“It is a long weekend, let’s plan a holiday!” Haven’t we all been through this at some point or the other? Well, in India having long holidays on the account of a festival is very common. Being a land of diverse cultures, there are so many religions and festivals that are celebrated in India with great zeel. And one such well-known festival is the “Festival of Lights”, Diwali. This Hindu festival is celebrated by one and all with great enthusiasm and often calls for a long holiday season. Hence we have compiled this article to provide you with the best places to visit in India during Diwali 2023.
Most people often plan their Diwali vacation well in advance. So if you are someone who is looking for a Diwali getaway across India, you are at the right place! Pack your bags, and get ready to explore India like never before!
Best Places to visit on Diwali Vacation in India 2023
In this section, we provide you with a complete list of the best places in India that you can visit during the festival of Diwali. This is a specially curated list that comprises all the important details for you to plan that perfect holiday!
Varanasi
Banaras, Kashi, or Varanasi, this city is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrim sites and also one of the best places to visit in India during Diwali 2022. Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga, Varanasi embraces a rich cultural heritage. If you are to visit Varanasi during Diwali, you are going to have an experience of a lifetime. The entire city is lit up with clay lanterns, or diyas, during the 5 days of celebrations. A major highlight of this city during Diwali is the Ganga Arti, which is a ritual that takes place every night by the bank of the Ganga. During Diwali, one can see devotees releasing lit diyas in the river that floats throughout the full span of the river, making it a beautiful display of the victory of light over darkness.
Duration – 2-3 days
Five star hotels in Varanasi –
Jaipur
Revered as the “Pink City”, Jaipur is one of the best places to visit in India during Diwali. The city is lit up in beautiful shades of pink, as it celebrates the festival of lights with great enthusiasm along with delicious street food. The markets of Jaipur are a great place to visit during Diwali for they come alive with scrumptious street food, Diwali shoppers, and folk musicians.
Duration – 3-4 days
Four star hotels in Jaipur
Kolkata
One of the best places to visit on Diwali vacation in India is the city of Kolkata. The Diwali celebration in Kolkata is observed by paying offerings to Goddess Kali, the goddess of destruction, unlike in the rest of India where goddess Lakshmi is worshipped during this time. A huge number of devotees visit the city’s temples that are dedicated to Kali. One can witness the magnificently decorated idols of the fearsome Goddess Kali. One of the best things to do on your visit to Kolkata during Diwali is to visit the Kalighat, Belur Math, and Dakshineswar temples.
Duration – 3-4 days
Three star hotels in Kolkata
Goa
The party capital of India, Goa celebrates the festival of lights with great enthusiasm every year. The Diwali celebration in Goa is done by the destruction of the demon Narakasura by Lord Krishna. There are competitions held throughout the state to see who can make the biggest and scariest demon effigy. These effigies are then burned on Narakasura Chaturdashi, which is the day before the main day of Diwali.
Duration – 3-4 days
Resorts in Goa
- The Lalit Golf & Spa Resort
- Caravela Beach Resort
- Mercure Goa Devaaya Retreat
- Beleza by the beach
- Blu Resorts
Amritsar
The Diwali celebrations in Amritsar coincide with the Sikh celebrations of Bandi Chhor Divas. The day is observed to mark the return of the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib from prison. Guru Hargobind Sahib was unjustly held for his beliefs along with many other political prisoners. The Sikh temples are lit up, and there are large feasts called “langar” organized therein. One of the best places to visit in Amritsar during Diwali is the Golden Temple, as it is draped in lights and surrounded by countless oil lamps and candles, a beautiful sight to watch!
Duration – 3-4 days
Budget hotels in Amritsar
- Hotel Palace, Amritsar
- Hotel Singh International
- Hotel Premier
- Seeta Since 1965.
Udaipur
The city of lakes, Udaipur looks even more exquisite on Diwali. The city, which is adorned with palaces, markets, and temples, is illuminated by colorful string lights and decorations. The famous Lake Pichola is one of the places to visit in Udaipur, to witness the reflection of the city’s bright lights, palaces, and fireworks. Another major tourist attraction during Diwali in Udaipur is that the travelers can also visit the Udaipur Light Festival held at Shouryagarh Resort & Spa which is outside of the city.
Duration – 3-4 days
Four-star hotels in Udaipur
- Golden Tulip Hotel Udaipur
- The Fern Residency Udaipur
- Radisson Udaipur
- Hotel Park Exotica Spa And Resort
Pushkar
One of the best places to visit in India during Diwali 2023, is Pushkar. The city is a Hindu pilgrimage site that is surrounded by more than 52 ghats to bathe and make religious offerings. The famous Pushkar Mela is held in November every year, coinciding with the city’s Diwali celebrations. You can spend time visiting the temples, meeting the locals, or simply savoring the local food.
Duration – 3-4 days
Five star hotels in Pushkar
- The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa
- Ananta Spa & Resort
- Clarks Resort Serene Aravali, Pushkar
- Savitri Resort Pushkar
- The Green House Resort
Mumbai –
The city of dreams truly looks like a dream during the festival of Diwali. Lit in the festive lights, Mumbai looks at its best as it glows and shines celebrating the festival with great enthusiasm. The Diwali celebration in Mumbai can be best experienced by visiting some of the iconic places like the Marine Drive, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and the beaches. Do not forget to savor the delicious local food.
Duration – 3-4 days
Five-star hotels in Mumbai
- Lemon Tree Premier, Mumbai International Airport, Mumbai
- ITC Grand Central
- Ramada Plaza By Wyndham Palm Grove, Juhu, Mumbai
- Meluha – The Fern
- The Lalit, Mumbai
Ahmedabad –
One of the best places to visit in India during Diwali 2023, is the city of Ahmedabad. The Diwali celebrations can be seen in the bustling bazaars representing the celebratory mood. The city is lit up in colorful decor, lights, and rangoli. Some of the places to visit in Ahmedabad are Sabarmati Ashram, Auto World Vintage Car Museum, and Kankaria Lake.
Duration – 3-4 days
Five-star hotels in Ahmedabad
- Radisson Blu Hotel Ahmedabad
- Fortune Landmark, Ahmedabad-Member ITC Hotel Group
- NOVOTEL Ahmedabad
- Lemon Tree Premier The Atrium
- Hyatt Ahmedabad
Delhi
Delhi is one of the best places to visit in India during Diwali. The whole city is decorated with lights, and markets are bustling with enthusiastic shoppers, buying decor, lights, candles, etc. A must-visit place in Delhi during Diwali is the historical landmark, India gate is decorated so amazingly.
Duration – 3-4 days
Five star hotels in Delhi
- Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport
- Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar
- Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity New Delhi
- The LaLiT New Delhi
- Crowne Plaza Okhla
Chennai
The capital of Tamil Nadu, Chennai celebrates Diwali in quite a different form, from the rest of the nation. Dhanteras, in Chennai, is known as Dhana Trayodasi or Ashwayuja Bahula Trayodasi. The city is lit up in festive decors, and the effigies of Narakasura are burned to mark his downfall at the hands of Aditi and Krishna. Chennai is one of the best places to visit in India during Diwali 2023.
Duration – 3-4 days
Five-star hotels in Chennai
- ITC Grand Chola
- The Leela Palace
- Hilton
- Taj Coromandel
Nainital –
If mountains are your calling, then this hill station in Uttarakhand is the perfect destination for you to visit this Diwali. Nainital has pleasant weather, beautiful lakes, and many other things to do. You can visit the Naini Lake, Tiffin Top, Snow View, China Peak, and Naina Devi Temple among the other places. Nainital is one of the best places to visit in India during Diwali 2023.
Duration – 3-4 days
Four star hotels in Nainital
- The Naini Retreat By Leisure Hotels
- Hotel Arif Castle
- The Manu Maharani
- Harshikhar, A Lake Side Hotel
- Vikram Vintage Inn
Key Takeaways
Diwali is a festival that is celebrated at large in India. Most corporate offices give a long holiday, which is a perfect opportunity to have a good vacation with family and friends. So, curate your perfect vacation with us. Our team at HotelDekho.com will provide you with a tailor-made travel guide to the best places to visit in India during Diwali 2023. We hope that our article here was informative, do not forget to bookmark the same for your future reference!
