10 Great Destinations To Visit As You Bid 2017 Goodbye

Bring your year to a meaningful end. Here are Layla’s recommendations for a memorable holiday this December:

Welcome to the land of festivals. Get ready for a blend of traditional dances, folk songs and theatrical performances that leave you mesmerised.

The Hornbill Festival or the Festival of Festivals, is held every year from 1^st to 10^th December. Some of the major attractions at this event include a World War 2 car rally, Naga chilli eating contest, a beauty pageant and even an international rock concert.

Amidst the dunes of the Thar Desert, lies an oasis of solitude. The rustic cottages of Khimsar Dune Village make for a delightful retreat. The property also offers a journey through the rolling dunes and a trip to the Black Buck Reserve. One can also enjoy simple pleasures like a bonfire dinner, a beautiful, golden sunrise, or a cup of tea by the lake.

Waterfalls, a mini-lake, gardens and a wildlife sanctuary – sometimes you find it all close to a special property. The Brahmaputra Jungle Resort is your perfect choice to discover Assam’s untouched natural wonders. During your stay, you can enjoy boat cruises through the Brahmaputra, the only navigable river for spotting the Himalayas. You might also see the critically endangered river dolphins and other wildlife by the river bank.

Auli has been a popular destination since the 8^th Century AD. And when it comes to skiing, Auli remains the very best choice in India. You can also enjoy breath-taking views of the Nanda Devi, Kamet, Mana Parvat and Dunagiri mountain peaks.

Can boats flow in mid-air? That’s the beautiful illusion the Umngot River in Dawki presents. The Dawki Bridge built in 1932 by the British remains a famous tourist destination. Other popular options include, eating delicious oranges at the town border and a musical night at the Tura Winter Festival.

Find solace in the hills. Surrounded by 6 acres of lush gardens, the Taj Savoy of Ooty offers stays at charming colonial style cottages. During your visit you can float along the tranquil waters of Ooty Lake or stand tall at the Doddabetta Peak.

Our suggestion? Just take a pause and smell the roses. A stroll through the gorgeous Rose Garden lets you rediscover the poetry of nature.

In the summer, hardly a whisper can be heard in the vast, white expanses of Kutch. But come winter, and the region is transformed into a carnival of music, dance and celebrations.

Welcome to the Rann Utsav – A grand experience of colours, emotions and stories. Here’s a mesmerizing event that lets you discover many delights such as star gazing on moonlit nights, paragliding through the desert skies, cruising through sand dunes in an ATV, or trekking to the impressive Kalo Dungar hillock.

Goa – A place where life can be incredibly relaxed or just crazy fun. For your perfect Goa experience, Paros by Amarya is a great choice.

The hotel offers luxury Mughal suites and Portuguese villas with unrestricted views of the Arabian Sea. Guests can enjoy a stroll down the serene Turtle Beach, right next to the property. Popular destinations such as Café Mambo, Fort Aguada and Basilica of Bom Jesus are just a short drive away.

Heaven resides at the crown of India. By the banks of the river Jhelum, with deep valleys, soaring mountains, and the bluest skies, Srinagar leaves every traveller enthralled. A visit to Shalimar Garden and the pristine Dal Lake is definitely recommended. You can also participate in winter games such as skiing and off-road car racing during the Gulmarg Snow Festival.

Beautiful backwater cruises, heavenly seafood, and lush acres of greenery. That’s what Allepey has to offer.

For a great experience, a stay at Akkarakalam Memoirs is a wonderful choice. This 150-year old property even offers houseboat rides to its guests. You can enjoy the Spice Routes Luxury Cruise – A journey that takes you back to an era when large boats carrying rice and spices made their way through the canals of Alleppey.