The new year is fast approaching, and while many look to travel overseas, India offers phenomenal destinations for ringing in 2025 in style.
Goa, frequently dubbed India’s Las Vegas, remains an attractive destination, famed for its vibrant, energetic beach parties. Manali is an equally amazing destination; the sheer joy of experiencing fresh, crisp snow offers a totally different, exhilarating kind of thrill. If you crave winter sports, Gulmarg is an essential destination. Alternatively, for tropical adventure, think of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, perfect for thrilling snorkeling and scuba diving.
We bring you 7 of the best options that should be high on your agenda for New Year’s Eve revelry in 2025.
Goa for parties and beaches
Goa, frequently called India’s Las Vegas, is the premier destination for New Year’s Eve festivities. It attracts party enthusiasts with continuous, vibrant beach parties, famous rave scenes and late-night clubs in the northern areas, notably Anjuna and Vagator. Alongside the electronic dance music, visitors enjoy spectacular firework displays, delicious food, and a truly free-spirited, bohemian ambience drawing global revellers.
Things to do: Enjoy beach parties, attend raves and watch amazing fireworks displays.
Manali: Snowy-mountain thrills
Manali, particularly during the winter, offers an exhilarating high when you experience its fresh snowfall. The sight of the mountains and valleys covered in a crisp white blanket provides a truly serene and adventurous thrill. This stunning, high-altitude setting, with its clean, cold air, is ideal for intimate and memorable New Year celebrations among spectacular snow-covered peaks.
Things to do: Enjoy snowball fights, learn skiing and explore scenic snow views.
Gokarna for laidback beach experience
Gokarna offers a much-needed, laid-back antidote to the frantic pace of typical New Year’s celebrations. This temple town provides a serene beach experience, known for its pristine crescent-shaped shores like Om and Half Moon Beach. Ideal for those seeking quiet reflection, yoga, and gentle walks, it boasts a bohemian vibe without the heavy club scene. Enjoy simple, delicious food and tranquil sunset views for a peaceful start to the New Year.
Things to do: Practice yoga, walk on Om Beach and enjoy quiet sunsets.
Gulmarg: Skiing in Alpine paradise
Gulmarg, set in Kashmir, is the top destination for winter sports enthusiasts seeking an Alpine-like thrill. Its famous high-altitude gondola offers access to excellent skiing, snowboarding and heli-skiing on soft powder snow. This stunning location ensures that your New Year’s Eve celebration is adventurous and exciting. It perfectly combines the excitement of action sports with the serene grandeur of the snow-covered Himalayas.
Things to do: Skiing, snowboarding, gondola ride and enjoying the snow-covered views.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Dive into ocean thrills
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, especially for scuba diving and snorkeling. The crystal-clear turquoise waters and untouched coral reefs offer unparalleled underwater visibility and marine life viewing. Celebrating the New Year here means swapping crowds for peaceful beaches, exciting sea adventures and tropical serenity, particularly around Havelock and Neil Islands.
Things to do: Scuba dive, snorkel to see coral, and relax on Radhanagar Beach.
Alappuzha: Experience a serene houseboat escape
Alappuzha provides a peaceful alternative for New Year’s Eve, highlighting the serene beauty of Kerala’s celebrated backwaters. Staying overnight on a traditional houseboat offers an immersive and calming experience, far away from the noise of city life. The true celebration here lies in nature’s tranquility-cruising past vibrant green paddy fields, observing local life and enjoying delicious Keralan food in quietude.
Things to do: Stay on a houseboat, explore backwaters, and enjoy local food.
Lakshadweep: Pristine island retreat
Lakshadweep, often called India’s very own Maldives, is a pristine archipelago with unspoiled turquoise lagoons and shimmering white sands. It offers an exclusive, tranquil New Year escape, perfect for enjoying the rich marine biodiversity. Given the limited tourist flow, it guarantees privacy and serenity, making it ideal for relaxing, swimming, and light water activities away from the usual crowds.
Things to do: Relax on the beaches, swim in lagoons and try kayaking.