Last minute travel plans? 9 places to visit for the New Year celebrations

Are you ready to embrace the magic of winter? Check out these stunning destinations that offer a perfect blend of festive charm, exciting activities, and breath-taking landscapes from the chilly hills, tropical beaches to wildlife parks! We’ve also suggested stays that combine their superlative offerings – from the rooms and villas, cuisine to their bespoke hospitality to make your year-end getaway rejuvenating, transformative, and unforgettable.
Goa: Experience the slow sussegad life like never before

Not the party scene or the bustling cafés filled with tourists! Disconnect from the chaos and immerse into an idyllic authentic Goan village where the essence of slow, sussegad living unfolds like a gentle breeze. The intimate boutique heritage property, Mansao Curtorim in South Goa invites you to do just that. Here, time seems to pause as you sink into the gorgeous Portuguese mansion surrounded by lush green landscape with the best of Goan cuisine and service. Wander or cycle through the surrounding paddy fields, or the sun-drenched beaches located only 20 minutes away, walk through the local churches, temples and vibrant markets that are still unadulterated by crowds. You can also try your hands at fenny or bread making – the Mansao Curtorim team happily organises these for you. If planning a December trip– enjoy the decorations as the locals dresses everything around for the season!

Himachal Pradesh: Serenity, Luxury, and Celebrations Amidst the Shivalik Ranges


Imagine ringing in the New Year amidst the serene Shivalik ranges, where the crisp mountain air and breathtaking landscapes wrap you in tranquillity. Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort, perched at 5,000 feet in Parwanoo, Himachal Pradesh, offers this and more. Accessible via a scenic cable car ride, the resort promises a unique arrival experience with panoramic views that set the tone for an unforgettable stay. This luxurious retreat boasts elegantly designed Moksha Luxury Suites, each featuring private balconies that open out to the picturesque surroundings, blending comfort and elegance for a perfect getaway. Dining at Moksha is a delightful affair, with a variety of global cuisines, from Thai and Oriental to Indian and Italian, served in a setting as exquisite as the food itself. For relaxation, the resort’s signature infinity pool and rejuvenating spa treatments ensure that your mind and body are at peace. To make your year-end celebrations truly special, Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort has curated exclusive New Year packages. Whether you're unwinding with a soul-soothing spa session or enjoying the vibrant festivities in the lap of nature, this retreat offers a perfect blend of luxury, wellness, and celebration.

Voco Jim Corbett, Dilkuli, Ramnagar

Voco Jim Corbett, an IHG Hotel, boasts a fantastic location that perfectly balances proximity to the national park with breathtaking natural beauty. The property shares a boundary wall with the serene Kosi River, offering stunning views from several rooms. The hotel's thoughtful design maximizes the surrounding landscape, creating numerous spots where guests can immerse themselves in nature. For instance, the bar features a partially open layout right next to the Kosi, blending modern comfort with the charm of the outdoors. The use of wood and Victorian-inspired design elements lends the property a rustic, quaint aesthetic. A highlight is the picturesque Kosi deck, often doubling as an evening tea spot where guests can sip their chai while gazing at the tranquil river. The rooms are spacious and beautifully designed, providing both comfort and style. With General Manager Suprabhath Roy Chowdhury actively overseeing the property, even the smallest guest requirements are thoughtfully addressed, ensuring an exceptional experience.. Whatever cuisine is being served here, it consistently exceeds expectations in taste and presentation. Tenzin Losel, the Executive Chef, demonstrates remarkable mastery across a diverse range of culinary traditions. Whether it's a delicate fusion dish or a time-honored classic, the flavors reflect Chef Losel's deep expertise and commitment to culinary excellence. The hotel is hosting a series of events that will last till the new year like Karakore Night, Gazal Night, DJ etc. Those looking for a quiet holiday, with good food can opt for voco.


Gir National Park: For Lions and Luxuries without the crowds

Renowned as one of the last refuges of the Asiatic lion, Gir National Park is an excellent alternative to the over-crowded Central Indian Parks. December offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities at Gir, as animals are more active during the cooler parts of the day. Early morning and late afternoon safaris are particularly rewarding for not only sighting the Asiatic lions, but also leopards, spotted deer, and diverse bird species. Looking for a sublime stay that not immerses you into the wilderness with uber luxuries but also gives you a fascinating insight into the local culture – the Maldhari tribes, Somnath temple and more? Choose Aramness, Gir. An outstanding safari lodge designed by the minds behind the luxurious safari lodges in Africa. Looking into the forests with streams and orchards, their sophisticated ‘kothis’ of one or two bedrooms, each with private pools and serene terrace seatings, along with curated cuisine and hospitality are unparalleled.

Ranthambore National Park: A haven for wildlife enthusiasts

Ranthambore National Park is the perfect destination for a year-end escape blending adventure and luxury. Known for its majestic Bengal tigers and a rich ecosystem teeming with leopards, sloth bears, and over 270 bird species, December’s cool weather makes it an ideal time for safaris. Adding to the allure is Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, jungle-themed luxury resort, located conveniently near the park’s gates. Their curated New Year package for a 2-night, 3-day retreat ensures a memorable celebration, featuring beautifully designed accommodations, all-inclusive meals, evening hi-teas, and a grand gala dinner on December 31st with drinks package. Guests can enjoy a traditional welcome, a New Year’s Day brunch, and discounts on spa therapies and services, all while indulging in the festive ambiance and the wilderness charm of Ranthambore. This seamless blend of wildlife adventure and luxurious comfort makes it a rejuvenating start to the New Year. Well-connected by road and rail, Ranthambore is just a 3-hour drive from Jaipur, the nearest airport, and also accessible via direct trains to Sawai Madhopur, its closest railhead.





Dholavira, Gujarat: Amidst Ancient Ruins and White Salt Wonders

Welcome the New Year in the timeless charm of Dholavira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gujarat where the remnants of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization meet the ethereal beauty of the Rann of Kutch. Begin your journey on the awe-inspiring “Road to Heaven”, a 35-kilometer stretch those winds through the dazzling white salt plains, offering a surreal, otherworldly drive that feels like entering a dreamscape. This mesmerizing route sets the perfect tone for a tranquil yet extraordinary New Year’s celebration. At the heart of this enchanting destination lies Evoke Dholavira, a luxurious retreat that elevates your experience with its 44 well-appointed air-conditioned cottages. With a serene swimming pool, a restaurant serving gourmet local and international flavors, the resort ensures that every moment of your stay is infused with comfort and elegance. Guests can enjoy curated experiences such as guided tours of the ancient ruins, cultural performances, and stargazing under the vast, unpolluted sky—an unforgettable way to reflect and rejuvenate as the year transitions. Evenings at Evoke Dholavira become magical as musicians play soulful tunes on the guitar, creating a warm atmosphere for everyone. Dholavira, with its serene landscapes and profound history, offers an escape unlike any other. Whether you’re exploring the ingenuity of a 4,500-year-old civilization, soaking in the beauty of the salt flats, or celebrating under a canopy of stars at Evoke Dholavira, this destination promises a New Year’s experience that is truly surreal and transformative.

Sri Lanka: Explore luxurious doses of the island’s wildlife and wellness

From the ancient Sinhalese kingdoms to the colonial rule of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, each era leaving a mark on its cultural landscape, Sri Lanka boasts a rich tapestry of experiences. The country's history is evident in its breathtaking archaeological sites, among them is the UNESCO World Heritage site in Sigiriya that speak to sophisticated engineering and artistry as well as abundant nature. For a unique experience of this destination, stay at Jetwing Vil Uyana, voted recently as one of the best luxury eco-lodges in the world. Located in flourishing wetlands of paddy fields, lakes, bamboo forests and reed beds teeming with wildlife, they also craft exclusive night trails to spot the elusive Loris, and serves as a perfect base to see Dambulla's ancient Buddhist cave temples, Kaudulla national parks and Ritigala Forest Reserve. The ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura may also be visited as part of a day tour.

Nepal: A spiritual sojourn of culture and self-discovery

Visa-free for India, Nepal is another easy and enthralling getaway. Kathmandu offers not just a peek into the ancient Newari beliefs, mythology, architecture, and history that is intricately entwined with the Indian culture and yet distinctly unique. Visit the UNESCO world heritage site of the Patan Darbar Square that houses temples and shrines alongside bustling shops, and the renowned Pashupatinath Temple, and more. There is no better address than The Dwarika’s Hotel, an oasis in the midst of the crowds for your Kathmandu experience. Do not miss the traditional 22-course meal at Krishnarpan, the hotel’s Nepalese fine-dining restaurant. They also craft an experience called ‘Sacred Encounters’ where they take you 45minutes away from the city for a seren hile through forests to see the architectural marvel dedicated to the revered mystic Buddhist goddess Bajrayogini as well as a precious interaction with monks to learn more about their practices and ways of life!

Noormahal Palace, Karnal

Noormahal Palace, Karnal prepares to ring in the New Year with exceptional grandeur. This one-of-a-kind celebration, themed "African Night," promises an exquisite fusion of rich cultural heritage and vibrant rhythms of Africa. Immerse yourself in an aura that resonates with elegance as we countdown to a night filled with captivating performances featuring a dance troupe, DJ, live anchor, sumptuous cuisine, and the joyous spirit of the new year. Join us for an evening that beats mere celebration and epitomizes the artistry of celebration in its most exotic form. Guests will enjoy a complimentary buffet lunch at the Noormahal Palace, Karnal on the 30th and 31st of December, along with a complimentary dinner featuring unlimited starters, soda, juices, and soft drinks on the 30th, with liquor available at an additional charge. On the 31st, a complimentary gala dinner will offer unlimited starters, salad, soft drinks, juices, mocktails, cocktails, and unlimited IMFL liquor. Additional amenities include complimentary access to the swimming pool, steam, sauna, jacuzzi, and gym, as well as a variety of indoor and outdoor games such as billiards, table tennis, a kids' zone, cricket kit, air hockey, basketball, lawn tennis, volleyball, and badminton.