New Year’s Eve: Here’s a slow travel guide for your celebrations

For Pragya Sharma, a freelance content writer and solo traveller from Delhi, the search for a tranquil New Year’s Eve began after a crowded Christmas in Kochi. “As magical as the experience was, the crowds were overwhelming, and I found myself craving some quiet. Naturally, the usual tourist hotspots were out,” she explains. Following a local suggestion, she discovered Munroe Island, a destination so serene that upon arrival, she says, “I could feel my entire nervous system exhale.”

This hidden cluster of islands in Kerala offers a pace of life that is far removed from the frenzy of the mainland. Sharma describes the journey as a quick escape, involving a 2.5-hour train ride to Munroturuttu, where the traditional lack of transport infrastructure only adds to the charm. “There were no autos or taxis in sight,” she recalls, eventually reaching her destination through the kindness of a local woman. “The homestay owners, a warm, welcoming couple, treated me to a delicious home-cooked Kerala meal. I spent the evening exploring and unwinding.”

When asked about her most memorable island experiences, Sharma highlights the immersion into local culture. “On the morning of December 31, I signed up for my first-ever kayaking experience. Despite my initial worries, it turned out to be magical, gliding through the still waters as the sun rose and birdsong filled the air.” That evening, instead of a traditional party, she attended a performance showcasing Kuchipudi, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, and a glimpse of Theyyam. Even the midnight celebrations remained low-key, while local boys set up a sound system, Sharma recalls, “I danced quietly from a by-lane. The music ended well before midnight, as things tend to in small towns.”

The definitive Munroe Island experience, however, takes place at dawn. “New Year’s Day began before sunrise. My host took me on a serene boat ride through the narrow canals before we emerged into a wide, open vista. I meditated to the rhythmic sound of the oar slicing through water,” she paints a vivid picture. For Sharma, it remains one of the best ways to start a year. She concludes with a gentle reminder for future visitors: “If you’re looking for an escape that’s tranquil and grounding, make your way to this stunning island. And when you do, please help keep its peace intact. This is not the place for loud parties.”

Udaipur: Romantic streets and slow mornings

“I’ve never really been someone who enjoys New Year parties. I like quieter starts to the year, where the days feel slow and meaningful. If I had to pick a place to escape all the noise, it would be Udaipur,” shares Kimberly Lobo, a lifestyle content creator based in Goa. 

Having visited shortly after the New Year, she found the city provided a sense of calm that stays with you. “The city felt just right. The weather was cold but pleasant, the kind that makes you want to stay outdoors all day. Everything about Udaipur feels romantic without trying too hard—palaces, old streets, lakes, and cafés where time just seems to slow down,” notes Lobo. 

When asked about her favourite experiences in the city, she reveals, “My ideal day would start with breakfast at Jheel’s Café, sitting by Lake Pichola and watching the water while the city slowly wakes up.” Lobo admits she is not a fan of itineraries and loved being able to explore the city by hopping on a bike without too much planning. For a meal that feels rooted, and not rushed, she highlights the Murgh Masala at Khama Ghani, describing it as one of those dishes, "You think about even after the trip is over."

One of her most cherished experiences was a cruise on Lake Pichola, sailing past the royal palace. “It genuinely reminded me of a cruise in the French Riviera—calm, scenic, and quietly stunning. If you want something quicker, the speedboat ride at Fateh Sagar Lake is a great option. It’s only about 15 minutes, but it’s totally worth it. As the day winds down, catching the sunset from the back side of the royal palace feels surreal,” Lobo recalls. 

Penang: A serene coastal and culinary discovery

“If you are looking to escape the usual New Year’s Eve frenzy and usher in the new year somewhere serene yet engaging, Penang in Malaysia is a destination worth considering,” poses travel content creator Kritika Goel who chose the destination during a spontaneous new year’s trip to avoid the crowds. 

Penang is easily accessible from India, with direct flights from Chennai and convenient one-stop connections from major cities making it ideal for a quick international getaway. She found the island to be a perfect alternative to overcrowded celebrations, offering a unique mix of heritage, food, nature, and relaxed coastal energy.  Goel suggests checking into a beachfront hotel rather than staying in the bustling heritage heart of George Town. “Waking up to uninterrupted sea views and gentle waves immediately set a slower, more restorative pace for the trip. This part of the island is perfect for long beach walks, relaxed mornings, and unwinding between sightseeing, while George Town remains easily accessible by affordable cabs.” 

Walking through Armenian Street, she felt immersed, “The colourful murals, cafes, and preserved architecture felt culturally rich rather than overtly touristy." Goel also highlights the clan jetties, which offer a glimpse into layered cultural history and everyday community life. However, the true highlight for her was the food. “As the food capital of Malaysia, Penang offered everything from local Chinese and Malay dishes to Michelin-recommended dining at Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery, which I highly recommend, and creative vegan versions of nasi lemak and rendang curry, every meal felt like a discovery. Street food markets are especially rewarding, showcasing flavours influenced by Malaysian, Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese cuisines,” she excitedly shares. 

On New Year’s Eve, Goel avoided the rush by enjoying a relaxed dinner and trying interesting cocktails at a speakeasy called Backdoor Bodega, watching the festivities from a distance. “New Year’s Eve in Penang strikes a rare balance between celebration and calm. Fireworks light up the sky, particularly around George Town, but it never feels overwhelming.  For travellers seeking a slower, more meaningful and surprisingly affordable way to ring in the new year, Penang offers culture, comfort, exceptional food, and just the right amount of festivity,” Goel concludes. 

Landour: A sanctuary above the clouds

For Shikhar Vishnoi, a marketer based in Goa, the need to escape the high-octane energy of the coastal party scene leads him upward to Landour. “I’m surrounded by high-energy events and loud celebrations almost every weekend. When New Year’s Eve rolls around, the last thing I want is more noise. If you’re looking to trade the beach parties for a place where you can actually hear yourself think, Landour is the ultimate sanctuary,” he shares. 

This small cantonment town, perched just above Mussoorie, acts as a sanctuary where the silence is absolute. Vishnoi explains, “Landour is a place where the days aren’t about checking off an itinerary, they are about slow walks and long conversations. The town’s unique no-honking culture and lack of vehicle traffic make it a rare find in the Indian Himalayas.”

When asked to share his best kept town secrets, Vishnoi spills, “My slow morning begins at the iconic Landour Bakehouse. There is something incredibly grounding about sitting in that wood-panelled cafe with a warm slice of lemon cake and a view of the snow-capped Himalayas. While the rest of the world is busy chasing countdowns, time here seems to stand still.” He recommends the forest walk to Char Dukan for bun omelettes and honey ginger lemon tea, noting, “The town's old-world charm feels entirely removed from the modern world.”

The classic Landour experience, however, is witnessing the ‘Winter Line’ from Lal Tibba. “It’s a rare atmospheric phenomenon where the horizon glows in shades of orange, red, and mauve. Watching this from Lal Tibba, the highest point in the area, is a spiritual experience that no nightclub could ever replicate,” he fondly remembers.

For him, the calmest New Year’s Eve is simple, “Ending the night in a cozy Himalayan cottage with a fireplace is the perfect way to ring in the year. Landour offers a sense of seclusion and the luxury of doing absolutely nothing.”