The festival of lights is more than a celebration of lamps and fireworks; it is a time when entire cities, towns, and villages across India glow with culture, devotion, and togetherness. Families plan special trips during this season, not only to enjoy the festivities but also to experience how different regions of the country celebrate in their own distinctive way.

Choosing the right places to visit in Diwali in India can turn this festival into an unforgettable journey. Beyond the well-known rituals, each destination offers something extra – whether it is ancient traditions, community gatherings, or unique local events. Here is a guide to 10 remarkable places to visit for Diwali with family and friends.

Varanasi – Riverfront Celebrations on the Festival of Lights

Varanasi is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Diwali in India. The celebration here is closely connected with the River Ganga, where thousands of lamps light up the ghats in perfect synchrony.

Things to do in Varanasi

• Attend the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat during Diwali week. The sight of priests performing rituals with lamps against the river backdrop is unforgettable.
  
• Participate in Dev Deepawali, held fifteen days after Diwali, when every step of the ghats is lit with diyas.
  
• Visit Sarnath, one of the major tourist attractions in Varanasi, to learn about Buddhist heritage.
  

Best time to visit Varanasi

The weather in Varanasi between October and March is comfortable, making it the best time to visit Varanasi for Diwali celebrations.

Stay experience

Families often prefer a villa in Varanasi near the ghats for easy access to riverfront events.

Jaipur – Pink City’s Illuminated Palaces

Jaipur’s grandeur makes it one of the most popular places to visit for Diwali. The entire city lights up, with markets and palaces decorated in vibrant patterns of illumination.

Things to do in Jaipur

• Johari and Bapu Bazaars become attractions in themselves with colourful decorations.
  
• Visit Amer Fort at night, where light and sound shows reflect Diwali’s festive spirit.
  
• Take a guided tour of City Palace, one of the key tourist attractions in Jaipur.
  

Best time to visit Jaipur

The weather in Jaipur is cool and pleasant in October and November, making it the best time to visit Jaipur for family trips.

Stay experience

Booking a villa in Jaipur allows families to enjoy traditional Rajasthani hospitality in a private setting.

Ayodhya – Traditional Home of Diwali Celebrations

Ayodhya, linked with the return of Lord Rama in the epic Ramayana, is regarded as the birthplace of Diwali. It has become one of the most significant places to visit in Diwali in India for spiritual seekers and families.

Things to do in Ayodhya

• Witness the spectacular lighting of lakhs of diyas along the Sarayu riverbanks.
  
• Visit Ram Janmabhoomi temple and Hanuman Garhi during the festive days.
  
• Take part in cultural programmes staged across the city.
  

Best time to visit Ayodhya

The weather in Ayodhya is most comfortable during late October and November, making this the best time to visit Ayodhya for Diwali.

Stay experience

Families can opt for a villa in Ayodhya to stay close to the city centre during the celebrations.

Amritsar – Golden Temple Glowing with Lights

Amritsar is another exceptional choice among places to visit for Diwali, where Diwali coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, celebrated by Sikhs. The Golden Temple is illuminated in spectacular fashion, making it a unique festive experience.

Things to do in Amritsar

• Visit the Golden Temple at night during Diwali for its reflection on the holy tank.
  
• Attend the fireworks display around the temple complex.
  
• Take a trip to Wagah Border, one of the key tourist attractions in Amritsar.
  

Best time to visit Amritsar

The weather in Amritsar from October to March is cool and clear, ideal as the best time to visit Amritsar.

Stay experience

A villa in Amritsar near the Golden Temple provides comfort while staying close to the festive heart of the city.

Udaipur – Diwali on the Lakes

Known for its lakes and palaces, Udaipur shines brilliantly during Diwali, making it one of the top places to visit in Diwali in India. The reflections of lamps and fireworks on Lake Pichola add to the festive charm.

Things to do in Udaipur

• Stroll along the Ghats of Lake Pichola to witness the shimmering lights.
  
• Visit Jagdish Temple during Diwali celebrations.
  
• City Palace remains one of the most striking tourist attractions in Udaipur during the festival.
  

Best time to visit Udaipur

The weather in Udaipur is mild during October and November, considered the best time to visit Udaipur.

Stay experience

Booking a villa in Udaipur with a lake view allows families to watch Diwali lights reflecting on the water.

Delhi – Capital’s Blend of Tradition and Markets

Delhi is a vibrant option for those looking at places to visit for Diwali with family. The city’s mix of heritage monuments, decorated markets, and Diwali fairs makes it ideal for both cultural and festive experiences.

Things to do in Delhi

• Attend Diwali melas across the city, known for food stalls, cultural performances, and crafts.
  
• Visit Akshardham Temple, a major tourist attraction in Delhi, which is beautifully decorated during the festival.
  
• Take a night tour of India Gate and Connaught Place, glowing with festive lights.
  

Best time to visit Delhi

The weather in Delhi is most pleasant from late October to March, the best time to visit Delhi for festivals.

Stay experience

Families often choose a villa in Delhi for comfort and proximity to major festive markets.

Kolkata – Cultural Performances and Family Festivities

Kolkata celebrates Diwali with a distinct cultural touch, as Kali Puja is observed alongside the festival. It is one of the most culturally rich places to visit during Diwali in India.

Things to do in Kolkata

• Attend Kali Puja at major temples such as Kalighat.
  
• Walk through neighbourhoods decorated with elaborate light installations.
  
• Visit Victoria Memorial, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kolkata, to see the city’s festive glow.
  

Best time to visit Kolkata

The weather in Kolkata is pleasant in late October and November, making this the best time to visit Kolkata for Diwali.

Stay experience

Opting for a villa in Kolkata allows families to host traditional celebrations together.

Goa – Beaches Lit with Lamps and Fireworks

Goa offers a distinct experience among places to visit for Diwali, combining beachside celebrations with the tradition of Naraka Chaturdashi, when effigies of the demon Narakasura are burnt.

Things to do in Goa

• Watch the effigy-burning events in villages and towns.
  
• Attend local fairs and cultural programmes held during Diwali week.
  
• Spend evenings at beaches such as Miramar and Colva, some of the most lively tourist attractions in Goa, during this season.
  

Best time to visit Goa

The weather in Goa during October and November is comfortable, marking the best time to visit Goa.

Stay experience

Booking a villa in Goa near the beaches combines festive activities with relaxed family time.

Pushkar – Diwali Followed by Camel Fair

Pushkar in Rajasthan is one of the more unique places to visit in Diwali in India because the famous Pushkar Camel Fair often takes place soon after the festival.

Things to do in Pushkar

• Attend Diwali celebrations at the ghats of Pushkar Lake.
  
• Visit the Brahma Temple, one of the rare temples of its kind in India.
  
• Stay on to witness the Camel Fair, a major tourist attraction in Pushkar.
  

Best time to visit Pushkar

The weather in Pushkar during October and November is cool, making this the best time to visit Pushkar.

Stay experience

Families can enjoy a traditional villa in Pushkar for cultural immersion during the festive season.

Madurai – Diwali with South Indian Traditions

Madurai in Tamil Nadu presents a very different way of celebrating Diwali compared to North India. It is among the culturally significant places to visit for Diwali due to its temple rituals and regional customs.

Things to do in Madurai

• Attend special pujas at the Meenakshi Amman Temple.
  
• Watch families lighting lamps in traditional Tamil styles.
  
• Sample festive sweets and snacks unique to the region.
  

Best time to visit Madurai

The weather in Madurai is pleasant from October to February, marking the best time to visit Madurai for Diwali.

Stay experience

A villa in Madurai gives families the chance to enjoy spacious traditional-style living close to the temples.

Conclusion

The festival of lights brings India together in its diversity, and travelling during this period is about experiencing traditions that vary from one region to another. From the illuminated ghats of Varanasi to the grand palaces of Jaipur, the glowing Golden Temple in Amritsar to the beaches of Goa, each destination offers a distinct way of celebrating.

By selecting the right places to visit during Diwali in India, families can create memories that go beyond the rituals at home. Considering the best time to visit and the local weather, along with choosing comfortable stays such as a villa in Udaipur or a villa in Delhi, ensures that the trip remains both festive and convenient.

Whether it is temple rituals, community fairs, or riverfront celebrations, these ten places to visit for Diwali present unique cultural experiences that highlight India’s unity in diversity during its brightest festival.

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