If you are planning a New Year trip from India, short-haul international destinations offer the perfect balance of convenience and excitement. Whether you want beaches, nightlife, cosy mountains, or iconic skylines, several countries lie within a 5-hour flight from major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai.

In this guide, we highlight the 5 best countries to visit from India for New Year , including flight-time approximations, weather expectations, visa notes, and the type of traveller each destination suits.

Key Takeaways

• Short-haul international destinations under 5 hours from India make New Year Trip easy, convenient, and budget-friendly.
• Dubai, Maldives, Thailand, Nepal, and Singapore offer the best mix of beaches, nightlife, culture, and family-friendly experiences for a quick festive getaway.
• All listed destinations provide visa-on-arrival or easy e-visa options, making them ideal for last-minute travel plans.
• December–January is peak season, so booking flights and hotels 6–10 weeks in advance ensures better prices and availability.
• Choose your destination based on weather, budget, and trip style, from Maldives’ beaches to Nepal’s mountains and Dubai’s skyline celebrations.

Why Choose a Short-Haul International Destination for New Year ?

A New Year international trip from India offers:

• Faster travel time with minimal fatigue
• Easier visa processes (e-visa / visa-on-arrival)
• Lower flight costs compared to long-haul destinations
• Better last-minute flexibility
• Weather advantages during December–January

These factors make Dubai, Maldives, Thailand, Nepal, and Singapore some of the best New Year holiday destinations from India.

Best places to celebrate New Year near India

1. Dubai – The Classic New Year Skyline Celebration

Dubai is one of the most popular choices for a Dubai New Year Trip , thanks to its global fireworks, shopping festivals, and world-class attractions. It offers a perfect mix of city excitement, beaches, luxury, and festive events.

Why Dubai for New Year?

• World-famous Burj Khalifa NYE fireworks
• Excellent weather in December–January
• Easy connectivity from major Indian cities
• Great for families, couples, and luxury travellers

Quick Facts

• Approx. Flight Duration: 3–4 hours from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore
• Visa: Easy online e-visa for Indians
• Trip Style: City, shopping, beaches, nightlife
• Best For: Couples, families, luxury travellers

Top Experiences

• NYE fireworks at Burj Khalifa or Palm Jumeirah
• Desert safari & dune dinner
• Dubai Frame, Global Village, Dubai Marina
• Shopping at Dubai Mall and Deira Gold Souk

2. Maldives – Beach Paradise for a Serene New Year

If your ideal New Year Trip includes quiet beaches, overwater villas, and turquoise lagoons, the Maldives is perfect. It is a premium destination, but worth the experience during the festive season.

Why Maldives for New Year?

• Warm, sunny weather in December–January
• Luxurious resorts with private villas
• Water activities are ideal for adventure lovers
• A calm alternative to crowded city celebrations

Quick Facts

• Approx. Flight Duration: 4–4.5 hours from major Indian cities
• Visa: Free visa-on-arrival for Indians
• Trip Style: Beaches, honeymoon, luxury, relaxation
• Best For: Couples, honeymooners, travellers seeking calm

Top Experiences

• Snorkelling, diving, sunset cruises
• Private island dining
• Resort NYE dinners & beach celebrations

3. Thailand – Vibrant, Affordable & Always Exciting

Thailand remains a favourite budget New Year trip from Delhi / Mumbai / India, offering nightlife, food, beaches, and culture, all at great value. For Thailand New Year travel in December–January, expect festive beaches and clear skies.

Why Thailand for New Year?

• Excellent value for money
• Visa-on-arrival for Indians (typically)
• Something for every traveller, beaches, nightlife, temples, markets
• Direct flights from several Indian cities

Quick Facts

• Approx. Flight Duration: 3.5–4.5 hours
• Visa: Visa-on-arrival (check seasonal updates)
• Trip Style: Beaches, nightlife, food, culture
• Best For: Friends, budget travellers, first-time travellers

Top Experiences

• NYE parties in Phuket, Pattaya, Bangkok
• Phi Phi Island, Krabi, Railay Beach
• Floating markets & street food discovery

4. Nepal – Close, Scenic & Surprisingly Festive

Nepal is ideal for a peaceful Nepal New Year vacation for India travellers, offering Himalayan serenity, culture, and short travel time. December–January weather is cool, clear, and excellent for mountain views.

Why Nepal for New Year?

• Extremely short travel time
• Stunning Himalayan panoramas
• Budget-friendly trip options
• Unique New Year temple experiences

Quick Facts

• Approx. Flight Duration: 1.5–2 hours from Delhi
• Visa: Visa-on-arrival for Indians (ID card also accepted for entry)
• Trip Style: Mountains, culture, nature
• Best For: Families, couples, slow travellers, photographers

Top Experiences

• Pokhara lakeside celebrations
• Scenic mountain sunrise at Sarangkot
• Kathmandu Durbar Square & temples
• Skydive or paragliding adventures (weather permitting)

Marina Bay view with ArtScience Museum lit up at night

5. Singapore – Clean, Modern & Perfect for Families

A Singapore New Year vacation from India combines world-class attractions, an urban skyline, family-friendly experiences, and spectacular celebrations at Marina Bay.

Why Singapore for New Year?

• Safe, modern, and extremely organised
• Ideal for families and first-time international travellers
• Global-standard New Year celebrations
• Excellent food, transport, and cleanliness

Quick Facts

• Approx. Flight Duration: 4–5 hours
• Visa: Online e-visa for Indians
• Trip Style: City, attractions, family-friendly
• Best For: Families, couples, food lovers

Top Experiences

• Marina Bay Countdown fireworks
• Universal Studios Singapore
• Gardens by the Bay
• Sentosa Island adventures

How to Choose the Right New Year Destination

When planning your New Year Trip from India, narrow down options based on:

• Budget: Thailand & Nepal are budget-friendly; Maldives & Singapore lean premium
• Trip Style: Beaches (Maldives/Thailand), city (Dubai/Singapore), mountains (Nepal)
• Visa Ease: All listed destinations are visa-friendly for Indians
• Weather: Maldives/Thailand, warm; Dubai/Singapore, pleasant; Nepal, cool
• Crowds: Dubai & Singapore are busiest; Nepal is calmest

Conclusion: The Bottom Line

Your New Year Trip 2026 can be festive, relaxing, adventurous, or luxurious, depending on where you choose to go. Whether it’s the Maldives’ turquoise lagoons, Dubai’s iconic fireworks, or Singapore’s city charm, each destination on this list offers a memorable way to begin the new year. Plan your flights and hotels early, check updated visa guidelines, and pick the destination that best fits your travel style and budget. If you’re looking for a seamless start to the year, consider booking an international holiday package or New Year travel packages that bundle flights, stays, and top experiences, making your New Year celebration completely stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best international destination for a New Year Trip from India?

Dubai, Maldives, Thailand, Nepal, and Singapore are the top New Year holiday destinations from India due to their short travel time, good weather, and visa-friendly entry for Indian travellers.

2. Which countries offer a visa-on-arrival for Indians during New Year?

Thailand and Nepal typically offer visa-on-arrival, while the Maldives offers free visa-on-arrival. Always check seasonal updates before travelling.

3. What is the cheapest international destination for New Year near India?

Nepal and Thailand are the most budget-friendly options for a budget New Year trip from India, especially for short itineraries.

4. How early should I book flights for the New Year ?

For peak-season destinations, book 6–10 weeks in advance for better prices and hotel availability.

5. How to plan a New Year trip from India under 5 hours?

Choose destinations with direct connections from major Indian airports, check visa requirements early, compare weather conditions, and prioritise activities you want to experience on New Year’s Eve.