Top 6: Hottest party destinations in India

Image: Youngsters hits the dance floor in Titos, Goa

What is life without some music and travel? DJ and backpacker Praveen Nair who has been behind the turntable at some of the most exotic destinations lists his favourite nightspots in six Indian cities:

Goa
Unarguably the best city in India to let your hair down, Goa is known for its parties as much as its beaches. North Goa is usually the place to hang out if you want to go party hopping. Tito's Cafe and Mambo's near Baga/ Calangute, Butter Lounge in Candolim, Cafe Del Mar near Palolem (in South Goa) and Paradiso in the Anjuna and Vagator area among others. And yes, don't forget the casinos on the cruise, which run 24/7.

Don't agree with this list? Well then, tell us all about the hottest nightspot in your city or that local pub you simply must go to every weekend. We are all ears. Start a discussion on the messageboard below!

Mumbai

Image: Blue Frog in Mumbai is said to be one of the best and technologically advanced nightspots.

Had it not been the country's commercial capital, Mumbai would probably have the same relaxed air about it as Goa does. But again perhaps because it is such a fast-paced city Mumbai boasts quite a handful of nightspots where young professionals like to unwind at the end of each crazy week.

So if you're looking for a rockin' time, check out Hawaiian Shack in Bandra, Hard Rock Cafe and Shiro's in Lower Parel (in fact they are right next to each other), Polly Esther's and Red Light in South Mumbai, Frangipani in Andheri, Aurus in the upmarket suburb of Juhu, Rock Bottom, which is fruther down from Aurus, Bling, which is closer to the international airport in Mumbai and of course the newly-opened and the jewel in the crown -- Blue Frog in Lower Parel, Mumbai's central commercial district.

Delhi

Image: Agni in Delhi offers some killer starters, fine drinks and some awesome music.

Delhi is where the past and the present co-exist. While the walled city of Old Delhi continues to remain a relic of sorts, New Delhi is India's window to the world -- the place where everyone who's anyone lands in India.

Delhi may not have as active a nightlife as say Goa or Mumbai but it does have a few places that play some great music and are ideal to party. These include Capitol in Chanakyapuri, F Bar at the Ashok Hotel, Ai in Saket that promises some 'divine Teppanyaki and Tempura', LAP, which is run by Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal, Elevate in Noida that is open till 4am and Agni in Connaught Place that serves North Indian tikkis just as dutifuly as the Andhra dish Chicken 65.

Pune

Image: Great setting and some amazing food makes Stone Water Grill in Pune the place to hang out

From being a city meant for retirees, Pune has over the years become a place for the young and the restless thanks to the many educational institutions that have sprung up in and around it.

Its proximity to Mumbai (about three hours away) and a cosmopolitan culture give it an edge over many other cities in Maharashtra. So, if you are in Pune the places to be seen at include Stone Water Grill in the upmarket Koregaon Park, Hard Rock Cafe, which is in the same vicinity as is The One, Aqua Lounge on MG road, High Spirits in Koregaon Park that boasts of some impressive food and Scream at Hotel Le Meredian near the Pune railway station that is said to have one of the best lighting and sound system in the city.

Kolkata

Image: With one of the biggest dance floor in the city, Venom is the place to hang out when in Kolkata.

What can you say about a city that is home to the legend called Usha Uthup? With at least a dozen or more bands performing each night in the city, Kolkata is probably one of the few places in India where you can enjoy live music.

Park Street is supposed to be the most happening place here as pubs and discotheques are open till as late as 2 pm. Places to visit include the 5000 sq ft large Tantra in The Park Hotel, Sisha on Park Street that is open late into the night, Some Place Else a sports bar again on Park Street, Underground, in Hotel Hindustan International, AJC Bose Road and Venom in Camac Street that boasts of a pretty large dance floor.

Hyderabad

Image: Located in Jubilee Hills, Spoil is where the young and restless hang out.

Hyderabad too has an energetic nightlife. With some of the best-known software companies having set up their offices here, there is no dearth of young people. The pubs are open till the wee hours and there are lot of options to choose from in Banjara Hills, Begumpet and Somajiguda.

Prominent nightspots include BNC (Bottles 'n' Chimneys) and Edge lounge in Begumpet, Dublin at the ITC Kakatiya, Spoil in Jubilee Hills and Liquids Again in the city's upmarket Banjara Hills.

More