Exploring Top Christmas Holiday Destinations in India that Offer Value for Money Experience

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The year is just about to end in next few weeks and I am really excited about Christmas that brings a special feeling to me. Even though, Diwali is considered to be the biggest festival in India Christmas is also celebrated with same enthusiasm as people clean up their homes and decorate their windows and interiors with lights and put up Christmas tree. Of course, in some parts of India like Goa the visibility of this festival is clearer than in other states, but even though people in other states do not celebrate Christmas in grand style most families look out for some places where they can spend their holidays. The word Christmas holidays itself can create so much excitement that I can’t resist getting out from my hectic schedule and wander in some of the best destinations that India has to offer.

Here is my list of places that can offer value for money holiday experience across India.

Pondicherry/Puducherry

There are some places that are actually hyped about, but they do not offer the right kind of experience and there are some destinations that never get that kind of attention and they still manage to impress and satisfy you. Pondicherry also known Puducherry has always been on my list for the fact that there is so much available here to see and do especially during Christmas. You must be wondering why I did not put Goa on the top of my list? Well, to be honest, I am an average Indian guy and I work hard to earn my income. So, I believe I need 100% satisfaction when I am spending my money and that is what Pondicherry offers me, a total value for money experience. It might not be high on the tourism list, but that doesn’t mean it has nothing to offer.

Historically, Pondicherry was home to Portuguese, the Dutch, the Danes, the English and the French. The weather here is pretty cool during the month of December so you can just enjoy some special moments with your family. You can explore some of the churches here like Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus that was erected by French missionaries in the 18^th century and which remains an oriental specimen of Gothic architecture.

The Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges is known for its masonry work while the Church of Capuchins is one of the oldest churches in Pondicherry. You can enjoy the Beach Promenade here and explore some of the French architecture and great food here in India’s Little France.

Goa

I certainly can’t keep Goa out of the list because the energy here is quite high during the Christmas time. If you like crowd, music and madness and if you prefer grand-style celebration Goa is your destination to celebrate Christmas. It is also one of the states that is most visited by foreign tourists and during Christmas the entire state look like one giant party hall ready to celebrate the festival. Known as the beach paradise of India, Goa remains the first choice for most travelers and party-goers in India.

The state also has its Portugal legacy and Roman Catholic population that get into the mood to dance and sing and get into all the fun that is an integral part of Goa. The customary midnight mass usually goes into the early hours of the morning. Goa is the place to be when you are with your friends and family members celebrating Christmas, but you need to book your accommodation early before you run out of options. Last moment bookings might cost you dearly, so take note of that.

With so many beaches around Goa there is plenty to explore during your Christmas holidays here. You can also enjoy the rave parties and beach parties that go all night long here in Goa if you like to get lost in the trance and madness that Goa has to offer.

Kerala

Nestled in the tropical Malabar Coast of southwestern India, Kerala attracts more visitors than you can imagine especially when the winter hits the state. With a growing tourism rate of 13% per year Kerala contributes to state economy immensely. The state is extremely popular for its eco-tourism initiatives and for the beaches, backwaters and mountain ranges that combine together to offer something to everyone.

While Onam is the biggest festival here, Christmas is also celebrated with the same amount of zeal and excitement as Kerala does have sizable population of Christians. When you are here in Kerala you can visit the Mar Thoma Church and Jacobite Church that still conduct rituals in Syriac. The biggest difference between Christmas in Goa and Kerala is that in Goa it’s all about fun while in Kerala it’s all about family re-union and spending time together, so the mood differs here in the South. If you prefer a relaxed and peaceful Christmas celebrations then Kerala is the place to be this Christmas.

Mumbai

The financial capital of India, Mumbai participates in most festivals that are celebrated across India. This is also because you will find people from all parts of the country and all walks of life here in the city that never sleeps. Mumbai also has a fair population of Christians that celebrate Christmas and make the most of the time they have.

There are many small and highly popular churches here in the city that attract people for the midnight mass and then for the day people love to celebrate it by wishing each other and organizing lunch and dinner at some of the popular restaurants or by watching movies and celebrating it in the best possible way. Those who want to attend midnight mass have so many options like Mount Mary’s Basilica, Shrine of Don Bosco’s Madonna in Matunga and Saint Thomas’s Cathedral. The unique thing about Mumbai is that even other communities participate in celebrating Christmas that only amplifies the magnitude of this festival.

Bangalore

The Garden City of India also now known as the IT hub of the country, Bangalore now called Bengaluru is one of the best places that you can visit to enjoy your Christmas holidays in style. The city is known for the kind of shopping experience that it offers on Brigade Road and Commercial Street, but apart from that there is so much more that you can get in Bangalore for the entire family. Bangalore celebrates Christmas in a special way where the locals get into the spirit of Christmas with a sense of togetherness and loving each other at the same time.

Food is an important part of any festival and Bangalore prepares itself for some great feast that you can be a part of. The city is known for cakes, pastries, fish and chicken food items and even for desserts that you won’t find anywhere else. You can also explore St. Patrick’s Church on Brigade Road, The All Saints Church on Hosur Road to experience the divinity behind Christmas celebrations here in Bangalore.

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