5 days ago
Diwali in India is like a dream come true. Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, is when the whole country is decorated with lanterns, diyas, fireworks, and other things. People celebrate this five-day celebration in a style that is unlike any other. India is the ideal spot to travel during Diwali if you want to see culture, traditions, and happiness all at once.
Diwali is more than just witnessing the sights for tourists. It's also about learning about the local customs, trying the holiday food, and having fun in the holiday spirit. There are so many things to do for Diwali in India. You can travel to big city celebrations, go on spiritual hikes, or explore quieter places.
Some of India's top places to visit are even better during Diwali. These are the places you can go. These are the best places to travel for the Diwali holiday that will blow your mind, from imperial capitals to beach parties.
1. Varanasi – A Divine Diwali by the Ganga
Many people feel that Varanasi, one of India's most holy cities, is the greatest place to be during Diwali. This city is on the banks of the Ganga, and millions of diyas light up the ghats, making it shine like gold.
The Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is even more impressive during Diwali. Dev Deepawali, which happens two weeks later, is part of the celebration. There are more than a million lamps that light up the ghats. If you want to improve spiritually during the Diwali break, this is one of the most interesting places to attend.
Things to Do:
- Take a boat cruise to see the ghats lit up.
- Watch amazing fireworks over the Ganga.
- For your holiday shopping, get some Banarasi silk sarees.
Travel Tip: Book your trip to Varanasi early because it is one of the most popular sites and the best place to visit in India during Diwali.
2. Jaipur – Royal Celebrations in the Pink City
Jaipur is the royal capital of Rajasthan and the best place to visit in Diwali vacation. The forts and palaces in Jaipur are famous, and they look much better during the festival.
The whole city becomes a fairyland during the holidays, with lights on every street, market, and monument. Hawa Mahal and the City Palace appear like something out of a fairy tale. In Jaipur, the bazaars fight to see who can make their booths appear the best.
Things to Do:
- Walk around Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, which are all lit up for the holidays.
- Visit Amber Fort to see the light and sound spectacular.
- Try sweets from Rajasthan, such as ghewar and fini.
Travel Tip: Jaipur is the greatest spot in India for couples and families to travel during Diwali since it has a mix of festive excitement and historical grandeur.
3. Amritsar – A Golden Diwali at the Golden Temple
Amritsar, where the Golden Temple resides, is one of the top sites in India to visit around Diwali for spiritual reasons. It is a lot more important because it happens on the same day as the Sikh holiday Bandi Chhor Divas.
The Golden Temple is lit up by thousands of lamps, and the holy waters perfectly mirror them. The melodies and fireworks make the place feel holy, so anyone who wants to have a beautiful, peaceful celebration should go.
Things to Do:
- Go to the Golden Temple for evening prayers.
- Give langar to other individuals.
- During Diwali nights, eat Amritsari street cuisine.
Travel Tip: For less crowded places to visit in Diwali, visit gurdwaras that are outside of the main city. They are quiet and have great designs.
4. Ayodhya – The Grand Deepotsav
Diwali started in Ayodhya, since that is where Lord Rama was born. This is why it is one of the top places to visit in India around Diwali.
Deepotsav is a big celebration in Ayodhya when millions of diyas are lit along the banks of the River Saryu. This event breaks world records every year. Cultural festivals, Ram Leelas, and fireworks make the city look like a magical place.
Things to Do:
- See the ceremony for lighting the diya that broke the record.
- Go to the temples of Ram Janmabhoomi and Hanuman Garhi.
- Try some of the famed street food and sweets in the area.
Travel Tip: Ayodhya is one of the best places to visit in India around Diwali, but you should plan ahead of time because it gets very busy.
5. Kolkata – Diwali Meets Kali Puja
Diwali and Kali Puja happen at the same time in Kolkata, therefore it's a great place to go during Diwali to learn about other cultures.
There are beautiful pandals with idols of Goddess Kali, bright lights, and fireworks all over the place. People in Bengal are quite thrilled since the streets are busy until midnight.
Things to Do:
- Go to the temples of Kalighat and Dakshineswar.
- Look around the Kali Puja pandals.
- Bengali delicacies like rosogolla and sandesh are worth a try.
Travel Tip: If you prefer less crowded places to visit in Diwali, morning temple visits are peaceful compared to evenings.
6. Udaipur – Lakeside Light Festival
Udaipur, the City of Lakes, offers a royal and calm Diwali mood. This is one of the best places in India for couples and rich tourists to celebrate Diwali.
At the Udaipur Light Festival at Lake Pichola, you may see fireworks, music, and cultural performances that are fun to see. A lot of lamps light up the castles and ghats, making them shine.
Things to Do:
- Take a boat trip on Lake Pichola as the sun goes down.
- City Palace is where you can see royal Diwali displays.
- Get small paintings and crafts.
Travel Tip: Choose a lakeside hotel for the most romantic Diwali experience. Udaipur is among the best places to visit in Diwali in India for luxury celebrations.
7. Delhi – Grand Markets and Cultural Shows
Diwali is a great time for people who like to buy, go to cultural events, and celebrate holidays to visit Delhi. It's one of the top spots to visit in India.
There are a lot of people and lights in the markets of Chandni Chowk, Dilli Haat, and Lajpat Nagar. People are busy with cultural events, and the Akshardham and Lotus Temple are lit up.
Things to Do:
- Attend Ramlila performances.
- Buy things during Diwali melas.
- Chaat and jalebi are two types of street food in Delhi that you should try.
Travel Tip: To escape crowds around Diwali, go for heritage walks in Old Delhi in the mornings before the marketplaces get bustling.
8. Goa – Beachside Diwali Celebrations
Goa offers one of the most unique Diwali experiences, making it a best place to visit during Diwali vacation in India.
During the holidays, people like to watch the big Narkasura effigies burn. People celebrate on the beach with fireworks, music, and parties. These are a combination of old and new methods to do it.
Things to Do:
- Watch parades of Narkasura figures.
- It is fun to see fireworks on the beach.
- Two common Goan sweets are neureos and bebinca.
Travel Tip: To escape crowds during Diwali, go to the beaches in South Goa that aren't as busy.
9. Ahmedabad – A Traditional Gujarati Diwali
Ahmedabad, with its vibrant culture, is among the best places to visit in Diwali in India for an authentic Gujarati celebration.
Lanterns and diyas light up the markets, and families celebrate in the way that has always been done. The Sabarmati Riverfront is full of fireworks and lights.
Things to Do:
- You can buy things in the Law Garden night market.
- You can try seasonal treats at Manek Chowk.
- Stay with people from Gujarat and enjoy their hospitality.
Travel Tip: For less crowded places to visit in Diwali, explore the riverfront in the early evening before peak hours.
Conclusion
Some of the best sites to visit in India during the Diwali vacation are the holy ghats in Varanasi, the royal palaces in Jaipur, the calm Golden Temple in Amritsar, and the crowded beaches in Goa. Every area has its own special method to celebrate the Festival of Lights.
If you want the perfect mix of tradition, culture, and travel, book your Diwali trip with GujjuTours. Packages sell out quickly during the festive season, so secure your spot today and make this Diwali truly unforgettable.
FAQs
1. What is the best place to visit in India during Diwali?
Varanasi, Jaipur, and Ayodhya are the most popular destinations.
2. Which are the best places to visit in Diwali vacation in India for families?
Jaipur, Udaipur, and Delhi offer family-friendly celebrations.
3. Where can I find less crowded places to visit in Diwali?
South Goa beaches, Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, and morning temple visits in Kolkata.
4. What are the best places to visit in Diwali in India for couples?
Udaipur and Jaipur are perfect for romantic celebrations.
5. When is the best time to plan places to visit in Diwali vacation?
Book at least 1–2 months in advance, as Diwali is peak travel season.