The New Year is knocking at the door and soon it will be 2025. It is the best time to plan for a trip that can offer the perfect initiation to the New Year.
New Year Celebrations are meant to be wild and full of fun as that is how you start and spend the rest of the year. However, it is also important to stay on budget as it is only a new year, not an improved salary slab. Adventure seekers and travel enthusiasts who are looking forward to embarking on 2025 an amazing tour, here are the top 20 destinations in India that are beautiful and budget-friendly as well.
- Goa
Goa is known as the party capital of India where most Indians as well as foreigners come to spend their New Year vacation. Goa is not just famous for its beaches but is also a hub for cultural amalgamation where bohemian culture prevails along with adventurous nightclub experiences. The Serendipity Art festival takes place at this time along with other music festivals which makes this place perfect for New Year celebration. Even if you are a person who does not like parties much can find a peaceful spot to vibe with cheap beers from the beach shacks. Goa is perfect to spend with your friends and loved ones.
- Ooty
Ooty is known as one of the best tourist destinations in India that offers lush green depictions of nature with hills, coffee plantations, and succulent trees. The place can help you stay secluded than the overcrowded spots where you can find natural harmony. The weather here stays comfortable which feels great along with serene natural scapes. Ooty is the best place to embrace yourself and your peace without any loud parties. Just you, hills, clouds, trees, and unbridled organic energy. You can find plenty of botanical gardens to roam around.
- Pushkar
Pushkar is known as one of the holy places in India which is situated in the state of Rajasthan. The sandy surroundings, lakes, and temples make this city in Ajmer quite peaceful for everyone. The color contrast remains warm here and you can find both, the royal lifestyle of maharajas as well as the culture embraced by the locals. Brahma Temple and Savitri Mata Temple are the best things that your family can witness in this New Year. Even you can find some adventurous activities like hiking, trekking, and camping.
- Varanasi
Although Varanasi is hailed for its spirituality for Indians as well as foreigners; the city has more to offer than just the Ganga Arthi. The city by the Ganges is famous for its ghats and memorable boat rids where you can have a better view of the city. The city also offers great food, sweets, clothes, and accommodation at a reasonable price; making the whole trip affordable and enjoyable for all. Make sure to bring your camera as you can find some of the best shots here.
- Pondicherry
If you are looking forward to starting your New Year in a French style then Pondicherry is the place where you need to be. This port city by the sea was once colonized by the French people and their remains can be still found in this city which makes it a part of the history. Starting from the French colonial-style buildings to the ancient bakery places; this is a magical town that can take you to a different dimension. It is clean, and peaceful and welcomes all kinds of people around the world.
- Gokarna
A lot of people confuse Gokarna with Goa but the two places are completely different. Gokarna belongs to South Karnataka which offers an exotic view of the sea where some of the electrifying parties of New Year can take place. The Kudle beach is best to hit with your gang where you can easily get a hammock and beers to enjoy a relaxed vacation. The tropical weather along with good food and booze will make your New Party better than ever. You might even get to see dolphins on the shoreline.
- Diu
Diu is the perfect place for people with an adventurous soul. The place offers plenty of adventure sports to take part in including parasailing, paragliding, surfing, diving, windsurfing, and many others. All of these within budget sounds too good to be true. Diu is a beautiful place where you can watch the sun setting on the sea while you are sitting on the golden beach. Diu comes with a perfect balance of peaceful vibes and adrenaline rush.
- Lakshadweep
If you are a sea person who likes exploring coral reefs, deep sea diving, yacht sailing, or even kayaking; this island is the best place for you. It is one of the most scenic places in India that offers a deeply memorable experience. Starting from enjoying the dance forms like Kolkali & Parichakali to jumping in the blue lagoons; you will find everything that your heart wants to participate in. Make sure to try seafood here which is freshly collected from the sea.
- Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal is one of the most fascinating destinations in India which is located in Kerala. This place has everything to provide starting from hills, lakes, and valleys to woods. It is a place full of natural beauty where one can participate in activities like cycling, horse riding, boating, and many others. Kodai is also famous for its homemade chocolates which make this place even more romantic than you can imagine. It is a hill country with tropical vibes. They say Kodaikanal is also one of the favorite places for mushroom lovers. Perhaps, it is time to find out!
- Tarkali
Tarkali is one of the most beautiful places in India which is situated in Maharashtra. Residing beside the Arabian Sea, this place offers pristine beaches, delicious seafood, and cashew bars that you can never forget. The place is highly revered for the Sindhudurg Fort which is located right beside the sea, offering a spectacular view. More than parties, you will enjoy the peace and tranquility of this place. The golden rock and turquoise sea water feel almost like a dream and are hard to find in India.
- Bhimtal
While Nainital seems to take most of the spotlight, Bhimtal also offers a spectacular view to enjoy. It can be a great destination for the New Year celebration where you and your loved one can sit beside the lake for a romantic candlelight dinner. From Bhimtal, you can also enjoy the snowcapped hills of Malital. Based in the beautiful state of Uttarakhand, or the Devbhoomi; you can also visit plenty of other places from Bhimtal. You will find snowfall at this time of the year.
- Manali
A trip to Manali is something that everyone has done or wants to do once in their life. Situated in Himachal Pradesh, it is one of the biggest tourist attractions for people around the world. While you can find spirituality through the Tibetan Monastery, Van Vihar, and Vashisht temple; you will also find plenty of cafes and DJ nights to turn your New Year celebration into a blast. Adventure lovers can also participate in parachuting, paragliding, and skating. The place is ideal for friends and couples who are looking for an escape from the city life.
- Kasol
Known as the bohemian paradise, Kasol is the place to stay high on life. The destination is highly popular among the young crowd and is best known for its vibrancy. Starting from cozy cafes to beautiful homestays; you will find everything that is required for a budget-friendly trip. You can also find plenty of New Year celebration events at this time of the year. Or you can also enjoy camping beside the campfire where you can enjoy kebabs and spirits under a starlit sky above the mountains. Make sure to go for the Kheerganga Trek and Malana Village.
- Mcleodganj
This city in Himachal Pradesh is best known for its tranquil beauty amidst the mountains. It is also known as the land of lamas as Dalai Lama’s roots belong here. The place is based in the Kangra District and offers a magical view of the snow-clad mountains. The hill city is filled with plenty of iconic Tibetan monasteries where you might find yourself in a new version. The Namgyal Monastery is the famous one but you can find plenty of others. You can go camping in Triund or just stay in the city for a comfortable staycation.
- Udaipur
Udaipur is known as the city of lakes that offers luxurious architecture, natural sites, and forts. It can offer a royal feeling and you can celebrate your New Year like the maharajas from the past. It is a highly budget-friendly place where you can enjoy beautiful winter sunsets by the lakes. The food is amazing here and you will find plenty of places to enjoy your meal with a stunning view. The city looks quite dreamy in both the day and the nighttime.
- Jaisalmer
Jaisalmer is known as the Golden City of India due to its golden yellow sandy and rock landscape that seems like gold only. Forts made from these rocks make look like a golden fort; making it a tourist attraction. It is one of the most beautiful places in Rajasthan where one can participate in plenty of activities such as desert camping, dune bashing, camel safari, and many others. Celebrating New Year in Jaisalmer can offer a lot of benefits as it is the best time to visit the place.
- Jaipur
Jaipur is also in Rajasthan which is known as the Pink City of India. The city is colorful, and vibrant and offers a photographic aesthetic that can please the eyes. You can get some of the best Rajasthani cuisines here and also in royal settings. There are many forts and palaces all over the region that you can visit such as Lohagarh Fort Resort, Nahargarh Fort, Amber Palace, Hawa Mahal, Blackout, etc to name some. You can also enjoy the local folk music and culture with the people who are friendly and welcoming. Make sure to buy something made from the pink stone.
- Gangtok
Gangtok is a hill city in Sikkim that can offer you an extravagant New Year celebration with its unparalleled scenic beauty that can captivate everyone. It is located at an altitude of 5410 ft and offers a magnificent view of the Mountains. Peaceful and budget-friendly, the place can offer the perfect gate away for mountain lovers. Make sure to visit the local places of interest such as Gurudongmar Lake, Hanuman Tok, and many others. You can also go to Peling for sightseeing and welcome the New Year with fun and adventure.
- Shillong
Shillong belongs to the state of Meghalaya which is often mentioned as the ‘Scotland of India’. It is nature’s paradise that is filled with green lush mountains, waterfalls, natural caves, and whatnot. It is a highly enticing tourist destination that offers all the advantages of trekking hiking, camping, boating, and so on. Shillong also hosts music festivals at this time of the year and your New Year celebration can be a part of it. Make sure to enjoy some good pork and bamboo shoots when you visit.
- Kochi
Kochi offers a warm welcome on a cold winter and it is perhaps the most budget-friendly destination you can visit. The city decks up with a festive mood in December, creating the perfect mood for your New Year celebration. The Cochin Carnival takes place at this time and runs throughout the month where you can also enjoy the limelight of the carnival. Do not worry about your New Year’s Eve party and Kochi has got it all covered for you. The beaches are clean and attractive and the city offers the best spirits and wines.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets and embark on a New Year Adventure that makes everyone envy you.
