Christmas is just around the corner and we’re all curiously waiting for Christmas and New Year holidays to enjoy with our families and loved ones. You might have a lot of plans in mind to celebrate this festive season in your own very special ways. While some restrict themselves to celebrate it at home, some love to explore various destinations around the world and to indulge in its irresistible festivity.
When it comes to choosing the destination, there is no such a lovely place like South India to treat yourself and your loved ones during this festive season. South India, an all year round holiday destination, appears surprisingly magical and get live and loud during Christmas and New Year. This is one of the most picturesque and tourist-friendly destinations in India, every traveler must visit at least once in a lifetime. Wonder no more! Let South India be your pick for this Christmas and New Year celebration.
Know some of the best places to celebrate Christmas and New Year in South India before you head to this mesmerizing destination:
Chennai:
Chennai sparkles with spectacular lightings and amazing decorations during Christmas and New Year. People of Chennai celebrates Christmas in a more delicate and special manner attending solemn services and midnight masses at the church.
The Churches in Chennai look grand and beautiful during the time of Christmas which is a visually delighting sight to watch. On the other hand, New Year is celebrated in a lavish style with parties, live music, food, and a range of activities at the beaches, malls, hotels, and restaurants. If you are looking for a peaceful Christmas celebration and a fun-filled New Year, Chennai is the best pick for you.
Attractions: Santhome Basilica, Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, St. Thomas Mount National Shrine, Annai Velankanni Church, Armenian Church, St. Mary’s Church, CSI Wesley Church, Marina Beach, Fort St. George, Elliot’s Beach, Government Museum, etc.
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport.
Nearest Railway Station: Chennai Central Railway Station.
Pondicherry:
Filled with a myriad of serene beaches, Pondicherry lures swarms of travelers to come out of their home and enjoy the most exhilarating Christmas and New Year celebrations. The lovely streets with the French colonial charm are beautifully adorned with illumination lights creating a splendid sight.
Pondicherry at New Year’s eve become more lively with beach-side parties and the firecrackers and bonfires add to its celebration mood. The place equally attracts party lovers, beach bums as well as those who wish to begin the New Year in a peaceful way, praying or meditating at the Ashram.
Attractions: The Basilica of the sacred heart of Jesus, Paradise beach, Seaside Promenade, Serenity beach, Chunnambar boat house, Auro beach, Aurobindo Yoga Ashram, Raj Niwas, etc.
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport.
Nearest Railway Station: Pondicherry Railway Station.
Goa:
With great festive spirit and enthusiasm, Goa invites visitors to have an amazing Christmas and New Year. It is home to some of the most stunning churches in India where you can attend the Christmas mass and take part in the celebrations. Goa bustle with Parties, Sunburn Festival, Carnivals and DJ’s during the time of New Year, making it one of the most favourite party destinations in India.
Goa is not only for parties and beach lovers. Offering a special biodiversity treat during this season with water buffaloes and sea eagles, Goa attracts nature lovers too.
Attractions: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Church of St. Francis Assisi, Menezes Braganza Pereira House, Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach, Candolim Beach, Anjuna Beach, Colva Beach, etc.
Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport at Dabolim.
Nearest Railway Station: Madgaon Junction Railway Station.
Kochi:
One of the main reasons that attract tourists to Kochi during Christmas and New Year is its unique celebrations and the most vibrant Cochin Carnival. With captivating street parades, caparisoned elephants, music, dance, fairs, games, sports, art displays and a bunch of entertainments, the 10-day grand fiesta (25th December – 1st January) is a must-watch event.
How the people of Kochi welcomes New Year is quite fascinating. They burn a huge effigy of an old man at the stroke of the midnight hour on New Year’s Eve with much enthusiasm and celebrate the birth of New Year. As you can find a lot of churches in and around the city, you can have a wonderful time attending the Christmas service and midnight mass at the churches.
Attractions: Santa Cruz Basilica, Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue, Jew Street, Marine Drive, Hill Palace Museum, Chinese Fishing Net, Cherai Beach, Bolghatty Island, etc.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport.
Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction Railway Station.
Bangalore:
Bangalore is an ideal place to be at during Christmas and New Year. This technological hub of India party harder during this festive season enticing a lot of youngsters and party lovers with rocking DJs and night parties. Apart from partying, one can explore nature, wildlife, and some historical sites when you are at Bangalore.
The beautiful streets are superbly adorned with half a million lights and lovely Christmas trees. The melodious carols echoing from the churches is a treat for the visitors. Christmas and New Year in Bangalore is celebrated in grandeur and allows you to enjoy a lot during your vacation.
Attractions: St. Mary’s Basilica, Sacred Heart Church, Infant Jesus Church, Bangalore Palace, Tipu Sultan’s Palace & Fort, Lal Bagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, etc.
Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport Bangalore.
Nearest Railway Station: Bangalore City Junction Railway Station.
Alleppey:
If a laid back Christmas and New Year vacation is in your mind, look no further, Alleppey is your place. A heavenly paradise with palm-fringed landscapes, shimmering backwaters, grand canals, tranquil lagoons, serene beaches, emerald green paddy fields and abundance of greenery, Alleppey makes for an enchanting setting to start the New Year with positive vibes and that too at the lap of Mother nature.
When you are at Alleppey, you cannot miss the mind-blowing houseboat cruise through its picturesque backwaters which adds to the thrill of your holiday. Alleppey allows you to enjoy a delightful old-fashioned Christmas with glittering Christmas lights, midnight mass, and carols.
Attractions: Arthunkal St. Andrew’s Basilica, St. Mary Forane Church, Edathua Church, Alleppey Backwaters, Alleppey Beach, Marari Beach, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Pathiramanal Island.
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport.
Nearest Railway Station: Alleppey Railway Station.
Hyderabad:
Christmas and New Year celebrations are going to be fun and exciting in Hyderabad. The city dazzles with lights and lanterns that lighten up the dark turning it into a magical destination to visit during Christmas and New Year.
You can explore the beautiful churches adorned with amazing decorations and some historic sites during your visit to Hyderabad. The city boasts some of the best pubs in the city and with happening live shows and a crazy number of events and activities make the New Year celebration an unforgettable one.
Attractions: St. Joseph’s Cathedral, All Saint’s Church, St. John’s the Baptist Church, Wesley Church, St. Mary’s Church, Centenary Methodist Church, Charminar, Ramoji Film City, Hussain Sagar Lake, Golconda Fort, Birla Mandir, etc.
Nearest Airport: Rajiv Gandhi Airport Hyderabad.
Nearest Railway Station: Hyderabad Deccan Railway Station.
Find your way to South India during this festive holiday where you can explore its natural vistas, culture and tradition while you enjoy the fun and frolics of Christmas and New Year.
So, which one of these best places in South India you will choose to visit on this Christmas and New Year eve? Take your pick and also check out the customized tour packages options by South Tourism to enhance your holiday experience.
Enjoy a glittery and merry Christmas vacation in December with South Tourism.
If you know of any more best places one can visit in South India during Christmas and New Year, tell us in the comments below.
visit: www.southtourism.in
