10 Best Places To Visit In India On Diwali Vacation

Diwali is a prominent festival, celebrated across India. Like Christmas, people are always in festive spirits. The auspicious occasion presents a fantastic opportunity to experience India in a new light. There are many reasons you have to see India on Diwali.

However, it is essential to also understand various locations in India. As it can get quite packed during the festival, let’s explore some of the iconic locations that might fit your preference: 

1. Jaipur

Jaipur undergoes a vibrant transformation during the festival of lights. The well-recognized pink city, with all its opulence, transforms into a golden radiance. You can explore the markets with stalls that are decorated and resonate with the spirit of the festivals.

Most exotic landmarks like City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and forts receive an illuminating makeover. You enter a land of historical significance and celebration that is carried throughout every street and corner of the city. 

Additional Notes:

• You can visit Johari Bazar and Bapu Bazaar to indulge in the Diwali shopping ventures.
• If you attend Rajasthani events and folk performances during Diwali, it will be a memorable experience.
• You can participate in multiple local celebrations and activities. 

2. Delhi

As the Capital of India, Delhi is bound to be embellished with lights and fireworks during Diwali. It is one of the most crowded locations but all the people elevate the Diwali spirits. You can visit various historical monuments and locations while you can also explore nearby markets. There are many local food stalls and vendors who will love to be your host. 

If you want to experience Delhi in a festive spirit with a dash of fireworks, it is a nice time to visit the city. 

Additional Notes: 

• India Gate and Red Forts are a must-visit location in India during Diwali. 
• There is a popular Dilli Haat Diwali Mela worth exploring. 
• Chandni Chown is a fantastic location to enjoy street food and go on a shopping spree. 

3. Agra

If you’re looking for less crowded places to visit on Diwali, Agra might be a great choice. During the Diwali season, Agra is usually cooler in temperatures and starts receiving tourists from around the globe. Yet, it is less crowded than Delhi and Jaipur, while it brings the same experience.

You can travel the streets and come across various decorated homes and iconic locations. The experience of fireworks bustling around the Taj Mahal and Red Fort is quite mesmerizing. There are also markets and popular areas for you to explore.

Additional Notes: 

• Sadar Bazaar and Sanjar Palace are the perfect place for you to go on shopping. 
• The Taj Mahal and Red Fort are locations to visit on Diwali. 
• You can stroll the streets where people welcome everyone.

4. Varanasi

Varanasi celebrates the mythological significance of Diwali. It perfectly blends modern celebrations of lights and fireworks with timeless music and rituals. You get to enjoy the scenic Ganga Aarti that lights up the ghats alongside thousands of oil lamps. 

Varanasi is a perfect place if you want to indulge in more ritualistic and spiritual aspects of the festival. The librating aura of the city adds to the mesmerizing experience. 

Additional Notes: 

• Ganga Aarti at the Dashaswamedh Ghat is worth attending during the festival.
• You can also enjoy boat rides on the Ganges while you witness the fireworks and lights. 
• Varanasi will provide you with a blend of modern and traditional celebrations. 

5. Ayodhya

Ayodhya is popularly known as the birthplace of Lord Rama. Diwali celebrates the return of Prince Rama to Ayodhya. Therefore, you can expect the Diwali celebration to be at its peak in the city. There are diyas everywhere, and you will witness the popular depots. As there is Ram Temple and Ram Lala statue, the spirit is always high in the city.

If you’re specially booking a Diwali tour from the USA to India, or from any other location, Ayodhya should be in your itinerary. 

Additional Notes: 

• Deepotsav is a grand celebration of Diwali that even gets telecasted internationally. You can attend it in person.
• There will be cultural performances and events worth attending.
• Ayoydhya boasts the largest line of fireworks each year to celebrate the festival. 

6. Udaipur

Udaipur is prominently known as the city of lakes due to its enchanting geographical setup. It stands out as a vibrant location when you visit it any time of the year. The reflection of the city in the lakes is highly admirable. All these experiences are enhanced during Diwali. 

You have a city basking in the glory of the festival with historical locations. The boat rides become transcendent, especially during the fireworks. It is easily one of the best places to visit India during Diwali season. 

Additional Notes:

• Take a boat ride across the iconic Lake Pichola for a panoramic view of the city during the festival.
• City Palace is a must-visit place during Diwali celebrations. You will get to enjoy with other people.
• Local markets are worth exploring with various shopping options and traditional offerings.  

7. Amritsar

Amritsar celebrates two festivals simultaneously during Diwali. The occasion marks the Bandi Chhor Divas, which celebrates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib. It is an important festival for the Sikhs. However, as Diwali also holds a vital significance for Hindus and Sikhs, it blends perfectly with a grand and auspicious occasion. 

You can expect people to be very warm and welcoming. Everyone is consistently in a celebratory mood while you can visit the Golden Temple. It is a sight you can not miss during your Diwali tour of India. 

Additional Notes:

• You will learn about two unique festivals and get to celebrate them together in Amritsar.
• Golden Temple, with the surrounding water body, is a must-visit place during Diwali in Amritsar.
• You can join and indulge in the fireworks show with people, or sing songs and have fun. 

8. Kolkata

If the idea of dual celebration stirs you up, then Kolkata is another fantastic place for you. The city of love celebrates Kali Puja during the Diwali season. While the entire city is decorated and everyone celebrates both festivals, the temples of Goddess Kali are more prominently active and celebrated. 

You can also enjoy the local delights like Bengali sweets, as they are quite popular in India. There are also other traditional celebrations and cultural performances.

Additional Notes: 

• Make sure to visit Kalighat and Dakshineshwar Temples during Diwali for a beautiful sight and celebration.
• You can also visit various locations to enjoy cultural performances, dramas, and more.
• Bengali sweets will be available throughout the city for you to enjoy. 

9. Mumbai

Mumbai is one of the most populated cities, but it also stands as one of the reasons you have to see India on Diwali. The expansive city boasts a perfect blend of all cultures equally. People from all religions, cast, creeds, and backgrounds come together to celebrate Diwali as proof of unity in diversity.

Moreover, the Marine Drive especially stands out during the Diwali celebration. It lights up with fireworks while you can experience a charming view of the Arabian Sea. Mumbai might seem just like a city that never sleeps, or the city of dreams, but it is much more than that during the Diwali celebration.

Additional Notes:

• Make sure to visit the Siddhivinayak Temple during Diwali. It is full of divine aura.
• You can attend various Diwali parties hosted across the cities without any restrictions.
• Don’t miss the Marine Drive skyline during the fireworks. 

10. Rishikesh

If the idea of Ayodhya and Varanasi appeals to you, but you want less crowded places to visit on Diwali, Rishikesh is quite a destination. It is less popular during the Diwali season but those who visit it know how beautiful the experience is. Much like in other cities, there’s decoration and the spirit of the festival everywhere.

However, you can witness something similar to the Ganga Aarti at the banks of the river Ganga. People light up the oil lamps (diyas) and you can also participate in the aartis. Moreover, you can indulge in Yoga and other spiritual adventures, or take a hike with a camping experience during the festival.

Additional Notes: 

• Make sure to attend Ganga Aarti at least on the eve of Diwali and enjoy the vibrant view.
• You could go for Yoga trips or a hike while you get to enjoy the fireworks.
• If you have a group, you can set up your camp in the camping locations and easily celebrate the festival. 

Conclusion

Diwali is a prestigious and prominent festival in India. It is celebrated in almost every corner of the country. You can visit almost any city, or landmarks and enjoy the festival’s spirit. Some places are more cultural and traditional, while others enjoy the modern take of the festival.

Religion, caste, or any other aspects don’t matter during the festival. Many other locations like Goa and Dharamshala are also illuminated by the festival. Whether you decide to celebrate Diwali or not, India is worth the visit. You will witness a new face of the country, not seen by many.