Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, is a vibrant city brimming with rich culture, architecture and delicious food. When it comes to ringing in the new year, Jaipur offers unique celebratory experiences beyond typical parties.
As an experienced travel writer who has explored hidden gems across India, I will showcase the top 10 ways to make the most of your New Year in Jaipur. Read on to discover memorable and offbeat New Year’s celebrations exclusive to Pink City.
12 Things to Experience on New Year in Jaipur
1. Punjabi Feast at Highway King
Starting your New Year’s celebrations with a scrumptious feast at Highway King is one of the best things to experience on New Year in Jaipur. The restaurant’s lip-smacking Punjabi delicacies, such as butter chicken, dal makhani, and lachha paratha, will tantalize your taste buds and make for a memorable meal. You can enjoy their spicy curries and fluffy naans in a cozy outdoor or indoor setting.
Highway King offers a familial and welcoming ambiance, with friendly staff and great service. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy quality time with your family and friends while indulging in some delectable cuisine. Sharma and Shankar Dhaba on Sikar Road are some other options that you can try out if you want the authentic dhaba experience.
2. Metro Train Joyride
Experiencing Jaipur’s efficient public transit system with a metro train joyride is a unique way to ring in the New Year in Jaipur. Avoid chaotic traffic and honking by hopping onto the metro and enjoying the city’s hustle and bustle from above. You’ll get a chance to see Jaipur’s old city glittering with lights at night, which is a special and memorable experience.
The metro ride is not only an efficient way of transportation but also offers a comfortable and spacious ride. You can enjoy the air-conditioned interiors and the beautiful views of the city. It’s also a great way to explore Jaipur and its famous landmarks while avoiding the city’s traffic and crowds.
3. Scenic Chandlai Lake
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a peaceful New Year’s Eve surrounded by nature, then Chandlai Lake is the ideal destination for you. The lake is located just 30km away from Jaipur and provides a scenic backdrop for a relaxing evening. You can have a picnic under the open skies, complete with scrumptious meals and drinks while enjoying the serene ambiance.
For those seeking adventure, boating is an excellent activity to partake in on the shimmering waters of Chandlai Lake. The migratory birds like flamingos and pelicans that flock here during winter enhance the beauty of the lake even more.
4. Indulge in Saras Doodh Jalebi
Saras Dairy, a 150-year-old hole-in-the-wall shop, has been serving Jaipur’s favorite sweet dish, Doodh Jalebi, for decades. Indulging in piping hot jalebis dunked in creamy milk from Saras Dairy is a must-try on New Year’s in Jaipur if you have a sweet tooth. This quintessential North Indian delicacy is a popular and irresistible dessert that will sweeten the start of your new year.
The jalebis at Saras Dairy are made using traditional methods, and the quality of milk used is what sets them apart from the rest. The creamy milk provides the perfect base for the sweet and crispy jalebis. It’s a treat that’ll leave your taste buds yearning for more.
5. Movie at Raj Mandir and Pyaaz Kachori
Watching a Bollywood movie on the big screen at Raj Mandir is a quintessential and unique Jaipur experience that has been a favorite pastime since 1976. It’s an excellent way to spend your New Year’s Eve in Jaipur while enjoying the latest Bollywood flicks in all their glory.
Raj Mandir is renowned for its luxurious interiors, superior quality of sound, and unique architecture, making it one of the most beautiful cinemas in India. It’s a vintage experience that’s perfect for an outing with your family and friends.
To complete your unique movie experience at Raj Mandir, be sure to grab some hot and crispy pyaaz kachoris from their canteen. It is a popular snack item that’s unique to Jaipur, and it’s made of flour, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices that provide a burst of flavor in every delightful bite.
6. Bike Ride to Nahargarh Fort
Bike ride to Nahargarh Fort to experience Jaipur’s beauty in a unique way this New Year’s Eve. It’s an excellent way to soak in the majestic cityscapes and beautiful green forests surrounding Jaipur at a leisurely pace. As you ride uphill toward the fort, stop along the way to capture some memorable photos of the stunning scenery.
Cycling to Nahargarh Fort is not only a unique but also an eco-friendly way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Jaipur. The experience offers a chance to reflect on the past year’s ups and downs while gearing up for new beginnings. Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the Jaipur cityscape and fireworks display to welcome the New Year.
7. Heritage Stay at Ramgarh Lodge
Experience the charm of the bygone era with an overnight stay at Ramgarh Lodge, a heritage property that was built in 1920 as a hunting retreat for Jaipur’s royal family. Located just 35km away from the city amid wilderness, this heritage property provides a unique setting for ringing in the New Year in Jaipur.
The vintage charm of the property is unmatched, with its unique architecture, stunning interiors, and vintage aura. Spend New Year’s Eve reminiscing about history while enjoying bonfires and barbeques with your loved ones. The warmth of the fires and the serenity of the wilderness provide an experience that’ll leave you refreshed and rejuvenated..
8. Tour Pink City on Bus
Touring the Pink City on a local bus is an excellent way to experience Jaipur from a local’s perspective this New Year’s Eve. The local bus traverses through bustling bazaars, narrow lanes, and hidden corners of Jaipur, providing a unique and authentic way to explore the city. Perching beside the window of a local bus allows you to take in the festive ambiance and admire the major landmarks dotted with colorful lights.
The Pink City tour on a local bus offers a glimpse of Jaipur’s diverse and rich cultural heritage that dates back to centuries. It’s an excellent way to absorb the city’s vibrant energy, interact with locals and learn about the city’s history.
9. Adventure Activities
If you’re an adventure enthusiast looking for an energetic start to the new year, then heading to Tao Experiences on Delhi Highway is a perfect way to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Jaipur. The thrilling activities like quad biking, ziplining, paintball, and more available at Tao Experiences are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. It’s an excellent way to have fun while experiencing the thrill of adventure.
Another great option for adventure activities on New Year’s Eve is the Jhalana Leopard Conservatory’s jungle safaris. The safaris provide opportunities to spot leopards, hyenas, and other wildlife species in their natural habitat while reveling in the thrill of adventure.
10. Rajasthani Food Feast
Feasting on Rajasthani food is one of the best ways to bid adieu to 2023 and welcome the New Year in Jaipur. The hearty meal of besan gatte ki sabzi, daal baati churma, and more local delicacies provide a burst of flavors that tantalize your taste buds. A traditional Rajasthani meal is a perfect way to experience the state’s culture and cuisine on New Year’s Eve.
If you’re looking for the best bejar roti and pyaaz ki sabzi in town, then a visit to Mahaveer Rabdi Bhandar is a must. The shop is known for its authentic Rajasthani cuisine and offers an extensive variety of dishes that reflect the state’s culinary heritage. The food is cooked using traditional methods and provides the best flavors for the perfect New Year’s Eve meal.
Ring in an Exciting New Year in Jaipur
From heritage stays to adrenaline-pumping adventures, Jaipur offers unique ways to welcome the new year that you won’t find anywhere else. Ditch the clichéd parties and be part of authentic Rajasthani celebrations in the Pink City.
As the clock strikes midnight, let go of all the worries from the past year and embrace the promise of new beginnings. We wish you a very happy and prosperous new year ahead!