One of the most awaited festivals in India, Diwali signifies the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness. The entire country gets in the festive spirit with religious rituals, sweets, celebrations and gifts.
Many travellers visit India just to experience this amazing festival. Afterall, every state has its own rituals and celebrations for Diwali. Here are the best places to visit on Diwali in India to experience the grandeur of this auspicious occasion:
1. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Diwali in the holy city is celebrated on a grand scale. Thousands of glimmering diyas adorn the Ganges once it gets dark, making for an unforgettable sight. Travellers are mesmerized by the special Ganga Aarti and the never-ending festivities, making Varanasi one of the best places to visit on Diwali in India.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport – Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, or Varanasi Airport (24 km from the city centre). There are a number of flights available from New Delhi to Varanasi.
Nearest Railway Station – Varanasi Railway Station (3 km from the city centre)
Places of Interest – Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Durga Temple, Ramnagar Fort and Assi Ghat.
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2. Amritsar, Punjab
Diwali has great significance for the Sikh community as it marks the release of Guru Hargobind Singh, the sixth Sikh guru from prison. The Golden Temple is lit up with thousands of lamps for the occasion. Visitors can experience the special kirtans held throughout Amritsar and the markets that are decked up with pretty lights.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport – Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport, Amritsar (11 km from the city centre). You can easily fly from New Delhi to Amritsar as multiple options are available.
Nearest Railway Station – Amritsar Railway Station (2 km from the city centre)
Places of Interest – Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Akal Takht and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum.
3. Purushwadi, Maharashtra
This small village on the Mumbai-Nashik highway offers the ultimate Diwali culture trip. Local families light bonfires on Diwali night while children go from door to door singing traditional songs. Travellers looking to immerse themselves in the culture of this village must make rangolis, go for a dip in the Mula River and watch millions of fireflies light up the night sky!
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport –
Domestic: Shirdi Airport, Kakadi (86 km from Purushwadi)
International: Pune International Airport, Pune (161 km from Purushwadi)
Nearest Railway Station – Igatpuri Railway Station (71 km from Purushwadi)
Places of Interest – Harishchandragad Fort, Kalsubai Peak and Bhandardara.
4. Jaipur, Rajasthan
The Diwali celebrations of Jaipur are breathtaking to say the least. The decorated markets of the city stay open till late on Diwali, allowing travellers to shop for traditional trinkets and handicrafts to their hearts’ content. The delicious Rajasthani meals, royal forts and folk music make Jaipur one of the best places to go on Diwali. Travellers can choose a pleasurable stay at a variety of hotels in Jaipur as per their budget and make the most of the regal city.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport – Jaipur Airport (10.7 km from the city centre)
Nearest Railway Station – Jaipur Railway Station (3.9 km from the city centre)
Places of Interest – Amer Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort and Albert Hall Museum.
5. Goa, India
The already popular travel destination celebrates Diwali in a distinctive manner. Goans celebrate Naraka Chaturdashi, where large effigies of Narakasura are burnt all over Goa, celebrating the killing of Narakasura by Lord Krishna. Add to that the swanky casinos, beaches, bars, and travellers can have a celebration they will always remember!
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport – Dabolim Airport (29 km from Panaji). There are multiple flights available from Delhi to Goa.
Nearest Railway Station – Madgaon Railway Station (40 km from Panaji)
Places of Interest – Dudhsagar Falls, Calangute Beach, Aguada Fort, Basilica of Bom Jesus and Sinquerim Beach.
6. Udaipur, Rajasthan
For travellers who love to meet new people, the ‘city of lakes’ hosts the Udaipur Light Festival, where Diwali is celebrated with an impressive lineup of music artists, games and adventurous activities. Moreover, the majestic palaces and lakes of the royal city are adorned with beautiful lights, making Udaipur one of the best places to visit in India on Diwali.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport –
Domestic: Maharana Pratap Airport, Dabok (22 km from the city centre)
International: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad (245 km from the city centre)
Nearest Railway Station – Udaipur Railway Station (4.3 km from the city centre)
Places of Interest – City Palace, Lake Pichola, Saheliyon Ki Bari, Jagmandir and Sajjangarh Palace.
7. Kolkata, West Bengal
The city of joy truly lives up to its name! Diwali brings with it Kali Puja, an auspicious festival celebrated with enthusiasm and happiness. The pandals set up all over the city for the Puja are a beautiful sight to behold and the entire city comes alive with dazzling diyas and lamps. Travellers can choose from a variety of hotels in Kolkata for a comfortable stay. Happy pandal-hopping!
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport – Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Dum Dum (17 km from the city centre)
Nearest Railway Station – Howrah Junction (4 km from the city centre)
Places of Interest – Dakshineswar Temple, Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial, Marble Palace and Kalighat.
8. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
The holy city where Lord Rama returned after fourteen years of exile, Ayodhya welcomed Diwali in 2018 by setting the Guinness World Record of lighting more than 3 lakh diyas on the ghats of the Saryu river. This year as well, the festivities are bound to be exuberant, making the historical city one of the best places to go on Diwali.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport – Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport or Lucknow Airport (130 km from Ayodhya)
Nearest Railway Station – Ayodhya Junction Railway Station (1 km from the city centre)
Places of Interest – Kanak Bhawan, Sita Ki Rasoi, Hanuman Garhi Temple and Tulsi Smarak Bhavan.
9. Delhi, India
Shopaholics must visit the national capital on Diwali, as Delhi hosts some of the most famous Diwali Melas in the country. From the thrifty Palika Bazaar to the high-end Select Citywalk, travellers can shop for decorations on every budget. The major monuments of Delhi are also graced with beautiful lights, especially for Diwali. Visitors can choose a comfortable stay at a number of hotels in Delhi at their convenience and make the most of this vibrant city.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport – Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (14 km from the city centre)
Nearest Railway Station – New Delhi Railway Station (29 km from the city centre)
Places of Interest – India Gate, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, Jama Masjid and Red Fort.
10. Pushkar, Rajasthan
Pushkar is the perfect mix of old-world charm and culture, making it one of the must-visit places to go on Diwali. Travellers looking for a relaxed Diwali can experience bliss at the lit-up Pushkar Lake. Also watch out for the Pushkar Camel Fair, a unique livestock-trading event that is also a riot of colours, festivities and music and happens around Diwali every year.
How to Reach:
Nearest Airport – Jaipur International Airport (140 km from Pushkar)
Nearest Railway Station – Ajmer Railway Station (14 km from Pushkar)
Places of Interest – Pushkar Lake, Mahadeva Temple, Meera Temple and Naga Pahar.
So this Diwali, head to any of these destinations and create memories of a lifetime!
