It is the end of the year, and suddenly we’re hounding ourselves with visions of throbbing music, inner-city chaos and a mad search for the ‘ultimate party’. But for a growing number of discerning travellers, the quest is increasingly less about high-decibel revelry and more about deep-set restorative tranquility. So this year the gorgeous city of Udaipur, Rajasthan is going to be among the top new year destinations for people in search of a more beautiful and meaningful way to welcome New Year.
The chaos is counterbalanced by Udaipur, the “City of Lakes” or the “Venice of the East.” Here, the countdown to the end of a year isn’t announced by a blinking clock in Times Square but with the soft splash created by oars cutting into the still waters of Lake Pichola. Instead of storming into neon soaked nightclubs, stop and enjoy last year in gathered beauty among the breathtaking historical landmarks.
Calm Boat Rides: A Floating Meditation in the Sunset
The lakes, many faced in marble with sprouting gushers and life blossomed palaces contribute to the scenic beauty of Udaipur, Lake Pichola being one of them. For something that feels truly different when midnight comes around, there’s nothing quite like a sunset boat trip. Just picture yourself taking a sunset boat ride, cruising by as the setting sun turns the City Palace and Lake Palace a warm, luminous gold.
This isn’t transportation, but rather a floating meditation. With the silent glide, the cool night air and views of centuries old buildings that reflect perfectly in the still water all combine to evoke a wonderful sense of peace. Travelers can even rent a private shikara boat, with an optional glass of champagne or cup of traditional Indian tea, and watch the passing from the old year to the new in unmatched zen. It’s a celebration from the soul, not just one that engages the senses — it would have to be, too (soulful and inebriating), without flashing disco lights that no sound system can mimic.
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A Royal Retreat: The Peace of Historic Gardens
Away from the waters, Udaipur’s gardens are a refuge and a connection to its royal history. The garden of the Maidens serves us a perfect example. This garden, which was a palace for the ladies of royalty, is an achievement in fountains, pavilions, marble elephants and lotus pools.
On a New Year’s Day during the mild Rajasthan winter, these gardens are just the place to take a reflective stroll. The symmetry of life, and the soothing sounds of water in motion are a healing counterpoint to the hustle and flow (sic) of year that had passed. Where tourist traps overflow during holidays, Udaipur’s well-preserved spots offer solace visitors can really sink their hands into. It’s an opportunity to shake the stress of the past year off your back and stroll into the new one, grounded and inspired by the ageless genius that is Mewar.
Savouring soulful evenings and real food
New Year’s Eve parties in Udaipur tend to focus more on luxury and intimacy than excess. Several lakeside restaurants offer exclusive gala dinners that are all about spectacular views and authentic Rajasthani or Indian food. Imagine dining on a rooftop terrace with a view of an illuminated City Palace, the only “noise” that of the soft clinking of silverware and muted chatter.
The holiday is all about connection — connecting with loved ones, connecting to the culture and connecting to a moment in a person’s life that has special meaning. This commitment to a more conscious holiday experience sets Udaipur apart. Travelers do not depart exhausted from a night of mandated revelry, but refreshed, focused and genuinely ready for the opportunities of the new year.
For those who are tired of seeing the same holiday faces in the same predictable locations, Udaipur is an invitation to party outside the sound box and ring in not with a roar but a hush. It’s a city that knows the greatest moments are often the simplest – and so it’s the perfect place for a contemplative, sophisticated pay-off – because it doesn’t get much better than that (end-of-year).
