Diwali Vacation, the festival of lights, is a beautiful time to explore India’s vibrant culture, traditions, and scenic beauty. Here’s a guide to the top 10 destinations in India that offer unique experiences during Diwali.
Places to Visit in Diwali Vacation in India
1. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Highlights: Ganga Aarti, Diwali celebrations on the ghats, festive markets.
- Experience: Witness the magical Ganga Aarti as thousands of diyas float on the river, casting a golden glow on the ghats.
Varanasi’s Diwali Vacation celebrations are a sight to behold, with the riverbanks glowing in the soft lights of earthen lamps, and temples filled with hymns and prayers.
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Highlights: Illuminated forts and palaces, local sweets, traditional fairs.
- Experience: The Pink City shines bright, as every corner and building has lights and decorations.
Jaipur’s palaces and markets sparkle during Diwali Vacation, with lively bazaars, folk performances, and unique shopping experiences adding to the festive spirit.
3. Amritsar, Punjab
- Highlights: Golden Temple Diwali, Sikh and Hindu festivities, fireworks.
- Experience: The Golden Temple is illuminated by thousands of oil lamps, creating a mesmerizing reflection in the Amrit Sarovar lake.
Diwali Vacation and Bandi Chhor Divas are celebrated simultaneously in Amritsar, making it a significant and heartwarming experience.
4. Kolkata, West Bengal
- Highlights: Kali Puja, traditional sweets, cultural programs.
- Experience: Diwali Vacation here coincides with Kali Puja, which is dedicated to the goddess Kali, making it a unique cultural experience.
Kolkata’s famous temples, such as Kalighat, are decorated with grandeur, while the city indulges in music, dance, and local delicacies.
5. Goa
- Highlights: Effigy burning, beach parties, festive lights.
- Experience: Goa’s Diwali has a special twist with the burning of demon effigies to celebrate the victory of light over darkness.
During Diwali Vacation, Goa lights up with beachside celebrations, making it a unique blend of traditional and modern festivities.
6. Udaipur, Rajasthan
- Highlights: Lakeside festivities, palace illuminations, royal processions.
- Experience: Known for its romantic setting, Udaipur becomes a fairy-tale destination with Diwali lights reflecting in its lakes.
Enjoy the scenic beauty of Udaipur’s palaces and lakes, complemented by traditional Diwali Vacation celebrations and fireworks.
7. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Highlights: Ganga Aarti, peaceful ambiance, Diwali yoga retreats.
- Experience: Diwali on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh offers a serene, spiritual experience.
For those seeking peace, Rishikesh is perfect, with ashrams hosting special Diwali Vacation meditation sessions and the riverbanks glowing with lamps.
8. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
- Highlights: Deepotsav festival, grand displays, Ramayana-themed shows.
- Experience: The birthplace of Lord Rama grandly celebrates Diwali Vacation with thousands of oil lamps and spectacular processions.
Ayodhya’s “Deepotsav” features millions of diyas lighting up the ghats, setting a Guinness World Record each year.
9. Mysore, Karnataka
- Highlights: Mysore Palace lights, Dasara extension, flower markets.
- Experience: Though famous for Dasara, Mysore’s palaces stay lit up during Diwali, providing a royal festive feel.
The city’s historic sites, markets, and palaces glow with lights, making Mysore a great option for a Diwali vacation.
10. Pushkar, Rajasthan
- Highlights: Pushkar Fair, camels, vibrant bazaars.
- Experience: The Pushkar Fair often coincides with Diwali, adding cultural richness and excitement to the celebration.
This colorful fair brings in travelers from all over the world, where they experience camel rides, folk dances, and traditional fairs.
