Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is among India's most cherished celebrations. It marks the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Streets shine with rows of diyas, homes feature vibrant rangolis, and fireworks light up the night.

Diwali in IndiaThe beauty of lies in its diversity, as each region offers a distinct celebration. From sacred riverbanks to royal palaces and energetic cities, the festivities transform as you travel.

10 best places to celebrate the Diwali festival in IndiaIf you’re planning to explore India during this magical season, here are the — complete with travel tips, things to do, and must-visit attractions.

1. Varanasi – A River of Lights

Why Visit During Diwali:

Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, transforms into a glowing paradise during Diwali. The ghats along the River Ganga are lined with thousands of diyas, creating a golden reflection on the water. The evening Ganga Aarti, with its chants, bells, and swinging lamps, is a breathtaking spectacle.

How to Reach:

By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (30 km from the city).
By Train: Varanasi Junction and Mughal Sarai Junction are well-connected.
By Road: Buses and taxis connect Varanasi to Lucknow, Patna, and Delhi.

Best Time to Visit:

Dev DeepawaliOctober–November. Don’t miss , 15 days after Diwali, when the entire riverfront glows with millions of diyas.

Tourist Places Nearby:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Dashashwamedh Ghat
Assi Ghat
Sarnath (Buddhist site, 10 km away)

Things to Do During Diwali:

Attend the evening Ganga Aarti.
Take a boat ride on the Ganga to view the illuminated ghats.
Shop for traditional diyas and sweets in local bazaars.

2. Jaipur – The Pink City in Full Glow

Why Visit During Diwali:

Jaipur glows during Diwali. The city holds lighting contests, and bazaars like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar dazzle with decorations.

How to Reach:

By Air: Jaipur International Airport (12 km from the city).
By Train: Jaipur Junction connects to Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
By Road: The Delhi–Jaipur highway (NH 48) makes for a smooth road trip.

Best Time to Visit:

October–March (pleasant weather). Arrive a couple of days before Diwali to enjoy shopping and lighting contests.

Tourist Places Nearby:

City Palace
Amber Fort
Hawa Mahal
Nahargarh Fort (best Diwali night view of the city)

Things to Do During Diwali:

Walk through the glowing bazaars.
Enjoy views from Nahargarh Fort.
Taste local sweets like ghewar and ladoos.

3. Ayodhya – Ram’s Homecoming

Why Visit During Diwali:

Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, celebrates Diwali with deep historical and cultural meaning. The city is renowned for its record-breaking diya displays along the Sarayu River.

How to Reach:

By Air: Maharishi Valmiki Airport in Ayodhya.
By Train: Ayodhya Junction connects to Lucknow, Delhi, and Varanasi.
By Road: Well-connected highways link Ayodhya to major cities in the state of Uttar Pradesh.

Best Time to Visit:

October–November, during Diwali week, when the city hosts processions and fireworks.

Tourist Places Nearby:

Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
Hanuman Garhi
Kanak Bhavan
Sarayu River ghats

Things to Do During Diwali:

Watch diyas being lit along the Sarayu.
Attend cultural performances and processions.
Visit the grand Ram Mandir decorated for the festival.

4. Delhi – Melas and Fireworks

Why Visit During Diwali:

The capital blends tradition and modernity. Diwali Melas at Ramlila Maidan draw crowds, and Connaught Place glows with lights and shopping.

How to Reach:

By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport.
By Train: New Delhi Railway Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin.
By Road: Connected via NH 44 and NH 19 to most northern cities.

Best Time to Visit:

October–November for Diwali; also October–March for sightseeing.

Tourist Places Nearby:

India Gate
Akshardham Temple
Lotus Temple
Red Fort

Things to Do During Diwali:

Visit decorated temples and gurudwaras.
Experience Diwali Melas, featuring shopping, food, and cultural events.
Watch eco-friendly fireworks at community events.

5. Amritsar – Golden Temple Illumination

Why Visit During Diwali:

Bandi Chhor DivasIn Amritsar, Diwali aligns with , a celebration observed by Sikhs. The Golden Temple sparkles with lights and fireworks, while its reflection creates a magical scene.

How to Reach:

By Air: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (11 km).
By Train: Amritsar Junction connects to Delhi, Chandigarh, and Mumbai.
By Road: Well-connected via highways from Punjab and Haryana cities.

Best Time to Visit:

October–November for Diwali, or November–March for pleasant weather.

Tourist Places Nearby:

Jallianwala Bagh
Wagah Border ceremony
Partition Museum

Things to Do During Diwali:

Witness the Golden Temple fully lit at night.
Join the fireworks display and community langar.
Walk around the old city bazaars.

6. Kolkata – Diwali with Kali Puja

Why Visit During Diwali:

Kali PujaKolkata celebrates on the night of Diwali. Pandals featuring Kali idols, fireworks, and lit houses create a unique festive atmosphere.

How to Reach:

By Air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.
By Train: Howrah and Sealdah stations.
By Road: National highways connect Kolkata with eastern cities.

Best Time to Visit:

October–November for Kali Puja; also September–December for Durga Puja + Diwali season.

Tourist Places Nearby:

Dakshineswar Kali Temple
Victoria Memorial
Howrah Bridge
Indian Museum

Things to Do During Diwali:

Visit Kali Puja pandals.
Watch fireworks along the Hooghly River.
Try Bengali sweets like rasgulla and sandesh.

7. Goa – Narakasura Effigies

Why Visit During Diwali:

Goa marks Diwali by burning massive Narakasura effigies before sunrise. Streets are lit, and beach towns host parties.

How to Reach:

By Air: Dabolim Airport.
By Train: Madgaon and Vasco da Gama stations.
By Road: National highways link Goa to Mumbai and Karnataka.

Best Time to Visit:

October–March (pleasant beach weather). Arrive during Diwali to enjoy effigy processions.

Tourist Places Nearby:

Baga and Calangute Beaches
Old Goa churches
Chapora Fort

Things to Do During Diwali:

Watch Narakasura effigy processions.
Join beachside fireworks displays.
Visit local markets for Goan sweets and decorations.

8. Mumbai – Lights on Marine Drive

Why Visit During Diwali:

Mumbai shines during Diwali—from the Marine Drive skyline to the decorated temples. Fireworks along the sea add a touch of glamour to the celebration.

How to Reach:

By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
By Train: Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and Mumbai Central.
By Road: Connected via the Mumbai–Pune Expressway and highways.

Best Time to Visit:

October–November for Diwali; also November–February for winter.

Tourist Places Nearby:

Gateway of India
Marine Drive
Siddhivinayak Temple
Elephanta Caves

Things to Do During Diwali:

Watch fireworks at Marine Drive.
Visit temples and local bazaars.
Taste festive snacks like chakli and karanji.

9. Udaipur – Royal Diwali by the Lakes

Why Visit During Diwali:

DiwaliUdaipur, the City of Lakes, looks enchanting during . Palaces and ghats reflect on Lake Pichola beneath sparkling fireworks.

How to Reach:

By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport (22 km).
By Train: Udaipur City Station connects to Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai.
By Road: Well connected by road to Rajasthan cities.

Best Time to Visit:

October–March; Diwali is the peak season for royal celebrations.

Tourist Places Nearby:

City Palace
Jag Mandir
Fateh Sagar Lake
Sajjangarh Monsoon Palacz

Things to Do During Diwali:

Enjoy boat rides on Lake Pichola.
Attend cultural shows and fireworks at palaces.
Shop for handicrafts and jewelry in local markets.

10. Madurai – A Southern Diwali

Why Visit During Diwali:

In Tamil Nadu, Diwali begins early with oil baths, temple rituals, and the bursting of firecrackers. Madurai’s temples are at the heart of the celebration.

How to Reach:

By Air: Madurai International Airport.
By Train: Madurai Junction connects to Chennai, Bengaluru, and Coimbatore.
By Road: National highways connect Madurai with other cities in South India.

Best Time to Visit:

October–November for Diwali; also December–February for winter.

Tourist Places Nearby:

Meenakshi Amman Temple
Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal
Gandhi Memorial Museum

Things to Do During Diwali:

Visit decorated temples.
Enjoy local sweets and snacks.
Witness firecrackers in temple courtyards.

Travel Tips for the Diwali Festival in India

Plan Ahead: Book flights and hotels early, as Diwali is peak travel season.
Respect Traditions: Dress modestly at temples, and be mindful of local customs.
Stay Safe: Keep a safe distance from fireworks.
Experience Local Flavors: Try festive sweets and street food unique to each region.

Conclusion

Diwali in India is more than a celebration; it's a journey into the heart of the nation. From Varanasi's sacred ghats to Udaipur's lit palaces, each city casts its own spell.

Diwali in IndiaSo this year, don’t just celebrate Diwali at home — travel, explore, and witness the brilliance of , where light truly conquers darkness.

Best Places to Celebrate Diwali Festival in India

Discover the best places to celebrate the Diwali festival in India. Here’s your full 2025 travel guide with how to reach, things to do, and tips.