India, with its rich cultural diversity and vibrant traditions, comes alive during the festival season. The country is known for its grand celebrations, colourfuul rituals, and mouthwatering cuisine that make festivals a truly immersive experience.
In this regard, Ankit Gupta, who is the Founder and Director of Business Development at Roostels India said, “The months of October and November bring together favourable weather conditions, creating a delightful experience. These occasions serve as a perfect escape from routine life, allowing travellers to explore new destinations, immerse in diverse cultures, and create lasting memories.”
“Travelling in India during the festive season is a sensory delight, where vibrant celebrations, diverse traditions, and a spirit of unity come alive, offering a unique cultural experience. Whether it’s witnessing Diwali’s illuminating splendor or enjoying picturesque hills, India’s festive travel promises enchanting memories. As a travel enthusiast here are five destinations that are a must-vist during the festival time,” he added.
Top Destinations To Visit This Festival Season In India
Kamana Malik, who is an Assistant Professor at FOSTIIMA Business School listed down the following destinations that one can visit in India
Known as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi is a must-visit destination during the festival season. The city is famous for its grand celebration of festivals like Diwali and Chhath Puja. Witness the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti on the ghats of River Ganges, which is a spiritual spectacle unlike any other. Take a boat ride on the sacred river to experience the beauty and spirituality of Varanasi during these festivals.
The Pink City of Jaipur lights up during Diwali, making it one of the most enchanting destinations to visit during the festival season. The entire city is adorned with colorful lights, and you can experience the beauty of the illuminated City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Amer Fort. Don’t miss out on the local sweets and traditional Rajasthani dishes that are prepared during this time.
Kolkata, the cultural heart of India, is renowned for its grand Durga Puja celebrations. During this festival, the city is transformed into a massive art gallery with intricately designed Durga idols placed in beautifully decorated pandals. The atmosphere is filled with music, dance, and delicious Bengali cuisine. Join in the festivities by hopping from one pandal to another and savoring the mouth watering street food.
Amritsar, the holy city of Sikhs, is a spiritual destination that comes alive during festivals like Gurpurab and Diwali. The Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh shrine, is illuminated with thousands of lamps, creating a mesmerizing sight. Participate in the langar (community kitchen) and witness the heartwarming devotion of the Sikh community. Don’t forget to try the iconic Amritsari kulcha and lassi.
Udaipur, often called the “City of Lakes,” is a romantic and picturesque destination to visit during the festival season. Celebrations during Diwali are magical, with the entire city adorned with lights and diyas. The shimmering Lake Pichola, along with the illuminated palaces and temples, create a fairytale-like atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani meal at one of the lakeside restaurants while taking in the view.
Goa, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, also hosts unique festivals during the season. Visit Goa during Christmas and New Year’s to experience the state’s Portuguese influence with beautifully decorated churches and beachside parties. The shacks on the beaches serve delectable seafood and cocktails, making it a fantastic destination for festive revelry.
Additionally, Ankit also suggested a few more places that can be visit during the festive season:
Ahmedabad, located along the Sabarmati River, is renowned as one of India’s most vibrant cities. Despite its evolving landscape, the city’s charm remains enduring. For those planning a visit, visit key tourist attractions such as the Sabarmati Riverfront, Jama Masjid and Dada Hari Ni Vav. Ahmedabad is also home to theme-based resorts so you can explore that as well.
Travelling to Kashmir during this time offers a magical experience as the autumn leaves paint the landscape in fiery hues and the region’s serene lakes and snow-capped peaks provide a breathtaking backdrop for the festivities. From witnessing the grandeur of Dussehra processions in Srinagar to celebrating Diwali amidst the warm hospitality of local communities, the combination of natural beauty and cultural richness makes this season an ideal time to explore the “Paradise on Earth” while immersing in India’s vibrant traditions.
The picturesque Kovalam Beach in Kerala offers excellent swimming and adventure sports opportunities. Located about 16 kilometres from Kovalam, this beach is an ideal spot for sunbathing and enjoying mesmerising sunsets. The pleasant climate creates the perfect setting to explore Kerala’s splendid beaches and immerse yourself in the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. It ranks among the top destinations to visit in South India, offering breathtaking views and delectable cuisine.
Road Trips To Explore This Festive Season
Saurav Chakraborty, who is the Founder and CEO of Travel Buddy said, “Road trips have become common throughout the year rather than being limited to specific travel seasons. However, it’s worth noting that the upcoming travel season from October to December, coinciding with the festive season, is expected to witness a significant surge in travel.”
“Normally popular tourist destinations like Manali, Shimla and Goa, experience high level of crowds. Consequently, lesser-known offbeat destinations such as Gokarna and various Konkan beaches like Alibaug are also seeing more footfall. Also, the government has done some phenomenal/outstanding job in terms of road construction. For example, the Atal Tunnel has facilitated the accessibility of destinations like Tirthan and Kalpa which has been gaining popularity among road trippers,” he added.
The definition of road trips has evolved significantly, encompassing not only long journeys spanning several days but also short day trips that start in the morning and conclude by evening,” he further said.
Here are some places that you can visit on your road trip this festive season:
- Vishakhapattanam To Araku Valley:
The harmonious merger of the Bay of Bengal and the Eastern Ghats in Visakhapatnam presents a truly captivating spectacle. For anyone visiting the city for the first time, the sheer splendour of this convergence leaves an everlasting impression. However, if you want to make the trip even more special, you can embark on a journey to Araku via road and become utterly entranced by its sheer beauty. The winding pathways and the tranquil serenity of the hills combine to create an extraordinary road trip experience.
Two absolute essentials from Northeast and a trip which is challenging, yet spread across an extremely beautiful terrain. A few stops in between, and you should be able to pull it off more conveniently.
- Bangalore To Bandipur Forest:
The route from Bangalore to Bandipur Forest stands out as one of the most picturesque forest drives you’ll ever experience in India. You can also follow this same route from Mysore to Ooty, passing through the pristine expanse of Bandipur National Park. Picture yourself on a road adventure with friends in a car equipped with a sunroof, singing along as you traverse the route.
Bengalis will confidently attest to embarking on this road excursion numerous times in their life. It’s because the route is straightforward and enjoyable, ideal for a trip with friends or family, and adorned with continuous stretches of lush greenery. Digha holds a special place as a preferred weekend getaway due to its compact yet delightful character. Whether you choose to stroll along the beach or take a dip in the ocean waters, spending two days there provides a welcome break from daily concerns, allowing you to unwind and recharge.