Chandigarh now in New Year mode

CHANDIGARH: There's nothing that will make these city folks stay back tonight. The New Year nights here aren't wild enough they say; the celebrations too monotonous. So, they are exploring "better options" around and are on their way to Goa, Manali and Shimla.
After staying awake for 44 hours at a stretch while travelling through Gujarat with friends, Simranjit Singh took a six-hour sleep just ahead of New Year's eve on Tuesday.The group is headed to the Great Rann to welcome the year 2015 and explore the surroundings until January 3. "The New Year bash was planned well in advance and is panning out just perfect," he says while talking to TOI on phone.
Calm weather, lovely beaches and lively parties are what enticed Sudhanshu Mewati, a Sector 35 resident, to make a dash for Goa, the land of sun and sand. Wild parties at Anjuna beach, storming the town in rented bikes, Fish Balchao, Chicken Xacuti, Dodol and Bebinca... there's a lot that makes Goa special for New Year revelers.
"I didn't want to shiver through the New Year and decided to go to some place that is beautiful and warm. Hence, I chose Goa," says he who is already in Goa with friends and celebrations for them began on December 30.
Those who want it quieter are headed to the less noisy hills of Dehradun and Manali. Arpit Stephen says he and his friends chose Dehradun to ring in the New Year as the weather and culture of the hill town is totally different from other hill stations.
"Lakes, forests along with snow painting a pretty background... Dehradun is mesmerizing and most importantly, it is not crowded like Shimla and Kasauli," says Arpit. The celebrations will continue through the new day of the new year and they plan to go for adventure sports such as river crossing, bungee jumping and adventure bridge climb, etc. The group has hired tents and will be enjoying nature closely.
Jemiamah Joseph, resident of sector 15 Chandigarh, is in Kullu, "I and my family friends decided to celebrate this New Year in Manali, but because of extreme snow there, officials are not allowing us further ahead. So, we are in Kullu right now and will celebrate this New Year here only."
Vijay Rao, a government employee based in city, is already in Agra to celebrate New Year with his friends and see historical monuments. But there's a twist in the tale. Thereafter, they will head to 'Bhangarh' in Rajasthan, touted to be the most haunted place in Asia. "We wanted to kick off the New Year with something unusual and thought of adding some thrill to our trip. Also, we didn't want to do the beaten," he says.
However, there are those who say nothing can match the verve of Shimla on New Year's eve. Mall Road's vivacious lights, the madness on ridge are a major draw for Megha Kapoor, a bank employee and resident of Sector 22, and her husband, who dropped Thailand for the queen of hills. The newly-married couple will be ringing in the New Year in the icy chill of Shimla and Kufri. "We also hope to get lucky to see some snow!" she gushes.
Among those exploring the foreign lands is Isha Gupta, a student of MCM DAV College and a resident of Sector 35, Chandigarh. She is already in Dubai along with family. "This year is special for us as January 2 is my parents 25th wedding anniversary. We wanted it to be special and chose Dubai because there is a lot that tourists can do there," says Isha who has visit to Ferrari world, Burj Al Arab, Atlantic Palm and desert safari on her itinerary.
>> Sleepless in Chandigarh
> Over 2,200 cops to keep an eye on revellers; women cops to be deputed
> Heavy police presence at 13 sensitive points including Sector 22 Aroma Light Point, sectors 17, 35, 8, 9, 26 and Industrial Area
> 11 nakas to be set up on city roads to check drunken driving
> Bars and restaurants in Chandigarh to remain open till 2.30 am; liquor vends to close at 11 pm
> PCR gypsies to be stationed at all the roundabouts and sensitive areas
> Fire stations, hospitals put on high alert
Dos and don'ts for women
> Don't leave your drink unattended, even when going to the bathroom
>Don't drink and drive; designate a person who hasn't had alcohol to drive
> If you are taking a cab back home, keep a speed dial list ready or share a cab with friends
> Avoid going to public events/celebrations alone. Take a trusted friend along