‘The Christmas Travel List’: Top destinations for a memorable Christmas, New Year celebration
The ‘Winter Is Here’! And, travel enthusiasts have started packing their bags for Christmas and New Year vacations. Some are planning to go abroad, while most of the travel enthusiasts are gearing up to explore picturesque places in the country itself, as India, after all, is packed with perfect holiday destinations.
To help you hunt for the perfect holiday destination, we have curated a list of top destinations where you can bid goodbye to the past year.
Goa – The Party Hub Of India
Famous for its exotic beaches and nightlife, Goa is a perfect destination to visit during the Christmas holidays. Several events, cultural processions, and parties are organised across the beach state till New Year.
You can celebrate your holiday traditionally by spending days in exploring decorated streets, old churches, and beaches and nights attending cub parties.
Things to do in the beach state
- Visit beaches and churches (Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Santa Cruz Church, Doodhsagar Falls and Aguada Fort)
- Party at casinos and cruise
- Shop at the flea market
- Don’t forget to satisfy your taste buds with scrumptious seafood
- You can also engage in thrilling water sports activities
Auli – Ski Lovers Paradise
Auli is one of the most visited places in India during the New Year. The hill station is filled with mesmerizing panoramic nature views. Auli is also a perfect destination for adventure sports enthusiasts as it offers numerous adventurous activities like hiking, skiing and paragliding among others.
Things to do in the hill station
- Visit famous places like - Chenab Lake, Joshimath and Auli Artificial Lake
- You can also visit Trishul Peak and Nanda Devi National Park
- Participate in fun activities like – skiing, camping, trekking at Auli Gorson, and cable car rides
Shimla – India’s Queen Of Hills
Shimla is the best place for people who dream of a snowy Christmas. During December, Shimla is usually covered with a thick white blanket of snow.
Things to do in Shimla
- Visit prominent temples and churches like - Jakhu Temple, Kali Bari Temple and Christ Church
- shop at famous Mall Road
- Enjoy delicious food
- Sightseeing the snow-capped hills and riding on toy trains
Jaisalmer – The Royal Golden City
Visit Jaisalmer for a royal experience. Here, you can explore royal forts, do camel safaris and camp under the stars.
Things to do in Jaisalmer:
- Try delicious Rajasthani food
- Visit Jaisalmer Fort, ride bikes at Sam Sand Dunes, do a jeep safari at Thar desert
- Shop at local markets
- Don’t forget to visit the royal Sonar Quila, Patwa ki Haveli, Bada Bagh Temple and The Thar Heritage Museum
Gokarna - The Land Of Wanderlust
Gokarna is a very little-explored town in Karnataka. The town offers serene beaches and mesmerizing waterfalls. You can also visit Mahabaleshwar Temple.
Things to do in Gokarna:
- Give your new year holiday a spiritual tour by visiting Mahabaleshwar Temple and Subrahmanya Temple
- Visit Belekan Beach, Paradise Beach, Shiva Cave and Gokarna Cliff, Kudle Beach
- Shot at flea markets
- Have banana boat rides
- Indulge in watersport activities and enjoy the lush green surroundings
First published: 11 December 2022, 16:15 IST