Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most magical times to experience India. Picture streets glowing with flickering diyas, the irresistible aroma of sweets, fireworks lighting up the night sky, and the excitement of choosing the perfect Diwali gifts for your loved ones. Whether you’re planning Diwali holiday packages, a family trip, or a solo adventure, there’s no better way to celebrate than by travelling across India to experience its rich traditions.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best places to celebrate Diwali in India, share insider tips for travel during Diwali, and offer practical advice for a memorable Diwali vacation in India.
Before Diwali: Early Festivities & Scenic Escapes
Why wait for the fireworks? Our Early Festivities & Scenic Escapes tours are perfect for getting ahead of the rush! These trips let you enjoy the quiet traditions, amazing scenery, and relaxed vibe before the big crowds hit. If you want a peaceful start or a beautiful little getaway before the main party, this is it! Select & start your joyful journey early with Kesari.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Celebrate Diwali amidst pristine beaches and tropical landscapes, where Indian traditions blend with island culture. Enjoy quieter islands and pre-Diwali celebrations without the festival crowds.
Highlights:
- Beachside fireworks and cultural performances
- Community feasts and festive gatherings
Travel Tips:
- Best time: 2–3 days before Diwali
- Must-eat: Seafood delicacies, coconut sweets
- Local Experience: Take evening walks along beaches lined with festive lamps
Uttar Pradesh (Ayodhya & Varanasi)
Spiritual heart of Diwali with Deepotsav in Ayodhya and Ganga Aarti during Diwali in Varanasi. Witness cities preparing for Diwali—the diyas, decorations, and rituals in full swing make it magical.
Highlights:
- Millions of diyas lighting streets and riverbanks
- Cultural performances, grand processions, temple illuminations
Travel Tips:
- Best time: 1–2 days before Diwali
- Must-eat: Malaiyo in Varanasi, pedha in Ayodhya
- Local Experience: Take a boat ride on the Ganga or join temple rituals
Himachal Pradesh
Hill towns celebrate Diwali with lights, rituals, and scenic Himalayan backdrops. Pre-Diwali preparation lets you enjoy lit-up temples and small fairs without heavy tourist crowds.
Highlights:
- Temple visits and local fairs
- Mountain landscapes illuminated by diyas
Travel Tips:
- Best time: 2–3 days before Diwali
- Must-eat: Siddu, patande
- Local Experience: Explore lit-up towns and enjoy local sweets
Tamil Nadu
Deepavali in Tamil Nadu includes oil baths, bursting crackers, and colorful Kolam designs. Experience authentic Tamil traditions and community celebrations.
Highlights:
- Temple visits and family pujas
- Kolam (rangoli) designs at homes and streets
Travel Tips: - Best time: Morning rituals 1–2 days before Diwali
Must-eat: Murukku, adhirasam - Local Experience: Observe traditional oil bath rituals and pujas
Kerala
Diwali in Kerala focuses on lighting lamps, temple festivities, and local cultural programs. Pre-Diwali allows a serene and spiritual experience amid scenic backwaters.
Highlights:
- Temple illuminations and traditional dances
- Community feasts with local sweets
Travel Tips:
- Best time: Evening before Diwali
- Must-eat: Banana halwa, payasam
- Local Experience: Participate in temple rituals and local festivities
Uttarakhand
Celebrate Diwali in Himalayan foothills, with illuminated temples and spiritual fairs. Enjoy calm mountain vistas while witnessing pre-Diwali decorations and rituals.
Highlights:
- Temple visits with diyas and incense
- Cultural fairs and local delicacies
Travel Tips:
- Best time: 1–2 days before Diwali
- Must-eat: Aloo ke gutke, local sweets
- Local Experience: Attend temple rituals and stroll through lit-up towns
Maharashtra – Ashtavinayak Yatra
Pilgrimage covering eight revered Ganesh temples, offering a spiritual Diwali experience.Early Diwali pilgrimage avoids heavy crowds and allows spiritual reflection.
Highlights:
- Temple rituals and festive offerings
- Scenic rural landscapes
Travel Tips:
- Best time: 2–3 days before Diwali
- Must-eat: Modak, puran poli
- Local Experience: Participate in temple aartis and community prayers
Sri Lanka
Tamil communities celebrate Deepavali with traditional rituals, sweets, and temple visits.
Pre-Diwali celebrations provide authentic festival experiences without the heavy tourist rush.
Highlights:
- Temple processions and decorations
- Traditional Tamil dances and music
Travel Tips: - Best time: 1–2 days before Diwali
- Must-eat: Kavum, aluwa
- Local Experience: Attend temple rituals and Deepavali fairs
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Dubai and Abu Dhabi host grand Diwali celebrations with fireworks, shopping, and cultural events.Pre-Diwali allows you to enjoy the festival atmosphere and shop for Diwali gifts.
Highlights:
- Fireworks over cityscapes
- Shopping festivals and cultural performances
Travel Tips: - Best time: Evening before Diwali
- Must-eat: Indian sweets from festival markets
- Local Experience: Attend Diwali cultural programs and community gatherings
Southeast Asia (Singapore & Malaysia)
Streets are decorated with lights and temples host colorful rituals for Deepavali. Pre-Diwali gives you a chance to witness cultural celebrations without festival overcrowding.
Highlights:
- Street decorations and cultural fairs
- Temple rituals and music performances
Travel Tips: - Best time: Evening before Diwali
- Must-eat: Traditional Indian sweets
Local Experience: Walk through lit streets and join temple festivities
The serene season is calling… Find Your Perfect Before Diwali Journey.
During Diwali: Immersive Festival Experiences
Ready for the real deal? This year, celebrate the one and only Kesari Waali Diwali! Our Immersive Festival Experiences put you right in the middle of all the action on the big day. See the biggest lights, join the best parties, and experience the culture in a huge way. If you want a total blast of tradition, color, and unforgettable celebration, this is your tour! Celebrate the brilliance of Diwali where it shines brightest with our below tours.
Ayodhya
Witness the grand Deepotsav, where millions of diyas illuminate the city, commemorating Lord Ram’s return. Experiencing Diwali in Ayodhya during the festival is once-in-a-lifetime—the city comes alive with lights, processions, and rituals.
Highlights:
- Grand temple illuminations and cultural performances
- Reenactments of Ramayana episodes
- Millions of diyas creating a magical spectacle
Travel Tips: - Best time: 1–2 days during Diwali
- Must-eat: Pedha, malpua
- Local Experience: Join temple ceremonies and explore the city streets glowing with lamps
Odisha
Celebrate Kali Puja, marked by temple rituals and cultural performances unique to the state. Experience authentic regional traditions of Diwali, which differ from northern celebrations.
Highlights:
- Temples beautifully decorated with lamps
- Community fairs and music performances
- Traditional Odia sweets and cuisine
Travel Tips: - Best time: Evening of Kali Puja
- Must-eat: Rasgulla, chakuli pitha
- Local Experience: Witness artisans making clay idols and light lamps in local households
Gujarat
Diwali in Gujarat is lively, with diyas, crackers, and community celebrations.Be part of large-scale street celebrations and markets bustling with festive energy.
Highlights:
- Streets adorned with diyas and rangoli
- Fireworks and community pujas
- Local fairs and cultural programs
Travel Tips: - Best time: Night of Diwali
- Must-eat: Ghughra, fafda, jalebi
- Local Experience: Participate in family pujas and evening fireworks
Rajasthan (Jaipur & Udaipur)
Royal cities light up with grand decorations, cultural performances, and fireworks. Diwali here combines heritage, royal traditions, and vibrant street markets, giving a truly festive experience.
Highlights:
- Jaipur markets adorned with lights
- Fireworks over palaces and forts
- Family pujas and cultural fairs
Travel Tips:
- Best time: Night of Diwali
- Must-eat: Ghevar, dal bati churma
- Local Experience: Watch artisans making miniature diyas and hand-painted rangolis
South India
Explore Tamil Nadu and Karnataka temples during Diwali, experiencing traditional rituals and regional festivities. Experience authentic temple rituals and vibrant local culture during the festival.
Highlights:
- Temple visits and special Diwali pujas
- Cultural performances and festive sweets
- Local processions and lighting ceremonies
Travel Tips: - Best time: Diwali day
- Must-eat: Murukku, adhirasam
- Local Experience: Observe local families performing Diwali pujas and lighting lamps
This is your year for the grand spectacle. Grab Your Kesari Waali Diwali Experience Now!
After Diwali: Tranquil Retreats & Global Festivities
Don’t let the fun stop! Our Tranquil Retreats & Global Festivities tours let you chill out or keep the party going. Need a break after all the sweets? Book a tranquil retreat. Want to see how other countries celebrate afterward? Explore our global festivities! It’s the perfect way to relax and keep that holiday feeling for longer. Keep the festive spirit alive with a well-deserved post-Diwali escape.
Europe
Some cities host Indian cultural events, giving a festive vibe amidst scenic landscapes. Post-Diwali is perfect for combining festival nostalgia with sightseeing in quieter European cities.
Highlights:
- Cultural performances and Diwali-themed events
- Scenic city walks and sightseeing
Travel Tips: - Best time: 1–2 weeks after Diwali
- Must-eat: Local European cuisine plus Indian festive food
- Local Experience: Attend Diwali cultural evenings organized by Indian communities
Russia & Murmansk (Northern Lights)
Unique post-Diwali experience with mesmerizing Northern Lights and snowy landscapes. Combine Diwali glow with one of nature’s most stunning spectacles—the Aurora Borealis.
Highlights:
- Northern Lights viewing
- Husky sledding and snow adventures
- Indigenous Sami cultural experiences
Travel Tips: - Best time: 1–2 weeks after Diwali
- Must-eat: Local Russian delicacies
- Local Experience: Explore winter festivals and cultural tours
Madhya Pradesh
Temple towns and cultural hubs celebrate Diwali with lights and local festivities.Post-Diwali, you can enjoy temples and fairs with fewer crowds.
Highlights:
- Temple rituals and lighting ceremonies
- Cultural fairs and festive sweets
Travel Tips: - Best time: Week after Diwali
- Must-eat: Poha, malpua
- Local Experience: Attend local temple rituals and explore historic sites
Kashmir & Vaishno Devi
Spiritual pilgrimage destinations offering serene landscapes and sacred rituals. Post-Diwali travel avoids peak pilgrimage crowds, letting you enjoy the spiritual aura.
Highlights:
- Pilgrimage rituals at Vaishno Devi
- Snow-covered landscapes and temple illuminations
Travel Tips: - Best time: Week after Diwali
- Must-eat: Kashmiri kahwa, local sweets
- Local Experience: Participate in temple ceremonies and scenic treks
Himalayas
Celebrate Diwali in tranquil Himalayan landscapes with temples and local rituals. Experience serene mountain views and community celebrations after the festival rush.
Highlights:
- Mountain temples decorated with lamps
- Local fairs and sweets
Travel Tips: - Best time: 1 week after Diwali
- Must-eat: Himachali siddu and patande
- Local Experience: Join locals in lighting lamps and experiencing mountain rituals
Nepal
Nepali version of Diwali called Tihar, celebrating with unique rituals, lights, and cultural performances. Tihar extends the festive spirit, offering a cross-cultural Diwali experience.
Highlights:
- Lighting diyas and candles
- Worshipping animals like cows, dogs, and crows
- Cultural dances and music
Travel Tips: - Best time: 1–2 weeks after Indian Diwali
- Must-eat: Sel roti, local sweets
Local Experience: Walk through streets lit with lamps and participate in Tihar celebrations
Egypt
Indian communities celebrate Diwali with cultural events amidst historic backdrops. Post-Diwali cultural events allow travelers to combine festive nostalgia with exploring ancient sites.
Highlights:
- Cultural gatherings and Diwali-themed programs
- Historic sightseeing and photography opportunities
Travel Tips: - Best time: 1–2 weeks after Diwali
- Must-eat: Indian sweets at cultural events
- Local Experience: Join community celebrations and explore local markets
Don’t let the Diwali magic fade away. Plan Your After Diwali Adventure Today.
This Diwali holiday in India, elevate your festive experience by exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Indian & international destinations through curated Diwali celebration tours in India by Kesari. Whether you’re drawn to the spiritual Diwali experiences in India at Ayodhya, the royal illuminations of Rajasthan, or the serene backwaters of Kerala, Kesari’s specially designed itineraries ensure an unforgettable Diwali vacation.
From pre-Diwali vacation to post-festival retreats, Kesari offers a wide range of Diwali holiday packages that cater to every traveler’s wish. Embark on a journey that blends tradition, festivity, and exploration, and witness the best places to celebrate Diwali in India.
Explore the full range of spectacular Diwali experiences and book your most joyous journey with Kesari Tours today.