Stop at a clean highway dhaba or family restaurant (e.g., around Neemrana/Alwar) for parathas, eggs and tea; good for kids and rest. Check opening times — many dhabas open from 7:00am.
Visit Mahakaleshwar (Ujjain) — one of the 12 jyotirlingas, famed for the Bhasma Aarti. Typical temple hours: early morning (4:00am) to late evening (10:30pm); Bhasma Aarti is pre-dawn (special). Confirm timings and Bhasma Aarti ticket/darshan rules beforehand.
Visit Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga on the island — important pilgrimage site; typical open hours 5:00am–9:00pm. Boat/bridge access can vary; check local timings and crowd rules.
See the UNESCO-listed Ellora rock-cut temples — an excellent cultural stop for older kids; recommended 1.5–2.5 hours. Check ticketing at the site (entry fee for adults usually nominal).
Grishneshwar (very near Ellora) is one of the Jyotirlingas — open generally early morning until late evening; a short darshan and photo stop is ideal after Ellora.
Bhimashankar temple (one of Maharashtra's famous shiva kshetras) is ~120–150 km from Pune (3–4 hours). Start early to do darshan and avoid heavy traffic on New Year's Eve.
Visit the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga and short nature trails nearby; temple hours typically early morning to evening — confirm current darshan windows and conservation/forest entry rules for vehicles.
Family-friendly New Year celebration: hotel gala or a reserved table at a family restaurant. Book in advance; many events run past midnight. If with young kids choose a quieter hotel celebration.
Visit the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga (famous for the origin of Godavari river nearby). Typical open hours early morning to night; plan for darshan and a quiet aarti if available.
Optional gentle drive around grape-growing areas (if interested) or visit Sula Vineyards viewpoint (tastings for adults, open time varies) — check opening times and family policies.