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It's the most wonderful time of the year! It is time to gather around our loved ones, reflect on the year gone by, celebrate the coming of a new one, and make memories to cherish for a lifetime. Whether you want to end the year with a bang or ring in the new year with tranquillity, we have the best spots for every taste and every budget. The best part is that these destinations are all just a stone's throw away.
Here's a sneak peek at the top places to celebrate New Year's Eve near Delhi, each promising a special experience to ensure that you have a memorable start to the New Year, 2024.
This one is for the adventure junkies. Bir Billing, located in Himachal Pradesh, will have you feeling at the top of the world this New Year's Eve. Known as the paragliding capital of India, Bar Billing even hosted the Paragliding World Cup a few years ago. You can begin the new year with some breathtaking bird's-eye views of the Himalayas as you soar up into the sky. Travellers have recommended paragliding into the sunset to take in the changing hues of the evening sky.
Camping near the Bir River or trekking up to the Bangoru waterfall are other adventures to begin the New Year with. There are several packages available for trekking under trained guidance. The best time for trekking and paragliding in Bir is between April and June.
The small town of Bir is also famous for its quaint Tibetan monasteries and scenic beauty. The Chokling monastery is a must-visit for its Tibetan architecture, and a stroll down Bir Road is a wonderful way to take in the Tibetan culture and shop for some souvenirs to take back home. Bir is also known for its delightful tea gardens, a perfect way to relax after the thrill-seeking experience of paragliding and step into the New Year on a mindful note.
The journey of 463 kilometres between Delhi and Bir Billing can be covered in approximately 9.5 hours by car. The nearest railway station, Ahju, is just 3 kilometres away from Bir; however, it does not provide good connectivity. The closest broad gauge station, Pathankot Junction, is a little over 140 kilometres away, and the closest airport is the Kangra Airport in Dharamshala, which has flights coming in from Delhi.
Kullu Manali Airport at Bhuntar is the nearest airport to Billing. The nearest railway station is at Joginder Nagar, from where Billing can be reached by a half-hour taxi ride.
The erstwhile summer capital of the British, Shimla has a lot to offer in the winter, too, from hot Himachali 'thaalis' amidst freshly fallen snow, to ice skating in India's very own winter wonderland, a trip to Shimla makes for a charming getaway from Delhi around the New Year.
The iconic Mall Road forms runs through the heart of this town, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, but if you are not keen on the inevitable crowds here, then stop over at the adjacent Ridge area known for its colonial-style buildings and the historic Christ Church.
Take a walk through the gardens and museums at the Vice-regal Lodge, a stunning 19th-century building, the pre-independence summer residence of the British Viceroy in India. You can also hike up to Jakhu Hills, the highest point in Shimla, famous for its Hanuman temple and the panoramic views of Shimla.
The beautiful winter landscapes of Kufri and Narkanda are just a short drive from Shimla and relatively more peaceful if spending a quiet New Year with your family is more your style.
Most travellers to Shimla cover the 344-kilometre journey between Delhi and Shimla by road. The drive is along a scenic route, and car travel will give you the flexibility to stop at any time.
Another way to travel to Shimla is by train. From Delhi, the train takes you to Kalka, from where you can hop aboard the famous toy train, which will take you up to Shimla through the hills and over 100 tunnels. The toy train has been given the status of World Heritage by UNESCO and is an experience not to be missed.
If you prefer to fly, a direct flight from Delhi will take you to the Jubbarhatti airport, 22 kilometres from Shimla from where you can drive down.
Step into Dalhousie or Khajjiar, and you will be forgiven for wondering if you were still in India! Dubbed 'Mini Switzerland,' The Khajjiar Valley and the hill station of Dalhousie are among the most popular destinations to celebrate the beginning of the new year.
The vestiges of our colonial past can still be seen in the architecture of Dalhousie. Churches in the splendid Victorian architecture and museums will have you reliving the past as you step into the future. Breathtaking views from the Daikund Peak, Bakrota Hills and the Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary will ensure that you are not too bored in this sleepy little town.
The green meadows of Khajjiar are just 20 kilometres away from Dalhousie. Have a picnic by the lake or visit the Khajji Nag temple for something more offbeat. There are plenty of options for adventure seekers too, like paragliding, horseback riding, and trekking to ensure that your New Year's Eve is packed with excitement.
Dalhousie and Khajjiar are about 560 km from Delhi, and you can reach there by road, train, or air. If not taking your private vehicle, most travel agencies can arrange for you to travel to Dalhousie and Khajjiar by a shared Volvo.
The nearest train station is at Pathankot, about 86 kilometres from Dalhousie. Trains from Delhi ply here quite regularly. While air travel is possible, the closest airport, Kangra Airport, is located more than 100 kilometres away.
Dhanaulti, a hill station known for its beauty, is one of the best places to visit near Delhi for the New Year, as it offers a peaceful and relaxing environment to welcome the new year. Dhanaulti is surrounded by snowy mountains, deodar and oak trees, and apple orchards. You can enjoy the views of the Himalayas, the fresh air, and the nature walks. You can also camp under the stars, with a bonfire, and enjoy the music and dance.
One of the must-visit temples in Dhanaulti is Surkanda Devi Temple, situated at an altitude of 2,757 metres. Another temple worth visiting is Dashavatar Temple, which has been constructed in the Panchayatan style.
For a slice of history, explore the Deogarh Fort. Built in the 16th century, this fort houses several Jain temples in its structure.
Dhanaulti is about 283 km from Delhi, and you can reach there by road or by train.The easiest and most convenient way to reach Dhanaulti is by taking an overnight bus from Delhi to Dehradun. There are a variety of bus options available on this route, and a good one can be found for under INR 500/-.
The nearest airport to Dhanaulti is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, from where a car will take you a little less than an hour to reach Dhanaulti.
Dehradun and Rishikesh train stations have services from Delhi regularly if you would like to use this mode of transport.
The Jim Corbett National Park is a part of the largest Corbett Tiger Reserve in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, and it's one of the best places to visit near Delhi for New Year if you're a nature lover and wildlife enthusiast. The majestic landscape of Corbett is known for its frequent tiger sightings.
Established in 1936 as Hailey National Park, Corbett is India's oldest and most prestigious National Park. You can enjoy a safari, jungle stay, nature trails, and river rafting. Corbett is also where Project Tiger was first launched in 1973, making it a significant place in tiger conservation. This unique tiger territory is best known as the father of Project Tiger in India, which aims to safeguard the most endangered species and the royal wild animal of India, the tiger.
The beautiful Sal forests offer ample opportunities for forest bathing and oneness with nature. It is not uncommon to sight several rare birds among the trees.
Remember to pre-book your forest rest house before visiting Jim Corbett.
Jim Corbett is located about 240 km away from Delhi and can be reached by road or train. Travelling by bus is the most convenient option to get from Delhi to Jim Corbett. There is a regular bus service available from Delhi to Jim Corbett (Ramnagar). However, if you prefer a more scenic route and pleasant weather, then travelling by car is the ideal choice.
The distance from Delhi to Jim Corbett Uttarakhand, is around 245 kilometres, and the driving time is approximately 6 hours. The nearest railway station to Jim Corbett Park is Ramnagar, which is about 12 kilometres away and has direct connections to Delhi's railway stations.
