Spend the first few days this year high up in the mountains or swing by a river and meditate under the calming sounds of the water amidst nature or just go stargazing in one of the camping sites. Here’s a list of places to go and escape Delhi this new year.
1. Bir Billing
One of the most visited weekend getaway spots near Delhi, this one is an adventure and a fun packed trip that one should definitely try. It hosts paragliding and several trekking options in the picturesque Himachali mountains. The twin villages boast a Tibetan culture with camping under the stars, live music & bonfire perfect for starting off the new year.
How to reach: It is 517Kms away from Delhi. Pathankot railway station is the nearest, Kangra airport in Gaggal, Dharamshala, is the nearest airport, which is 67.6 km away.
Activities: Paragliding, Hang-gliding, Trekking and Camping.
2. Lansdowne
This whimsical hill station that was established and named after then Viceroy of India which lies at a height of about 1,706m in Uttrakhand. The famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army has its command office here. Nestled in its cantonment area is a chance for all backpackers to settle there and enjoy the views of the majestic snow-clad mountains. You could camp in the jungle under the blanket of stars and go hiking in the morning.
How to reach: It is located 260Km away from Delhi and is easily accessible by road as well as rail. Kotdwar is the nearest station, which is 40 km away from Lansdowne.
Activities: Jungle camping with live music, bonfire camp, hiking trips.
3. Kausani
The beautiful evening skies and the adaptable climate is perfect to bring in the New Years in respite and peace at this beautiful hill station. Situated in Bageshwar district of Uttrakhand, it gives you a spectacular 300 km-wide panoramic view of the Himalayan peak mountains like Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli. This hill station was also called the Switzerland of India by Mahatma Gandhi once.
How to reach: 411 km away from Delhi, the best option is to reach there by road since the nearest railway head is 140km far.
Activities: A tour of Kausani tea estate, Sumitranandan Pant Museum, Baijnath temple, Rudradhari falls & caves.
4. Malana
If you’re looking for a very isolated New Year setting, this is the place to be. Located in the north-east of Kullu valley, a small village with mesmerizing views and total isolation situated at a height of 2,652m. If you’re wanting to explore another culture and lifestyle away from the usual one of mundane life back in the city, you should come down here and explore its trenches and routes.
How to reach: 527 Kms away from Delhi. Take a bus till Bhuntar and further take an HRTC bus to reach Malana.
Activities: Visit places around the village, Kasol, Tosh, Kheerganga Trek.
5. Jim Corbett
Voted as one of the best national parks in India and for all the right reasons, this is one place that never gets old of hosting some of the best night camps and jeep safaris for thrill-seeking adventures. But when you have the luxury of camping right in the middle of a jungle in one of their resorts, it calls for a raging party. Also, winters are the best time to visit the National park as the animals come out of their shelter seeking for some warmth under the sun.
How to reach: Situated 246 km away from Delhi, Jim Corbett is accessible by both rail and roads. The nearest railway station is Ramnagar, 86km away from Jim Corbett.
Activites: Jeep Safaris, forest camping, Garjiya Devi Temple, Kosi river.
6. Manali
The snow-covered streets and the magic of pine trees forest is something you would want to witness this New Years. Begin 2018 with the magic of snow and some Himachali wine alongside a fireplace in your hotel room. Take in the panoramic views of the beautiful landscape of only white horizons, linger in the chilled mountain air and music of the surrounding nature. Manali has quite happening spots to go pub hopping in this winter wonderland.
How to reach: Located at a distance of 650km from Delhi, board an overnight bus from Janpath area of Delhi which will take 12-13 hours to reach Manali.
Activities: paragliding, skiing, tobogganing at Solang valley, Hadimba temple, Van Vihar.