18.Dec.2025
New Year 2026 is a popular time to travel in India due to holidays and festive breaks. From snowy hill stations and peaceful mountain towns to lively beach destinations and cultural cities, India offers many options to celebrate the New Year. Choosing destinations with good flight connectivity helps ensure a smooth and comfortable trip.
Manali is a hill town in Himachal Pradesh, in the Kullu district, near the Beas River. Many people visit Manali for its mountains and cool weather. During the winter season, Manali is a popular destination. At this time, most people visit the town to enjoy the cold weather and mountain views. Manali offers a snowy hill experience, and that makes it special for the New Year celebration. Manali, I experienced cold weather with snowfall, as it's common in nearby higher areas. The mountains, forests and snow together create a winter setting. Shops, cafés and hotels stay open so travellers can enjoy the season comfortably.
You can reach Manali by road, rail or air, but travelling by air is usually the safest and most comfortable option during winter. Snowfall and road conditions with long road journeys can become slow and tiring at this time, which is why many travellers prefer to fly. The nearest airport to Manali is Kullu–Manali Airport, also called Bhuntar Airport, and its airport code is (KUU). The airport is about 50 kilometres from Manali. After landing, the drive to Manali usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours, which depends on traffic and weather. If you travel from Delhi, the flight distance to Bhuntar is about 400 kilometres, and the flight usually takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Chandigarh, it's 250 kilometres by flight.
Note: There are limited direct flights from Delhi and Chandigarh to Bhuntar Airport so that availability may vary by date. It's better to book a flight early through platforms like FlightsMojo that can help you find better prices and plan your New Year's trip.
Manali is a good choice for travellers who enjoy winter weather and mountain views. In late December, temperatures usually range from –2°C to 10°C, so it feels cold but manageable for most visitors. It suits couples. These groups of friends and travellers want to see snowfall and enjoy a Himalayan setting on New Year's. It works well for those who prefer calm surroundings and natural scenery instead of busy city celebrations.
Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim. It is located in the Eastern Himalayas and surrounded by hills and mountains. This city is known for its well-organised and quiet environment. Many people visit Gangtok for its natural beauty and its peaceful atmosphere. You can choose Gangtok for this New Year if you want to spend the holidays in peace around the mountain or in the northeast. Unlike busy hill stations, this city does not have loud or crowded celebrations. The New Year in Gangtok feels slow and relaxed. Celebrations start here from Christmas Day onwards. Gangtok has a strong cultural identity shaped by Buddhism and local traditions. You can see monasteries, prayer flags and expansive mountain views across the city. During late December, the weather stays cold but comfortable for travel. The quiet streets, mountain scenery and cultural surroundings together create a peaceful and calm New Year experience.
Gangtok is far from most big cities, so travelling by air is usually the easiest option, as it saves time and makes the journey more comfortable. The nearest airport to Gangtok is Pakyong Airport, about 30 kilometres away. After you land, the road journey to Gangtok usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. Another standard option is Bagdogra Airport (IXB) in West Bengal. This airport is about 125 kilometres from Gangtok. The road journey from Bagdogra to Gangtok usually takes 4 to 5 hours. Flights from big cities like Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati are available to Bagdogra Airport. Because there are limited flights to Pakyong Airport, many travellers choose to fly to Bagdogra first and then travel to Gangtok by road.
Gangtok is a good place for travellers who prefer a quiet environment and fewer crowds, who want to explore the hidden beauty of northern India. In late December, the temperature usually stays between 4°C and 12°C, so if you're going to see mountains covered with snow and the most beautiful sunrise, then Gangtok is the best place for this New Year.
This is one of those places that many people dream about from their teenage years. For most people, it stays on the travel wish list for a very long time. When the idea of travel and freedom comes up, Goa is often the first place that comes to mind, for its beaches, open roads and lifestyle. And the New Year is a great time to visit Goa and finally live your teenage dream. You can explore Goa by booking a flight through FlightsMojo, which offers good discounts and extra benefits. The weather in Goa during late December is pleasant. The days are warm and the evenings feel mild so that you can stay outside for longer. During the New Year, the beaches remain busy, and beach shacks stay open throughout the day. Many public places also organise New Year events. Because Goa has a long coastline and open spaces, you will get many options to relax and enjoy the New Year.
When you travel to Goa by train, bus or long road routes, it takes a lot of time. By the time you reach Goa, the New Year season can almost be over. Because of this, flying is a better option. A flight saves time and helps you reach Goa quickly. Goa has two main airports. One is Goa International Airport, which is also called Dabolim Airport, and its code is GOI. This airport is in South Goa. The second airport is Manohar International Airport, also called Mopa Airport, and its code is GOX. This airport is in North Goa. Both airports have flights from major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Flights from Delhi to Goa take around 1,500 kilometres and take 2.5 hours each. Some people take flights to Mumbai because it has more flights. During the New Year, flights get full quickly, so it is better to book early to get reasonable prices and more flight options.
Goa is a good choice for travellers who enjoy social gatherings, beach life and celebrations. It suits groups of friends, couples and travellers who want a lively New Year by the sea. Goa works well for people who enjoy an active holiday with beaches, music and open-air celebrations rather than quiet surroundings.
Kochi is a coastal city in the state of Kerala. It is located near the Arabian Sea and is one of the important cities in South India. The city is known for its backwaters, old areas and cultural history. Kochi has a strong coastal and cultural identity. Old streets, heritage buildings, and areas near the water are essential to the city. You can see Chinese fishing nets and traditional houses in many places. In late December, the weather remains comfortable, making it easy to move around and explore. The New Year in Kochi is usually quiet and straightforward, with no large public celebrations.
Kochi is well connected by air, rail and road, but travelling by air is the easiest option during the holiday season. The city is served by Cochin International Airport (COK), which is about 25 kilometres from the city centre. The road journey from the airport to the main areas of Kochi usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Flights from Delhi to Kochi take about 3 hours, and the air distance is around 2,000 kilometres. Flights from Mumbai usually take about 2 hours. Kochi also has regular flights from cities like Bengaluru and Chennai, which makes travel easy during the New Year.
Kochi is a good choice for travellers who enjoy culture and a slower pace of travel. During late December, the temperature usually stays between 23°C and 30 °C, so the weather feels warm and comfortable. It suits couples, families and solo travellers who do not want crowded or party-focused places. Kochi offers a New Year experience focused on culture, coastal views, and simple travel moments.
1. Why is New Year considered a good time to travel within India?
The New Year period usually comes with public holidays and year-end leave. This break allows people to plan short trips without long absences from work or studies. Many destinations also feel lively or peaceful during this time depending on the location, which makes travel more enjoyable.
2. Which destination works well for celebrations and social gatherings?
Goa fits travellers who enjoy beaches, music and New Year events. The pleasant weather and active beach culture create a lively atmosphere. It suits groups of friends and couples who want an energetic start to the New Year.
3. Are hill destinations safe to visit during late December?
Hill stations remain safe when travellers plan carefully. Weather conditions can affect roads, so flights and short road transfers work better. Checking local updates and choosing reliable transport options improves safety and comfort.
4. Is public transport reliable during the New Year season?
Public transport remains available but often stays crowded. Buses and trains experience heavy demand near major tourist centres. Flights usually offer better time control during this busy period.
5. Does New Year travel cost more than other times of the year?
Travel costs usually rise due to high demand. Flights, hotels and local transport often charge seasonal prices. Early reservations and flexible travel dates help reduce extra expenses.
6. What are the benefits of booking flights with Flightmojo for New Year travel?
The New Year is a good time to travel because many people get holidays. If you plan early, travelling becomes more manageable and less stressful. Flightmojo helps you book flights without trouble. It has 10+ years of experience and provides support via call, email, and WhatsApp at any time. If your travel plans change, check the airline's rules before cancelling. Options like Trip Shield on Flightmojo can help you get a refund for your flight ticket money. With early planning and good support, New Year travel can be easy and smooth.
