Diwali, the Festival of Lights🪔, fills millions of people across India with elation and festivity. People from all walks of life come together to worship this pious festival—the lighting of diyas, bursting firecrackers🎇, and exchanging sweets🍬. If you are looking for the best places to visit during Diwali, then here are 15 magnificent destinations that will give your Diwali the desired cutting edge and reasons why you cannot afford to miss each place for this festive season🎊.
Top 15 Diwali Destinations in India to Experience the Festival of Lights
1. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
Ayodhya is a city that occupies a special place in the hearts of many Indians due to its significance in being the birthplace of Lord Rama 🕉️ and becoming an important pilgrimage destination centuries ago. The history witnessed Ayodhya this year as the Ram Mandir was inaugurated in January 2024. Thousands of devotees 🙏 and tourists alike throng this temple, an architectural wonder 🏛️, and make it the perfect place for Diwali celebrations 🎆.
Ayodhya is one of the best places to visit during Diwali as it is a spectacular bedazzlement during Diwali, with lighting of diyas 🪔 over a million on the banks of the Sarayu River 🌊. The evening aarti is something that no one forgets, as lights sparkle ✨ at every inch of the temple and its surroundings, almost entrancing the atmosphere. For those seeking the best place to celebrate Diwali, Ayodhya stands at the top of it all, casting into the spiritual reverence a merriment of celebration 🎉.
2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi transforms into an enchanted wonderland during Diwali 🎆. Thousands of diyas 🪔 illuminate the ghats of the Ganges River 🌊, which reflect magically in the water. The spectacular Ganga Aarti, performed every evening, assumes added significance during Diwali, and its magnificence and religious aspect spring alive in the eyes of thousands of spectators 👀.
Diwali celebrations in Varanasi would be a great way to relish centuries-old traditions, accompanied by the delicious local cuisines 🍽️. What sizzles with sweet tidings are the local sweets 🍬 and savory snacks. Lights for people, lights for cultures, and spirituality encapsulate the essence of Varanasi, making it one of the best tourist places to visit on Diwali 🎉.
3. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow has a great glorious heritage and rich culture, and Diwali is the most prominent and spectacular festival with grand processions 🎉 and wonderful fireworks 🎆. All historical landmarks like the Bara Imambara 🕌 are even more enchanting when covered by it.
Traditional Awadhi food 🍽️ and the festive atmosphere together make Lucknow a great destination for staying in Lucknow on Diwali staycations. The combined richness of food, culture, and history adds plenty of richness to the experience ✨.
4. Delhi
The capital city of India is a melting pot of cultures, and in Diwali, it brings the vibrant essence to the most remote corner and comes alive with celebrations across the neighborhoods 🎉. Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place are turned into shopping and celebration hubs 🛍️. Decorations are seen on the streets, and fireworks displays light up the night sky 🎆.
Delhi’s old heritage and feel-good urban sensibilities turn this city into a fun destination for Diwali 🌟. There are cultural events, delicious traditional food 🍽️, and feelings of festive cheer. The myriad experiences—from temple visits to street food tours—make Delhi the top destination for a Diwali holiday trip under its great range of interests 🌈. And these things make it a perfect place to visit during Diwali 🎊.
5. Amritsar, Punjab
Amritsar on Diwali is breathtakingly lit up, especially at the Golden Temple 🕌, where thousands of diyas 🪔 set alight on the sacred site. The temple epitomizes spirituality and harmony; surroundings during Diwali are nothing short of magic ✨.
The Guru Nanak Jayanti is also celebrated here around the same time, so the festive environment prevails 🎉. Visitors can also relish the langar cooked here at the temple 🍽️ and taste the hospitality of the locals 🤗. It is a holy abode and thus an ideal place for those who want a Diwali vacation in the best destination 🌟.
6. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rishikesh is one of the best places to visit during Diwali for those who want to have a break from serenity 🌿. The town is just an excellent place to celebrate the festival because of the yoga and spirituality 🧘♀️.
Ganges banks come alive with diya lighting ceremonies 🪔, and aarti performed at Triveni Ghat is something you must experience ✨. Rishikesh is a chance to relax and take time in front of the serene beauty of the Himalayas 🏔️ to connect with your spiritual side, thereby making it an apt Diwali staycation destination 🌟.
Also Read: The Best Hidden Waterfalls in India
7. Kolkata, West Bengal
While Diwali happens to coincide with Kali Puja in Kolkata, it forms a great cultural mix and turn of events 🎉. Decorative lights adorn the city 💡, while fragrant traditional sweets 🍬 remind you of their presence in the air. Colorful processions, rituals, and cultural events are all part of the celebrations 🌈.
The famous sweets of Kolkata, like “rosogolla” and “sandesh,” give a pleasant feel to the celebrations😊. This ultimate combination of spirituality and festivity makes it an excellent place to explore, allowing visitors a chance to deeply get into rich traditions and customs, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Diwali🌟.
8. Jaipur, Rajasthan
The pink city goes fairytale with the Diwali festivities 🎆, thus it is one of the best places to visit during Diwali. Jaipur is the epitome of heritage and celebration, with color galore in the decor and a bustling atmosphere 🌈. Beams of light color the market, while intricate designs adorn the royal places 🏰 as a perfect picture for the festival.
Jaipur, again, is one of the greatest pleasures of the Diwali delight of fireworks in the night 🎇. The festivals carry heritage and rich culture with their performance of dances and music 🎶, giving very vibrant nights to everyone. To feel an electrifying experience ⚡, this is the right place as Jaipur is one of the best places to visit in Diwali for excitement as well as cultural gratification 🌟.
9. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes 🌊, is stunning during the Diwali 🎆. There are more breathtaking lakes reflecting beauty brought by perfectly lit buildings and the overall beauty of lights and decorations across the city ✨. The City Palace and Jag Mandir are special sights, creating a romantic ambiance ❤️.
During Diwali, there are plenty of cultural activities taking place in Udaipur 🎭, and one can enjoy local folklore and performances 🎶. The beauty of the lakes with all their festive fervor at Udaipur makes it the best place for a Diwali vacation, especially for couples and families wanting to make precious memories 💖.
10. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Great festivities, majesty, and tradition steeped in some streak of modernism—all are visible in Ahmedabad 🎉. The roads are lined with brilliant lights 💡, the markets are going ga-ga, and the street food available is nothing short of the exact essence of the festival there 🍽️.
One of the attractions would be the “Bharat Milap” processions, where one can see traditional music 🎶 and dance 💃. The warmth of the locals adds a personal touch to the festival, making it an ideal destination for people who want to experience the flavor of Gujarati culture 🌟. To make Diwali memorable, Ahmedabad is the best place to visit during Diwali 🎊.
11. Mumbai, Maharashtra
Such is the scenario in Mumbai, India’s financial capital 💰, where Diwali indeed meets a cultural cocktail unique to the land 🎆. Lights abound, and it becomes more vivid to view the performances not only at the Gateway of India 🇮🇳 but also in each neighborhood town 🏙️.
Cultural diversity in Mumbai enables people to celebrate in very different ways, such as traditional rituals 🙏, food fairs 🍽️, and live music performances 🎶. Sizzling fireworks light up the skyline 🎇, and the festive atmosphere is infectious ✨. A Diwali holiday trip to Mumbai promises excitement and adventure for all 🌟.
12. Goa
Goa is the only place to be for anyone who wants a Diwali without much tension. While the state boasts beaches and nightlife, the festive feel is not lost either. Beach parties 🎉, local firecrackers 🎇, and delicious Goan food make this a fantastic Diwali staycation. Goa is one of the best places to visit during Diwali 🎆.
Both traditionalism and modernity are reflected in the celebrations of Diwali in Goa, where local communities celebrate more traditional ceremonies 🙏 with beach parties brightening the beaches 🌅. The warmth of the climate along the coast adds to its charm, making it an ideal destination for those who want to celebrate amidst laid-back life, appreciating natural beauty and the sea 🌊.
13. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal celebrates Diwali in a special style as the Upper Lake is decorated with hundreds of thousands of lights 💡. It boasts its marvelously beautiful architecture 🏛️ and is steeped in history—a gorgeous place to visit. Thus, it makes it a perfect place to visit during Diwali 🎆.
Besides this, cultural events and traditional music and dances 💃 add to the flavors of celebration. If you are looking for an offbeat destination that would shine bright with the lights of Diwali, Bhopal is an excellent choice for such an expedition, making it a fantastic Diwali holiday trip 🌟.
14. Chennai, Tamil Nada
Chennai is dyed into all sorts of colors during Diwali 🎨. Mass celebrations call to mind the local customs that represent the urban body’s great culture. Houses and areas are shrouded with kolams, decorated with rice flour designs 🍚, and lit roads with festivities 🎉.
What makes it an excellent place to celebrate is that the city’s delicious sweets 🍬 and snacks add up to celebrating the festive spirit. The local jubilations, such as family get-togethers 👨👩👧👦 and community celebrations, demonstrate what Tamil Nadu’s unique cultural practices involve, making Chennai no doubt the best place to celebrate Diwali for the regional traditions of its kind 🌟.
15. Hyderabad, Telangana
Hyderabad is a cultural hub and out smashes every other city when it comes to its culinary delights during Diwali 🍽️. Shopping-filled markets, decorated streets 🌟, and enjoying the hospitality of the citizens made the two Diwali nights indeed unforgettable.
Hyderabad is known for some fantastic and delicious biryanis 🍚 and sweets. It adds a beautiful taste and flavor to this festival. Since the rich cultural events that include dance performances and traditional rituals 🙏 will complement it, Hyderabad will be one of the perfect places to visit during Diwali. It is one of the must-visit places during Diwali for any food and culture lover, promising a worthwhile time 🌟.
Conclusion
Diwali is the festival of delight, meeting, and the revival of golden days ✨. The places to visit during Diwali might just turn out to be the most memorable for you, such as a pilgrimage 🕉️, a metropolitan life of colors and sounds, or a peaceful retreat on a quiet evening 🌙. Each of them is so diverse that Diwali would have marked its presence in the memories of all. So plan your Diwali holiday getaway today and dive into the beauty and fun of this magical festival 🎇.
