1. Pangot, Uttarakhand
Located in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district, Pangot in winters is sheer beauty. Come December, and the tiny hamlet adorns a white hue, courtesy soft snow carpets sweeping the landscape. During this time, migratory birds also flock to the region, making the countless trekking trails here even more surreal. When here, the ideal way to invite 2021 is by camping under its pollution-free night skies amid blooming Rhododendron trees.
2. Lolegaon, West Bengal
Lolegaon is located in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal, this offbeat getaway is a nature lover’s paradise. The calm village is adorned with pine forests and Kachenjunga views, courtesy clear skies all year round. While the immense greens of the Heritage Forest here—complete with oak and cypress tree canopies—are sure to calm one’s soul, a walk along the 180-metre long hanging bridge within a dense forest is a surreal affair too.
3. Dzongri, Sikkim
If you are looking for an adventure before the end of 2020, the unconventional Dzongri in Sikkim awaits. Boasting of milky-white peaks and lush green pastures, this hilltop destination is known for its trekking trails. When here, one can ride into the sunset on a majestic yak, or meander towards the top of the Goecha La pass where panoramic mountain cluster views greet. The stillness of calming lakes further adds to the picturesque beauty.
4. Silent Valley National Park, Kerala
Silent Valley National Park stands with pride as the state’s last remaining rainforest. This evergreen jungle houses over thousands of flowering plant species, more than 100 orchids’ species, and countless rare animals like Ceylon frogmouth and lion-tailed macaques. An integral biosphere of the Western Ghats, it even earned the World Heritage Site tag by UNESCO in 2012.
5. Barmer, Rajasthan
Interlaced with history, mythology, art, culture and poetry along its streets, Rajasthan’s Barmer is ideal to get a dose of local culture before diving into the future. Dating to the 13th century, this sandy plain is often overshadowed by the neighbouring Jaisalmer. However, the town has many gems of its own. The crumbling fort walls here paired with intricately carved rock structures and calming temples feed into the town’s old-world charm; while the wood carvings, pottery, and colourful embroidery work add to the cultural allure.
Also Read: Best places in India to Celebrate Christmas
