Top 10 Indian getaways to celebrate New Year 2026 in style
As 2025 draws to a close, travellers across India are already planning where to say goodbye to the old year and welcome 2026 with joy. From snowy hill stations to sunlit beaches, India offers a spectacular mix of destinations where celebrations meet culture, comfort, and charm.
Here’s your ultimate travel guide to the 10 best Indian destinations to celebrate New Year 2026: perfect for party lovers, nature seekers and anyone chasing that magical first sunrise of the year.
- Goa – The party capital of India
Goa is where India lets its hair down every New Year. Think glowing beaches, pulsing music, fireworks painting the sky and parties that stretch till dawn. From Baga and Anjuna to Palolem and Colva, every beach has its own rhythm — from high-energy dance floors to quiet candlelit dinners by the sea.
Stay options range from heritage villas and cosy hostels to luxury resorts that host gala dinners and exclusive countdown parties. Beyond the beaches, discover Goa’s soul through its Portuguese architecture, vibrant flea markets and legendary hospitality.
- Kovalam, Kerala – where serenity meets celebration
For those who prefer calm waves to crowded dance floors, Kovalam near Thiruvananthapuram offers the perfect blend of peace and festivity. Its famous Lighthouse Beach turns into a glowing stretch of music, bonfires and fireworks reflecting on the Arabian Sea.
From luxurious seaside resorts to friendly homestays, every traveller finds their space. Add a soothing Ayurvedic massage or a sunset dinner to your stay — Kovalam makes the New Year 2026 feel refreshingly balanced.
- Fort Kochi, Kerala – celebrate with culture and carnival
Step into history and celebration at Fort Kochi, home to the world-famous Cochin Carnival. As midnight nears, the grand burning of the Pappanji effigy symbolises a fresh start, while music, parades and fireworks light up the old colonial streets.
Stay in charming heritage hotels or budget-friendly homestays and enjoy the city’s artistic vibe. From Princess Street to Vasco da Gama Square, every corner hums with coastal charm.
- Munnar, Kerala – ring in the New Year in the clouds
If you dream of a misty New Year surrounded by tea gardens and mountain breezes, Munnar is your place. Enjoy bonfires, live music, and warm local food under a starlit sky.
Choose from luxury hill resorts or cosy cottages — either way, you’ll find peace and natural beauty all around. Perfect for couples and families seeking a calm, scenic escape to welcome 2026.
- Ooty, Tamil Nadu – the queen of hill celebrations
Ooty’s cool weather and timeless charm make it a favourite spot to celebrate the New Year. The hill station glows with lights and laughter as locals and tourists gather around Ooty Lake and Charing Cross for open-air festivities.
Luxury resorts offer private bonfire dinners, while affordable homestays keep things simple and homely. Add steaming tea, mountain views and friendly faces — and you’ve got the perfect high-altitude celebration.
- Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu – heritage by the sea
At Mahabalipuram, ancient rock temples meet modern celebration. New Year’s Eve here is a blend of history, sea breeze, and music. The beach near the Shore Temple turns lively with dance, fireworks and gatherings that last till sunrise.
Stay in seaside resorts for elegance or budget homestays for authentic Tamil hospitality. Cafés and beach shacks along Othavadai Street host great music and bonfire nights.
- Pondicherry – French flair and festive vibes
With its colonial architecture, serene beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Pondicherry is a dream destination for New Year 2026. The Promenade Beach becomes a glowing avenue of fireworks and music, while the White Town area offers chic cafés, rooftop parties and boutique stays.
For a quieter start to the year, head to Auroville for meditation and community gatherings. Pondicherry truly balances party and peace in one unforgettable experience.
- Udaipur, Rajasthan – A royal start to 2026
If you want your New Year to sparkle with grandeur, Udaipur is your stage. Known as the City of Lakes, it offers royal palaces, lake cruises, rooftop fireworks, and soulful music against a regal backdrop.
From lavish lake-view hotels to charming havelis, every corner whispers old-world romance. Celebrate the night with Rajasthani folk dance, royal feasts, and boat rides under a moonlit sky.
- Jaipur, Rajasthan – heritage and high spirits
Jaipur, the Pink City, celebrates New Year with royal flair. Its forts, bazaars and rooftop cafés buzz with energy. Nahargarh Fort and Amber Fort offer stunning panoramic views of fireworks across the city.
Choose between elegant heritage hotels or cosy homestays near the old city. Jaipur’s blend of history, colour and celebration makes it a must-visit for those craving culture with their countdown.
- Manali, Himachal Pradesh – snow, music and magic
End the year surrounded by snow in Manali. The mountain town transforms into a festive haven with bonfires, live music, and glowing lights. The Mall Road buzzes with excitement, while Solang Valley invites thrill-seekers for skiing and paragliding.
Whether you stay in a cosy wooden cabin or a luxury resort, Manali’s blend of nature and celebration makes every moment magical.
Final tip for travellers
Book early, pack smart and travel responsibly. Whether you’re dancing on the beach or sipping tea in the hills, India’s New Year 2026 destinations promise memories filled with warmth, music, and wonder. So, where will your first sunrise of 2026 be?
