Skip The Cliche: Our Guide To Going Beyond Parties And Celebrating New Year's Eve

Did you know that there's so much more to Mahabaleshwar than strawberry cream milkshakes in Mapro and Vienna Lake boating? Have you ever thought about rearing some authentic honey? In Mahabaleshwar, there is a government-owned beekeeping centre where you can get a fascinating and educational tour of the honeybee rearing and honey-collection process. With a total of 25,000 to 30,000 bees, the centre has about 600 wooden hives. The honey bees roam around a 5-square-kilometer area and bring honey to the hive for you to rear. The centre provides training and a special jacket for you to be bee-safe while you wrap your hands around the activity. So, if you are rearing to do something wild and offbeat, this is your cue to head to the hill station now!

Price: Free

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM, every day. However, call the centre before heading there

Best Time To Visit: Anytime during the year, but November to February sees good weather 

Where To Stay: Mahabaleshwar has a lot of villas and hotels for you to check out 

What's More: This centre is located around a kilometre away from the Mahabaleshwar bus stand, on the way to old Mahabaleshwar. Spot it right near Hotel Uday.

This New Year's weekend take a trip to the Konkan Coast of Maharashtra. The Malvan-Tarkali-Devbagh stretch is known for having some of the best scuba diving spots, and we can vouch for how beautiful the experience is. Head to the Sindhudurg Fort or the Dandi beach to do this activity between 8 and 12 in the morning to get the clearest glimpse of underwater life. The scuba instructors here are highly professional and helpful, and they will be patient with you if you feel overwhelmed or scared. You can also opt for snorkelling and other water activities like banana boat rides and jet skiing.

Price: You can opt for shallow-diving (for beginners) at INR 600 and deep-diving at INR 1,000

Best Time To Visit: November to February is cooler in the Konkan Coasts of Maharashtra 

Where To Stay: If you want something luxurious, go for the MTDC Resort in Tarkali, or pin Nando's Beach Homes on Google Map after reaching Malvan. It's a 20-minute drive from there. 

What's More: If you're heading to Malvan, don't miss out on local Malvani thalis, with surmai and prawns fry.

Have you ever imagined seeing dolphins in Maharashtra? Well, we definitely didn't, unless we stumbled upon a beautiful home stay in Anjarle that told us that it was a possibility. Dapoli is well-known for dolphin watching, which is best done early in the morning, as most of the beaches there do.

Price: It's an experience, not a paid activity. Just head to the beaches and be patient.

Best Time To Visit: Though we do think the best time to visit this town would be between September and February, however, one can plan a getaway throughout the year. 

Where To Stay: Sylvan Greens will leave you mesmerised with its simplicity, and have you hooked to the peace it offers. 

What's More: When in Dapoli, there are a few beaches like Karde, Ladhgar, Harnai, and Dabhol that you mustn't miss out on.

Have you saved up to do something extravagant at year's end? Then check out Jet Fleet Aviation, a service that offers to give your Ola Prime a major upgrade and take you on a helicopter or private plane joyride across the city. You'll get an eagle's eye view of Mumbai city, which is larger than life, with rides lasting 15 to 30 and 60 minutes! Their fleet of choppers and private plane rides are based out of the Juhu and CSIA International airports, and they can fly out within the city as well as cover Mumbai to Alibaug's route (and back).

Price: INR 18,000 onwards for three people for a 15-minute ride

What's More: Jeet fleet has four- and eight-seater rides as well. And they also conduct yacht rides.  

A perfect plan for the adrenaline rush seekers, this trek will take you a step closer to nature. During the monsoon season and beyond, hikers flock to Prabalgad Fort. You can stargaze all night and after trekking to your destination. Breakfast and dinner will be provided by a local hut in the base village of Prabalmachi.

How To Reach: Put Thakurwadi on Google Maps and keep driving. This trek is on the Panvel side too. 

Where To Stay: The locals at Prabalmachi provide tents and food for INR 500 if you're a group of five to six people. 

P.S: Call Namdev on 8097463666 to book your tent. Also, pre-order your dinner because they source things in advance for your local meals. 

What spells peace better than disconnecting from city life and indulging in nature stays, creative workshops, activities, bonfires, games and some barbecue? Aryavart Escape, like every year, is organising a carnival at their Panshet property and grounds from Christmas until the New Year, and it seems to be all things fun! They're onboarding various artists and offering a tonne of fun workshops. Some of the key events include dance jams, karaoke, hand pottery, bottle and wood-painting workshops, art relays, games and more, among other fun things. The event's called Toodles 2022, and if you've been looking to spend a peaceful time amidst nature, meet new people or bond with your friends, here's your chance.

Price: INR 4,500 onwards

What's More: The Aryavart team will also take you to a mini-trek to the Panshet backwaters.

The pandemic has been ruthless for a lot of people. So if the compassionate side of you wants to bring about a change, why not spend your 31st and 1st by devoting yourself to the service of the less privileged? Maybe donate to the education of orphans, the medical welfare of sex workers or the welfare of voiceless animals. There's honestly so much one can give back to society, and you can take it up as your New Year's resolution for 2023!

Where To Donate: Cuddles, World For All Animals and Apne Aap Women's Collective