Year 2019 is almost here and while many of you would want to spend the New Year’s Eve at top-rated hotels, restaurants and pubs, you may also plan a trip to some of India’s most exotic and lesser known destinations listed here. For those of you who desperately needs a change and would want to welcome 2019 in their own unique style, planning a trip to these hidden gems (places) can be a terrific idea. Here, find the top spots that are worth paying a visit in the New Year.
1. Serene and Captivating Shoghi
The first and the foremost destination on our list is Shoghi. Yes, instead of planning a trip to Shimla, plan a trip to Shoghi, situated in the district of Solan (Himachal Pradesh). The serene yet captivating hill station serves as an ideal destination for people who love to spend good times with their friends and family members. Shoghi will charm you with its fresh sceneries and amazing tourist spots. Located thirteen kilometers away from Shimla-Ambala National Highway, the hill station offers plenty of scope for fun & adventure. Some of the activities that you can indulge in while moving around in Shoghi are forest hikes, rock climbing, rope walking, crossing valley, night treks, bonfire and rappelling among others.
Ideal Time to Visit
Although the ideal time to visit Shoghi is anywhere between the months of March-June, you can always plan your trip during October, especially if you wish to witness the biggest attraction-The Maa Tara Devi” festival.
Places You Must Visit
- Hanumaan temple
- Tara devi temple
- Jhakoo hills
- Viceregal lodge
- Kali temple
- Kandaghat
2. Beautiful River Island Majuli
You may call us crazy for suggesting this spot for New Year’s Eve, but then that’s what being different is all about. In case you did not know Majauli is essentially a river island (World’s biggest), situated on River Brahmaputra in Assam. This island is surrounded by River Subansiri (north) as well as the Brahmaputra River (south). Also known as Assam’s cultural capital, the island’s primary village is the Naghmar village, where all the main festivals and events are organized with much fun and fervor. Some of the popular festivals organized in Majuli include Raas Purnima, Bathow Puja and the Paal Naam festival. Majuili is also renowned for its beautiful pottery and handloom products. In order to reach the destination, which is around twenty kilometers from Jorhat, you will have to book a taxi or travel by bus.
Ideal Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Majuli is between September-March.
Places You Must Visit
- Kamalabari Satra
- Dakhinpat Satra
- Garmur
- Tengapania
- Auniati Satra
3. The Visually Stunning Chembra
Chembra is for those who love natural surroundings and adventure trips. Located in Wayanad, Chembra is famous for the Chembra Peak that is 2100 meters tall. Adjoining the Nilgiri Hills (in Tamil Nadu) as well as the Vallarimala (situated in Kozhikode), the Chembra peak is a visual delight for one and all. Located close to the Meppadi town, one can easily view the peak from every part of Wayanad. If you love adventure and trekking, then you ought to visit the peak. In order to visit the peak, one must seek the permission of the forest office in Meppady. Also, you will end up spending a minimum of 3 hours in climbing the peak, but the views from the top are mesmerizing and worth all that hard work.
Ideal Time to Visit
Apart from the monsoon season, you can visit the peak any time during the year.
Places You Must Visit
- Hriday Saras Lake
- Vellarimala Hills
- Vythiri hill station
- Wayanad wildlife sanctuary
- Vishnumaya Temple
- Honey Rock Waterfalls
- Thusharagiri Waterfalls
- Olivumala Temple
4. The Incredible Khajjiar
Khajjiar is vast and magnificent destination that boasts of beautiful meadows, dense forest and snow-clad Kailash Mountains. It is one of the most incredible places in the world, and dubbed as Himachal Pradesh’s Gulmarg. From Khajjiar, one can easily reach other destinations such as Dalhousie, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary and Chamba. The hill station is famous for the Khajji Naga Temple and a number of other temples that were resurrected in the 12th century.
Ideal Time to Visit
It is advisable that you visit Khajjiar between the months of March-October
Places You Must Visit
- Khajjiar Lake
- Khajjiar trek
- Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
- Golden Devi Temple
- Khajji Nag Temple
- Tibetian Handicraft Center
5. The Gorgeous Tarkarli
Tarkarli in Maharashtra is yet another spot that you must visit either around or later in the New Year. It boasts of the Coastal lines of Konkan and is an ideal spot for those who love beaches and water sports. Blessed with natural beauty and surroundings, Tarkarli is ideal for enjoying snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing and other adventure activities.
Ideal Time to Visit
The best time to visit Tarkarli is during the winter months i.e. between October-March.
Places You Must Visit
- Tarkarli Beach
- Sindhudurg Fort
- Tsunami Island
- Devbaugh Beach
- Mahapurush Temple
- KhalchaMahapurush Temple
- Sangam point
- Bison National Park in Dajipur
Now that you have come to know of these amazing destinations, then go ahead and plan a trip/vacation with your special ones!
-Puja Bhardwaj
