No one wants a mundane new year (unless you are a raging bore!). We know you are not. And you certainly don’t want to head out for those cliché venues as well. Got a plan? NO? Well, we assure you are not that late in planning.

You just need to breathe, sit back and let us do the hard work. If you ask us, we would prefer going holiday on the Moon or Venus. But that’s not feasible you know. Not yet!

Looking for the best places to travel in 2019 is not that hard, and we have got you covered.

Get your senses to Zen and travel to these spots-

For first time travelers:

1.Beaches: Vagator- Anjuna- Calangute- Morjim- Baga (Goa), Pondicherry beach, Banagram Island beach (Lakshadweep), Marari (Allepey) [Kerala], Om beach (Gokarna)[Karnataka].

Beaches are innately beautiful, no point in describing its splendid beauty. Still, for formality sake- Banagram beach is a famed destination for rejuvenating and relaxing. Morjim hosts cheery nightlife with Olive Ridley Turtles being its hallmark. Om beach is a party destination famous for its temples and parties (strange combination, we know). Marari is a lesser known gem in the backwaters of Allepey.

 

2.Desert:

• Rann of Kutch(in Gujarat) hosts the longest festival (3 months) Rann Utsav being ideal for newlyweds and friends group. The ethereal starlit sky in Kutch with white salt marsh (as far as the eye can see) and desert lanterns is a spectacle to watch.

 

 

• Jodhpur with backdrops of Mehrangarh Fort, Ghanta Ghar, and Umaid Bhawan Palace are among the best places to visit for experiencing Indian regality. You can explore Khimsar (for migratory birds), Nagaur (for the fort and Jal Mahal), Pokhran (for architecture), and Kuchman (for the fort with unique water harvesting) in your Toyota Fortuner within the radius of 200 km of the main city.

 

 

3. Hills and Mountains:

• Manali is mystery and splendor at its best. The mesmerizing road to Rohtang Pass will leave you spellbound. Snow and ice await you at Rohtang (though the roads might not take you far). Visit Naggar (~20 km apart) if you desire to witness a wooden architecture palace marvel.

• Kasol– ‘The mini Israel’ with its quaint and surreal beauty is one heck of a top-notch vacation spot. Indulge in world-class parties and get to know the Hippie scene in India. Visit Parvati valley and let beauty unfold onto yourself organically.

• Shimla– The Queen of Hills invites you every year with its colonial charm and haunted aura. Enjoying a vacation here will actually teach you what it means to be in permanent travel destinations.

 

For Seasonal holiday goers:

1. Festivals:

• Mount Abu Winter Festival was a joint initiative between Rajasthan Tourism and Tamil Nadu Municipal board. Fireworks, Poetry recitations, traditional dances, and stage performances await you here in the lap of Aravalli. Head off to this festival in grandeur and let the fun immerse you in New Year. Culture, wildlife, museums, Dilwara Temples are too good to be missed.

 

 

• Sunburn (29-31 Dec, a hallmark music festival of Goa) is being hosted in Pune this year. Just one word for this festival – AWESOME! Electronic music, dance, concerts and partying at its best, Sunburn has to be felt instead of being described.

 

2. Special Mention: Camel Fair, Bikaner (12-13 Jan 2019): Not just camels but forts and fun intertwined. The second week of the New Year is the best time to witness Fire dances and camel dances. Camel rides and camel races make your new year’s filled with newfound holiday place in the desert. A visit to the nearby Junagarh Fort, Bhandsar Jain temple and Deshnok Karni Mata Temple in your Toyota Yaris is the ride you will never forget.

3. Offbeat Destinations:

• Shillong the capital city of Meghalaya (one of the seven sisters) is awe inspiring. One of the lesser known holiday mecca, Shillong with its gorgeous waterfalls, luring mountain peaks, and greenery is a class apart from the cliches. Krang Suri Falls (blue water), Dawki Lake (crystal clear water) are something you need to see with your own eyes.

 

 

• Pakyong in Sikkim is a quite town counting for the 100^th airport in India. Pakyong is the abode of monasteries and charming gardens. Head out to Jhandidhara Sunrise point or the Banjhakri Falls and Park. This place offers the feel of home in the lap of nature.

 

 

• Tarkarli beach in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra is in close proximity to Goa (~60km). It is a perfect getaway to enjoy in solitude with home-made Malvani food and stunning beach views to relax. One of the best cheap places to travel in New Year away from the crowd, Tarkarli is a must visit. Water sport is also an option to choose from to add a fun quotient.

 

4.  Recommendations:

• Silent Valley National Park (Kerala): Think of rainbow-colored stones in a beautiful lake. Add shallow waters and picturesque mountains. Welcome to the Silent Valley National Park. This place is best felt in winters. Karuvara falls with its elegant beauty reminds the waterfall scenes from Baahubali. The Keerippara Trek is another verdant boon full of treasuring experiences to get lost into.

 

 

• Gangtok: Not just the brother of the seven sisters (of the Northeast), Gangtok is all decked up in winters (especially on New Year). Get to witness some amazing views of the Kanchenjunga and spend New Year vacation in Sikkim style.

 

 

Recommended: What offbeat December destinations you should head out for?

For adventure lovers

1. Water Sports: Kolad in Maharashtra is an ideal spot for water fun in winter. River Rafting is the main attraction here. Optimum temperature (~30 degree celsius) with white waters of the Kundalika River is a treat to the eyes. Give your New Year a bang on with Kolad!

 

2. Winter Sports: Phuni Valley in Sikkim is a place which many people do not know about. Skiing is the major winter sport of the region. The snow at 11000 meter high makes the perfect place to slide down the slopes smoothly.

 

3. Offbeat Tracks: The Bhandardara in Ahmed nagar district Maharashtra in the Western Ghats is best visited in winters. The cozy temperature lures visitors from nearby Pune or Mumbaikars here. The trek to Kalsubai peak (highest in Maharashtra) is a tricky one. Lush vale green on either side with the morning mist and little sunlight makes it all the more enticing. Randha Falls and Umbrella Falls are other top places to look for in Bhandardara. You can also choose going to the Ratangad Fort (~23 km apart) to add laurels to your adventure list.

 

Best holiday destinations are what you want them to be. It is okay to go for the clichés but knowing when to change matters. To be an ardent traveler means you will explore new things.  Also, you would be adding newer versions of yourself.

Go have a blast in the New Year. And don’t forget to tell us where you spent your vacation.