Top 7 Fascinating Destinations to Celebrate New Year in Kerala

The biggest festive season is near and almost everyone has made their plans. Have you made yours or are you still stuck filtering out the best destinations? What about celebrating New Year in Kerala? Well, try this time and we bet you won't regret your decision. What could be better than welcoming the big day near pristine beaches and crystal-clear water under the foggy and snowy skies? I think it's just beyond imagination. Kerala New Year, also known as the Malayalam New Year, is all about spending quality time with your family and beloved pals. Be it attending the Cochin Carnival at Fort Kochi or enjoying the warm campfire with soft music, Kerala is a carnival where you will find a mixture of modernity and tradition. You can attend New Year's Eve events and local street parties to enjoy the special occasion. To ensure you can enjoy the best festivities in Kerala, we have curated the top 7 places to explore. Check it out here.

7 Must-Visit Spots to Ring in the New Year in Kerala

Kerala is a popular and stunning state in India that gains many visitors every year due to its crystal-clear beaches, tranquil backwaters, and beautiful floating houses, especially on New Year. You can visit Kerala at any time of the year, however; the best time is in the winter i.e. from December to February. The New Year celebrations in Kerala are highly famous among locals and tourists as it is home to exotic beach party places including Munnar and Varkala. Also, if you are not a party animal and want to spend the last day of the year just sitting in the lap of nature and viewing the spectacular landscapes, Kerala has such calm places too. Celebrating New Year in Kerala offers plenty of things to do depending upon your choices and desires. We don't think you will get such an exciting location as Kerala to bid farewell to 2024 amidst nature. Don't you feel the same? Come to Kerala this New Year.

1. Kollam
2. Wayanad
3. Varkala
4. Kochi
5. Munnar
6. Vagamon
7. Thiruvananthapuram

1. Kollam

Don't forget to attend Kerala's New Year party at Kollam. You can experience an electrifying and lively New Year's Eve celebration in Kollam. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable night filled with extravagant countdown, live music, captivating performances, mesmerizing fireworks displays, and a variety of food and drinks.

Popular Hotels in Kollam:

• Chandra Inn
• Hotel San
• Hotel Seapark
• All Season’s D’Fort Ayurvedic Resort
• Hotel Sea Pearl

Popular Restaurants in Kollam:

• Ramees Restaurant
• Fusion Table
• All Spice Kollam
• AR Capital Restaurant
• Le Delice

Major Attractions in Kollam:

• Thangassery Light House
• Mundakkal Beach
• Thangassery Breakwater Tourism
• Adventure Park, Kollam
• Kollam Beach

2. Wayanad

Include Wayanad in your bucket list to enjoy soft music and a warm campfire for a relaxing New Year's Eve in Kerala. Wayanad is a stunning district in Kerala that attracts many visitors from the country due to its spellbinding landscapes. If you are bored of your monotonous work and looking for a perfect gateway during New Years' time, Wayanad is our top recommendation. Also, Wayanad is among the astonishing places to visit in India as it is home to dense green woods, stunning waterfalls, rich vegetation, and serene lakes.

Popular Hotels in Wayanad:

• Kudajadri Drizzle - Best Wayanad Homestays
• Swastha Royal Villas
• Coffee Greens Resort Wayanad
• Caffeine Villas
• Himadri Retreat Resort Wayanad

Popular Restaurants in Wayanad:

• Wayanad Restaurant
• [Plan B] Vadakkini Multicuisine Restaurant
• GReaT trails Wayanad by GRT Hotels
• 1980's A Nostalgic Restaurant
• Sruthi Restaurant

Major Attractions in Wayanad:

• Kottavayal view point
• Kurumbalakotta Mala
• Lakdi view point
• Karapuzha Dam, Adventure Park & Garden
• Lakkidi View Point

Suggested Read: Topmost Destinations to Celebrate New Year in India

3. Varkala

If you are searching for the best New Year party in Kerala, try exploring Varkala this time as it hosts major NYE festivities to provide an unforgettable experience. Varkala is known for its amazing beach parties, dazzling lights, and eternal bonfires to welcome the New Year in Kerala with full-on entertainment. How excited are you to celebrate the upcoming New Year 2025? Book the best and most affordable flights to Kerala to enjoy a great countdown in Varkala with a bang.

Popular Hotels in Varkala:

• Clafouti Beach Resort
• Hill View Beach Resort
• Varkala Marine Palace
• Akhil Beach Resort Pvt Ltd.
• Nebo Hotel

Popular Restaurants in Varkala:

• An Elephant Eatery
• ABBA Restaurant & Everest German Bakery Varkala
• Cafe del Mar
• Gods Own Country Kitchen
• Darjeeling Cafe Varkala

Major Attractions in Varkala:

• Varkala Cliff Sea View Point
• Varkala cliff beach
• South Cliff Varkala Town
• Varkala North Beach
• South Cliff, Varkala Beach

Suggested Read: Places to Stay in Kerala: Find Your Best Swoon Worthy Space in the God’s Own Country

4. Kochi

Attending the Cochin Carnival in Kochi is one of the best things to do in India during the New Year. Cochin Carnival is a secular festival hosted every year in the last week of December in a multi-ethnic town, Kochi. Major New Year Parties in Kerala during the Cochin Carnival provide an array of sports events and competitions including bicycle races, beach bike races, swimming, boxing, wrestling, and many more. Also, you can enjoy live music, special performances, and a grand gala dinner to make the special occasion memorable for a lifetime.

Popular Hotels in Kochi:

• Le Maritime Kochi
• Holiday Inn Cochin, an IHG Hotel
• Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty
• Le Méridien Kochi
• Vivanta Ernakulam, Marine Drive

Popular Restaurants in Kochi:

• Rice Boat
• SkyGrill Fusion Tapas & Lounge
• Kochi Kitchen
• Fusion Bay
• Paragon | Lulu Mall, Kochi

Major Attractions in Kochi:

• Mattancherry Palace
• Vasco da Gama Square
• Rainbow Hanging Bridge
• Chinese Fishing Nets
• Indo-Portuguese Museum

Suggested Read: Nightlife in Kerala: Explore Nighttime Charm of Kerala

5. Munnar

If you are looking for a romantic destination to spend a soothing New Year's Eve in Kerala, Munnar is the desired place for you. Basically, Munnar is a paradise on Earth for those who want to experience the beauty of nature in the hills during New Year in Kerala. Its lush tea gardens and rich forests are well enough to relax your mind. Apart from these, there are picture-perfect beaches in Munnar that you shouldn't miss during your Kerala trip. Cherai Beach, Alleppey Beach, and Marari Beach are some popular beaches in India to explore to enjoy the best New Year celebrations.

Popular Hotels in Munnar:

• Grand Plaza Munnar
• Hotel Emerald Inn
• Tea County Munnar
• Eastend Hotel
• Munnar Inn

Popular Restaurants in Munnar:

• Arabian Grills Munnar
• Parakkat Spice Merchant Restaurant – Munnar
• The Hornbill Restaurant by Blackberry Hills Munnar Nature Resort & Spa
• Al Buhari Restaurant
• Saravana Bhavan

Major Attractions in Munnar:

• Tea Plantation Munnar
• Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
• Tea Museum
• Mattupetty Dam
• Carmelagiri Elephant Park

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6. Vagamon

If you are a nature enthusiast and love exploring adventurous activities like paragliding and trekking during New Year vacation time, Vagamon in Kerala has something for you. Vagamon is a stunning hill station to enjoy a great New Year's Eve in Kerala. Here, you can experience jungle camping, trekking, bonfires, and delicious food to welcome 2025 in a refreshing way. Don't forget to explore Vagamon this time to experience an electrifying nightlife in India.

Popular Hotels in Vagamon:

• Palette Hill View Resort Vagamon
• Vagamon Vagashore - Best Couple Friendly Resort in Vagamon
• Vagamon Hill Chimes
• Zostel Vagamon
• Pine Clough Vagamon

Popular Restaurants in Vagamon:

• Tabore Hills Resorts and Restaurant
• The Green House Restaurant
• Calicut Resto Restaurant
• Sebante Thattukada Homely Food
• Anoki Restaurant and Resorts

Major Attractions in Vagamon:

• Murugan Hill
• Thangalpara
• Vagamon Meadows
• Vagamon Adventure Park
• Karikadu View Point

Suggested Read: Honeymoon Places in Kerala: Romantic Retreats in God’s Own Country

7. Thiruvananthapuram

What could be better than visiting the popular temples like Attukal Bhagavathy Temple to start a fresh year with spirituality and positivity? If you are thinking the same, visit Thiruvananthapuram this year as it is one of the best New Year destinations in Kerala. Formerly known as Trivandrum, Thiruvananthapuram also hosts the best NYE events and parties that you can't resist. Also, it is one of the most exciting and joyous places to visit in winter in India to explore its temples, beaches, houseboats, and breathtaking landscapes.

Popular Hotels in Thiruvananthapuram:

• Windsor Rajadhani
• Hilton Garden Inn Trivandrum
• Hotel Highland
• Vivanta Thiruvananthapuram
• Hotel Dimora Thiruvananthapuram

Popular Restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram:

• Villa Maya
• Cafe Jade
• Paragon Restaurant
• Supreme Upper Crust
• O Café

Major Attractions in Thiruvananthapuram:

• Veli Lake Tourist Village
• Napier Museum
• Madavoorpara Ancient Rock-cut Shiva Temple
• Attukal Bhagavathy Temple
• Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

Suggested Read: Famous Beaches In Kerala, India Perfect To Experience The Warmth Of Nature

Also, there are a few Quiet Places to Celebrate New Year in Kerala. Let us talk about those:

Everyone who is planning a trip to Kerala during New Year might not be interested in loud celebrations or NYE parties. Sometimes, they just look for quiet and calm places to enjoy the beautiful scenery sitting amidst the lap of nature. If you lie on the same list, we have something for you too. Kerala is home to breathtaking landscapes and lush green hills and is among the top places to visit in winter in India.

Alappuzha

Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is popular for its stunning beaches and natural lakes. On New Year's Eve Day in Kerala, you can go to this place to enjoy a houseboat ride with your special one and make it memorable for a lifetime.

Popular Hotels in Alappuzha:

• Time Square Boutique Hotel
• Ramada by Wyndham Alleppey
• Alleppey Beach Resorts
• Royale Park
• Camelot Hotel

Popular Restaurants in Alappuzha:

• BayRoute Bistro
• Cassia Restaurant, Alappuzha
• Sea shore restaurant
• Eden Garden Restaurant
• Rice Boat pure vegetarian Restaurant

Major Things to do:

• Enjoying Alleppey Backwaters
• Visiting Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple
• Enjoying the Crustal-Clear Alappuzha Beach
• Experiencing Kathakali Dance

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Devikulam

Devikulam is a charming hill station, and a hidden gem located in Kerala, India. Its rich tea gardens and lush vegetation are well enough to soothe your mind and release all your stress in one go. Devikulam is a recommended place for those who are looking for a quiet and relaxing New Year celebration in Kerala.

Popular Hotels in Devikulam:

• Green Tea Hotel
• Pine Tree Munnar
• Mountain fog
• Las Palmas Hotel
• Joys Resorts

Popular Restaurants in Devikulam:

• Aiswarya Restaurant
• Decouthas Restaurant
• Cloud Castle Restaurant
• Hotel Kathir Oli
• Alibaba & 41 Dishes

Major Things to do:

• Exploring Tea and Spice Plantations
• Experiencing Thoovanam Falls
• Visiting Sita Devi Lake
• Touring around Eravikulam National Park

Suggested Read: Hotels in Kerala For A Splendid Staycation Amidst Luxury and Nature

Thekkady

If you are looking for a romantic as well as adventurous place to celebrate an extraordinary New Year in Kerala, Thekkady is one such tourist attraction in the Indian state of Kerala. Here, you can explore natural and wildlife tours, rich cultural experiences, and other interesting outdoor activities.

Popular Hotels in Thekkady:

• Hotel Ambadi ,Thekkady
• Woodnote Thekkady
• Hotel PepperVine Thekkady
• Hotel Elephant Route, Thekkady
• White Fort Thekkady

Popular Restaurants in Thekkady:

• Tusker Caf'e
• Periyar Tiger Cafe Restaurant
• Thekkady Cafe
• Gokul Veg Restaurant
• Hill View Cafe Thekkady Home Stay

Major Things to do:

• Touring around Elephant Junction
• Elephant Safari at Periyar National Park
• Experiencing the Unique Bamboo Rafting
• Enjoying a Boat Ride in Thekkady Lake

Suggested Read: Islands in Kerala Calling You To Witness Enchanting Beauty Of Nature

Kumarakom

Kumarakom is an iconic place to experience rich flora and fauna. Its misty Vembanad Lake, lush coconut forests, and gorgeous backwaters have been one of the top choices among visitors, attracting many visitors around New Years' time who have a varied interest in nature.

Popular Hotels in Kumarakom:

• Paradise Resorts Kumarakom
• Backwater Ripples
• Rhythm Kumarakom
• Kumarakom Lake Resort
• Gokulam Grand Resort and Spa Kumarakom

Popular Restaurants in Kumarakom:

• Ettukettu Specialty Restaurant - Kumarakom Lake Resort
• Vembanad, Kumarakom Lake Resort
• The Kumarakom Kitchen
• Karma Chakra - The Waterside Restaurant
• Kumarakom Kanthaari Family Restaurant

Major Things to do:

• Witnessing the Beauty of Aruvikuzhy Waterfall
• Experiencing Boating in Backwaters and Lakes
• Staying in a Houseboat for Entire Day and Night
• Exploring Vembanad Lake

New Year in Kerala is all about exploring stunning beaches, rich culture, beautiful scenery, and vibrant party places along with mesmerizing fireworks exhibitions. This stunning place attracts a large number of visitors from different parts of the world on this important occasion. Have you ever seen breathtaking natural landscapes or taken a joyous ride on a beautiful houseboat? What about experiencing the amazing Kathakali performances on New Year's Eve 2024? All these things can be done at one place and that’s none other than the amazing district of Kerala in India. Choose from the carefully crafted Kerala tour packages to enjoy the biggest celebration of the year with fun and thrill. Forget all your worries and create new memories by visiting Kerala this New Year.

New Year in Kerala - FAQs: