A night of lights, food, music & festive chaos. Visiting Kankaria Lake is special on any day — but stepping into it on New Year’s Eve felt like walking into a carnival. I reached the lake expecting a peaceful stroll, but what I found was a full-blown celebration bursting with lights, colours, music, and thousands of excited faces.
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First Impression: A Lake Turned Festival Ground
The moment I arrived, I was hit by the glow of dazzling decorations. Strings of fairy lights wrapped around trees, colourful arches lit up the pathways, and reflections danced on the lake like sparkling confetti. The entire place was buzzing — not just crowded, but alive.
It felt less like a lake and more like a celebration hub.
Food Stalls Everywhere!
If you love food, New Year’s Eve at Kankaria Lake is your paradise.
There were endless stalls serving:
Hot pav bhaji
Egg and Chinese counters
Chaats overflowing with flavours
Ice creams and kulfis
Popcorn, candy, doughnuts & more
The smell of street food mixed with the cool December air was irresistible. With so many stalls packed side by side and people rushing in every direction, finding a spot to stand with my plate felt like a mission — but a fun one!
Music, Noise & Happy Chaos at Kankaria Lake
Different corners had their own atmosphere — some had loud music, some had kids playing, and some were filled with laughter and chatter. Every step took me into a new vibe.
Families, couples, friends — everyone was in celebration mode.
Kids zoomed by with balloons, glow sticks, and cotton candy, and vendors shouted out offers. The whole energy felt like Ahmedabad decided to party together.
Playing Games & Enjoying the Festive Mood
New Year’s Eve at Kankaria Lake felt like a mini carnival, and I found myself drawn to the vibrant game stalls scattered around the walkway.
From ring toss challenges to quick shooting games and spinning wheels, every corner had something fun to try. I spent a cheerful amount of time hopping between these stalls, laughing at my near misses and celebrating the few times I actually won.
The crowd’s excitement, the colorful lights, and the playful sounds in the background made the entire experience feel lighthearted and joyful—exactly the kind of simple fun that sets the tone for a perfect year-end celebration.
Boating Adventure I Skipped at Night
One of the main attractions at Kankaria Lake is the boating experience, and I could see many visitors excitedly queuing up for it. The boats gliding across the illuminated water looked beautiful, especially with the night lights reflecting like sparkling trails behind them.
Although the scene was tempting, I decided not to take the risk of boating so late in the evening. Instead, I enjoyed watching others paddle across the calm Kankaria lake, listening to their laughter and excitement from the shore. Sometimes, simply observing the peaceful movement of the boats under the night sky felt just as relaxing and enjoyable.
Too Crowded? Yes. But Worth It? Absolutely.
Getting through the pathways meant moving in slow-motion with the crowd. Every few steps, someone stopped for photos or selfies. But honestly, that rush added to the excitement.
Sometimes travel isn’t about calm moments — it’s about being part of something bigger, louder, and more vibrant.
And this night was exactly that.
The Lake View at Night
When I finally reached the railing overlooking the water, the view was magical. The illuminated lakefront shimmered, rides from the amusement park flashed in the background, and the lights reflected like stars scattered across the water.
It felt like the perfect backdrop to end the year.
My Favourite Part
The festive spirit. The feeling that everyone around me — strangers from every corner — was celebrating the last night of the year together. There was a shared excitement in the air, something you can’t plan — you just feel it.
Tips If You Visit During New Year
- Go early — the crowd doubles after 8 PM
- Keep some cash for quick payments at food stalls
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Be prepared for long queues
- Hold onto kids & belongings — it gets packed
Personal Reflections
Kankaria Lake on New Year’s Eve isn’t a quiet escape — it’s a celebration. A glowing, bustling, delicious, noisy, energetic celebration. And I’m glad I experienced that chaos, that joy, and that sparkle.
It wasn’t just a visit…
It was a memory to start the year with.
