India is home to some of the most beautiful and fun places in the world. So when it’s time for New Year’s Eve, one can choose from a plethora of destinations to visit and have a great time. Mergify presents to you a list of some of the best New Year Destinations in India.

For the Beach Lovers

1. Goa

Good for: Beach, Parties, Sunburn Festival, Seafood, Cheap booze, Carnivals
With the cheap booze and beach shacks every few metres, Goa is an ideal place for a vacation around New Years. If that’s not enough, Goa is also blessed with a wide range of biodiversity from sea-eagles to water buffaloes. Add the luxurious hotels, the umpteen food choices and the numerous party places to the list  - you now have the best places to celebrate New year 2017 or any New year for that matter.

2. Puducherry

Good for: Beach, French colony, Peaceful Ashrams, Cafes, Cheap booze
The Union Territory, lending cultural and architectural elements from its French lineage, is still very much Indian at heart. The quaint town, also host to the “Aurobindo Yoga Ashram”, is a good place for self-reflection. The variety of restaurants, the steak and wine,  just add to its natural alluring and create the perfect destination for a laid-back but fun New Year Celebration.
Earlier known as Pondicherry

3. Gokarna, Karnataka

Good for: Beach, Secluded, Peaceful, Religious, Cheap accommodation
Situated on the coasts of Karnataka, Gokarna lives a dual life. Famous for being a Hindu pilgrimage centre, home to Lord Mahabhaleshwara, it is also a beach-lover’s paradise. This place is highly recommended if you want to celebrate the New year with a group of close friends without much interference. Given the lack of commercialization, early booking is advised.

4. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Good for: Beaches, Resorts, Peaceful
The Andaman and Nicobar islands are easily one of the best new year destinations in India. The otherwise really peaceful, serene and calm atmosphere of the place is transformed into one which includes crazy parties on yachts, resorts and beaches. Add to it the pristine white sand beaches and the clean natural surrounding areas, this place becomes the ideal new year getaway for everyone. Apart from the usual beaches and water sports activities, there are other tourist spots too one can visit while here. However, due to the increased popularity of this place, early reservations are definitely recommended.

Good for: Beaches, Serene, Romantic, Coral reefs

5. Lakshadweep

Not as commercialized as the Andamans and a shade too beautiful as well, Lakshadweep is emerging as one of the new year destinations in India. Only 10 out of the 36 islands are habited and that too the population not being a lot. This makes it a perfect place to spend the new year with your significant other. The major attractions the coral reefs which are an underwater paradise for people interested in scuba diving and snorkelling.

For the Cool Minded

6. Gangtok, Sikkim

Good for: Hills, Trekking, Natural Beauty, Buddhism
Situated at an altitude of 5410 feet,  Gangtok  (meaning “Hill Top”) is aptly named so. Coupled with its beautiful sunset and dawn views and its clean surroundings, this small town is also called the “Switzerland of the East”. Trekkers and mountain lovers, do look out for Kanchenjunga, the 3rd highest peak in the world. Now, imagine spending the eve of New Year in a place with such beauty.

7. McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh

Good for: Hills, Trekking, Religious
The headquarters of the Tibetan government in exile, McLeodganj boasts some amazing sightseeing places, food cafés and unique Tibetan souvenirs. A mix of cultures, Mcleodganj is the residence of the 14th Dalai Lama and famous of the Bhagsunath temple. Shiva cafe, a small trek near the temple is recommended. Mcleodganj is one of the best new year destinations in India if you are looking to welcome the New Year in a peaceful place with a different culture and amazing scenery all around.

8. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Good for: Hills, Adventure Sports, Hippies
Manali is the Indian favourite for witnessing snowfalls and skiing. Full of pine trees, fruit orchids and hippies, it’s an ideal place to celebrate the new year in India for those who want to end their year on a high, both literally and figuratively. Take a ride on the Manali-Leh highway or visit the choicest little winter destinations nearby. The natural beauty of this place is sure to liven up your spirits as the year ends.

9. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Good for: Hills, Hippiness, Trekking
A small, quaint and cosy escapade in the scenic hills of the Himachal, Kasol gives you the best of both worlds. Parvati Valley, located here is one of the most beautiful destinations not only in India but in the world. It would obviously be very cold here during New Year, but the great time you’ll spend here partying and breathing in the fresh mountain air and enjoying the scenic beauty, is bound to make you forget about the chill. With its crazy party scenes and beautiful natural scenery, this is the place to be during New Year’s Eve.

10. Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu

Good for: Hills, Natural Beauty, Coffee
Here’s one from the South! A charming hill station located in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal is often referred to as the “Princess of hill stations” and is a popular honeymoon and holiday destination in the South. The cool and misty climate, waterfalls, the lush green hills and forests make it look like something straight out of a fairytale! One must definitely visit this place during New Year, be it with family or friends. I’m sure you’re in for an amazing time here! Psst, don’t forget to try some of their amazing coffee.

For the lovely couples!

11. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Good for: Lakes Palaces, Historical
Also known as the “City of Lakes”, Udaipur is famous for its Rajputana Palaces, handicraft market and diverse wildlife. A romantic heaven, the climate and surroundings of Udaipur have given it the informal title of the “Kashmir of Rajasthan”. Visit the place around new year’s eve if you want to be treated like royalty.

 12. Coorg (Kodagu), Karnataka

Good for: Hills, Wildlife, Buddhism, Trekking
The Kodagu region, also known as Coorg, is famous because of its cool climate throughout the year and picturesque surroundings. The tea gardens and the coffee and spice plantations, just add to the beauty of the place. One of the best places to celebrate the new year against a scenic backdrop. A popular hangout spot for the Bangalore IT crowd, Kodagu is also famous amongst the birdwatchers and backpackers.

13. Alappuzha, Kerala

Good for: Backwaters, Beaches, Ayurveda
Alappuzha or Alleppey is called the “Venice of the East” and with its vast variety of canals, lagoons, beaches and backwaters, rightly so. If a serene getaway is on your mind this year end, look no further. A very traditional village life coupled with the best backwaters experience in India make Allappuzha ideal for those looking to greet the new year in peace.

14. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Good for: Desert, Clear Skies
Famous for the Sonar Quila or the Jaisalmer Fort (A UNESCO World Heritage Site), the city of Jaisalmer is also known for its golden sand dunes and of course, the mystery of the Thar Desert itself. The hue of the desert has given it the name of the “Golden City” and it’s one of Rajasthan’s most well known tourist destinations. The clear, starry nights giving you a stunning view of the Milky Way, the slow and peaceful camel safari, the chill of the desert and of course, the local Rajasthani cuisine, make it one of the new year destinations in India where you can have the best time.

For the City Explorers

15.  Mumbai, Maharashtra - The Maximum City

Good for: Beaches, Nightlife, Religious, Fine dining, Historic, Shopping
The city of dreams, which hosts everyone and everything, from rags to riches, from beaches to high rise, from slums to bungalows, from street vada-pao to luxurious 7-stars, Mumbai is the amalgamation of Indian culture and people. With many beaches and historical places to explore and clubs ready to give you a dazzling start to your new year – Mumbai caters to you the way you would like it to.

16. New Delhi - The Centre of Everything in India

Good for: Historic, Religious, Party, Food, Shopping
Being the nation’s capital, New Delhi is full of historical places and museums.  With its amazing performing arts scene, it is an artistic heaven but if food or shopping is your idea of fun, Delhi should be at the top of your list as well. With Mughlai to South Indian to Continental food and from Rajasthani Handicraft to Madhubani paintings to cheap Chinese electronics, Delhi has it all. This city makes for a colourful new year celebration.

17. Bangalore, Karnataka

Good for: Nature, Wildlife, Historical, Shopping
The silicon valley of India, Bangalore, is not just the Mecca for the IT crowd but also a tourist magnet. Head here on the occasion of the new year for an eclectic celebration. The moderate climate, large green gardens and open spaces give it a positive and healthy aura all the year round. The youthful energy shows all around, especially if you are into shopping. A stroll on MG road and partaking in the city’s restaurant culture is definitely recommended.

18. Kutch 

With vast expanses of white salt desert, Kutch is one of the most surreal places in India. The Rann Festival that takes place between the months of December and February making the place come to life! Experience cultural programs, camping, hot-air ballooning and have a fun-filled new years celebrations!

19. Shillong

The capital of Meghalaya, Shillong offers a mesmerizing experience in the lap of nature. Beautiful lakes, waterfalls and mountains adorn the city of Shillong. And it is due to this abundance of scenic beauty, the city is also known as ‘Scotland of India’. The natural beauty and serenity of Shillong is what draws tourists from all over India and abroad. The breathtaking view from the peaks of the mountains adds to the charm of Shillong.

20. Kolkata

Labeled as the ‘City of Joy’, the ‘Cultural capital of India’, Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta) is a city with character and remnants of British Raj visible in its Victorian-style architecture, trams and feel.  It is one of the most densely populated cities in India With a heritage as dense and the population, this city along the banks of river Ganga is known for its culture, people, food, music, literature and the movies.
If

We all know that there was a lot of speculation about the dark side of the moon regarding what information does it contain. Coming to our article today, we see that China is planning to launch its satellites orbit around the dark side of the moon so as to know what really lies beyond our vision. Dark side of the moon also often known as the "Far side of the moon" is really the dark side of the moon because all the satellite communications would black out once the satellite goes into that orbit. We will see in detail why it happens but don't worry we will keep it short.

Before going to read, let's get familiarized with some technical aspects. 
  
The reason we can’t see the far side of the moon is that our satellite rotates exactly once per orbit so as to keep that side hidden from view (see video below).

Lagrange points:

China’s solution to this dilemma is to deploy a relay satellite that will be able to see both the lander and the Earth at the same time. Rather than being placed in orbit around the moon, the Chang'e 4 Communications Relay Satellite will be sent to one of the five Earth-moon ‘Lagrange points’. These are positions where the gravitational forces and orbital motions of the spacecraft, Earth and moon interact to create a stable location. The one chosen in this case is the Second Lagrange Point, ‘L2’, which is 67,000 km beyond the moon.


Seen from the exact L2 point, the moon would completely hide the Earth. However, this can be solved by causing the relay satellite to follow a “halo orbit” around the L2 point. This is like a small ring around the Earth-moon-L2 line, of a diameter sufficient to keep the Earth in view beyond the moon’s edge. This situation is one of “unstable equilibrium”, but requires very little expenditure of fuel to sustain. It may seem tricky to achieve, but several spacecraft have already made successful visits to L2, including Chang'e 5-T1, a test mission for another planned lunar mission, Chang'e 5 (which will land in 2017 and return a sample to Earth).


Big basin:
 
The Chang'e 4 landing site has not been confirmed, but it is widely expected to be inside the South Pole-Aitken basin. At 2500 km in diameter and 8 km deep, this is the largest impact basin on the moon. Unlike those on the near side, it has for some reason not been flooded by lavas, so it offers us a window deep into the Moon’s crust for study of the lunar interior.
There could even be fragments from the moon’s mantle scattered across the surface here – the impact that created the basin could well have reached the mantle and thrown up debris. Lunar geologists believe they can deduce the mantle’s composition by examining the crust, and this would be a good chance to test whether they are right.

 

Other proposed missions to the far side of the moon – such as the crowd-funded Lunar Mission One, the Russian and European Space Agency jointly-planned Luna 27, and maybe an independent ESA lander, too – are aiming at the fringes of SPA basin at the moon’s south pole, from where the Earth stays in view as it tracks around the horizon. These will have the benefit of permanent sunlight, and a chance to find ice inside permanently-shadowed craters. However, thanks to its relay satellite, Chang'e 4 looks set to provide the first surface-based analyses from deep inside the lunar far side.

Let's see what will work out with the China's mission!