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The Kerala New Year is a faith-filled foundation, at once rooted in tradition and festive joy. The beginning of the New Year in Kerala is marked by an amalgamation of faith, traditions, and unrestrained celebrations. Churches, in particular, hold special prayer services and thanksgiving masses to celebrate. Large congregations of devotees get together to thank God for his blessings in the previous year and pray for divine guidance in the New Year. Trail through Munnar or witness the vibrant Theyyam performances at Kannur, Kerala has all types of celebrations in store.
10 Best Destinations For Kerala New Year
Here are the top 10 New Year destinations in Kerala that promise an unforgettable experience to kickstart your upcoming year:
1. Cochin
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Kerala has its way of ushering in New Year’s Eve amidst the merging traditions and joy. The Cochin Carnival in Fort Kochi is one of those legacies stockpiled by the colonial rule in Kerala but now evolves into a platform of festivity. Exotic spices combined with rhythmic beats and Theyyam performances representing the richness of culture are the distinctive features of the event. At midnight, people welcome the New Year by watching the burning of a giant effigy of Pappanji at the Fort Kochi beach.
Major Attractions: Athirappilly Waterfalls, Mattancherry, Fort Kochi and many more
Nearest Connectivity: Cochin International Airport
Suggested Read: New Year Party In Calicut
2. Munnar
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Munnar is one of the best New Year’s Eve destinations, amidst emerald hills and tea plantations. It would be a paradise for nature lovers, a tranquil atmosphere, exotic birds calling out to each other. The New Year’s Eve celebration comprises quiet moments, watching fireflies dance, or digging into the local cuisine. From midnight sky views to active hiking trails, strolling through the tea plantations, and seizing by the cascading waterfalls, January 1 will surely have that extra bit of fun.
Major Attractions: Eravikulam National Park, Munnar Hills Village
Nearest Connectivity: Ernakulam Junction (South) Railway Station
3. Thrissur
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Thrissur is one of the best destinations for new year celebrations. The city transforms into a vibrant stage, with Thekkinkadu Maidan at the backdrop and traditional percussion ensembles at the very forefront to drive home the rhythmic pulse of this celebration. This New Year’s celebration will tantalise your taste buds with local food and amaze you with Kathakali dancers. The grand finale is widely believed to be one of the most thrilling visual experiences of pyrotechnic skill, with a synchronised fireworks competition between two temples.
Major Attractions: Sobha City Mall, Sree Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thiruvambadi Krishna Temple
Nearest Connectivity: Thrissur Railway Station
Suggested Read: New Year Party In Trivandrum
4. Trivandrum
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From beach bliss at Kovalam to heritage hotel packages with stunning live classical music and brilliant city views, there is plenty of excitement in store on New Year’s Eve in Trivandrum. Temples bring a feel of serenity and rejuvenation, world-renowned centres offer this through Ayurvedic revitalization. While the city beholds great history in itself with the Napier Museum, serenity exists in Kanakakunnu Palace. Such experiences make it one of the popular places to start a new beginning.
Major Attractions: Kovalam Beach, Kuthiramalika, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Nearest Connectivity: Trivandrum Airport
5. Wayanad
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Wayanad, the emerald jewel of Kerala, offers a quieter and more introspective New Year’s Eve celebration. Tucked away cosily in a cottage overlooking verdant hills, Wayanad has in store a chance at reconnecting with nature. The celebrations resonate with nature’s beauty, from bonfires under starry skies to dancing fireflies. The New Year’s Eve celebrations of Wayanad give a different kind of reflection time with most popular celebrations of one kind.
Major Attractions: Lakkidi View Point, Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Waterfalls
Nearest Connectivity: Kozhikode Railway Station
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala
6. Varkala
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A cliffside paradise, offers a unique blend of serenity and celebration during the New Year. Multiple beaches, including Papanasham and Black Beach, transform into open-air party floors. Varkala’s food scene features fresh seafood delicacies and upscale fusions of international and Keralan cuisine. Beginning at the Janardhana Swamy Temple, where rituals are performed colourfully on the first day of the year, one is able to pray for blessings. From party animals and spiritual seekers, Varkala is the best place to celebrate the beginning of the new year.
Major Attractions: Kappil Beach, Sri Janardhana Swamy Temple, Varkala Cliff
Nearest Connectivity: Thiruvananthapuram Junction Railway Station
7. Alleppey
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The “Venice of the East” offers most popular new year party destinations in Alleppey. It takes place in some traditional houseboats amidst greenery with coconut palms along the canals. The festive lights illuminate the backwaters, which provide lovely settings for quiet reflection and cherished moments spent with loved ones. It’s common to get local delicacies like the Karimeen, or pearl spot, frying aboard in-houseboat cruises. The festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Major Attractions: Alappuzha LightHouse, Alappuzha Beach, Sri Krishna Swamy Temple
Nearest Connectivity: Cochin International Airport
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kerala
8. Kannur
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Beachside or rooftop revelry, celebration of tradition, women’s celebration and culinary adventures, this city caters to diverse tastes. These beachside resorts turn into open-air party venues, and the rooftop restaurants offer stunning places for new year parties. Blazing Theyyam performances, masked dancers, and “She Night Fest” are the other highlights. While food forms the staple of each Keralan festival, the street food vendors are replete with local delicacies and upmarket restaurants that serve international and Keralan cuisine.
Major Attractions: Kannur Fort, Kannur Beach, Payyambalam Beach
Nearest Connectivity: Kannur International Airport
9. Kumarakom
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Kumarakom presents a completely different view of New Year’s Eve with vibrant energy combined with serenity through backwater cruises. These serene backwaters, with rows of coconut palms, depict a slice of rustic Kerala. At night, the backwaters turn into a canvas of twinkling stars, which act as a soothing balm to the cacophony that greets people everywhere. Local delicacies like the Karimeen fry are part of most houseboat cruises.
Major Attractions: Kumarakom Craft Museum, Ettumanoor Sree Mahadeva Temple
Nearest Connectivity: Kottayam Railway Station
Suggested Read: New Year Party In Wayanad
10. Ambalapuzha
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The coastal city of Alappuzha offers the best events for new year celebrations in Kerala. The food markets continue to be abundant with fresh fruits and vegetables. They have it all with these local Keralan dishes like the famous “Karimeen” fish curry. Sellers rustle up yummy crispy samosas, fluffy dosas, and appams. Alappuzha whips up something special amidst the enchanting backwaters for those in search of tranquillity. It also hosts lavish displays of the rich cultural heritage of the region through resplendent Theyyam performances and Krishnapuram Palace.
Major Attractions: Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, Alappuzha Beach, Alappuzha LightHouse
Nearest Connectivity: Ambalapuzha Railway Station
Kerala’s New Year is a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary festivities, ensuring an unforgettable start of a new beginning, a variety of events to welcome you to the New Year with fun and excitement, whether you’re more of a fan of glitzy parties, a cultural excursion, or a family-friendly gathering. Plan your trip with TripXL and ensure that your New Year’s party in Kerala is one to remember!
Cover Photo: Ajeeshkumar4u / Wikimedia Commons
