Under ordinary circumstances, waking up in a beautiful destination on January 1 is the ideal way to kickstart a new year. However, while the world continues to recover from the ongoing pandemic, these traveller’s dreams can be fulfilled on Indian soil itself. Here are some domestic destinations that double as great views to wake up to on January 1, 2021. By Bayar Jain
1. Dong, Arunachal Pradesh
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When a place is dubbed as India’s easternmost village, it’s only fair for any traveller to include it in their bucket list. Widely credited for seeing the country’s first sunrise, this quaint town is an ideal destination to kickstart the new year. The secluded hamlet, however, has many other gems in its kitty too. While the nearby Tidding is ideal for nature-lovers wanting to explore aquamarine waters amid undulating slopes, Dong Van Market caters to every shopaholics’ fantasies. Chaglagam, a scenic village; the serene Glow Lake; and Walong, a cantonment area of the region are other notable attractions.
2. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
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For night owls who have lesser chances of waking up in the morning post a night-long new year’s eve bash, Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch is ideal. Post the sunset, twinkling stars take to the skies, in turn rendering the spectacle nothing less than magical. Moreover, the white salt marsh reflects the surreal night views to create an ambience unlike any other. Besides, post a rough year, maybe wishing upon the heavens above on the first day might not be a bad idea after all!
3. Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
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In all honesty, this paradisiacal land deserves a visit every moment of the year. However, for those looking for an added dose of magic to bless the year, January 1 is the ideal time. When here, head to the Char Chinar in the Dal Lake to enjoy moments of silence before getting on with the year. Alternatively, seek blessings at Chashme Shahi, a Mughal garden built in 1632 AD. The waters here are considered holy, capable of curing any illnesses—physical, emotional, or mental.
4. Gokarna, Karnataka
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An upcoming tourist destination, Karnataka’s Gokarna has something for all kinds of travellers. While religious travellers can trot through the streets and pay a visit to the many temples here, party-loving folks can dance through the night at the idyllic beaches. Stop by at the coconut tree-lined Kudle beach to catch the year’s first sunset, or indulge in adventure sports at Om beach.
5. Bharatpur, Rajasthan
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If any species understands mornings, birds probably top the list. So why not ring in 2021 by spotting these feathered friends as they glide through the sky? The Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur records over 370 bird species during the colder months, many of which flock to the land from world-over like Eurasian spoonbill, Great egret, and more. Dubbed as a bird paradise, this wetland also houses jungle cats, blackbucks, porcupines, and 43 species of fish among others.
Related: 2021 Holiday Calendar In India: Celebrate Long Weekends At These Road Trip Destinations From Kolkata
Bayar Jain
Senior Content Manager
Equipped with a degree in Sociology (Honours) from the University of Delhi, and a post graduate diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, Bayar enjoys sharing stories of people, places, and different cultures. When not typing her travel tales, you can catch the hobbyist photographer capturing the next frame, dabbling in arts and crafts, or gushing over puppers and kittens.
