Ditch the party, camp out with your partner instead. Here are some interesting outdoor options for couples this New Year's Eve

If party-hopping isn't on your list this New Year's Eve, there are many exciting things to add to your calendar to ensure that the start of your year is as rocking as your neighbour's who has plans of dancing the night away.

Hot air balloon ride
A hot air balloon ride is a great way to get the perfect view of the city and spend time away from the chaos. Not too far away from Mumbai, you can go on a balloon ride at Kamshet. The operating group offers morning rides, so ensure you have the entire day planned. The ride depends on the course of the wind on that particular day. The favourable season extends till the month of April. It's a treat to watch the sun rising and to get a bird's-eye view of the valley. If you're lucky to have a river in your route, the pilot flies low over the water to add to the experience.

Bike ride
If you've been longing for a bike ride with your beau, then this is the perfect time. Pull out your leather jacket, biker boots and you're set. Besides, ditching a crowded party and going for a ride with your guy is quite romantic. The Konkan belt is a great stretch to make your ride a memorable one. And what makes it even more exciting is that every pit stop on this green belt is not less than picture-perfect, giving great opportunities to capture the moments. Plan a weekend ride to Harihareshwar or Shrivardhan, both located in Raigad district and are exciting scenic stretches.

Camping and Stargazing
December is a great time for stargazing since this is when the sky is clearer. And if you do not like to be stuck on a crowded dance floor, opt for outdoor trekking where you can lie down and watch the stars. And winter can turn that stargazing-camping night out into a super romantic date. We suggest a picnic under the stars —pitch a tent in a clear area, set up a campfire and blankets and have that special dinner under the sky. The serene location, coupled with good food and music, equals to an ideal date. For those wanting to pop the question too, the time is perfect. Locations you can consider for the date are Kelve, a few kilometres away from Virar and Vangani near Karjat.

Cruise
A romantic dinner on a cruise is such a wonderful way to usher in the New Year. The Gateway of India has plans of starting cruise rides this year. Book a ticket for two and sail with your beloved under the moonlight, after 9 pm. With live entertainment, food and a lot of merry making, the double-decker boat — that had been stopped since 2008 — is sure to make your night a memorable one. The boats are said to have different dinner tiers and guests have to carry photo IDs.

Paintball
Want to the bid the year goodbye on a fun note Paintball spells out exhilarating time, especially if you have great company. Since this is that time of the year to leave behind all those ill feelings, what better way than to shoot paintballs, which makes for a great 'venting out' activity! The hide-and-seek with the capsule gun is a high-spirited game and a great way to ease out the pressures you've dealt with through the year — meeting deadlines, reaching targets and more. Paintball can also be played in a group, where colour capsules are aimed at the opposite team members.

Source: Times of India

BDST: 1659 HRS, DEC- 29, 2015
Edited by:  Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor