Introduction – The Magic of Diwali Travel in India
India’s most beautiful holiday is Diwali, the Festival of Lights. A lot of joy, love, and excitement are in the air. There are millions of diyas (oil lamps) in the cities, bright rangolis on the homes, and sweets and gifts in the markets. During this five-day festival, the streets, temples, and palaces all over the country are full of color and tradition.
People who want to see the cultural heart of India should go there during Diwali. Once a year, it happens. Everywhere you go, people talk about how magical this festival is. For instance, the old ghats of Varanasi are lit up by thousands of flickering lamps. The fireworks over Jaipur’s pink skyline and the Golden Temple in Amritsar are very bright at night You don’t just see the sights when you travel during Diwali; you also have fun.
At the sweet shop, you can buy ladoos and jalebis. You can also watch religious ceremonies in old temples and join locals in lighting candles, cracking open crackers, and saying hello. There is a unique way for each city to celebrate that combines old customs with the joy of the people.
Gets Holiday India Tour has put together a list of 15 great places in India to celebrate Diwali. There are royal palaces, holy riversides, busy cities, and quiet towns with a lot of history in these areas. We’ve added travel tips and detailed descriptions of the culture to help you plan your trip without any problems. This is the best place to go for Diwali if you want to see colorful markets, fireworks, or have spiritual experiences.
1. Varanasi – The Spiritual Heart of Diwali
During Diwali, Varanasi, one of the oldest cities still in use today, looks like a beautiful place from heaven. Thousands of flickering diyas line the ghats along the holy Ganges River, giving the water a golden glow. Priests chant mantras and wave flaming lamps to music that is meant to be worshiped during the big Ganga Aarti.
Dev Deepawali is a special event in Varanasi that kicks off the Diwali festivities. Right now, every step of the ghats is lit up. People from the area and pilgrims pray, light candles, and send small boats with diyas down the river. It looks so nice that it seems like it will never end. The narrow streets are very busy. You can buy holiday sweets like gulab jamun and malaiyo at sweet shops, and you can buy beautiful Banarasi sarees that are perfect for the holidays at silk stalls.
Along with religious ceremonies, fireworks light up the night sky over Varanasi. This city is one of the best places in India to celebrate Diwali because it is so pretty and has a lot of religious meaning.
To have the best time, book a boat ride on the Ganges during the evening aarti. It’s amazing how the water reflects thousands of lights. To get into the holiday spirit, wear comfortable, traditional clothes.
With Gets Holiday India Tour, you can take a guided tour of Varanasi’s old streets, see the Ganga Aarti from the best places, and go to hidden heritage temples. This will make your Diwali trip very special.
2. Rajasthan Parties and fireworks in the street
Rajasthan is the land of kings, and its festivals are very special. The main things that happen at these times are fireworks and colorful street parties. During Diwali, Gangaur, Teej, and the famous Pushkar Fair, the streets turn into a colorful stage for tradition and fun.
Fireworks light up cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur on Diwali night. There were strings of lights and rows of diyas on the streets, and the skies were full of bright colors. The smell of holiday treats, laughter, and music fills the air, making it a warm and welcoming place for people who live there and people who visit.
People shop at Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, two of Jaipur’s most popular markets. There are also musicians and folk dancers who play music on the streets. You can see fireworks dance on the water from the ghats along the lakeside in Udaipur. The Mehrangarh Fort in the background makes the fireworks look even better. They make history fun.
There are parades on the street with camels, elephants, and horses that are decorated during fairs and processions in Rajasthan. There are also drums, shehnai, and the fast beats of Rajasthani folk music. Along the streets, there are food stalls that sell local foods like ghewar, mirchi bada, and dal baati churma. This makes the party a feast for the eyes, ears, and taste buds.
People in Rajasthan feel like they belong to a community when they go to street parties. Everyone in the city feels like they’re at a big family gathering. People smile at each other and ask strangers to come into their homes. Festival time in Rajasthan is truly unforgettable because of the fireworks, crowded markets, traditional shows, and friendly people.
It’s not just the lights in the sky when there are fireworks and street parties here. It’s about getting a feel for Rajasthan’s culture, where happiness, color, and tradition come together at night under the stars.
3. Jaipur – The Pink City Illuminated
Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is famous for its royal Diwali parties. From the busy markets to the grand palaces, the whole city is lit up with gold lights. Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, and MI Road are some of the most important markets that are all lit up with beautiful lights. Many buildings are trying to win the title of “Best Illumination.” The whole city looks like a screen that is glowing.
During Diwali, Jaipur’s markets are very busy with people buying sweets, jewelry, traditional clothes, and things for their homes. The stalls have pretty handicrafts, bright bandhani fabrics, and shiny lac bangles for sale. The City Palace and Amber Fort also put on cultural and light shows to join in on the fun.
During the festival, the Govind Dev Ji Temple is one of the best places to go in Jaipur. There are special songs and prayers there. Fireworks light up the sky every night, and the streets smell like holiday sweets like ghewar and kachoris.
If you’re going to the city for Diwali, get there a few days early so you can see all the decorations and do some shopping. Bring cash to local markets because most small businesses don’t take cards.
With Gets Holiday India Tour, you can take a guided evening walk through the streets of Jaipur, eat a royal Diwali dinner in a heritage haveli, and shop for real Rajasthani souvenirs in the best bazaars.
4. Amritsar – Golden Temple’s Shimmering Splendor
Bandi Chhor Divas, a Sikh holiday that celebrates Guru Hargobind Ji’s release from prison, is on the same day as Diwali in Amritsar. In India, the Golden Temple is one of the most beautiful and holy places. It is lit up by thousands of twinkling lights, candles, and fireworks.
People from all over the world come to see the holy sarovar (pond), which is a place where pilgrims and tourists meet. The pond’s water shows the temple. There are kirtans (hymns) all over the place, and the air is full of peace that you can’t find anywhere else. There are a lot of holiday markets on the streets that lead to the temple. They sell sweets like pinnis and karah prasad, as well as colorful lamps and other decorations.
In addition to the Golden Temple, other Amritsar gurudwaras also have special prayers and lights. At night, a beautiful fireworks show lights up the sky and adds a happy energy to the holy atmosphere.
Be sure to dress modestly and cover your head when you go to the Golden Temple. Go to the temple in the morning for a quiet darshan, and then come back at night to see it all lit up. With Gets Holiday India Tour, you can visit the Golden Temple with a guide, help out in the langar (free kitchen), and shop for holiday gifts in Amritsar’s busy markets.
5. Ayodhya – The Land of Lord Rama’s Homecoming
Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, celebrates Diwali with unmatched devotion and splendor. The Ramayana says that Diwali is the day Lord Rama came back to Ayodhya after being away for 14 years. Deepotsav is a big lighting ceremony that happens every year in the city. Millions of diyas light up the banks of the Sarayu River.
People dress up as Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana and march in big parades. There are also traditional songs, dances, and chants. Thousands of clay lamps light up the Ram Ki Paidi ghats. This display of lit diyas has set the record for the most lit diyas in a display more than once. A lot of people in the city are religious and have a good time. Events that are part of a culture tell stories from the Ramayana.
You can go to holy places like the Kanak Bhawan, Ram Janmabhoomi, and Hanuman Garhi Temple during the day. The decorations for the holiday are all very pretty. You can get colorful decorations for your home altars, religious gifts, and sweets like gujiyas and peda at the local bazaars.
Travel tip: Get there early in the day so you can get a good spot near the ghats for the diya-lighting ceremony at night. Get ready for big crowds during Deepotsav, and wear comfortable traditional clothes.
With Gets Holiday India Tour, you can go to Ayodhya’s holy sites with a guide, see the Deepotsav from the best places, and experience the religious atmosphere through carefully chosen cultural activities.
6. Udaipur: A Royal Diwali on the Lakes
Udaipur, which is also called the “City of Lakes,” is a great place to go during Diwali. The lights from the City Palace, Jag Mandir, and nearby havelis make Lake Pichola look like a storybook. There are fireworks over the lake, and the streets are lined with glowing lamps, lanterns, and marigold garlands.
In Udaipur, Dhanteras is the most important day of Diwali. A lot of people are buying silverware, jewelry, and holiday clothes at local markets like Bada Bazaar and Hathi Pol. People in the area make beautiful rangoli patterns to decorate their homes and yards. At temples, people also pray to Goddess Lakshmi in special ways.
You’ll never forget riding a boat on Lake Pichola at night during Diwali. The ghats will be lit up, candles will be floating, and the royal palaces will be lit up in warm golden colors. Traditional Rajasthani music and dance performances make it even more special, making it a truly royal event.
Tip for Travelers: Udaipur is very busy with tourists during Diwali, so make sure to book your hotel room with a view of the lake ahead of time. If you go on the boat ride right after the sun goes down, you’ll get the best pictures.
With Gets Holiday India Tour, you can take private boat rides, go to royal Diwali feasts, and see the city’s historical sites with guides who know a lot about them. This will give your party some class and culture.
7. Pushkar – Diwali and the Camel Fair
Pushkar is a small but holy town in Rajasthan that has a special Diwali because the Pushkar Camel Fair happens at the same time as the festival. Because of its holy lake and the rare Brahma Temple, many pilgrims and tourists come to this town. Everyone is going to both parties.
During Diwali, rows of diyas light up the steps that go down to Pushkar Lake. Aartis in the evening make the mood peaceful and spiritual. The Camel Fair, on the other hand, is a fun cultural event with camel races, folk music, traditional dances, and markets full of colorful things to buy, like jewelry and Rajasthani turbans.
Malpua and ghewar are holiday treats that you can buy at local sweet shops. Craft stalls sell leather goods and embroidered fabrics that are great gifts. Pushkar is a great place to celebrate Diwali because it has both spiritual events and fun things to do at the fair.
You can’t buy meat or alcohol in Pushkar because it’s a vegetarian town. Dress modestly and follow the rules of the area when you visit temples and ghats.
You can see Pushkar’s holy sites, the ghats lit up, and the Camel Fair, which is a big cultural event, from the best places with Gets Holiday India Tour.
8. Delhi – The Capital’s Festival of Lights
Delhi, India’s busy capital, celebrates Diwali in a big way. There are colorful lights, lanterns, and holiday decorations all over the city. It’s in every neighborhood, even the bad ones. People go to well-known markets like Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, and Dilli Haat to buy clothes, candy, and other things for their homes.
The Akshardham Temple and the Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir) are two temples that have big celebrations with lit-up facades, devotional music, and cultural events. There are Diwali parties and feasts at fancy hotels and old buildings, and fireworks light up the sky.
Food is another important part of Diwali in Delhi. People eat a lot of different foods, from street snacks like chaat and samosas to sweets like kaju katli and soan papdi that are more traditional. The capital is a great place to go if you want to see a lot of different things because it has both old and new customs.
If you’re traveling during Diwali, keep in mind that traffic can be bad. Plan your trips to temples and markets around that. In late October or early November, when the nights get cooler, bring a scarf or shawl.
You can see the best-lit places in Delhi, go on guided market tours to shop, and eat meals that are carefully planned to show off the holiday flavors of the capital with Gets Holiday India Tour.
9. Goa – Diwali with a Coastal Twist
Goa’s Diwali celebrations are a mix of Hindu customs and the state’s own cultural influences. The Naraka Chaturdashi celebrations, which take place the day before Diwali, honor Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. You can see huge statues of Narakasura, some more than 20 feet tall, being paraded through the streets of Goa and then burned at dawn.
People in the neighborhood are full of energy as they try to make the most interesting effigies. Colorful lights on homes and churches show how well Goa’s cultures mix. Markets sell rangoli powders and oil lamps for Diwali, as well as traditional Goan sweets like neureos (stuffed pastries) and bebinca.
In the evening, people like to watch fireworks at Miramar and Colva beaches. People from the area and visitors come to see the colors in the night sky. A lot of hotels and beach resorts also have special Diwali parties, which are a great mix of fun and tradition.
Get up before the sun rises on Naraka Chaturdashi if you want to see the effigies burn. If you want to have a quieter time, go to the beaches in South Goa for smaller, community-led parties.
With Gets Holiday India Tour, you can learn about Goa’s Diwali customs, eat local food, and see the Narakasura effigy festival from the best spots.
10. Jodhpur – Blue City’s Golden Glow
Diwali turns the blue-washed homes in Jodhpur, the Blue City, into a sparkling sea of gold and blue. You can see the city’s festive glow from all sides at night because the Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace are lit up by hundreds of lights.
You can find a lot of vendors selling handicrafts, spices, and sweets at Sardar Market and Clock Tower Bazaar. People in the area decorate their homes with colorful rangolis, and the air smells sweet with sweets like mawa kachori and ghewar.
Watching the fireworks from the fort walls is one of the most magical things to do in Jodhpur during Diwali. From up here, the whole city looks like it’s twinkling. People dressed in traditional Rajasthani clothes make the celebration feel more real.
Tip for travelers: When you walk through the narrow streets of the old city, wear comfortable shoes. Book a rooftop dinner with a view of the fort if you want to see the Diwali lights at their best.
You can have a Diwali in Jodhpur that you’ll never forget with Gets Holiday India Tour. You can take private tours of the fort, shop at local markets, and have private experiences on the roof.
11. Kolkata – Kali Puja Meets Diwali
Diwali and Kali Puja, which honors the goddess Kali, happen at the same time in Kolkata. The city honors the goddess in her fierce form instead of Lakshmi, and the festivities are just as big. There are temporary temples all over the city called pandals. Each one has beautiful idols of Kali that are decorated with flowers and lights.
The fireworks, cultural shows, and midnight rituals all help to make the atmosphere special. There are lots of pretty lights on College Street and Park Street, and sweet shops have Bengali sweets like rosogolla, sandesh, and mishti doi. Going to Kali Puja is a way to show your faith and your art at the same time. The idols are just as well made as those for Durga Puja, but they are darker and more intense, which is interesting to see.
Tip for travelers: Many Kali Puja ceremonies happen late at night, so be ready to sleep in the morning. Be ready for a lot of people around the main pandals.
Gets Holiday India Tour will take you to the most famous Kali Puja pandals in Kolkata, show you the city’s Diwali spirit in the most unique way, and take you on guided food tours.
12. Madurai – South India’s Diwali Charm
The Diwali celebration in Madurai is a mix of Tamil customs and the city’s long history. The celebrations start early in the morning with oil baths, trips to temples, and fireworks. Families make traditional snacks like murukku, mysore pak, and adhirasam to share with their neighbors.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple has special pujas, and the flowers and lamps make the place look beautiful. On the streets, people are buying silk sarees, gold jewelry, and decorations for the holidays. People in Madurai don’t celebrate Diwali as grandly as they do in other places; it’s more about getting people together. This is great for people who want to see a real celebration that isn’t commercialized.
Travel tip: Diwali is a morning festival here, so the evenings will be quieter than they are in North India. Get to the temple early to avoid big crowds. During Diwali, Gets Holiday India Tour takes you to see temple ceremonies in Madurai, buy silk from the area, and enjoy the city’s warm, traditional hospitality.
Conclusion – A Festival Beyond Borders
In India, Diwali is more than just a holiday. It’s a living tapestry of traditions, colors, flavors, and feelings that change in beautiful ways from place to place. From the grand palaces of Mysuru to the spiritual glow of Varanasi, from the royal markets of Jaipur to the glowing ghats of Amritsar, each city has its own rhythm and reason to celebrate.
The variety is what makes it magical. Kolkata celebrates Diwali with Kali Puja, which includes artistic pandals and midnight ceremonies. When Narakasura effigies are burned in Goa, it becomes a fiery show. Before dawn, people in Madurai go to temples and share sweets. The markets in Delhi, Jaipur, and Udaipur are full of lights that have been around for hundreds of years.
There is a different taste in food and culture in each place. Diwali is a feast for the eyes, the soul, and the taste buds. You can eat mysore pak in Karnataka, rosogolla in Bengal, mawa kachori in Rajasthan, and hot chai on the ghats in Varanasi.
It’s not enough to just see the sights during Diwali; you also need to get to know the heart of India. It’s watching kids light fireworks with joy, families come together for Lakshmi Puja, and communities open their doors to strangers and treat them like friends. The festival brings people from different states, languages, and even visitors and locals together.
The best way to get to these times is to book a Gets Holiday India Tour . You won’t just see Diwali; you’ll feel it, taste it, and carry it with you long after the lights have gone out. You’ll have planned trips, be able to go to local celebrations, and have guides who bring each tradition to life.
This Diwali, don’t just wish for money and happiness. Live it: on the beaches of Goa, in the streets of Jaipur, in the courtyards of Jodhpur, or by the holy waters of the Ganges. The sweets are ready to be shared, the lamps are ready to be lit, and India is ready to welcome you with open arms.
For more information or to book your tour, visit Gets Holiday India Tour official website ( www.getsholidayindiatour.com ) or contact / Whatsapp us at +91-9837339700
