23 fun ways to bid adieu to 2023 at cool places in India

Dune bashing in Jaisalmer. (Photo: Bindu Gopal Rao)

The year 2024 is around the corner and we list 24 interesting ways to celebrate on the eve of a spanking new year.

1. Celebrate on a White Desert

Sunset on the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat. (Photo: Bindu Gopal Rao)

Fancy something different, a White New Year with a twist? Well think no further, pack your bags and head to the salt marsh of the Rann of Kutch in Dhordo, Gujarat to soak in the Rann Utsav at The Tent City. This is where you can enjoy nature, art, culture, and history all rolled into one.

2. Boat Ride on Lake Pichola

Lake Pichola, Udaipur, Rajasthan. (Photo: Bindu Gopal Rao)

To enjoy some me time, take a sunset boat ride in Udaipur’s Lake Pichola and see the magical colours of the setting sun. Add a stop at Jagmandir Palace, a favourite movie shoot sight to soak in the colours of the evening. This palace is also said to be the inspiration for Shah Jahan to build the Taj Mahal.

3. Go Spotting Snow Leopards

To see the snow leopard, the mystical cat of the Himalayas, head to Ladakh and trek to the sites of Tarbung valley, Hussing point, Hemis National Park, and Rumbak village, said to be the places where you can see the majestic animal. And bonus is you get to experience the trek on snow!

4. Discover Roman Ruins

Visit Arikamedu in Pondicherry. (Photo: Bindu Gopal Rao)

Tucked away in a corner of the French colony of Pondicherry is Arikamedu, an archaeological site that houses remains of Roman era ruins. Located in a small coastal fishing village, there have been several excavations here. The brick structures covered with moss are hardly visited so you will have time to explore the small place at your leisure.

5. Trek in Tadiandamol, Coorg

If you are looking for a quiet end to the year, trekking to the top of Tadiandamol, the highest peak in Coorg at a staggering 1748 meters above sea level. Away from the chaos of urban stress this is where you can experience the bounty of nature. Keep your hiking boots and backpack essentials ready.

6. Ski in Gulmarg

What is New year without some snow? Well dive in with your skiing gear at Gulmarg where you can experience guided skiing with professionals. You can also choose to snowboard when you are here. Make sure you are well prepared and do not forget your snow boots.

7. Beach Time at Gokarna

Gokarna beach, Karnataka. (Photo: Bindu Gopal Rao)

Head to the quaint town of Gokarna in Karnataka close to Goa for some great beach treks. This is also where you can tuck into good food at quaint cafes and check out the Vibhuti waterfalls.  And it is as offbeat as you can get.

8. Camp at Shillong

Take a guided forest trek in Shillong and set up a camp under the stars. It is a magical experience to raise a toast to the year in the quiet confines of nature. Krangsuri, Mawsynram, Umiam Lake, Dawki, Shnogpdeng, Cherrapunjee, and Umiam Lake are some good camping sites.

9. Soak in the wonders of Tirthan Valley

head to Himachal Pradesh's Tirthan Valley for seeing the unique wilderness of the Great Himalayan National Park. The streams that meander through the lush green valleys, interspersed with azure blue lakes and misty mountain-scapes make this a perfect way to start the year. Trout fishing in the Tirthan River is also an option.

10. Park Street, Kolkata

Park Street, Kolkata. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

For some lip-smacking choices, Park Street in Kolkata must be on your list. Known as Food Street, this is easily the most happening place in the city of joy that transforms into a magical place under bright lights and a sense of cheer that is impossible to miss.

11. Dune Bashing at Jaisalmer

The land of the golden sun, Jaisalmer is known for its dune bashing adventures if you would like a jolt of adrenaline. The experience includes tractor rides, camel rides, local song and dance and authentic meal.

13. Attend the Cochin Carnival

Kochi in Kerala hosts the annual Cochin Carnival, an extravaganza that has grand fireworks display, street parades, colourful processions, and more that creates a carnival like atmosphere. Whether it is traditional games, or a beach party this is a great way to enjoy with family and friends.

14. Mamallapuram Dance Festival

If you like classical dance, you must head to Mahabalipuram near Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The venue of the Mamallapuram Dance Festival, this is where you can enjoy traditional dance performances surrounded by exquisite stone carvings. The best part is that you can understand the place with stories intertwined with ancient arts and stones.

15. Dose of Vitamin Sea at Lakshadweep

With its turquoise blue waters and coral reefs, Lakshadweep is the New Year Eve destination that will allow you to enjoy a plethora of beach activities. From snorkelling to scuba diving and an array of water sports you can do it all here.

16. Tranquil getaway to Rishikesh

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. (Photo: Tanushree Ghosh)

Rishikesh is a potpourri of experiences that will be loved by anyone. Why? Sample this. It has white water rafting in some amazing rapids in the river for the adrenaline junkie to yoga for the calm, meditative person to beautiful temples for the spiritually inclined.

17. Call of the Nilgiris

Kotagiri, Tamil Nadu. (Photo: Bindu Gopal Rao)

Skip the crowds of Ooty to head to the lesser-known Kotagiri that is swathed in all shades of green courtesy tea gardens that surround this quiet hill town. If you have watched The Archies, this place will resonate with you – a good dose of old-world nostalgia is guaranteed in this quaint hill town.

18. Party in Bengaluru

The cosmopolitan city of Bengaluru transforms to a party hub on New Year Eve. Hotspots include Indiranagar, MG Road and Brigade Road. Lit streets, good food and merry making is all around. After all this is the city with the most vibrant eateries and breweries that offer a fun night, but make sure you make reservations in advance.

19. Be a Culture Vulture in Jaipur

Explore culture in Jaipur, Rajasthan. (Photo: Bindu Gopal Rao)

The Pink City is all things fun on the eve of the year with a dose of culture and heritage. Enjoy a traditional meal with song and dance and you know that there probably could be no better way to bid adieu to the year that has gone by.

20. Himachal Hills Festival

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. (Photo: Bindu Gopal Rao)

To end the year with a dose of Himachal Pradesh, the Himachal Hills festival is the place to be. This is where you can experience everything from trekking, music, paragliding, skiing, Himachali delicacies, craft exhibitions, cultural performances, folk dances, and more.

21. Stargazing in Neil Island

Visit Neil Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. (Photo: Bindu Gopal Rao)

An island that stretches a mere five kilometres, Neil Island in the Andamans is a great place for stargazing. With clear night skies, Shaheed Dweep as it is now known is where you can see the stars twinkling in all their glory. The clear sky also means you can see many constellations with your naked eye. Sign up with a professional stargazing company and you are in for a celestial treat.

22. Pub Crawl in Mumbai

For a tipsy end or start to the year head to the glitzy pubs of Mumbai. You have the best ones at Lower Parel, Andheri West and Colaba where you can hop on to try many restaurants and pubs that dot the place.

23. Sunburn Goa

Sunburn fest, Goa.

An electronic dance music festival that sees world-class DJs in action, the sandy beaches of Goa come alive on New Year’s Eve with the electrifying atmosphere at the Sunburn music festival. And being the most happening destination for the New Year, Goa still is a favourite among many.