India is a land of celebrations and festivals and Diwali is very much like Christmas for the entire country where people stay home and enjoy some great time and enjoy fireworks that bring joy, happiness and sparkle in their life. Better known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is certainly the best time I believe when you should think of some trips with your family and friends because these moments convert into the best memories that will make you smile and feel special. While most people prefer to celebrate Diwali at home with their neighbors and loved ones, I believe this Diwali you should try something different and take off for some great destinations in India where you can enjoy your Diwali holidays in a better way. Here we take a look at the must visit top Diwali destinations in India that you can enjoy this year.
Jaipur
Well, the economy this year is not doing well so I thought most travelers will be looking for destinations that do not cost them much. Jaipur celebrates Diwali in grand style so why not make it among the top Diwali destinations in India. The Pink City is popular for the Diwali celebrations that happen here weeks before the actual Diwali day so you can always book your hotels and accommodation in advance as many tourists come here during Diwali holidays.
Get lost in the local decorated markets selling out some really good dresses and other items that you can use during Diwali holidays or something that you can take home. You will also find earthen lamps also known as diyas in more than 200 different shapes here, isn’t it kind of amazing? You can also shop traditional dresses, handicrafts and gift items here at Johari Bazaar at prices that will not explode your limited budget.
Kolkata
If you like some grand celebrations and lightning all over the place you don’t have to look too far on the India map. On the east coast of India, Kolkata is the best Diwali destination in India for the kind of celebrations that happen here. During the Diwali you can also enjoy the Kali Puja that happens across Kolkata and it coincides with the Lakshmi Puja day that is celebrated across the country.
You can take a tour around the city to watch some of the spectacular pandals and idols of Goddess Kali and enjoy some great shopping experience along with your family and loved ones. Kolkata is a city where you can find some great Bengali cuisines so don’t miss out on that while you celebrate Diwali in grand style. You can gobble some rasgullas, sandesh, kalakand and mishtidoi here especially if you are sweet tooth.
Amritsar
In Punjab there goes a saying, Dal roti ghar di, aur Diwali Amritsardi. Well, that is absolutely true because Punjabis make sure that they celebrate Diwali in grand style. If you are heading towards the northern side of the country take a halt at Amritsar and experience the Diwali Amritsar-style. The Golden Temple is the best place to visit during the festival time where you can take some blessings and enjoy the picture perfect shot of hundreds of diyas and lights all over the temple and around the pool.
While Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama to His home after 14 years of banishment, for Sikhs it marks the release of Guru Hargobind Singh, the sixth Sikh guru from prison. Punjabis love their food to the core so you can get your hands on some of the best Punjabi delicacies and meals this Diwali with your friends and family members.
Varanasi
Located in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi has been attracting tourists not only from the country but also international visitors that come here to find peace and tranquility. This is the holiest of all Hindu cities and also one of the core places from where Hinduism was promoted. This Diwali destination in India is a hub of theosophy, philosophy, meditation and higher learning that have attracted many great writers, scholars, saints and even technology gurus like Steve Jobs.
If you are looking for some extraordinary Diwali experience head to Manikarnika Ghat where you will find priests handling ceremonies associated with Yama, Lord of Death. On Kartik Poornima also known as Dev Diwali you will find priests performing pujas near Annapurana Temple and worshipping the sacred river Ganga.
Delhi
Saddi Dilli da jawab nahi when it comes to Diwali celebrations and if you are a shopaholic there is no better place than being in the national capital. Enjoy this Diwali with some great historic monuments and landmarks that talk about the Mughal era.
Delhi is not that hot during the Diwali time so you can always enjoy the climate here while you shop at some of the popular markets near Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, Connaught Place, South Extension and Chandni Chowk. There is no shortage of malls here too so you can go on a shopping spree and celebrate Diwali and have a great blast this year.
Do read my article about expert tips to travel safely in India.
4 comments
I had Diwali in Vellore last year and it was perfect 🙂
Diwali in Kolkata is really huge.
Kolkata is the best place to celebrate Diwali. The fire-crackers, the sweet dishes… just unforgettable!
Yes, it is. Even Varanasi is a place to be during Diwali.