The year is coming to a close and what better way to bring in 2018 than with an exciting vacation with your near and dear ones! To escape the bitter winds of December, head to the nearest beach spots for a truly delightful time spent under the sun. Enjoy a chilled pina colada, sit back, and relax as the soothing waters of the ocean tickle your toes.
Winters usually mean holiday season owing to Christmas and New Year’s Eve – a time for parties, music festivals, endless buffets of food, and traditional practices that you can experience first-hand. In different parts of India, especially towards the South, December is a pleasant month to say the least. It is neither stuffy nor sticky, but instead, refreshing and rejuvenating.
There are many places that you can visit to celebrate Christmas in India. However, we made it easier for you, so here’s a list of a few spots we think you will definitely enjoy, as they are well-known for their Christmas festivities and year-end celebrations!
1) Celebrate Christmas in India by visiting Goa
One of the top tourist spots for Indians, especially during the month of December, Goa is world-renowned for its year-end parties, celebrations that continue well into the night. Drink and make merry with your friends as you dance the night away to chart-toppers and EDM. If you’re more inclined to spend your New Year’s Eve in a quieter setting, take a stroll along the beach for a serene and meditative experience. Participate in the tradition of ‘burning the old man’ – effigies of old men made of hay and discarded clothes – signalling the end of the year, with it wiping away its ills and errors.
2) Celebrate Christmas in India by visiting Puducherry
Previously known as Pondicherry, this French colony is known for its centuries-old cafes, vintage stores, and beaches. Puducherry is still very much a French-Indian town with influences from both cultures apparent all around. A visit to this spot is incomplete without spending a day at Auroville, deemed a universal city and a world of its own. There is Serenity beach, Matrimandir, botanical gardens, and several other attractions for you to explore!
During Christmas, the perpendicular streets of Puducherry are lit up owing to local churches decorated in all their splendour. Travellers would find it enriching to visit Midnight Mass, as it is celebrated with aplomb and affection portraying the deep-rooted reverence of the locals.
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3) Celebrate Christmas in India by visiting Tharangambadi a.k.a Tranquebar
With rich Danish heritage intertwined with the town’s legacy, Tharangambadi or ‘Land of the Singing Waves’, is a fishing village in Tamil Nadu, where the Danish fort set against the ‘singing waves’ of the sea inspires awe and enchantment. A small population of men and women work to make this village popular amongst travellers looking for a laid-back and restful vacation spot.
To explore, tourists can simply head to the local churches, temples, and colonial buildings that have been restored since the time of Danish settlement. The Dansborg Fort, an important landmark, is now a museum holding valuable pieces reflecting the village’s history and tryst with Danish settlers.
4) Celebrate Christmas in India by visiting the backwaters of Kerala
The backwaters of Kerala, popular and well-loved by travellers around India, are an extensive network of lakes, rivers, canals, and lagoons, that support varied marine life and even a fully-functioning irrigation system. Boating on this splendidly, well-oiled labyrinthine path requires a houseboat or kettuvallams and some guidance, the result of which is memories worth millions!
The backwaters connect several towns boasting Christmas stars on shops and houses that can be traversed via ferries or houseboats, in order to cover the length of the waters. The mesmerizing landscape of what is known as the ‘Venice of India’ will leave you breathless, as verdant foliage clashes with the blue sea.
Also Read: The best Christmas markets in India for Christmas shopping
5) Celebrate Christmas in India by visiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman Islands is home to several islands that served as seats for British officials during colonial rule. Havelock island is a sight rich with coral reefs, birdlife and famous diving spots. Another must-visit sight is the Cellular Jail Memorial, in Port Blair, where a light and sound show relates the colonial history between the British officers and Indian prisoners, depicting their struggles, hard times, and fight for freedom.
Mesmerizing white-gold sand and clear, blue waters along with a history that travels two hundred years back in time, makes the archipelago another frequently-visited spot amongst tourists!
Note: These rates are based on the most recent data pulled from KAYAK.co.in, the cheapest prices are always displayed first, regardless of specific dates mentioned. The prices are quoted in INR. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy, are per night and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
