the new year and you don’t want any loud noise or touristy crowds, Coorg is a great option. Also known as Kodagu, it is a district in the southwest Indian state of Karnataka, popular for its picturesque surroundings and pleasant climate throughout the year.
The coffee and spice plantations enhance the splendor of the place. Try the local Kodava cuisine when you’re here and take some Coorgi coffee back home.
The Namdroling Monastery is a must-visit. Home to nearly 5,000 monks and nuns, it is also a popular place for buying traditional Tibetan items. You can also visit the Kaveri river banks for a serene experience.
Check out a plantation tour if you want to experience the local vibes of Coorg. The guide will tell you about the entire lifecycle of the plants, beginning from the seed to the final product. In the end, they will also give you a complimentary cup of steaming Coorgi coffee in the traditional style.
One of the best places to celebrate New Year in South India is Munnar, a popular hill station in Kerala. Bestowed with limitless natural marvels, you will find cloud-kissed hills, rolling tea pastures, and mist-bathed green valleys here.
This small hill town offers a spectacular blend of parties and natural beauty. On one hand, there are party places like the High Range Club, Mountain Club, and Camelot Resort offering gigs, live music, food, and dance parties. On the other hand, there are charming tourist spots such as Anamudi Peak, Eravikulam National Park, and Mattupetty Dam that offer an unforgettable experience of rejuvenation in the midst of nature!
Eravikulam National Park, the land of Nilgiri Tahr and Neelakurinji, should be on your list when you are vacationing in Munnar. The former is an endangered animal species and the latter is the world’s rarest flower that blooms once in every 12 years.
TWT Tip: When you are in Eravikulam National Park, ensure walking in the middle of the path and stay away from the fences as there are snakes on the sides. Bright, green-coloured ones are quite common.
A New Year’s celebration in Gangtok means getting to experience more than you could ever ask for. This Northeastern state will strengthen your belief in serendipity. Visit the holy monasteries, besides relishing on delicious local food.
Celebrating the New Year at a karaoke bar in Gangtok can be your favorite memory from Sikkim. It’s absolutely okay if you don’t know anything about the right notes and melodies. Let not that stop you from singing (rather screaming!) your heart out. The karaoke bars here have a special vibe and aura.
Tsongmo Lake, also known as Changu Lake, is another magical place! This glacial lake changes its color with the changing seasons. With the colorful Tibetan prayer flags all around, the beauty of the place is further enhanced.
Another must-visit when you are in Gangtok is Nathula, which is located on the Old Silk Route. Connecting Sikkim and China, it is one of the world’s highest motorable roads.
TWT Tip: You need to obtain a permit to visit the high-altitude Tsomgo Lake and Nathu La as these are located in restricted areas.
Top reasons to travel to Gangtok on New Year:
Spectacular lakes
Beautiful Buddhist monasteries
Stunning views of the snow-capped Mount Kanchenjunga
A kaleidoscope of a myriad of landscapes and rich culture, Meghalaya’s capital is popular for dense sunlit jungles embedded with rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. And for the party animals, Shillong has some of the most peppy clubs and cafes.
Especially on December 31st night, you will be greeted with beautifully lit-up streets, delectable local food at restaurants, and folk music resonating everywhere. If you are a nature lover, go for a guided forest trek and camp under the blanket of twinkling stars as the clock strikes twelve!
Shillong is a tiny hill station with a land area of only 65 square kilometers. Popularly known as the ‘Scotland of the East’ and the ‘Rock Capital of India’, it is among a few places in India where nature is quite untouched.
You can visit Seven Sisters Falls (Nohsngithiang Falls), which is a seven-segmented waterfall. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in India.
Head to Mawsmai Cave if you want to see something extraordinary. These are naturally formed limestone caves. Years of natural abrasion and underground water have given rise to this magnificent natural wonder.
A hub of happening lakefront palace hotels and restaurants serving delectable Rajasthani food, Udaipur is one of the best places to revel in New Year celebrations. From luxurious sunset boat cruises, to cultural shows at regal venues, stunning lakeside sunsets and midnight fireworks, the heritage destination offers an array of options for travelers.
Some of the most popular spots in the city to ring in your New Year’s Eve include Khamma Ghani Restaurant, Zana Lake Resort, Big Shot Club, Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery, and Rani Village Lake View Restaurant.
Don’t miss the Dharohar, a one-hour-long Rajasthani folk dance performance. An informative introduction about their culture, beating of drums, blowing of conch shells, and a welcome song will set the mood for the evening show.
Beautifully dressed dancers dance with ignited brass pots and earthen pots on their heads, and play manjiras tied on their hands and legs.
Rajasthani puppet shows are also hugely popular with kids. The Ghumar dance is among the most admired acts of the evening.
The city that never sleeps,Mumbai is best for urban enthusiasts seeking a dynamic cityscape on New Year’s Eve. This bustling metropolis has iconic places like Marine Drive and Gateway of India that turn into dazzling spectacles with vibrant fireworks on December 31.
There are a myriad of entertainment options including clubs, bars, and restaurants that host the grandest parties. If you’re lucky, you might run into Bollywood celebrities too.
A New Year vacation in Mumbai will also let you explore famous landmarks like Juhu Chowpati, Essel World, Gateway of India, Haji Ali Dargah, etc.
Popular clubs like Kitty Su are popular for hosting the most happening parties with celebrity performances. There is unlimited booze and snacks in most cases.
Are you ready to amplify your New Year celebrations in India now? From the loudest party hotspots to natural wonders and royal destinations, the country has enough options for you to plan your ultimate New Year’s eve across the northern and southern regions. Remember to plan early, stay well hydrated and have a blast!
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Frequently Asked Questions On New Year Celebration Destinations In India
1. Which is the best place for New Year in India?
Depending on your preferences, there are several best places to celebrate the new year in India. Known for their adventure, nature, architecture, shopping, and parties, there are a number of places in the country that allure tourists from all over the world. The most popular ones include Goa, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Kashmir, Ladakh, Manali, Rishikesh, Puducherry, Ooty, Delhi, Gokarna, and Munnar.
2. Which place is best for a New Year party?
For the craziest party vibes in India, the best destinations are Goa, Bangalore, Andaman, Manali, Kasol, Delhi, Mumbai, Pushkar, Jaipur, and Kolkata. These places host all kinds of parties ranging from hippy dance galas, recreational events in nature retreats, all-you-can-eat buffets, youthful concerts with international DJs, beach parties, carnivals, fairs, fun family events in hotels, etc.
3. Which is the best place to celebrate New Year in South India?
The best year-end travel destinations in South India are Goa, Gokarna, Chennai, Bangalore, Puducherry, Coorg, Hyderabad, Wayanad, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Kochi, Hampi, and Alappuzha. Offering an ideal blend of contemporary parties and traditional festivities, these South Indian states are sure to give you the best of both worlds!
4. What is the Gujarati New Year called?
The name of the Gujarati New Year is Padwa, Varsha Pratipada, or Bestu Varas. Known as New Year, Bestu Varas will mark the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2080.
5. Which are the best places in Delhi for New Year celebrations?
Some of the best places in Delhi that you should explore on New Year’s Eve are as follows:
Privee Shangri-La’s Eros Hotel
Kitty Su, The Lalit
21 Shots
AnnaMaya
The Umrao
8 Barracks Restaurant and Bar
Hard Rock Café
The Hongkong Club
Ministry of Beer
Country Inn & Suites
The Brewhouse, Radisson
6. Which resorts near Delhi host the best New Year parties?
There are many resorts near Delhi that host kickass parties. Some of them are as follows:
23 countries, along with 20 states & 6 union territories of India, and the rest of the world to go! That’s your travel buddy Nancy for you. After working in the media industry for over 8 years, she dared to quit her full-time media job to live the life she always wanted – as a solo backpacker.
Nancy’s professional journey includes hundreds of published articles on her international and domestic travel experiences. She also writes for major travel media platforms such as Curly Tales and Tripoto. Her certification in Spanish language from Instituto Cervantes and a little knowledge of French help her further connect with the global travel community. Read More
