10 Kerala Destinations to Spend New Year's Eve
Are you looking for the perfect destination to spend your New Year’s Eve in Kerala? Look no further! Kerala is home to some of India’s most beautiful tourist spots, making it an ideal destination for a memorable New Year’s celebration. From sun-kissed beaches to lush green hills and peaceful backwaters, Kerala has something for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring 10 of the best destinations in Kerala for a truly unforgettable New Year’s Eve. So, read on and find the perfect place for you to ring in the new year!
Fort Kochi
Located in the city of Kochi, Fort Kochi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala. It is known for its Dutch and Portuguese influences, making it a great spot to explore the area’s rich cultural heritage. During New Year’s Eve, Fort Kochi celebrates with vibrant fireworks displays that light up the sky. The beachfront here is especially beautiful with its white sand and calm waters. Take a stroll along the shore as you watch the stunning light shows in the night sky. The streets in Fort Kochi are also lined with bars and restaurants that serve delicious dishes and drinks that are perfect for a celebratory New Year’s Eve dinner. You can also join the festivities by taking part in the many cultural activities that take place here during this time of the year.
Alappuzha
Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala. It is a city located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake and is renowned for its houseboats, backwaters, and traditional boats. This coastal town offers numerous opportunities to explore the beauty of nature and get close to the local culture.
New Year’s Eve in Alappuzha is truly a unique experience. As the sun sets and night falls, the city transforms into a vibrant destination with colourful lights and firework displays. Enjoy a romantic stroll on the beach, indulge in some shopping at the local markets, or take a boat ride on the lake for an incredible view of the city.
If you want to spend your New Year’s Eve in a more traditional way, then the temples of Alappuzha are the perfect place to visit. Participate in pujas and rituals performed by the local priest, offer prayers and seek blessings from the gods and goddesses. Later in the evening, dance to traditional music and enjoy a scrumptious meal prepared by local chefs.
So come and experience the magic of New Year’s Eve in Alappuzha! The city has something for everyone, so make sure you have plenty of time to explore this enchanting destination.
Munnar
Munnar, located in the Western Ghats of India, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kerala. With its lush green hills and valleys, misty tea plantations, meandering streams and waterfalls, Munnar is a paradise for nature lovers. The town is famous for its spices and tea gardens, which can be seen all over the landscape.
The best time to visit Munnar is during New Year’s Eve. During this time, the hills are covered in mist and the air is filled with the scent of cardamom, pepper and other spices. Visitors can explore the tea estates, go on leisurely hikes, witness breathtaking sunsets and indulge in some delicious local cuisine.
Popular places to visit in Munnar include the Tata Tea Museum, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary and Rajamalai Wildlife Sanctuary. Visitors can also go for trekking trips to nearby hills or take a wildlife safari at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
For accommodation, visitors can opt for a variety of options ranging from budget-friendly homestays to luxury resorts. Munnar is also known for its amazing local dishes such as appam, idiyappam, puttu and fish curry. Therefore, visitors can enjoy some delicious local food while celebrating New Year’s Eve in Munnar.
Thekkady
One of the best destinations to spend New Year’s Eve in Kerala is Thekkady. Located in Idukki district, it is one of the most picturesque places of Kerala. It is known for its lush green forests, exotic wildlife, and sprawling tea and spice plantations. Thekkady is home to Periyar Tiger Reserve which is one of the best sanctuaries in India. It has a wide variety of flora and fauna which makes it a great destination for wildlife lovers.
The best part about spending New Year’s Eve in Thekkady is that it offers many activities for both thrill seekers and nature lovers. You can take an exciting boat ride in Periyar lake and spot elephants, gaur, sambar, and other animals in their natural habitat. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can go for rock climbing, trekking, mountain biking, or even rappelling.
Thekkady also offers a lot of cultural experiences. You can explore the vibrant art galleries and visit temples dedicated to local deities like Devi, Murugan, and Shiva. There are also several churches where you can witness some breathtaking views of sunrise and sunset.
No matter what your interests are, Thekkady will surely make your New Year’s Eve memorable. So plan your trip now and be sure to enjoy this beautiful place!
Kovalam
Located in the southernmost part of India, Kovalam is one of the most popular beach destinations in Kerala. It is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the state and makes for an ideal destination for a New Year celebration. There are plenty of activities to keep you occupied here such as snorkeling, windsurfing, swimming and even parasailing. The picturesque views and sun-kissed sandy beaches will give you the perfect New Year vibes. If you’re looking for some fun and relaxation, then Kovalam should definitely be on your list. You can also check out the Vizhinjam Marine Aquarium and the ancient rock-cut temple of Kovalam lighthouse, which offers spectacular views of the ocean. Kovalam is an ideal destination to spend your New Year’s Eve and start the year off with some exciting memories.
Kumarakom
Kumarakom is a paradise for nature lovers. The backwaters of Kumarakom are one of the top tourist attractions in Kerala. Located on the banks of Vembanad Lake, this small village is a perfect getaway for those looking to spend some quality time with nature.
From bird watching to taking a houseboat cruise, Kumarakom has a lot to offer. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, one of the most beautiful bird sanctuaries in India, is located here and is a must-visit for birdwatchers. The lake itself is home to a variety of migratory birds. Enjoy watching them from the comfort of your houseboat or take a tour around the lake to get closer to these winged creatures.
Apart from bird watching, you can also try fishing, boating, and canoeing in the lake. The houseboats available here are luxurious and offer you a unique experience of cruising along the backwaters. For those looking for a bit more adventure, kayaking and water skiing are also available.
New Year’s Eve is an excellent time to be in Kumarakom as the backwaters come alive with festivities and firework displays. The locals celebrate the occasion by lighting up traditional lamps in their boats and taking part in parades on the backwaters. This is an incredible sight that will be sure to make your New Year’s celebration even more special.
Thrissur
Thrissur is one of the most popular destinations in Kerala for New Year celebrations. It is situated in the heart of Kerala and is known as the cultural capital of the state. It is home to some of the best temples, churches, palaces and monuments. On New Year’s Eve, Thrissur comes alive with a number of cultural events, parties and festivities. The city is known for its annual ‘Pooram’ festival, which is celebrated with much fanfare in April or May.
At Thrissur, you can enjoy the vibrant New Year’s Eve celebrations by attending the ‘Rath Yatra’ or chariot procession. This event is held in honor of Lord Krishna, and it is accompanied by traditional music and dance performances. You can also visit some of the famous temples such as the Vadakkumnathan Temple and Guruvayoor Temple. These temples are adorned with lights and decorations during this time of year.
The most popular event in Thrissur during New Year’s Eve is the fireworks display. The display usually takes place at the Vamanamoorthy Temple grounds and it is quite a spectacle to watch. People gather here to admire the show and celebrate the beginning of the New Year with family and friends.
Another exciting event that takes place in Thrissur on New Year’s Eve is the kite flying competition. This event is held at the Puthanpally ground and attracts hundreds of people every year. Participants come from all around Kerala to take part in this exciting competition.
All in all, Thrissur is an ideal destination to spend your New Year’s Eve. The city provides a unique blend of culture, tradition and festivities that make it one of the most sought-after destinations for New Year celebrations in Kerala.
Wayanad
Located in the state of Kerala, Wayanad is a beautiful hill station with some of the most stunning landscapes in India. From lush green meadows and towering mountains to breathtaking waterfalls and lakes, Wayanad is a paradise for nature lovers.
If you’re looking for a place to celebrate New Year’s Eve, Wayanad should be at the top of your list. There are plenty of things to do and places to visit here that will make your New Year’s celebration unforgettable.
One of the most popular attractions in Wayanad is Chembra Peak, the highest peak in the area. Hiking to the top of this mountain offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape, making it the perfect place to ring in the New Year with friends and family.
In addition to the stunning views, there are plenty of other activities for visitors to enjoy. Adventure seekers can enjoy mountain biking, paragliding, or rappelling in Wayanad. If you’d prefer a more laid-back experience, there are also plenty of interesting wildlife sanctuaries and plantations to explore.
Finally, don’t forget to sample some of the delicious local cuisine while you’re here. Wayanad is famous for its mouthwatering dishes made with fresh spices and ingredients, so make sure you try some before you leave!
So if you’re looking for a place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style, consider visiting Wayanad. With its breathtaking scenery, endless activities, and delicious food, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.
Bekal
Bekal is an ideal destination for a tranquil and peaceful New Year’s Eve. Located in the northern part of Kerala, Bekal is known for its breathtaking landscapes, beautiful beaches and a historic fort.
On New Year’s Eve, you can go for a scenic walk on the beach or along the coastal roads. The sunsets here are absolutely stunning, so make sure to catch one while you’re there! The place is also home to the largest fort in Kerala, known as Bekal Fort. Built in 1650, the fort is an architectural marvel with well-preserved fort walls, ponds and water tanks. You can explore the many chambers within the fort and enjoy a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea from the top of the fort.
Another activity that you can do on New Year’s Eve is to enjoy an overnight boat ride in Bekal. This gives you a chance to explore the backwaters and the lush green surroundings. The boat ride also provides a chance to watch the sunrise from the middle of the lake, which is a truly magical experience.
No matter what you choose to do on New Year’s Eve, Bekal is sure to give you some unforgettable memories!
Kozhikode
Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is one of the most popular destinations to spend New Year’s Eve in Kerala. Located on the Malabar Coast of the Arabian Sea, Kozhikode is known for its pristine beaches, ancient temples, and picturesque landscapes. On New Year’s Eve, you can experience the true spirit of Kerala by visiting some of the city’s most renowned attractions such as Kappad Beach, Kozhikode Beach, Tali Siva Temple, Kallayi Heritage Village, and Pazhassiraja Museum.
Kozhikode is also home to many traditional festivities. The festival of ‘Valliyoorkavu’ is celebrated in honour of Bhagavathy Amman, a goddess worshipped in the region. The temple festival features colourful processions, dances and rituals that will definitely give you an immersive experience. Moreover, you can also enjoy thrilling boat races during the festival season.
Kozhikode also offers plenty of activities to do on New Year’s Eve. Spend some time exploring the local markets or take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront while enjoying the views of the sunset. For a fun night out, you can visit some of the city’s lively pubs and bars which are great for celebrating with friends and family. There is also an array of delicious restaurants offering delectable dishes from various cuisines.
If you’re looking for a destination to spend New Year’s Eve in Kerala, Kozhikode should definitely be at the top of your list. With its unique attractions, mesmerizing festivals and fantastic nightlife, it is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish for years to come.