As the stalls of firecrackers, sweets, decorative items and many other items are set up in the streets of India, the hype of Diwali comes alive with joy and spark. Diwali being the biggest festival in India is celebrated in multiple ways in different parts of India. These unique Indian destinations that demonstrate the festival’s cultural richness.
On this day, Lord Rama returned to his home in Ayodhya with his wife Mata Sita and brother Laxman. The day is celebrated on the Kali Chaudas, where Mata Laxmi, Lord Ganesha, and Kuber are worshipped to seek prosperity and growth in wealth. People celebrate by greeting each other, decorating their houses, burning crackers, distributing gifts, and performing pujas.
An exciting fact is that in some regions of Jaunsar-Bawar(tribal area)of Uttarakhand, Diwali is celebrated a month after the rest of India. It is called Budhi Diwali. This is because they received the news late of Shri Ram’s arrival in Ayodhya. The festival is celebrated organically with dance, music, and the burning of bhimalwood, and no crackers are burnt.
How about uniquely celebrating Diwali and enjoying it in different parts of the country? Pack your bags and jump on the festive trip to India’s most popular Diwali destinations because it is not just an occasion but a time for unification and rooting our culture deeper.
Here is a list of the 19 Best Indian Destinations to Visit During Diwali
Ayodhya(Uttar Pradesh)
The tradition of celebrating Dev Diwali with diyas has been connected to the holy place of Ayodhya where Shri Ram was born. After 14 years of exile when Ram returned to Ayodhya with his wife Sita, Laxman, and Shri Hanuman, people did deep mala(lighting a long thread of diyas in a series) to welcome their King. With the consecration of Shri Ram Lala Mandir in 2024, the vibes of Diwali are at a high peak. The Grandeur of Deepotsav is the prime highlight and the auspicious visit to the temple makes the Diwali more meaningful. This festival must visit Ayodhya to enjoy the bright colours and traditions with Ayodhya natives.
Explore:
- Visit the temple of Ram Lala Mandir which is the main highlight of Ayodhya recently.
- Visit other religious sites such as Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Gupta Ghat, Ram Ki Paidi, Military Mandir, Dasharath Mahal, Sri Nageshwar Nath Mandir, Ammaji Mandir and many more.
- Explore Tulsi Samarak Bhavan(Museum) & Imambara Gulab Tomb ( Historical monument)
Diwali Special Food: Kachori, Khurcham Malai Peda, Imarti
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (8 km)
- Nearest Railway: Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station (1.5 km)
- Delhi to Ayodhya (716 km) via Agra-Lucknow Expressway NH19 & NH30 by bus or car.
Accommodations: Hotel Kanak Kuteer, Natraj Homes, Avadh Homestay
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Varanasi(Uttar Pradesh)
Varanasi or Kashi is the land of Lord Shiva, Popular for its religious ghats and hustle-bustle. The city is religiously important and has Popular street bites. Visited by national and international tourists, the ghats are glorified by the bright firecrackers and Deepak floating in the River Ganga. The aartis of 80 ghats and 10 Ashwamedha ghats embark on the honour of the Maa Ganga. The city is cherished with bright lights and diyas on every street end. Boating at this time is crowded because Varanasi looks like a shining city. The sweets of traditional halwai will be gracing your taste buds. Also, the laser show is the star element of Varanasi Diwali.
Explore:
- Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, Durga Mandir
- Explore the Assi Ghats, Manikarnika Ghat and Dashashwamedh Ghats and light earthen lamps on the stairs.
- Take holy dips and boat rides in the River Ganga.
- Tour other sites like Ramnagar Fort, Sarnath, Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum
- Check the Varanasi market’s silk goods, clothes, food and other items.
Diwali Special Food: Baati Chokha, Lapsi Halwa, Malaiyo
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
- Nearest Railway: Varanasi Railway Station(1.9 km)
- Delhi to Varanasi(821 km) via NH30 by car or state buses
Accommodations: Hotel Temple View Varanasi, International Travellers Hostel by ITH, Utsav Grand
Jaipur (Rajasthan)
The Pink of India, Jaipur turns into a Colourful City with the brightening of electric lights and deepaks. Known for its Havelis and Rajasthani cultural heritage, celebrate Diwali in Jaipur in a Majestic way. The shopping places like Johri Bazaar, Raja Park, Nahargarh, Panch Batti, Nehru Bazaar & Bapu Bazaar, World Trade Park, Ganpati Plaza, and Chaura Rasta are uniquely decorated creating a Diwali vibe in the city. Also, you can explore heritage sites like Hawa Mahal, The City Palace and Jaigarh Fort. The Amer Fort is lit with lanterns and diyas giving it an authentic look. The beautiful rangolis can be seen on every doorstep of the houses, welcoming Mata Laxmi.
Explore:
- Visit the Hawa Mahal, The City Palace, the Jal Mahal, the Amber Palace
- Sites like Nahargarh Fort, Jan
Diwali Special food: Daal Baati, Ghevar, Masala Baati, Gujiya
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport(10 km)
- Nearest Railway: Jaipur Junction Railway Station(2 km)
- Delhi to Jaipur (296 km) via NH E or NH48 or NH352 & NH48
Accommodations: Hotel The Livin, The Oberoi Rajvilas, Nahar Singh Haveli
Udaipur (Rajasthan)
Udaipur is the “City of Lakes,” known for its lakeside resorts, majestic palaces, temples, and verdant nature. It is the most recommended place to visit, Udaipur, during Diwali because celebrations are grand. Bazaars like Hathi Pol, Bada Bazaar, Clock Tower Market, etc., are famous for house decor, jewellery, and traditional ethnic clothes. Many devotees pay tribute and offerings in the Jagdish temple with sweets. The charm of Udaipur casts a magical. Spell on visitors; the gardens and palaces are covered with electric lights. Many people light some Chinese floating lamps. The sky looks colourful, and the fireworks are behind Pichola Lake. It is considered auspicious on this day to seek blessings at the Mahalaxmi temple, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Explore:
- Visit popular sites like City Palace, Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace, Jagmandir Island Palace, Bagore Ki Haveli, Dudh Talai, Shilpgram, and Sahelion Ki Bari.
- Take blessings from Temples like Jagdish Temple, Bohra Ganesh Ji Temple, and Karni Mata Mandir.
- Explore tourist sites like Pichola Lake, Moti Magri, Gangaur Ghat, Wax Museum, Fateh Sagar Lake, and Moti Magri.
- Shop in Hathi Pol and Bada Bazaar
- See the cultural shows in the Heritage hotels of Udaipur
Diwali Special Food: Malpua, Malai Ghevar, Sangam Barfi, Moong Dal Ka Halwa
How To Reach:
- Nearest Flight – Maharana Pratap Airport (20 km)
- Nearest Railway – Udaipur City Railway Station & Maharana Pratap Railway Station
- Take a rental car, cab or local bus to Udaipur.
Accommodations: The Leela Palace, Trident Hotel, Ramada by Wyndham Resort and Spa
Amritsar (Punjab)
“Dal Roti Ghar Di, Diwali Amritsar Di!”. The city of Amritsar is adorned with bright lights, decorations, and lamps. On the day of Diwali, Bandi Chhor Diwas is celebrated in the Golden, which has a long history dating back to 1619. This commemorates the release of the 6th Guru of Sikh, Shri Guru Hargobind (he was called to perform prayers but was held because of political reasons for many months) and 52 Hindu princes (falsely imprisoned), imprisoned by Mughal emperor Jahangir in the Gwalior Fort. Later, Guru was asked to leave the fort, but he put a condition to free the 52 prisoners along with him. He asked for a cloak with 52 tassels. Guru wore that cloak, and the princes held those tassels; they were released from the fort together symbolising unification and liberation and went to Amritsar. People celebrated this day as Diwali for many days. People visit the Golden Temple and other gurudwaras, pray, and light candles. After the evening prayer, the fireworks graces the sky of Shri Harmandir Sahib Ji.
Explore:
- Pay obeisance to Shri Harmandar Sahib (Golden Temple) and taste Guru ka Langar
- Visit heritage places like Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border, Heritage Walk, Partition Museum, Heritage Walk, and Gobindgarh Fort.
- See Religious sites like Durgiana Temple, Shahidan Sahib, Gurudwara Baba Budha Singh Ji, Vatvriksha Temple, and Mata Lal Devi Temple.
- Explore markets of Hall Bazaar, Heritage Walk, and Amritsar Mall where you can find Phulkaris, juttis, shawls, handicrafts and other decorative items.
- Don’t forget to try the awesome Amritsari cuisines.
Diwali Special Food: Chhole Bhature, Desi ghee ki Pinni, Different sorts of Kulchhas, Makki di roti & Sarson ka Saag
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport(11 km)
- Nearest Railway: Amritsar junction(3 km)
- Delhi to Amritsar(456 km) via AH1 & AH2 or NE 5 through Ludhiana city by car or private buses
Accommodations: SGPC Sarai, Hotel Moon Inn, The Hosteller Amritsar
Haridwar (Uttarakhand)
Explore:
- Pay obeisance at Ganga Aarti, take holy dips and light earthen lamps on the ghats.
- Visit temples like Daksh Mahadev Temple, Mansa Devi Temple, Bharat Mata Mandir, Maya Devi Temple, Chandi Devi Temple.
- Seek peace and meditate in ashrams such as Saptarishi, Shantikunj Gayatri Parivar, and Shri Vyas Ashram.
- Explore other attractions such as Crystal World, Gau Ghat, Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar, Bhimgoda Tank, and Parad Shivling.
Diwali Special Food: Lassi & Kulhar milk, Peda, Chole Bhature
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Dehradun Airport(27 km)
- Nearest Railway: Haridwar Railway Station (0.5 km)
- ISBT Delhi Kashmere Gate buses, private buses and cabs go from Delhi to Haridwar(222.7 km) via NE 3 & Delhi-Haridwar road
Accommodations: Pilibhit House, Devnadi, Neelkanth by UV Stays
Ahmedabad (Gujarat)
Explore:
- See the beautiful Kankaria Lake, CG Road and Law Garden fully adorned with diyas and electric lights.
- Famous shopping hubs like Manek Chowk, Gujari Bazaar, Revadi Bazaar, Lal Darwaza Market, CG Square Malls and Palladium Mall are popular for selling Bandhani sarees, traditional attires, Patola silks, Chaniya Cholis, juttis and traditional handicrafts.
- You can visit Akshar Dham, Swami Narayan Temple, Sabarmati Riverfront, and Ramada for Diwali celebrations.
Diwali Special Food: Khaman Dhokla, Fafda & Jalebi, Dalvada Undhiyu
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Sardar Vallabhai Patel International Airport(9 km)
- Nearest Railway: Ahmedabad Junction
- GSRTC & private buses run from Delhi to Gujarat. The cab distance is 971.8 km via NE 4.
Accommodations: The Grand Bhagwati, ITC Narmada, Radhesh Upavan Resort
Kolkata (West Bengal)
Explore:
- Explore the beautiful pandals at Dakshineshwari Kali, Kalighat Temple, ABS Sporting, Hazar Haat Kali Mandir, and Chetla Agrani Club.
- Visit attractions such as Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Science City, James Princep Monument, MP Birla Planetarium, Fort William, and Jorasanko Thakurbari.
- Temples such as Dakshineshwari Kali Mandir, Belur Math, Kalighat Mandir
- Go for Diwali shopping at Quest Mall, New Market Kolkata and Park Street.
Diwali Special Food: Sandesh, Rosogollar Dalna, Pinwheel Mathri, Kasha Mangsho
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Kolkata(CCU)
Airport (12.3 km)
- Nearest Railway: Kolkata Railway Station(5 km)
- Delhi to Kolkata(1470 km) via NH19 by car or interstate buses.
Accommodations: Taj Bengal, Hotel Globe Express, Regency Guest House
Delhi (North India)
Explore:
- Pay obeisance at Shri Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, and Kalkaji Mandir.
- Explore the shopping hubs such as Chandani Chowk, Dilli Haat, Paharganj, Nature Bazaar, Sagar Bazar, Sarojini Nagar, Tibetan Market, and Darian Kalan.
- Enjoy festive fairs at Dilli Haat, Ekatva Festival, Jaswant E Diwali, and Diwali Bazaar by the Blind Relief Association.
- See the tourist sites like CityWalk, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, India Gate, and Humayun Tomb.
Diwali Special Food: Besan Ladoo, Chole Bhature, Kaju Katli
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) (15 km)
- Nearest Railway: New Delhi Railway Station & Anand Vihar Railway
- Many private and interstate buses run from Major cities to Delhi. You can even Travel by rental car.
Accommodations: Hotel Mayda Residency, The Lalit Mangar, Airport Hotel Tashreeh, Pitrashish Serenity Homes
Landour (Uttarakhand)
Explore:
- Shop for Diwali from local markets
- Take nature walks in Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, Lal Tibba Viewpoint, and Nag Tibba trekking spot.
- Visit Dehradun, Dhanaulti, Kellogg Memorial Church, Rokeby Manor, Ruskin Bond house, Mussoorie Heritage Centre, Doma’s In.n.
- Also, visit Char Dukan and the narrow streets of Lando. ur
Diwali Special Food: Bakery items( specially of Landour Bakehouse), Chainsoo, Kafuli, Phannu
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
- Nearest Railway: Mussoorie Railway Station
- Travel from Delhi to Dehradun(243 km) via ISBT Kashmere Gate buses or cab to Landour(38 km) by road.
Accommodations: Hotel Mussoorie Heights, Artbuzz Mussoorie, 9 Bows
Odisha (Eastern Coast of India)
Explore:
- Take blessings from Jagannath Temple
- Visit the Konark Sun Temple, Taratarini Temple, Lingaraja Temple, Ananta Vasudeva Temple
- Explore beaches like Gopalpuri Beach, Puri Beach
- Attractions such as Pipli Craft Village, Chilika Lake, Bhuvaneswari, Chandpur
Diwali Special Food: Dalma, Pakhala Bhata, Chenna Poda
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI)
- Nearest Railway: Bhuvaneswari Railway Station
- Delhi to Odisha(1553.8 km) via NH19 by car or interstate bus
Accommodations: Jagannath Guesthouse, The Green Star Inn Premium, Hotel Aradhya
Assam (North-East India)
Explore:
- Religious sites like Maa Kamakhya Temple, Umananda Temple, Purva Tirupati Balaji Temple, ISKCON Guwahati, Navagraha Temple
- Visit Attractions such as Sivasagar, Haflong, Bogamati Picnic Spot, Kaziranga National Park Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, and Nameri National Park.
- Shop in the markets such as AtoZ, Beltola Bazaar, Chand Market, Meer Market
Diwali Special Food: Kardoi, Masor Tenga, mangkho, Aloo Pitika
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport
- Nearest Railway: Guwahati Railway Station
- Drive or take a bus from Delhi to Assam (1789 km) via NH27
Accommodations: River Wind Cottage, Rising Family Guest House, IORA The Retreat
Mysore (Karnataka)
Explore:
- Explore the Purushwadi village and culture
- See and experience the farming activities carried out by villagers
- Visit the dam over the Mula River, and other lakes like Arthur Lake, Bhandardara Lake
- Trek to Harishchandragad Fort, Kalsubai Peak
- Also, see the villages such as Velas, Bhandardara
Diwali Special Food: Amti, Puran Poli, Modak, platter of vegetables, lentils, thelcha & rice
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
- Nearest Railway: Igatpuri Railway Station(70 km)
- Reach Pune(164 km) or Mumbai(190 km) to Purushwadi, in the Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra by cab or rental car. You can reach from Delhi to Pune or Mumbai by interstate bus.
Accommodations: Anandvan Resort, Chaitanya MTDC Homestays, Hotel Amrut Villa
Goa (West Coast of India)
Explore:
- Enjoy the Narakasura Festival and see the culture of the Goan people
- Explore the beautiful markets of Goa
- Go to the beautiful beaches and see the fireworks such as Colva and Palolem Beach. Also, cultural fests, dances and music shows are held.
- Temples such as Mangueshi, Nagueshi, Ramnathi, Shantadurga and Shirgao are Hindu religious hubs.
Diwali Special Food: Neuri, Chakli, Goan Fish Curry
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Goa Dabolim International Airport(28 km)
- Nearest Railway: Madgaon Junction and Vasco Da Gama
- Interstate buses and rental cabs are there for trips from Delhi to Goa(1904 km) via NE 4 & NH 52
Accommodations: Ibis Style Goa Vagator, Taj Holiday Village, The Hosteller Goa
Puducherry (South-East Coast of India)
Explore:
- Take blessings at Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple
- See sites like the Gandhi Statue, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Puducherry Museum, Aayi Mandapam, Botanical Garden, and Chunnambar Boat House.
- See the firecrackers on Beaches such as
- Check out cafes, bars, lounges and restaurants.
- Explore the local markets for Diwali shopping.
Diwali Special Food: Baklava, Jangiri, Uppu Chicken curry
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Pondicherry Airport (9.8 km)
- Nearest Railway: Villupuram Junction (37 km)
- Travel from TNSTC/ private bus or car begins from locations like Chennai, Madurai, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, and Hosur to Pondicherry.
Accommodations: The French Villa, Udaya Inn, Sornalaxmi Residency
Shimla (Himanchal Pradesh)
Explore:
- Take blessings in Jako Mandir, Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Hatu Mata Temple, Tara Devi Temple, Karnataka Devi Temple and Shiv Mandir.
- Shop in Mall Road, Himachali Emporium, Shimla Market, Lakkar Bazaar, Tibetan Refugee Market
- See the Pathar ka Khel Halog Fair, where two groups threw stones at each other.
- Explore places like Scandal Point, Annandale Ground, Chadwick Falls, Christ Church, Green Valley, Hawa Ghar, Himalayan Bird Park, and Kufri.
Diwali Special Food: Dham Meetha, Siddu, Askali
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Jubbarhatti Airport(25 km)
- Nearest Railway: Kalka-Shimla Railway(90 km)
- Delhi to Shimla (341 km) via NH 44 & NH 5 by car or bus.
Accommodations: 8fold by LaRisa, The Hosteller Shimla, Kudrat Homestay
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
Explore:
- Pay obeisance at Parthasarathy Swamy Temple, and Kapaleeshwarar Temple
- Explore markets for goods and handicrafts
- Visit Kanchipuram town known for quality embroidered sarees
- Have a good time at Marina Beach or Elliot Beach for amazing views of fireworks.
Diwali Special Food: Murukku, Mutton Curry, Kachaayam
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport(21 km)
- Nearest Railway: Mgr Chennai Central (MAS)
- Delhi to Chennai (2337.6 km) via Srinagar-Kanayakumari Highway by interstate buses or rental cars.
Accommodations: Sheraton Grande, ITC Grand Chola, M StaysStays
Budhi Diwali of Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand)
Explore:
- Celebrate and observe the Garhwali culture during Budhi Diwali
- Take blessings from Vishwanath Temple, Kuteti Devi Temple, Shakti Temple
- Shop from Mussoorie Mall, Soni Cloth Emporium, Trends, Chandok handicrafts, Centurion Mall
- Visit attractions such as Nachiketa Tal, Mall Road, Gangotri National Park, Dodital, Kedarkantha, Dayara Bugyal, Yamunotri Glacier
Diwali Special Food: Aloo Bonda, Gulgula, Bal Mithai
How To Reach:
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport
- Nearest Railway: Dehradun Railway Station
- Take a UTC bus or cab from Dehradun to Uttarkashi (140 km)
Accommodations: Hotel KNB Heritage, Gaumukh Hotel, Amba Niwas Homestay
Now We’ve Reached The End….
But not an end of Celebrations Trip
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FAQs
Which parts of India have grandeur Diwali celebrations?
Ayodhya, Udaipur, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Delhi, Goa, Chennai, Pondicherry and many more are some popular destinations known for grand celebrations on Diwali.
Which place celebrates late Diwali?
The Uttarkashi of Jaunsar-Bawar region celebrated Budhi Diwali due to the late arrival of news that Lord Rama had come home after 14 years of exile.
Where can I spend Diwali vacations in peace and nature’s serenity?
Assam, Odisha, Purushwadi, Uttarkashi, Mysore, Haridwar and Landour are some places where Diwali is celebrated amongst nature with peace.
How is the weather in India during the Diwali Trip?
During this time the weather of India is warm and pleasant with cool winds with an average temperature of 14°C to 26°C. This condition is best for outdoor trips.
What clothing is required for a Diwali destination tour?
Comfortable clothing according to season. Take ethnic clothes for traditions and cultural activities like Puja, and participate in local Diwali celebrations.
What do I have for my Diwali Trip?
Take an ID proof for interstate entry and bookings of accommodations.
Take comfortable and sensible clothes for religious visits.
Carry some cash for remote areas.
Lots of water for hydration and snacks while travelling.
Take medical kits, hygiene essentials, sunscreen, moisturizer, skin and hair care products.
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