24 Best Places to Celebrate New Year in India

Welcome 2023: Places around India for the Best New Year Celebrations

With domestic travel open once again, it's time to say adieu to 2022 and usher in the New Year with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

India is a land of wonders, a land where nature, history and civilization collides in perfect harmony. Indians welcome the New Year in very different ways. Though the strains of 2020-21 still run deep, the time has come to move forward into the New Year with renewed hope, excitement and eagerness. Whether you’re looking for energetic parties, adventure escapades or spiritual trips, India has it all. With an abundance of exciting experiences at every corner of the country, India has something for everyone.

1. Goa

The party capital of India, Goa is a paradise with sun-kissed beaches, scrumptious seafood, trance music festivals and cheap brews. The main beaches such as Anjuna, Calangute and Vagator are filled with clubs and discotheques, where the party goes on till morning. One of the best places to celebrate the year, Goa is the place where you can eat, sleep, rave and repeat.

2. Gokarna, Karnataka

A serene beach paradise, almost untouched by commercial activity, Gokarna has secluded beaches, amazing seafood and locally crafted brews. Head to Gokarna if you are looking for a new year filled with peace and tranquillity. During the New Year celebrations, the beach is dotted with bonfires and the skies are filled with sky lanterns, making it one of the most surreal locations to visit.

3. Puducherry

A famous Union Territory, Puducherry is a place for beach bums, party lovers and those seeking self-reflection. The French charm is visible all over town with cozy architecture and hipster cafes. There are several meditation centres where you can bust the stress and get in touch with your inner self. A coexistence of cultures, head to Puducherry party all night and rejuvenate yourself in the same area.

4. Udaipur, Rajasthan

For a grand start to the New Year, head to Udaipur, the City of Lakes. Filled with shimmering lakes, magnificent palaces, vibrant locals and delicious food, Udaipur features as one of India’s top destinations. It is only amplified during the new year as there are a plethora of exciting activities on offer in and around the city. Explore the city, chill with the friendly locals, shop for trinkets and eat like a Rajput king.

5. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

An island paradise, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a favourite tropical getaway during the New Year season. An abundance of fresh air, serene atmospheres and calm seas make this one of the most preferred destinations at the end of the year. You can go for adrenaline-inducing water sports or laze around in the beaches while munching on the delectable local cuisines.

6. Mumbai, Maharashtra

The city that never sleeps, Mumbai is one of the best places to unwind in the New Year. The financial heart of India, Mumbai is dotted with clubs and restaurants that throw amazing bashes for the New Year. There is no dearth of parties where you can let your hair down and groove to Bollywood or EDM music. The skies are lit up with vivid fireworks and there are makeshift stalls selling mouthwatering munchies all night long.

7. New Delhi

The capital of India is no stranger to parties and celebrates the coming of the New Year with style. Socialize with the friendly locals at India Gate during the midnight countdown, eat your heart out in one of the restaurants or street stalls and shop till you drop at one of the city markets, that can go from ridiculously cheap to notoriously expensive. Or if you’re feeling spiritual, head to Red Fort or one of the temples on the first day of the year.

8. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

What’s better than waking up on the first day of the year in an UNESCO World Heritage site? That’s right, you can party all night at one of the cafes and sleep in a hotel inside the Jaisalmer Fort. Apart from this, you can also go exploring the golden deserts, ride camels and sleep under the stars in this remote, surreal destination.

9. Jaipur, Rajasthan Celebrate the New Year in a grand, regal manner at the pink city of Jaipur. Every hotel in the city throws royal all-night parties at their lounges. The Chokhi Dhani is a festival that celebrates the local culture along with the New Year. From soaking in the heritage of Rajasthan to trying out delectable local cuisines, a new year at the pink city is an absolute delight. 10. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Want to spend the first day of the year in the lap of nature without compromising on your parties? Look no further than Manali, where you literally start the New Year on a high. You can partake in adventure sports like trekking, skiing, zorbing and paragliding or just sit back and relax in the tranquillity of the snowy mountainous landscape. There are also some crazy open-air parties where you can let your hair down and meet travellers from all over the globe.

11. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

The paradise of Kasol provides the more adventurous traveller with almost every experience they want out of a destination. From great outdoor activities to late-night music parties, Kasol has it all. Challenge yourself with nerve-wracking activities such as white water rafting and trekking the steep slopes of the Parvati Valley. Indulge in the hippie culture at Tosh and groove to the tunes at the various music parties on the mountains.

12. McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh

A vibrant little cluster of hip cafes, trekking routes and monasteries, McLeodganj is an amazing place to chill with friends on the New Year. The whole town comes alive with music during the New Year. Start afresh with wind bustle in your hair as you groove to the music in the backdrop of majestic hills.

13. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh The magnificent panoramas of Shimla provide the perfect backdrop for the craziest New Year parties. With plenty of restaurants and attractions, Shimla will keep you on your toes. Explore the city’s winding roads, ride the highest toy train and drop into a party at the Mall Road. 14. Auli, Uttarakhand

The winter wonderland of Auli is a dreamy scene one should witness at least once in their life. Snow-covered peaks and clear skies give you the ample opportunities for skiing, hiking, birdwatching and camping. Ride Asia’s longest aerial tramway as it transports you up the hill where the travellers from across the world enjoy the endless winter sports experiences.

15. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Filled with coffee plantations, rolling hills, raging waterfalls and lush natural spectacles, Kodaikanal is a page straight out of a fairytale. Go trekking on splendid trails, get drenched around the powerful waterfalls and try out some amazing coffee straight from the fields. Kodaikanal is best for couples looking for a serene retreat in the lap of nature.

16. Varkala, Kerala

A calm beach lined with coconut trees, Varkala is said to be one of the best beaches in Kerala. With activities ranging from surfing to fort climbing, there is always something exciting in Varkala. Or you can just relax and watch the waves crash into the sand. Dotted with clifftop cafes, Varkala is quite a foodies paradise as well. Dig into some authentic Swedish cuisine or go for a Malayali platter filled with delicious seafood.

17. Bangalore, Karnataka

The silicon valley of India, Bangalore is quite a draw for the party lovers. With an abundance of restaurants and pubs, eating out has become a key aspect of the Bangalorean lifestyle. With green gardens, moderate climate and large open spaces, Bangalore has much to offer during the festive season. Head on down to the vibrant MG Road and indulge in cheap shopping or go boating over the calm waters of the Ulsoor Lake. Start the New Year with a pint of locally crafted beer in one of the popular breweries in the city.

18. Coorg, Karnataka

Sip into tea or coffee straight from the plantations with the backdrop of picturesque rolling hills at Coorg, the Scotland of India. A serene, tranquil atmosphere with cool misty climate just adds to the beauty and charm of Coorg. Dig into authentic Kodava cuisine while watching migratory birds and enjoy jackfruit, fresh from the gardens. Perfect for couples and families, Coorg is a perfect place to usher in the New Year with peace and serenity.

19. Alappuzha, Kerala

Nestled along the threshold of lagoons, backwaters and coconut groves, Alappuzha, the Venice of India promises an enchanting and romantic time. Alappuzha is the place to go if you’re looking for a new year filled with romance with your better half. Dive into the beach, sail the lazy backwaters and spend a night at the houseboat. With enough backwaters, you’ll never be bothered at Alappuzha.

20. Gangtok, Sikkim

Forget beaches and parties, Gangtok is all about treks, mountains and monasteries. A perfect place for solo and adventure tourists, you can climb mountains, go trekking on the Kanchenjunga Mountain and glide down rapid mountain rivers on a raft. If you want to start your new year with an absolute bang, Gangtok is the place to go.

21. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

A quaint, misty town, Ooty is a bridge between the past and the present. Filled with colonial architecture, there are also happening parties all over town. The cool, misty weather is perfect for having a picnic at the Ooty Lake, hiking a pine forest or riding the Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train. There is also a botanical garden and deer park where you can spend the new year in midst of natural beauty and serenity.

22. Shillong, Meghalaya

Kick-off a new year with the youthful energy and enthusiasm of Shillong, the rock capital of India. Surrounded by natural lakes and majestic waterfalls, this corner of the country has some alluring natural attractions, enthralling music and delicious food. Party till the sun comes up, explore the surrounding wildlands, bite into mouth-watering treats and try your hand at a musical instrument.

23. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

Ride a camel across an endless horizon of white salt. Welcome the brand new year with a brand new unique experience at India’s only salt flat in Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. The Rann Utsav is also held around this time. Go into 2021 with an unique blend of cultural heritage and adventure.

24. Lakshadweep Islands

For a secluded vacation in the midst of a tropical paradise, Lakshadweep Islands is the best place to go. With an abundance of water sports, coral reefs and amazing seafood, these islands are a perfect getaway for families and couples.