India 23 December 2016: Christmas is round the corner. There is festivity in the air. From West to East, North to South, the whole of India is getting into the Christmas spirit. Each place has its own interesting touch to the celebrations which makes it special.
For those of you who are planning to take a break from work and travel out for a truly memorable Christmas here are some exciting options.
1. Daman and Diu
This quaint Union Territory is one of the best places in India to enjoy your Christmas break. With its colonial past, Daman and Diu celebrates Christmas with a Portuguese flavour. A host of cultural shows are held here around this time. The enigmatic Corrindinho Portuguese dance forms, the colourful lights adorning the buildings and the soulful Christmas carols renting the air from churches in the town, all bring alive the spirit of Christmas. Head for Daman and Diu for Christmas, you will not forgetthe experience for a long time.
2. Kovalam
Christmas in Kovalam is not the same as Christmas anywhere else. It has its own distinctive flavour. Imagine spending Christmas Eve at a beach side restaurant with the sound of waves lashing the shore and the aroma of fresh out-of-the-water jumbo prawn emerging from the kitchen. There are night-long Christmas parties; hotels and restaurants serve special Christmas dinners with live bands. In the city, the churches are beautifully decorated with lights and stars and groups of youngster go around the streets singing, dancing and merry-making. Their enthusiasm is infectious. The South Indian flavour enhances the spirit of the festival here. Parties, rock music, shimmering lights and lip-smacking Kerala delicacies add up to a memorable Christmas in this beach town.
3. Kolkata
In the East, Kolkata with a sizeable Anglo Indian population embraces Christmas like no other place except Goa. The Christian localities are all a glitter with lights and the entire city is humming a festive tune. The streets come alive with shops selling beautifully decorated Christmas trees and ‘Santas’ going around handing goodies to kids. Cafes and restaurants remain open till late at night. The mouth-watering aroma of cakes and pastries fill the air as stalls selling Christmas goodies line up the streets.Do make it a point to visit Park Street where the festive spirit is at its best. The St Paul's Cathedral organises a wonderful midnight mass and melodious Christmas carols rent the air. With a perfect blend of rituals and merrymaking, Kolkata brings you the real Christmas feel.
4. Pondicherry
If you are a Christmas enthusiast and a foodie, Pondicherry is the destination for you. With a blend of French tradition and local customs, Christmas celebrations in this Union territory are worth a dekho. Clean and serene beaches, authentic French architecture and great fusion food make Pondicherry a holidayer’s paradise during Christmas. The city adorns itself beautifully in vibrant colours and you can feel the exuberance in the air. Wherever you go, the festive spirit is all around; you can’t help being drawn into it. Make it a point to visit the famous churches in town where Christmas celebrations are of a different order altogether.
5. Manali
Christmas and snow go together which makes Manali a great place to celebrate this festival. With hordes of tourist descending on this hill station around this time to enjoy the snow, there’s already festivity around Christmas. The exotic pine treesare beautifully covered in snow. Adorned with lights and accessories, they are a sight to behold at night. Heighten your Christmas mood by booking yourself in a log hut and spending Christmas Eve sitting by a bonfire under a beautiful star-lit sky. Sounds like a perfect place for the Christmas thrill and chill, isn’t it? So what are you waiting for? Make your bookings fast to avoid disappointment.