Best Places to Visit During 2025 Diwali Break
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of India’s most vibrant, spiritual, and culturally significant celebrations. It’s not only a time for families to come together but also a great opportunity to explore India’s richness, festivity, and charm in various destinations. Whether you’re looking for spiritual solace, grand firework displays, or scenic retreats away from the bustle, the Diwali break in 2025 is the perfect time to travel.
Here is a curated list of the best places to visit during the 2025 Diwali break, offering a blend of cultural heritage, festive ambiance, and natural beauty.
1. Varanasi – Diwali on the Ghats of the Ganges
Why visit: Varanasi is unmatched in spiritual grandeur during Diwali. The ghats light up with thousands of earthen lamps (diyas), firecrackers explode in the night sky, and the entire city hums with sacred chants and a divine atmosphere.
Top Attractions During Diwali:
- Dev Deepawali (on Kartik Purnima): A spectacle when lakhs of diyas are lit on the river ghats.
- Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat: An awe-inspiring visual and spiritual experience.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Intricately decorated and spiritually charged.
Tips: Book your stay early, and take a boat ride on the Ganges to witness the illuminated ghats.
2. Amritsar – Golden Temple Illuminated in Gold
Why visit: During Diwali, Amritsar celebrates both Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas (Sikh festival), making it a double celebration.
Top Attractions:
- Golden Temple: Lit with thousands of lamps and fireworks reflecting in the holy water.
- Jallianwala Bagh and Partition Museum: For history lovers.
- Langar Experience: Participate in the world’s largest free kitchen.
Local Flavour: Try Amritsari kulcha and lassi during your evening walks under glittering lights.
3. Jaipur – A Royal Diwali Experience
Why visit: The Pink City transforms into a glowing jewel with decorated palaces, bazaars, and homes.
Highlights:
- Johari and Bapu Bazaar: For Diwali shopping and colorful ambiance.
- Amber Fort Light & Sound Show: A historical journey under the stars.
- Laxmi Puja in Royal Palaces: Feel the regal essence of the festival.
Must Do: Visit Nahargarh Fort at night for a panoramic view of Jaipur glittering under Diwali lights.
4. Udaipur – Romance and Royalty During Diwali
Why visit: Udaipur, the City of Lakes, is stunning during Diwali. Palaces shimmer, boats sail with lights, and the tranquil lakes reflect the festive glow.
Best Spots:
- Lake Pichola & Fateh Sagar: Take a boat ride at sunset.
- City Palace Diwali Festivities: Cultural shows and fireworks.
- Shilpgram: For ethnic shopping and traditional performances.
Photo Ops: Capture reflections of fireworks on the lakes at night.
5. Kolkata – Diwali Meets Kali Puja
Why visit: In Kolkata, Diwali coincides with Kali Puja, making the celebrations unique with cultural and spiritual fervor.
What to Explore:
- Kali Temples like Dakshineswar & Kalighat: Worshipping Goddess Kali amidst grandeur.
- Street Light Displays in South Kolkata: Truly spectacular.
- College Street & New Market: For book lovers and festive shoppers.
Taste This: Relish Bengali sweets like sandesh, rasgulla, and mishti doi during your journey.
6. Ayodhya – Witness the Grandest Diwali Celebration
Why visit: In recent years, Ayodhya has been setting world records by lighting millions of diyas on Diwali.
Festival Attractions:
- Ram Ki Paidi Ghats: Where lakhs of diyas illuminate the Sarayu River.
- Ramlila Performances: Live enactments of the Ramayana.
- Laser Light & Drone Shows: A tech-enhanced devotional celebration.
Best Moment: Participate in the diya lighting ceremony alongside pilgrims and locals.
7. Rajasthan Desert Circuit – Jaisalmer & Bikaner
Why visit: The desert offers a serene and majestic Diwali experience. Fewer crowds, more stars, and authentic Rajasthani hospitality.
In Jaisalmer:
- Desert Campfires on Diwali Night: With folk music and fireworks under the desert sky.
- Golden Fort & Havelis: Beautifully lit and open late.
In Bikaner:
- Junagarh Fort: Magical during Diwali.
- Camel Decorations & Parades: Uniquely Rajasthani.
8. Mumbai – The City of Lights and Glamour
Why visit: Diwali in Mumbai is vibrant, urban, and cinematic. From Marine Drive to Bollywood-style Diwali parties, it’s a heady mix of tradition and trend.
Where to Go:
- Marine Drive & Gateway of India: For views of firework-lit skies.
- Local Ganpati & Laxmi Pujas in Housing Societies: Heartwarming community vibes.
- Shopping at Crawford Market & Zaveri Bazaar.
Add-On: Attend a Diwali-themed play or musical at Prithvi Theatre.
9. Delhi – Grand Celebrations and Festive Buzz
Why visit: The national capital combines cultural richness with intense Diwali energy. The markets, homes, temples, and historical monuments dazzle with decor.
Don’t Miss:
- Akshardham Temple Light Show.
- Chandni Chowk for Sweets & Gifts.
- Laxmi Puja at Birla Mandir & ISKCON Temple.
Eco Tip: Delhi has pollution concerns post-Diwali, so consider eco-friendly stays and less firework-heavy zones.
10. Goa – A Unique Blend of Indian and Western Festivities
Why visit: In Goa, Diwali is celebrated differently. Here, Narkasur Vadh, a pre-Diwali event, steals the show with giant demon effigies paraded and burnt.
Top Picks:
- Narkasur Processions in Panaji & Margao.
- Diyas on the Beaches: A peaceful, romantic setting.
- Festive Parties & Nightlife: Especially at beachside clubs and resorts.
Bonus: Great time to combine Diwali with a beach vacation.
11. Mount Abu – Hill Station Diwali with a Twist
Why visit: Rajasthan’s only hill station, Mount Abu, offers cool weather, scenic beauty, and glowing temples.
Key Highlights:
- Nakki Lake Boat Ride Under Diwali Lights.
- Dilwara Temples: Visit during the special evening pujas.
- Local Markets & Hill-side Fireworks.
Why It’s Great: A peaceful retreat if you want a quieter yet scenic Diwali.
12. Pondicherry – Diwali with a French Coastal Flair
Why visit: Celebrate Diwali in this charming French town by the sea.
Experience:
- Beachside Fireworks at Promenade Beach.
- Auroville’s Special Diwali Gatherings.
- Decorated French Quarters.
Food Tip: Indulge in French-Indian fusion delicacies post puja.
13. Rishikesh & Haridwar – Spiritual Diwali in the Himalayas
Why visit: Perfect for a soul-soothing Diwali amidst nature and spiritual sanctity.
Highlights:
- Evening Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan.
- Yoga Retreats & Meditation: Combine spiritual rejuvenation with celebration.
- Eco-Friendly Fireworks & Diyas on the River.
Best For: Solo travelers, wellness seekers, and spiritual tourists.
14. Madurai – Temple Town Lights Up
Why visit: Tamil Nadu’s ancient city celebrates Diwali with firecrackers and grand pujas in legendary temples.
Top Spots:
- Meenakshi Amman Temple: Grand Laxmi Puja and illumination.
- Gandhi Museum: Dive into Indian history post celebrations.
- Madurai Cuisine: Savor spicy Chettinad delights.
15. Shimla & Manali – Diwali in the Hills
Why visit: Escape to the cool hills of Himachal Pradesh for a relaxed Diwali amidst mountains.
Things to Enjoy:
- Candle-lit hotels with mountain views.
- Shopping in Mall Roads: Pick up woollens, souvenirs, and local sweets.
- Bonfires & Cultural Evenings in resorts.
Great For: Families and honeymooners looking for a quiet yet celebratory escape.
Bonus International Getaways (Short Distance, Diwali Friendly)
1. Dubai – Luxury Diwali with Indian Spirit
- Grand Diwali parties, Bollywood events, and gold shopping.
2. Nepal – Spiritual Diwali and Tihar Festival
- Celebrated as Tihar, with unique customs like worshipping crows, dogs, and cows.
3. Sri Lanka – Tranquil Beaches and Cultural Exploration
- Visit Ramayana sites and combine a beach holiday with cultural exploration.
Travel Tips for Diwali 2025:
- Book in Advance: Diwali is peak season, and flights/hotels sell out fast.
- Plan for Pollution: Especially in metro cities. Prefer eco-friendly celebrations.
- Respect Local Customs: Join community pujas or avoid loud celebrations where required.
- Pack Traditional Outfits: Perfect for clicking photos at temples and landmarks.
Final Thoughts
Diwali is not just a festival—it’s an experience. Whether you’re drawn to dazzling city lights, tranquil riverbanks, grand palaces, or peaceful mountains, India offers an ideal destination for every kind of traveler. Let the Diwali break of 2025 be your time to reconnect, reflect, and rejoice amidst some of the most beautiful locations in India.
So, pack your bags, light a diya of wanderlust, and discover the magic of India during Diwali 2025!