Diwali Beyond Home: 5 Magical Places to Visit

Whether you want to watch thousands of lamps line a sacred waterway, walk around beautifully lit streets or learn more about how these regions celebrate this festival of lights, you’ll find a fresh way to celebrate by visiting one of these 5 spots in India.

Ayodhya, U.P. is a really special place to spend Diwali as it is associated with Lord Rama. The city is famous for Deepotsav which involves lining the riverside and public areas with rows of clay lamps. Visiting Ram Ki Paidi and visiting the significant temples within the city will provide a memorable experience. However, you will likely find it quite busy during the peak of the celebrations.

Why go? To really experience Diwali and discover more about the religious traditions and stunning light displays Ayodhya is the place to go.

Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan, is a wonderful place to visit for Diwali. The markets and historic streets are beautifully decorated.

Explore areas like Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar to browse jewellery, fabrics, crafts and traditional gifts. In the daytime you can also visit the forts and palaces in the city.

Why visit? Jaipur is perfect for those wanting to combine shopping, local food, historic sites and bright views.

Amritsar, in Punjab, has a very emotional atmosphere during Diwali. As it falls on Bandi Chhor Divas, a Sikh tradition, it celebrates the freedom of Guru Hargobind Sahib and his return along with other princes.

The temple is beautifully decorated with lights. The atmosphere is very unique as you’ll hear prayers and see reflections in the sacred pool. Be respectful with your clothing and ensure you follow the guidelines. There will likely be busy crowds.

Why visit? Amritsar is a meaningful place to visit if you’re interested in religious traditions, history and want a peaceful moment.

During Diwali in Kolkata it also falls on Kali Puja where people pray to Goddess Kali. Temples and local pandals become key places to visit. They are beautifully decorated with intricate designs.This creates a unique festive feeling in the city. Whilst you’ll be familiar with the traditions elsewhere, you can learn about the religious traditions in Bengal, local food and culture.

Why visit? If you love learning about local festivals, unique traditions and bustling cities then Kolkata is the spot.

Udaipur in Rajasthan is a great place to visit as it has amazing lakes and for the shopping even, it has a great taste you can find for Diwali vibe. For shopping, whatever you want to shop for a Diwali vibe, you can get all right there. So that is the reason Udaipur is also your go-to-go bucket list if you are someone who loves shopping. That is a must-go place.

Why visit? Udaipur is perfect for couples, families and those wanting to combine historic sites, beautiful lakes and a more relaxed holiday.

As Diwali can be a busy time to travel, here are some tips to help you plan.

Book in advance – Compare prices for trains, planes and hotels.

Check local events – Ensure you know what events are happening, if there are any entry fees and any road closures.

Be flexible – Some popular temples, markets and event locations can be busy.

Have a realistic budget – Think about how much you’ll spend on transport, accommodation, food and local transport.

Pick the right spot – Ayodhya/Amritsar for a spiritual vibe, Jaipur/Kolkata for culture or Udaipur for a scenic spot.

This Diwali, make sure wherever you go, you just go with your family and spend some more time together. And even if you are planning to go Ayodhya, so make sure you feel the place so intensely that coming there gets worth it even more. Because on this occasion, Diwali, Ayodhya is full on, and that's the best place to visit. The rest is up to you, wherever you want to go and explore. So just enjoy and keep the environment in a safer hand, nice and clean.

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