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3 Locales to Celebrate a Pictersque X-mas New Year

Traveling is unique. An occasion to plan or a weekend getaway to visit, there's more than meets the eye. A steady sliding of mercury and sweet-chills (it's already winter), what about wander-thirst! They say, "What makes you different makes you beautiful." How about a memorable ending to this year (the new year rewards all who dares) far from the madding crowd!

The mercury slides to quite an extent that makes pleasant weather worth the tour. Alongside winter is an off-season for tourism; you can visit your favorite place with the minimal crowd and discount prices.

The choosing part as always been the toughest decision. So many places to tour, yet so few to choose. Nature has more to offer than one seeks; therefore we suggest you (a-place-for-the-type) be it young Turks, seasoned folks or the autumn chaps (old-in-age-yet-young-in-mind);

Planing? No need to (It usually spoils the charm). We suggest three exotic locations (unique and serene) to visit during X-mas/New Year and welcome a happy new year in strange lands yet in a familiar way.

#1 An Expedition to Kasol

Don't be surprised if you hear Shalom in Kasol! A mini-Israel in the very heart of India, Kasol is a quiet yet beautiful settlement in the district of Kullu. Located in the lap of Parvati Valley between Bhuntar-Manikaran; a spontaneous mood yet composed mind amidst a burst of sweet sunshine :)

Reaching Kasol isn't a tedious task, be it road-rail-air! If you are hands-on-wheel (the best experience), the HRTC (Himachal Road Transport Corporation) stocks a well-serviced fleet to drop you at ground zero. The Bhuntar Airport (31 km from Kasol) and Chandigarh Airport (157 km from Kasol) connected by round-the-clock bus-fleets, cab-services will drop you right at your desired destination. The nearest train station is Pathankot (150 km) and Chandigarh (310 km).

Touring Kasol is something you'll enjoy (mostly-on-foot). Feel warm in the company of friendly-folks and tourists or seek mindfulness beside the Parvati River. The Kheerganga Trek (a memorable adventure if undertaken), Kasol Trek, Tosh Village (visit the Gurdwara Manikaran Sahib and enjoy their hospitality and do settle-down for langar-prasad). Malana and Pin-Parvati Pass (not for the faint-hearted); do visit the soulful Kasol Music Festival on New Year's Eve.

Weather conditions are cold-yet-pleasing. The mercury hovers around zero at night. Carry warm clothes, enjoy good food and let your inner child perform around the bonfire for travel is a gift you give to yourself.

#2 A Cuppa at Jibhi

Located at the heart of Himachal Pradesh, Jibhi is not-so-far-away from Kasol (82 km). An ideal getaway to relax-in-solitude, Jibhi is a soothing retreat (If you consider fancy sight seen not as a part of traveling). Set amidst the lap-of-nature (candid), Jibhi preserves the serene beauty thanks to the absence of industrialization.

To Reach Jibhi drive all-the-way from Delhi (the road is risky, but the view is worthy). A clinical 500 km drive else the HRTC is at-your-service. Fly down at Bhuntar Airport (60 km from Jibhi) and book-a-cab/board-a-bus to Jibhi. The nearest railway station is Shimla (Toy-train ride is real fun) located at 150 km from Jibhi.

Jubilant Jibhi would stand befitting for the soulful scenic beauty. Visit the Jalori Pass (12 km) and hear the wind whisper! Walk around in tranquility or let your lens have a field day. Serolsar Lake (consider it as the Pangong Tso of Himachal Pradesh) hidden amidst the mysterious lines of pine trees is an enchantment. The Jibhi waterfall is another treat-for-the-eye along with the Chaini Fort and Shringa Rishi Temple. There's a soothing beauty in minimalism, and Jibhi is the befitting example.

Jibhi-in-winter portrays an enhanced snow-laden landscape in frost-kissed scenarios. In spite of sub-zero weather, the beauty charms the suitor.

#3 Operation Jaisalmer

Time to embark into the mysterious golden city set amidst the sandy dunes of the Thar desert. A city inside the walls of Jaisalmer (Golden hue from the golden honey sandstones) is a gem-of-a-view (getting lost in thoughts is normal). Located at 575 km from Jaipur, this desert fortress has been witness to many histories and hence has tales-for-all-who-visit her walls.

Jaisalmer has a strategic position (located near the Indo-Pak border) and holds the historical Pokhran site. Reaching Jaisalmer by air, the nearest airport is Jodhpur (225 km). If you prefer rail-route, then Jaisalmer station (well-connected with Jaipur, Delhi, and Jodhpur). Excellent roadways could encourage you to drive all-the-way, for the scenic beauty is speechless.

Jaisalmer has so much to offer! The Jaisalmer Fort speak tons just by a glimpse (going through is a tedious process), the beautiful Jain Temples, the Gadisar lake could be a shutterbugs paradise! The Desert National Park, Longewala War Memorial (a war cemetery of 1971), and the magnificent desert safari (Sam sand dunes). Visit the Kuldhara Village (a deserted remaining abandoned for mysterious reasons) and spend a night in desert camping.

Jaisalmer is perfect for a winter visit. Make your tour memorable in the abstract yet lively flavors of Kalbelia dances and folk performances.