We all love Christmas – the lights, the decorations, celebrations, trees, Santa Claus and the gifts, and the cake of course! There’s nothing like celebrating it in a special place and in a unique way. Well, luckily, our country offers us a plethora of such experiences during the Christmas season. So, if you want to have a unique week, read through this list of some places to visit in India.
1. Shillong
The hilly towns of the Northeast lurking in the winter mist brighten up during this festive season. What makes places like Shillong more attractive during Christmas is the bride-like decorated streets, midnight mass that is held in every nook and community meals organised in every corner. The oldest church in North East India, the Cathedral Church in Shillong is a unique spectacle. People from all over the world flock to this city to attend the Midnight Mass. The century-old fir tree is illuminated and the priest talks about the joys of Christmas. The picture of traditional Christmas in the hills is no less than a Christmas card!
2. Lansdowne
This hill station in Uttarakhand is one of the unique destinations in India. Untouched, Lansdowne gives you the much-needed break from mundane life. One can easily make their festival very memorable with friends, family or that special someone in this offbeat destination. The Christmas Market is one of the exclusives that this place has to offer during this time of the year. People who visit here usually plan their own little hilly-Christmas-celebration with a bonfire, some music, beautifully decorated trees and gift exchanges.
3. Kerala
One of the few states in the country where Christians aren’t a minority, Christmas in Kerala is surely not the same as any other place around the country. While the cathedrals and churches come alive with Midnight Mass, an enactment of Lord Jesus’s birth scene, carol singing and more, the backwaters have a charm of their own. The soothing ambience of the houseboats infused with the festive air is ideal for Christmas holidays. All of this enhances the spirit of the festival here with the Cochin Carnival, that continues for 10 days, making sure you keep wanting for more !
4. Kolkata
The City of Joy embraces Christmas celebrations in the most joyous manner. Every year, the themed lighting starts from St. Xaviers College and ends at Jawaharlal Nehru Road, making the Kolkata Christmas festival one of the largest dedicated festivals in the country. Park Street’s decorated lights and stars just nail the mood while sweet delights are found at it’s best at Flury’s. With a perfect blend of parties and customs, Kolkata brightens up the Christmas feel.
5. Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Christmas is probably the best time to visit this Union Territory. The place dresses itself up in the festive mood. What makes this place most interesting is the celebration of the festival with a tribal touch. Midnight mass is organised in all local churches and the people celebrate with pomp and grandeur. The entire Union Territory fizzes with warmth, zeal and enthusiasm, and makes sure your Christmas will be well worth it.
Our country has a lot of unique experiences to offer during this time of the year. Right from Christmas upto New year, the entire week is perfect for planning a holiday to a unique and offbeat destination. Now that you know some of such places, why sit back ? Fill out this form, and get an opportunity to explore some of these places in the country.