Kerala titled ‘God’s Own Country’ has a number of reasons to lure travellers like it has been doing for centuries. With the end of the year approaching fast, explore some of the best places to visit in Kerala during the New Year. A pleasant climate, serene stretch of canals and backwaters, lovely and tranquil beaches, fascinating flora and fauna, hills draped in the mist are some of the prominent charms which make New Year Eve in Kerala worth it.
Unwind in the magnificence of various places and discover its delightful offerings. Here’s the list of the best places for the New Year celebration in Kerala.
1. Kochi (Cochin Carnival)
Kochi treats its tourists with a warm welcome during New Year. The entire Kochi is in festive mood throughout the December. But this festive zeal is at its best during the end of this month. Cochin carnival commences with hosting of the flag. It is celebrated during the last two weeks of December.
Fort Kochi is the place where this festival begins. Various events are organized in the carnival including parties, games, music band, beach sports, fireworks etc. The New Year party in Kerala grabs the limelight of the carnival. Numerous tourists and natives visit the beach to welcome the New Year with music, fireworks, and fun. Finally, the carnival ends on 1st January.
Best Party Places:
- Ava Lounge Bar and Discotheque
- Glow Restrobar
- Longevity Restrobar
- Velocity Restrobar
Highlights:
- Burning of Papaanji
- Colorful procession
- Rock music at scenic beaches
- Concerts
Tourist Attractions:
- Marine Drive
- Chinese Fishing Nets
- Fort Kochi
- Cherai Beach
Best Stay Options:
Holiday Inn Cochin, Crowne Plaza Kochi, Le Meridien Cochin Resort & Convention Centre, Trident Cochin, Vivanta by Taj Malabar.
[Check-out other most popular fairs and festivals in Kerala]
2. Alleppey
Famous for its natural beauty, Alleppey has numerous other things to admire as well. People visit Kerala during New Year for houseboats and backwaters. These must be trying experiences for every tourist. Get ready for a perfect and romantic getaway that will offer you memories you will cherish and behold, forever. Watch some of the migratory birds while kayaking or swim through sunset at Pozhiyoram Beach, it all depends on you. There’s nothing better than an entire body massage with lukewarm oil in winter. Marari Beach and Alleppey Beach are the best options for solitude seekers.
Best Party Places:
Vijay Park Amaze World, Le Coffee Time, Cafe Paradiso, The Lake View Resort
Highlights:
Houseboat tour in a backwater, fireworks, parties
Tourist Attractions:
Alleppey Beach, Alleppey Backwaters, Vembanad Lake, Kuttanad, Krishnapuram Palace
Best Stay Options:
Lake Palace Hotel Alappuzha, Citrus Retreats Alleppey, Punnamada Backwater Resort, Kayaloram Heritage Lake Resort, SAAMS Houseboat.
[You may also check 4 Days Alleppey Backwaters Tour]
3. Munnar
Munnar is a famous hill station in South India, which boasts of paradisiacal beauty. This hill station is well known for its tea plantations, rolling hills, picturesque landscapes, and biodiversity. Munnar is among the best places to celebrate New Year parties in Kerala amidst the serene nature.
Exotic flora and fauna, breathtaking views, and hill ranges will make you fall in love with this place. While on your trip to Munnar during New Year, don’t forget to trek on the highest peak of South India, Anamudi. Mattupetty Dam, Kundala Lake, Top Station, and Echo Point are also some of the places which can enthrall you easily.
Set on for a trip to Munnar and who knows you could witness Neelakurinji, a flower which blooms once in every twelve years.
Best Party Places:
High Range Club, Mountain Club, Camelot Resort
Highlights:
Jungle safari, tea plantation tour, savor traditional Kerala dishes
Tourist Attractions:
Munnar Tea Museum, Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mattupetty Dam
Best Stay Options:
Club Mahindra Lakeview Resort Munnar, Mountain Club Resort Munnar, Terrace Green Munnar, Fort Munnar, Camelot Resort Munnar.
[Find the Best of Kerala Tour with Treehouse Stay]
4. Kumarakom
Houseboats are the center of attraction of Kumarakom which makes this place a remarkable one. The New Year celebration in Kerala is a great idea and you can stroll around the serene lanes, explore the rustic village life, savor the traditional delicacies, and unwind in the tranquil ambiance.
Bounded by island clusters around the Vembanad Lake, this entrancing backwater destination is a treat to the eyes. This place becomes heaven for nature buffs during New Year. Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kumarakom Backwaters, and Vagamon take the center stage while visiting here.
Best Party Places:
The Trunk Call Bar, Marquees Bar
Highlights:
Cruising through backwater, live music, concerts
Tourist Attractions:
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake, Kumaran’s Akam Temple, Aruvikkuzhi Waterfall
Best Stay Options:
Vivanta by Taj Kumarakom, The Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort and Spa, Hotel Kumarakom Lake Resort, Coconut Lagoon Resort, Water Scapes Backwater Resort.
[Check-out Top Things to do in Kumarakom]
5. Kovalam
Beaches are the important landmark of Kovalam. It is also called the ‘Paradise of South’ because of its infinite rows of coconut trees. This attractive destination also captivates tourists with its three crescent beaches. Apart from its scenic natural beauty, it offers lots of options to explore. Once in Kovalam during New Year, you will love to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and other water activities.
Best Party Places:
Neera Bar, The Sky Bar, The Bar
Highlights:
Watersports, cultural events, exciting games
Tourist Attractions:
Lighthouse Beach, Artificial Off-Shore Coral Reef, Vizhinjam Village, and Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Vellayini Lake, Hawah Beach, Veli Tourist Village
Best Stay Options:
The Quilon Beach Hotel and Convention Center, WelcomHotel Raviz Ashtamudi, Fragrant Nature Hotels & Resorts, Aquaserene Hotel Kollam
6. Varkala
Are you fed up with the overcrowded destinations? Do you want to celebrate New Year in Kerala in a peaceful environment? If yes, then Varkala is the place to be! It is a superb place to watch the days slowly turn into weeks. The beaches are tranquil and clean here.
Varkala Beach holds a special place in the bucket list of tourists. It offers many amazing recreations such as boat riding, sunbath, and Ayurvedic rejuvenation. It is the ultimate way to start the year with a calm body and a peaceful mind.
This temple town is also prominent for Janardhana Swami Temple which is 2000 years old. Sivagiri Mutt, Kappil Lake, Anjengo Fort, and Light House are major tourist attractions here.
Best Party Places:
Rock N Roll Cafe, Chill Out Lounge, Sky Lounge, Ginger Lounge / Mango House
Highlights:
Rocking DJ, gala dinner, games, fun activities
Tourist Attractions:
Varkala Beach, Sivagiri Mutt, Ponnumthuruthu, Varkala Cliff
Best Stay Options:
The Taj Gateway Hotel Janardhanapuram, Ayurtheeram Ayurvedic Beach Resort, Hindustan Beach Retreat, Palm Tree Bungalow, Hill View Beach Resort
7. Trivandrum
Renowned as the ‘Evergreen City of India’, Trivandrum boasts about rich cultural heritage and scenic vistas. It is an amazing place to spend New Year’s Eve in Kerala and welcome new year with great zeal and vigor.
Besides its historical and natural significance, it is also well known for its ancient temples. These temples are worth paying a visit to admiring their architecture. This is also one of the reasons for Thiruvananthapuram being one of the most favored pilgrim centers of India. You can also start your new year paying homage to this holy city.
Some of the head-turner places are Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Kanakakunnu Palace, etc.
Best Party Places:
Oakwood Bar, Swagath Bar, City Bar, Caramel
Highlights:
Magic shows, live band, concerts, dance performance, gala dinner
Tourist Attractions:
Neyyar Dam & Wildlife Sanctuary, Poovar Island, Napier Museum, Zoological Park
Best Stay Options:
Vivanta By Taj, Hilton Garden Inn, Hotel Hycinth By Sparsa, Surya Samudra Beach Garden, Fortune Hotel The South Park
After going through this list, you must be excited about the New Year 2021 celebration in Kerala. Plan a tour to Kerala during the New Year and delight in the enchanting beauty of this wonderland. Indulge in trekking, take a houseboat tour or party in this amazing place. Kerala will you’re your New Year’s Eve memorable.
Let us know which destination tempts you more and do not forget to share your experiences with us!
[Find some Tastefully Crafted Kerala Tour Packages]