Christmas Special 2021: 12 Unusual Christmas Travel Ideas For Indians

#1 Spend a night or two at Jaisalmer desert camp

Dunes, warm weather, camels: this image is in contrariety to every stereotypical Christmas postcard. So if you're contemplating to do something different this year, why not travel straight to the most imminent desert? It doesn't need to be a bumpy experience - you can stay in a luxury tent and enjoy the best of nature amid dunes.

#2 Go skiing in a Santa costume in Manali

Wrap yourself in a festive-mood Santa outfit and waken up a little festival excitement on the hills of Manali's famous ski resort.

#3 Build a snowman or snow-castles in the Himalayas and have a fun family time

If you have children, make them create snowman and snow-castles while you prepare a festive ambience around. Bring battery-run lights, warm sheets and woollen socks for your family to feel home away from home.

#4 Go on a Christmas road trip

We're not recommending just any traditional road trip; for this challenge, you need to decorate the vehicle. Yes! Go somewhere that's welcoming on a Christmas day, like a historical centre or a nature park of a close-by city.

#5 Go cruising to Goa or kayaking in the backwaters of Alleppey

Reserve a ticket on the next possible cruise to Goa from Mumbai or Mangalore and cruise the carnival season away. Or, if you'd instead want to explore under your own steam, swap sailing for a kayak or houseboat in Alleppey.

#6 Go someplace where the culture is vibrant and colourful

Head to Jaipur, Chennai, Bangalore, Udaipur or anywhere with colours more vigorous than a photoshopped image.

#7 Soak in a warm mineral pool at Tattapani hot water spring or Panamik in Nubra Valley

There is nothing like soaking yourself in an outdoor mineral pool in the winter. You'll feel like you're tricking nature as you view cold mist covering the vicinity while you immerse in hot springs, not caring about the tiny details like the weather forecast. Moreover, drinking hot beverages, submerged in hot springs in a snow-filled ambience will surely make this Christmas a special one!

#8 Spend the day amid animals and wildlife

Humans are beautiful, but wildlife is extraordinary. This Christmas break, find some furry buddies at a farm, a zoo or nature park - whatever you have at hand will do. You can visit the best wildlife sanctuary or national park to partake in safaris or jeep drive to explore natures hidden gem

#9 Fly to the most affordable foreign country available

Review your favourite flight comparison website to see where you can fly at the last minute. And just do it! Surprises bring in more joy than expected results. Moreover, time is flying, and life is short - we recommend you take some irrational decisions.

#10 Recover and rediscover yourself at a resort

Why not venture on a silent retreat, a meditation camp or a nature getaway during the Christmas holidays? When the mundane world becomes too overpowering, it's time to escape and beat them all by sitting in silence and finding your inner self.

#11 Return to your impious roots

Christmas is embedded in Christianity, but Christianity is rooted further back in time. Add a pagan feeling to the Christmas season by using your break to visit an archaic monument. It could be a monolith, a stone circle, a crypt, or any ancient ruins nearby.

#12 Drive to a bordering city to dine at an unfamiliar restaurant

Some places in India do not celebrate Christmas so a few restaurants will be serving something authentic besides the traditional Christmas dishes. Pick a nearby town and compare which popular eateries there have the highest rating on Google and indulge in some of the best cuisines they offer.