Diwali 2025 Long Weekend Getaways from Delhi – 5 Destinations Near Delhi for a Festive Break
The Diwali long weekend in 2025 presents a wonderful opportunity to take a refreshing short break from the pace of city life. With Diwali falling on Wednesday, 18 October 2025, it’s easy to extend the festival into a long weekend by taking a day or two off. For people in Delhi, this timing couldn’t be better. The post-monsoon air turns crisp, the skies are clear, and the roads are ideal for short drives to the hills, cultural towns, and heritage destinations nearby.
Many families now prefer spending their Diwali holiday travelling instead of staying indoors. Whether it’s lighting diyas in a mountain villa or watching fireworks over a calm lake, there are many ways to celebrate the festival differently this year.
Here are five unique destinations near Delhi that make for memorable long weekend trips from Delhi during Diwali 2025. Each place brings a fresh experience, from festive fairs to scenic drives and heritage stays, ensuring your Diwali feels both restful and meaningful.
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1. Nainital – A Diwali Holiday by the Lakes
A classic yet ever-refreshing choice, Nainital continues to charm visitors with its lakes, heritage lodges, and cool weather. Situated about 300 kilometres from Delhi, this hill town feels worlds away from the city’s busy streets during the festive season.
Why Nainital is Perfect for the Diwali Long Weekend
During late October, the weather in Nainital turns pleasantly cool, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 20°C. The post-monsoon freshness lingers in the air, and evenings become perfect for sitting by the fire or taking gentle walks along the Mall Road lit up for Diwali.
What makes Nainital special during this time is the local celebration. The town organises small Diwali fairs near Tallital, where locals light diyas along the lake, turning the water’s surface into a shimmering mirror of lights. Visitors can also take peaceful evening boat rides on Naini Lake, surrounded by reflections of illuminated temples and houses.
Where to Stay
Booking a villa in Nainital overlooking the lake can be an excellent choice for families. Many heritage villas serve traditional Kumaoni festive dishes like aloo ke gutke and singori sweets during the Diwali holiday, giving guests a cultural taste of the region.
2. Jaipur – A Royal Diwali Experience
For those who prefer cultural depth and festive grandeur, Jaipur is one of the most vibrant Diwali Weekend Getaways from Delhi. Known as the Pink City, Jaipur is famous for its elaborate Diwali decorations that light up every street, palace, and market.
Why Jaipur Makes a Special Diwali Long Weekend Trip
The weather in Jaipur during October is warm and pleasant, with daytime temperatures around 25°C and cooler evenings. This makes it ideal for walking around historic sites like Hawa Mahal and City Palace without the summer heat.
During Diwali, Jaipur truly transforms. Every market, from Johari Bazaar to Bapu Bazaar, is adorned with intricate lighting displays. The city even holds an annual “Lighting Competition” where entire streets compete for the best decorations. Walking through these illuminated lanes at night is a festive experience unlike anywhere else.
Another unique part of Jaipur’s Diwali celebration is the shopping. From handcrafted silver diyas to Rajasthani sweets like ghevar, visitors can find authentic gifts while supporting local artisans.
Where to Stay
Staying in a villa in Jaipur gives travellers the feeling of celebrating Diwali in royal comfort. Some restored havelis host cultural evenings with traditional music, folk dance, and festive dinners in courtyards lit with oil lamps, an experience that blends luxury with heritage.
3. Rishikesh – A Peaceful Diwali by the Ganges
For those who prefer quiet reflection over noise and fireworks, Rishikesh makes an ideal Diwali long weekend destination. About 240 kilometres from Delhi, it combines natural beauty with spiritual warmth.
Why Rishikesh is Ideal for a Diwali Holiday
The weather in Rishikesh in October is near perfect, with daytime temperatures around 25°C and cool breezes by the evening. The Ganges looks especially clear after the monsoon, and the hills around the town are covered in fresh greenery.
During Diwali, the ghats of Rishikesh glow with hundreds of diyas floating down the river. The Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan and Triveni Ghat becomes even more special, with chanting, lights, and community prayers that create a sense of unity and calm.
Visitors can spend mornings doing short nature walks or visiting nearby temples like Neelkanth Mahadev, and evenings attending local musical gatherings by the river.
Where to Stay
A villa in Rishikesh by the riverside or in the nearby hills can be perfect for families looking for privacy. Many wellness retreats also arrange festive meals, yoga sessions, and diya-lighting ceremonies, creating a balance between relaxation and celebration.
4. Agra – A Historical Diwali Among Monuments
A few hours’ drive from Delhi, Agra makes for an interesting blend of history and celebration during the Diwali long weekend. While it is best known for the Taj Mahal, the city’s lesser-known festive side makes it worth visiting during this season.
Why Agra Deserves a Place in Your Diwali Weekend Getaways from Delhi
The weather in Agra in late October is pleasant, averaging around 27°C during the day and dropping to 18°C at night, perfect for sightseeing. During Diwali, the entire city, including the Taj Ganj area and Agra Fort, is beautifully decorated with lights and marigold garlands.
Few visitors know that Agra’s Kinari Bazaar is one of the most vibrant Diwali markets in North India. The narrow lanes are filled with artisans selling hand-painted diyas, sweets, and embroidered textiles. It’s a good place to buy festive gifts directly from local craftspeople.
Evenings can be spent at Mehtab Bagh watching the Taj Mahal under moonlight while fireworks flicker in the distance, a sight that feels almost cinematic.
Where to Stay
Choosing a villa in Agra near the Taj or the Yamuna River gives travellers a peaceful setting to celebrate the Diwali holiday. Some boutique stays organise heritage dinners or storytelling sessions about Mughal architecture, adding depth to the festive stay.
5. Lansdowne – A Quiet Diwali in the Hills
If peace, natural surroundings, and fresh air sound ideal for Diwali, then Lansdowne is one of the best long weekend trips from Delhi. Located about 250 kilometres away, this small hill cantonment in Uttarakhand is known for its colonial charm and pine-covered hills.
Why Lansdowne Makes a Unique Diwali Long Weekend Choice
The weather in Lansdowne during October is pleasantly cool, ranging between 12°C and 20°C. The air feels crisp, making morning walks around Tip-in-Top or Bhulla Lake particularly refreshing.
Unlike many hill stations, Lansdowne’s Diwali celebrations are simple yet heartwarming. Locals decorate churches, temples, and homes with diyas and candles, creating a subtle but beautiful festive atmosphere. Travellers can enjoy peaceful evenings with bonfires, stargazing, and traditional Garhwali festive meals at small homestays.
Where to Stay
A villa in Lansdowne surrounded by pine forests makes a great choice for a private celebration. Some villas provide mountain-view terraces where families can light diyas and share festive sweets while enjoying the night sky.
Bonus Tip: How to Plan Your Diwali 2025 Long Weekend Getaway from Delhi
With Diwali on 18 October 2025, those in Delhi can plan a Diwali long weekend trip by taking leave on either 20 or 21 October. Since this period falls after the monsoon and before winter, the roads are in good condition, and the weather in most destinations is ideal for travel.
Here are a few practical suggestions:
- Book early: Villas and boutique stays tend to fill up weeks before Diwali, especially in Nainital and Jaipur.
- Travel smart: For short drives (under 300 km), leaving early morning from Delhi helps avoid traffic.
- Pack light layers: Evenings in hill stations like Lansdowne and Nainital can get cool.
- Plan festive activities: Carry small diyas, sweets, or decorations to add a personal touch to your Diwali holiday celebration, even away from home.
Celebrate Diwali 2025 with a Meaningful Break Near Delhi
This Diwali long weekend, step beyond routine celebrations and create moments that stay with you long after the lights fade. These Diwali Weekend Getaways from Delhi, from the royal streets of Jaipur to the quiet ghats of Rishikesh, promise a blend of culture, comfort, and celebration.
Whether it’s lighting diyas by the Ganges, sharing sweets in a hill villa, or admiring illuminated forts, each destination brings its own way of celebrating the Diwali holiday. The experience is not just about travel; it’s about connecting with family, traditions, and the places that make the festival special.Wherever you go, may your Diwali long weekend be filled with warmth, togetherness, and the glow of new experiences.
Banner Image Credit: Anirudh via Unsplash
