You might think, Why leave home during Diwali? After all, it’s a festival of family homecoming, right? They are sweet and bursting crackers. But here is the thing, when Diwali is lived in a city steeped in history, lit up to the brim, and where traditions are older than your imagination, it’s a whole new magic. Travelling during Diwali gives you the chance to see how different regions celebrate, join local rituals, and attend special events like your Diya in a sacred place. You can also experience the streets when they burst into life with markets and fireworks music.
You can create memories that you won’t ever forget. That said, travelling during a major festival does come with challenges booking early, crowded trains, and limited availability. But if you plan carefully, the rewards truly outweigh the fuss.
Diwali 2025 basics and timings
Before picking your destination, you need to know when Diwali will fall and what the festival days are about. In 2025, Diwali is on October 20. If you want to fully experience, plan to be in your destination at least two to three days before the main Diwali day and linger a day or two afterward in northern India. October is generally cool and dry, ideal for evening walks, lighting diyas, photography, and being outdoors after sunset.
Diwali is typically spread over 4–5 days:
- Dhanteras
- Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali
- Lakshmi Puja / Deepavali (main day)
- Govardhan Puja / Annakut
- Bhai Dooj
Ayodhya, where the legend comes alive
If there is one place where Diwali feels like a divine homecoming, it’s Ayodhya. After all, it’s the birthplace of Lord Rama, the hero whose return from exile started the tradition of lighting lamps. Every year, Ayodhya hosts a celebration so grant which makes your heart skip a beat. Picture this entire city draped in lights, millions of dollars showing it along the Saryu River, and people chanting Jai Shree Ram with eyes shining in reverence.
The moment dusk falls, the guards transform into a sea of golden light, you can actually feel the devotion in the air soft chance, and the sound of temple bells blends into something actually otherworldly. Don’t miss the depot serve where the city breaks world records with millions of dollars. The Ram Leela performances retell the epic in song and dance. The mesmerizing Saryu Arti. Book your stay months in advance. Ayodhya gets fully packed, but if you manage to find a cozy guesthouse near the ghats, the view will stay with you forever.
Varanasi
If Ayodhya is devoted, Varanasi is poetry. During Diwali, the ghats of Varanasi become the rivers of light, and the reflection on the Ganga looks like stars fallen from the sky. People gathered on boats floating Diaz in the Ganges River as priests performed the famous Ganga aarti. The sound of bells chanting and the smell of incense wrap around you like a warm hug.
It’s one of those experiences that truly quiet your mind and fill your soul. And just when you think it can’t get more beautiful, 2 weeks later, Dev Deepavali, when every single step of the ghat is lined with lamps. These magical words barely even do justice. You must visit to witness Diwali not as a festival but as a feeling that connects heaven and earth.
Things to do:
- Take a sunset boat ride to see the city glowing from the water.
- Walk along Dashashwamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat.
- Try local delicacies like malaiyo and thandai.
Jaipur
When Jaipur celebrates Diwali, it doesn’t just light lamps it lights up the sky. The entire pink city glows. Markets like Bapu Bazar shine with strings of lights, colorful drapes, and laughter echoing through the creates. Locals decorate their homes, palaces, and even elephants with Diyas and fairy lights. The city palace looks really breathtaking against the night sky and the fireworks.
Oh, they paint the whole city with sparks. The best part? The Jaipur Diwali light contest, where markets compete to be the most beautifully lit. It’s not just about brightness; it’s all about creativity, pride, and joy. You must visit Jaipur during Diwali is like living inside a royal fairy tale, colorful and unforgettable.
What to do:
- Shop for silver jewelry, handicrafts, and ethnic clothes.
- Walk through the bazaars at night — it’s a festival of lights and smiles.
- Visit Amber Fort for panoramic city views.
Amritsar
In Amritsar, Diwali coincides with another sacred celebration, Bandi Chor Divas, marking the day Guru Hargobind Ji was freed from captivity. So while the rest of India lights diyas for Lakshmi, the Golden Temple becomes a glowing symbol of freedom and gratitude. Standing here surrounded by soft golden light reflecting in the holy waters, you cannot help but feel peace settle deep inside.
Thousands of lamps flicker on the marble edges, and the kitten drifts through the air. At night, fireworks bloom over the temple, but even those seem quieter and softer, as if they respect the sanctity of the place. You must go to celebrate a Diwali that feels serene, sacred, and soul-stirring.
Don’t miss:
- The illuminated Golden Temple at night.
- Free langar (community meal) — it’s humbling and heartwarming.
- A walk around the sarovar (sacred pool).
Kolkata
If you have ever wanted to see Diwali with a twist, go to Kolkata. Here, Diwali coincides with Kali puja, dedicated to the goddess Kali. Instead of Lakshmi, devotees worship the feared yet compassionate goddess who symbolizes power and protection. The city turns into a canvas of devotion, streets filled with pandals and rhythmic drumming.
The energy is different here, intense and spiritual. Temples like Kali ghat overflow with devotees offering prayers through the night. It’s Diwali but with a deep cultural pulse that’s completely Bengali. You must go for a Diwali that’s more impressive, introspective, fewer fireworks, more faith.
Experience this:
- Visit the Kali temples at midnight for a once-in-a-lifetime ritual.
- Walk through Kolkata’s illuminated lanes — they’re pure art.
- Indulge in Bengali sweets — sandesh, rasgulla, and mishti doi (no regrets!).
 Udaipur
Just think about watching diyas float along gently across Lake Pichola, their golden light shimmering against the water. That’s Diwali in Udaipur, elegant, peaceful, and of course impossibly beautiful. The city palace sparkles like a gem, and the narrow streets come alive with music, dancing, and laughter. But compared to Jaipur’s chaos, Udaipur’s celebrations feel calmer, more beautiful, and bonding.
You can just sit by the lake, enjoy a quiet dinner, or take a romantic boat ride surrounded by floating lamps. It’s like stepping into a postcard. It’s just perfect for couples or anyone seeking peace, love, and luxury all rolled into one.
What to do:
- Walk along Gangaur Ghat at dusk.
- Enjoy rooftop dining with lake views.
- Attend local Diwali fairs — smaller, but filled with heart.
Gokarna
Now, how about a Diwali by the sea? In Gokarna, you can find just that, a peaceful barefoot version of the festival. No big crowds, no deafening crackers. Just bonfire candles in the sand and the sound of waves as your background music. You can gather by the beach light at night in coconut shells and let them drift on the water.
It’s simple, soulful, and surprisingly emotional. If you have ever had a hectic year and want the Diwali that feels like a gentle reset, Gokarana is your place. You can attend a yoga or meditation retreat this time; the spiritual calm of the town pairs beautifully with the festival’s essence
Planning your Diwali trip
1. Book Early
Diwali is one of India’s biggest festivals — trains, flights, and hotels fill up fast. Try booking at least two months in advance.
2. Pack Smart
- Comfortable shoes, you’ll be walking a lot.
- Traditional clothes, you’ll want to blend in for the pujas and photos!
- Earplugs, firecrackers can get loud.
- A small gift for your host or local family (sweets are perfect).
3. Stay Safe
- Avoid over-crowded firecracker areas.
- Keep your belongings secure.
- Watch your step, diyas are often placed on the ground.
4. Respect the Culture
- Dress modestly in temples.
- Ask before taking photos.
- Participate with an open heart — even small gestures like lighting a diya mean a lot.
The real joy of Diwali travel
Travelling for Diwali is not about taking places off a list; it’s all about feeling the glow of lamps against your skin, the kindness of strangers who offer you sweets, and the laughter that echoes even in unknown streets. Every city has its story, but every traveller carries the same wish to find light both around and within. Maybe this year, that light finds you somewhere far from home on a ghat in Varanasi or by the lake in Udaipur. That’s the beauty of Diwali in India: it reminds you that joy, warmth, and connection can be found anywhere.
Also read: Best US Cities for Diwali
No matter where you celebrate, whether among millions of lights in Ayodhya or a handful of candles on a beach in Gokarna, Diwali’s essence stays the same. Light always wins, hope always returns. So pack your bags, keep your heart open, and let the lamps of India guide you to an unforgettable Diwali in 2025.
