BENGALURU: In the recent times, New Year celebration has become synonymous with fancy parties in Bengaluru. While the passes to such expensive events get sold out fast, the average citizen tends to feel left out. City Express suggests a few out-of-the-box ways to celebrate the arrival of the new year this Thursday.
Climb a Hill
What better place to usher in the new year than at the top of a hill where you can look at the night sky in all its glory? Call up your friends and head out on a midnight trek to one of the numerous hills around Bengaluru. Or sign up for a trek with travel groups like Bangalore Mountaineering Club, Thrillophilia, etc. That way, you get to socialise with the adventurous lot.
Watch Star Wars
While the rest of the city is busy downing tequila shots and dancing away the last few hours of 2015, you could head to the nearby multiplex to catch a late night movie. Grab some popcorn and find out who has the last laugh in the duel between scavenger Rey and the evil Kylo Ren in the latest Star Wars episode.
Go to the Airport
Bengaluru might not have a bustling nightlife or too many public spaces to hang out at after the street lights go out. But the airport is open through the night. And transport is not hard either, with all the KIA buses going to and fro. Sit around with friends and beat the winter chill with a cuppa or vada sambar as you eavesdrop on conversations and compare notes on life. Or maybe carry a book or board games.
Eat Out
Make the most of the extended deadline, and get out for a late-night snack. If you’re in luck, the eateries serving idlis, dosas or holiges on VV Puram’s Tindi Beedi are still open. If not, you could always head to the joints near Avenue Road, typically open well beyond midnight.
Get Dessert
A sugar rush might be even better than alcohol-induced high. After a filling meal, head to the nearest Lakeview Milk Bar and order a double scoop of your favourite ice cream or a steaming cup of cappuccino. Share stories and laugh at the fun memories you made in 2015.
Go on a Drive
If you’re the quiet, introspective type, grab your keys. Drive to one of the Cafe Coffee Days on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The chilly midnight breeze, a cup of hot coffee and the view of the highway could get your creative juices flowing. Bring your notebook to pen down your thoughts, or perhaps, a couple of resolutions for the new year?
Whip Up a Meal
While commercial establishments across the city rip people off for food and drinks on New Year’s eve, stay home and cook yourself and your partner a fancy meal. Open a bottle of bubbly and toast to all the good times you have shared over the past year.
Jam with Friends
Or once the table is set, you could have some friends over and improvise. While other hosts go in for the usual cocktails and shots and recorded music, you could surprise your guests with Karaoke or even jam. Or read together, write some verses, start a club. After all, it’s the time for new beginnings.
Wanna Play?
If you don’t want to sit cooped up indoors, waiting for the clock to strike 12, pick up a couple of badminton rackets and call out to your neighbours for a game of shuttlecock. Hopscotch or lagori or any other game everyone’s up for. Sweat it out a little, relive your childhood and bond with your neighbours.
Early to Bed
Or you could simply use the holiday to catch some much needed sleep, and wake up in time to watch the sunrise from your terrace with a cup of homemade chai. And who says you need to be hung over to go out for some hangover breakfast?