Alibaug to Nashik: Diwali 2025 Long Weekend Getaways from Mumbai
As Diwali 2025 approaches, Mumbai begins to glow a little brighter each evening, streets sparkle with fairy lights, local markets fill with sweets and diyas, and the city’s pace quickens with festive anticipation. Yet, just a few days before the celebrations begin, many Mumbaikars start feeling something familiar, the quiet need for a pause.
After months of routine, crowded trains, and endless deadlines, the Diwali long weekend brings more than just a holiday. It brings the possibility of spending time differently, somewhere peaceful, where mornings start without alarms and evenings end under open skies instead of neon lights.
That’s why, every year, the search for Diwali weekend getaways from Mumbai peaks just days before the holidays begin. People want a place close enough to reach easily, yet far enough to truly feel away. A place where they can celebrate in their own way, lighting diyas on a villa balcony, enjoying homemade food with family, or simply sitting by the sea as fireworks sparkle in the distance.
This year, Diwali 2025 falls over a convenient long weekend, from Friday, 17th October to Sunday, 26th October, making it the perfect time for a short but meaningful festive break. Whether one prefers the vineyards of Nashik, the beaches of Goa, or the cool air of Mahabaleshwar, there’s something special waiting just a few hours from home.
Here are five thoughtfully chosen long weekend trips from Mumbai that combine comfort, celebration, and a refreshing change of pace, ideal for those planning a last-minute yet memorable Diwali holiday.
In this Blog
1. Alibaug – Coastal Charm Just Across the Sea
The closest and most convenient Diwali holiday destination from Mumbai, Alibaug remains timeless. But this coastal town is no longer just about the beach. In recent years, Alibaug has reinvented itself with boutique homestays, art cafés, and scenic coastal drives that feel far removed from city life.
During Diwali, Alibaug has an added warmth, local homes glow with diyas, small seafood restaurants decorate their entrances with rangoli, and the sea breeze carries a festive calm. The weather in Alibaug in late October and early November is pleasantly warm during the day and breezy at night, making it ideal for outdoor barbecues or sunset walks.
For those who want a more private experience, booking a villa in Alibaug is the best option. Many luxury villas come with private pools, gardens, and even in-house chefs who prepare festive meals.
What to do:
- Visit Kihim and Awas beaches for quieter experiences away from the crowds.
- Spend an evening at Alibaug’s new coastal restaurants serving Konkani and modern Indian cuisine.
- Take a morning ferry ride back to Mumbai, it’s one of the most scenic sea journeys in Maharashtra.
Travel Tip:
From November 2025, the Ro-Ro ferry service from Mumbai’s Ferry Wharf will be operating regularly, allowing travellers to take their cars directly to Alibaug, perfect for spontaneous Diwali drives.
2. Nashik – Vineyard Celebrations Amid Diwali Lights
Nashik might first come to mind as a wine region, but around Diwali, the city takes on a distinctly festive mood. Just a 4-hour drive from Mumbai, Nashik blends spiritual heritage with modern experiences. The weather in Nashik during Diwali is cool and pleasant, daytime temperatures hover around 28°C while evenings are crisp, making vineyard visits and temple walks enjoyable.
Staying in a villa in Nashik near Sula or Soma Vine Village means waking up to open vineyard views and enjoying the golden light of early winter mornings. Most vineyards also host festive dinners and wine-pairing events during the Diwali weekend, giving travellers something different from the usual celebrations.
What to do:
- Attend a vineyard tour and evening tasting at Sula Vineyards.
- Visit the ancient Pandav Leni caves and the peaceful Godavari ghats decorated with oil lamps during Diwali nights.
- Try a drive towards Trimbakeshwar, the road passes through green stretches that look stunning after the monsoon.
Travel Tip:
Nashik’s boutique hotels and vineyard resorts often get booked early for Diwali, so it’s wise to check availability by mid-October if planning a last-minute Diwali long weekend trip.
3. Mahabaleshwar – A Cool Hill Escape for the Diwali Long Weekend
When it comes to long weekend trips from Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar is a classic, and for good reason. At 1,353 metres above sea level, this hill town remains pleasantly cool during the Diwali holiday period, with daytime temperatures averaging around 24°C and chilly evenings that call for light sweaters.
But beyond its strawberry farms and viewpoints, Mahabaleshwar in recent years has drawn attention for its boutique heritage stays and eco-conscious resorts. Many of these properties organise small Diwali pujas, local music nights, and outdoor bonfires, adding a homely touch to the celebration.
What to do:
- Visit Mapro Garden for seasonal fruit products and light café meals.
- Take a boat ride on Venna Lake during the golden hour, the surrounding hills look beautiful in Diwali light.
- Explore Old Mahabaleshwar’s historic temples and small local markets lit up with traditional lamps.
Stay Recommendation:
Opt for a villa in Mahabaleshwar overlooking valleys or forested stretches. Many new properties between Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar provide panoramic views and a peaceful ambience perfect for family gatherings.
Travel Tip:
The Mumbai–Pune Expressway followed by NH48 ensures a smooth drive. Those who prefer a more scenic route can take the Wai road via Panchgani for picture-worthy pit stops.
4. Goa – Festive Lights on the Coast
For those who want to turn their Diwali long weekend into something memorable, Goa is an unbeatable choice. The drive from Mumbai takes about 9–10 hours, but the journey is part of the experience. By early November, the monsoon has fully withdrawn, and the weather in Goa turns perfect, sunny days, clear skies, and cooler evenings.
Interestingly, Goans celebrate Diwali with a unique local tradition, the burning of Narakasura effigies at dawn, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. For visitors, it’s a lively cultural moment worth witnessing.
Beyond the celebrations, Goa in November has just the right energy, the festive buzz is beginning, but the peak tourist crowds haven’t yet arrived. Whether it’s North Goa’s beach cafés or South Goa’s quiet sands, the festive mood runs throughout the coast.
What to do:
- Attend early-morning Narakasura parades in Margao or Panjim.
- Spend a quiet evening by the sea, with local fireworks lighting up the horizon.
- Visit Latin Quarter in Panjim, its homes decorated with diyas and paper lanterns make for beautiful evening walks.
Stay Recommendation:
Booking a villa in Goa allows travellers to enjoy private Diwali dinners and relaxed evenings by the pool. Many homestays even provide festive Goan meals and cultural performances during the holiday week.
Travel Tip:
If time allows, taking the scenic Konkan railway route from Mumbai to Goa adds a memorable touch, trains like the Vistadome coaches offer wide glass windows for panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
5. Daman – A Beach Town with a Cultural Twist
For those wanting something less commercial yet close to Mumbai, Daman is one of the most underrated Diwali weekend getaways from Mumbai. Located just about 3 hours from the city, this former Portuguese colony offers a refreshing mix of heritage and sea views.
During Diwali, Daman’s quiet streets and seaside promenades are beautifully lit. Local churches and forts get decorated, and the atmosphere is relaxed yet festive. The weather in Daman during this time is pleasant, around 30°C in the day with cool sea breezes in the evening.
What to do:
- Visit St. Jerome Fort and Moti Daman Fort to see colonial architecture against the sea.
- Take a sunset walk at Jampore Beach, it’s peaceful and clean compared to most coastal stretches near Mumbai.
- Enjoy seafood at local beach shacks, many of which serve Diwali specials.
Stay Recommendation:
A villa in Daman is ideal for groups wanting privacy without the long drive. Some new boutique properties in Devka and Moti Daman combine heritage style with modern comfort.
Travel Tip:
Pair the trip with a short detour to Silvassa, just 40 minutes away, for a forest trail walk or a visit to tribal museums that showcase the region’s local crafts.
Planning Tips for the Diwali Long Weekend 2025
- Best Time to Leave: Diwali falls on 20th October (Monday), it’s smart to begin the journey by Friday evening or Saturday morning to avoid last-minute traffic leaving Mumbai.
- Advance Bookings: Villas in Alibaug, Mahabaleshwar, and Nashik tend to fill up fast around this period, so securing accommodation early ensures better options and rates.
- Festive Meals: Many boutique stays and resorts arrange special Diwali dinners. Calling ahead to check menus or events adds a nice festive touch to the trip.
- Weather Considerations: Late October to early November marks the transition from monsoon to winter in Maharashtra. Expect pleasant mornings and slightly chilly evenings, ideal for outdoor plans.
A Diwali long weekend is more than a short break, it’s an opportunity to pause before the year ends and spend meaningful time with family or friends. The destinations near Mumbai make that easy, each with its own festive atmosphere.
Whether it’s sipping wine under fairy lights in Nashik, walking through lantern-lit markets in Goa, or celebrating in a quiet villa in Alibaug, each experience has a sense of warmth that fits perfectly with the spirit of Diwali.
For anyone searching at the last minute for Diwali weekend getaways from Mumbai, these five destinations strike the right balance between proximity, comfort, and celebration. The roads are smooth, the weather is inviting, and every destination brings its own version of festive light, all just waiting to be experienced.
Cover Image: Khokarahman via Wikimedia
Article by: Ruben Saha
