There are two kinds of people in this world - those who go to New Year parties, and those who just don’t. If you’re the second kind, you’re in luck. This New Year’s, instead of ordering in Chinese and watching Home Alone for the 1089th time like you always do, try something not so mainstream. Here is a list of things you could do if you’re not one for wild celebrations.
I. Comic Con
Mumbai
This annual convention that celebrates graphic art and the world of comics first came to India in 2011. It has come a long way from the first time it was organised in Delhi with only 5,000 attendees. Now, it is being held across four cities with more than 1,300 exhibitors and over 2 lakh attendees.
Date: December 22 to 23, 2018
Time: 11 am to 8 pm
Venue: Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon
Click here to book tickets.
Himachal Pradesh
Not your typical new year celebration this festival camp under the stars among wilderness. Walks along Parvati River, shopping for knick knacks at the Kasol market, meals at quaint cafes with breathtaking views and ending your day huddled up around a bonfire, the Kasol and Tosh New Year Fest is the ideal unconventional new year you’ve been looking for.
Date: December 9, 2018 to January 1, 2019
Location: Brick and Wood Cottages and Camps
Price: Starting at INR 1,999
Click here for more information.
Mumbai
Get to know Mumbai a little better by walking through the network of lanes in this bustling neighbourhood. From 19th century Maharashtrian mansions to a visit to discovering why a Marathi lady is venerated in a Brazilian church, this tour will not disappoint.
Date: December 30, 2018
Time: 4 pm
Venue: 2/A, AR Rangnekar Rd, Gamdevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400007
Price: INR 699
Click here for more information.
New Delhi
The Curated Tours are interactive walks that will take visitors through various public art spaces in the cities of Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad, and engage them in a conversation about contemporary art, the historical aspects of the location, and the stories behind each mural and project. Conducted by St+Art members themselves, these tours will provide insight into the street art movement unfolding in India vis-a-vis its development on an international scale. This is your chance to view 30 murals painted by international and national street artists working towards converting Lodhi colony into India’s first public art district.
Date: Multiple Batches
Time: 10 am
Venue: Lodhi Art District
Price: INR 590 to INR 708
Click here for more information.
Bangalore
Offering everything from themed tours and weekend walks, this 13-year-old tour company helps you explore Bangalore in a way that is almost tailor made as per your areas of interest. With dinner shows and experiential learning programs, Bangalore Walks has something for everybody.
Click here for more information.
Goa
Terra Conscious is an organisation based out of North Goa and promotes ethical tourism. Terra Conscious actively engages in eco-tourism pertaining to dolphins in Goa. Dolphin watching is a major marine tourism attraction in Goa. Unfortunately, due to lack of awareness and sustained capacity building, boat operators often chase the animals to show a sighting, and might play music as an additional value-add to earn more income, which disturbs the natural environment of the dolphins. Noise underwater can impact communication amongst dolphin pods, and cause stress to the animal. The trips are conducted in accordance with internationally accepted marine wildlife watching guidelines.
Click here for more information.
VII. Khoj-aao! Tours
Goa
“khoj-aao! started with passion for discovering the wonders of the outdoors. As seasoned adventurers and nature enthusiasts, we promote the exploration of backyard biodiversity through thoughtfully curated outdoor experiences. Our aim is to learn more our environment so we can thrive sustainably within it. We offer fully customisable half-day, full-day, overnight and multi-day experiences across Goa and the A&N Islands that are eco-responsible, engage local communities and conservation efforts and promote ecological and environmental awareness,” reads their website. From bird watching in Goa to exploring local charms, Khoj-aao! has something for everyone.
Click here for more information.
VIII. Road Trip To Pondicherry
Pondicherry
Muddie Trails is organising a road trip to Pondicherry that seems to be the ideal way to end your year if you’re a travel enthusiast. Explore the French colony, experience the culture, visit monuments, check out museums, and feast on some mouth-watering delicacies. This two-day-long trip is the all encompassing Pondicherry adventure you’ve been on the lookout for.
Click here for more information.
IX. Learn How To Surf
Mumbai
Drop by Mumbai’s first surf school, make a trip out of learning the skill by coupling it with a trip to Varkala, or choose one of the many Indian surf schools closest to you. As of 2017, India had 13 surf schools, all doing tremendous work in their own right and all worth visiting. With the help of the ISF and the international community, this number will only keep growing but first, they need more and more people visiting and enjoying the ones that already exist.
Mumbai
With Arabian Sea’s cool breeze in your hair and the setting sun making for the perfect backdrop, this sailing trip is one that must not be missed. You can also try out your hand at sailing and get expert tips from professional sailors with Gateway of India in the background.
Click here for more information.
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