The festival of lights, also known as Diwali or Deepawali, is more than simply a vacation; it is the manifestation of India’s radiant spirit over five days of communal celebration, cultural majesty, and spiritual devotion. It symbolizes the victory of knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and light over darkness. However, each location weaves its own distinct thread of tradition, myth, and spectacle, creating a rich tapestry of celebration.

Diwali in India is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, from the serene, spiritual illumination of the Himalayan riverbanks to the clamor of a million lamps reflected in a desert lake. I’ve put up the ultimate list of the top ten destinations to visit during this auspicious period, each of which offers a unique and remarkable glimpse into Indian culture, as your own Indian travel and cultural expert.

1. Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): The Eternal City in a Blaze of Glory

Why visit?  India’s spiritual capital, Varanasi, is an old city beside the Ganges River. This already powerful energy is amplified tenfold during Diwali, turning the city into a magical “City of Lights” that appears to float on the river. Tradition in its most stunning and unadulterated form can be seen here.

What to experience:

• A Million Diyas on the Ghats: The defining image of a Varanasi Diwali is the spectacle of thousands of tiny earthen diyas (lamps) lining all 88 ghats (steps leading to the river). Every single step and crevice is illuminated, creating a golden, shimmering shoreline that stretches for miles. Locals float these lamps down the Ganges, offering a luminous prayer to the sacred river.
• The Mesmerizing Ganga Aarti: The evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a ritual of profound beauty, involving synchronized movements of large brass lamps, chanting, and incense. During Diwali, the Aarti becomes even more spectacular, with vast crowds and the added backdrop of fireworks reflecting off the water.
• Dev Deepawali: The Diwali of the Gods: While the main Diwali falls on the day of Lakshmi Puja, the most magnificent event—Dev Deepawali (Diwali of the Gods)—occurs about fifteen days later on the day of Kartik Purnima. It is said the Gods descend to earth to bathe in the Ganges on this night, and every single ghat glows with millions of lamps lit in their honour. This is the ultimate visual spectacle, a true living painting.
• Culinary Delights: No Varanasi experience is complete without trying the local street food, especially Kachori Sabzi and the creamy local sweet, Malaiyo, a winter delicacy that begins to appear around the festival season.

Pro Tip: Take a boat ride at dusk. Hire a private boat before sunset and glide down the river as the diyas are being lit. The view from the water of the entire city’s reflection is not just photogenic; it’s an intensely spiritual and unforgettable moment of pure magic.

2. Jaipur (Rajasthan): The Pink City Turned Golden

Why visit? Rajasthan’s capital, Jaipur, is known as the “Pink City” because to its rose-colored architecture. It transforms into a spectacle of purposeful, brilliant light displays that highlight the city’s architectural pride during Diwali, when it loses its pink cloak for a golden glow. The celebration here is less about a river ritual and more about a magnificent urban light festival.

What to experience:

• The Illuminated Bazaars (Markets): The primary allure of Jaipur’s Diwali is the stunning illumination of its historic markets. Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, and MI Road are lit up with intricate, architectural lighting designs. The local government organises competitions for the best-decorated market and building, prompting dazzling and creative displays that draw visitors from around the globe.
• A Royal View from Above: The forts and palaces—especially the Nahargarh Fort and the Amber Fort—are beautifully lit, but they also serve as perfect vantage points. Climb to the top of Nahargarh Fort after dark to witness a panoramic view of the entire, sprawling city sparkling beneath you.
• Diwali Melas and Shopping: The festival is a prime time for street shopping. The bazaars are bustling with vendors selling traditional Rajasthani bandhani fabrics, lac bangles, and festive decorations. Indulge in local sweets like the saffron-infused Ghevar and the flaky Soan Papdi.

Pro Tip: Visit the Choti Chaupar area after dark. This central intersection often has the most elaborate and photogenic lighting displays, making it the perfect place to soak in the festive buzz and capture the spirit of the illuminated Pink City.

3. Amritsar (Punjab): The Festival of Bandi Chhor Diwas

Why visit? Amritsar’s Diwali is special since it falls on the same day as Bandi Chhor Diwas, which is a very important Sikh holiday and frequently eclipses it. It marks the day that 52 Hindu rulers and the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, were freed from captivity. The beautiful Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), where the spiritual and the magnificent converge, is the main attraction of the festival.

What to experience:

• The Glinting Golden Temple: The temple truly lives up to its name. Adorned with countless lights, the shimmering golden structure is reflected perfectly in the sacred Sarovar (pond), creating a surreal, ethereal glow. The entire complex is decorated with intricate deepmala (lighting arrangements).
• Spiritual Kirtans and Fireworks: The atmosphere is profoundly spiritual, filled with Kirtan (devotional singing) and chanting throughout the day. In the evening, a spectacular display of fireworks erupts over the Sarovar, illuminating the entire temple complex and reflecting the colours in the holy water.
• The Langar Experience: Partake in the Guru-ka-Langar, the community kitchen that feeds tens of thousands of people daily, showcasing the spirit of selfless service (seva) that defines the Sikh faith.
• Local Food Trails: Amritsar is a food lover’s paradise. Don’t miss the local Lassi, the famous Amritsari Kulcha, and the rich, decadent Pinni and other festive sweets.

Pro Tip: Attend the evening Palki Sahib ceremony. This ritual involves carrying the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Scripture) from the main shrine to the Akal Takht for the night’s rest. It is a deeply moving, surreal experience of devotion and reverence, amplified by the illuminated surroundings.

4. Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh): The Epicenter of the Rama Legend

Why visit? Ayodhya is the legendary and spiritual birthplace of Lord Ram, whose return following his 14-year exile and victory over Ravana is the main mythology underlying the celebration of Diwali in North India. In an effort to recreate the fabled welcome, the city has evolved into the festival’s global hub.

What to experience:

• The Deepotsav World Record: Ayodhya hosts the magnificent Deepotsav—a festival of lamps—that annually sets new Guinness World Records for the most oil lamps lit simultaneously in one place. Millions of diyas are lit across the banks of the Sarayu River and throughout the city, transforming it into a sight of almost unbelievable luminescence.
• Ramayana-Themed Spectacles: The celebrations are characterized by elaborate cultural performances, Ramleela (dramatic enactments of the Ramayana), and grand royal processions featuring costumed characters of Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshmana, often traveling on chariots.
• Ghat Illumination: The Ram ki Paidi ghats along the Sarayu River are the main stage for the Deepotsav. Thousands of volunteers work tirelessly to light the lamps, symbolizing the illumination of the world upon Ram’s return. The sight of millions of lamps gently flickering on the water’s edge is intensely beautiful and spiritual.

Pro Tip: Book early. Given the scale and global attention of the Deepotsav, accommodation fills up weeks and even months in advance. To witness the record-breaking main event, arrive at the riverbanks very early to secure a viewing spot.

5. Udaipur (Rajasthan): A Jewel Box by the Water

Why visit?  Udaipur offers a more subdued, romantic Diwali celebration than Jaipur’s opulent, illuminated streets. The City of Lakes serves as a background for the light displays, creating the illusion of a scenario from a fairy tale with its glistening water features and imposing palaces. The city’s festive splendor is doubled by the lights, which are more than just a show.

What to experience:

• Reflections on Lake Pichola: The most iconic view is of the illuminated palaces reflected on the still waters of Lake Pichola. The City Palace, the Lake Palace (Taj Jagmand), and the surrounding Havelis are decked out with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical, cinematic cityscape.
• The Local Mela and Bazaars: The local markets buzz with activity, selling Rajasthani handicrafts, miniature paintings, and festive attire. The Diwali Mela at Fateh Sagar Lake or similar local grounds offers cultural performances, food stalls, and carnival rides.
• Palace Illumination: Visiting the City Palace complex at night during Diwali is essential. The palace’s massive structure is entirely illuminated, emphasizing its intricate architecture and royal scale.

Pro Tip: Take a rooftop dinner cruise or book a meal overlooking the lake. Dining at a lakeside restaurant or ghat gives you the perfect, uninterrupted view of the fireworks and the illuminated palaces, providing the most romantic and sophisticated Diwali experience on this list.

6. Kolkata (West Bengal): The Power of the Mother Goddess (Kali Puja)

Why visit? Kolkata celebrates a distinct, potent heavenly energy during Diwali. Here, the celebration falls on the same day as Kali Puja, which honors Goddess Kali, the Divine Mother’s ferocious and powerful aspect. The celebrations get a special, deep commitment as the city turns its attention from the softer Goddess Lakshmi to the powerful, guardian force of Kali.

What to experience:

• Midnight Worship and Grand Pandals: The main day involves elaborate, midnight worship (puja) of Goddess Kali in homes and, more visibly, in large, temporary temples known as pandals. These pandals are artistically created, housing grand, often imposing clay idols of the Goddess. The intensity of the devotion is palpable.
• Floral Decorations and Unique Art: While lights are part of the decor, Kolkata’s festival is dominated by the exquisite artistry of the pandals, vibrant floral decorations, and the unique, black and gold-adorned clay idols of Kali.
• Street Food and Sweets: The Bengali affinity for sweets shines during this time. Indulge in traditional Bengali sweets like Sandesh, Mishti Doi, and the deep-fried Luchi-Torkari (puri and vegetable curry) found at numerous street stalls.
• Lamps on the Hooghly: Like Varanasi, lamps and fireworks are set off along the banks of the Hooghly River, where a special Ganga Aarti is also held, albeit with a focus on Kali and the river’s local significance.

Pro Tip: Visit Kalighat Temple or Dakshineswar Kali Temple. These are two of the most significant Kali temples. Visiting on the night of Kali Puja offers the most authentic, powerful, and deeply traditional celebration, filled with the sound of dhak drums and fervent prayers.

7. Delhi: Where Tradition Meets Metropolitan Glamour

Why visit? Delhi, the capital of India, provides a full Diwali experience that combines the city’s modern way of life with ancient customs. Traditional pujas, a thriving social calendar, and a tonne of economic activity make up this event.

What to experience:

• The Buzz of Festive Markets: Delhi’s markets are legendary for Diwali shopping. Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi is chaotic, historic, and filled with a dazzling array of traditional wares, sweets, and decorations. In contrast, Khan Market and Dilli Haat offer curated craft items, eco-friendly products, and high-end festive apparel.
• Luxury and Social Celebrations: The capital is famous for its elaborate, high-society Diwali Parties, often hosted by luxury hotels and wealthy families. These events are a showcase of modern Indian fashion, gourmet food, and grand décor.
• Akshardham Illumination: A must-visit is the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple. Its intricate architecture is gloriously lit up, and its grand light and sound show (Water Show) takes on a special, festive significance.
• Laxmi Puja Grandeur: Homes and businesses across the city engage in a grand Lakshmi Puja on the main day, invoking the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, followed by large firework displays in the evening.

Pro Tip: Explore Lodhi Colony. Known as Delhi’s original art district, this area often features eco-friendly Diwali décor, pop-up art installations, and curated social events that provide a glimpse of a more modern, sustainable, and artistic celebration.

8. Pushkar (Rajasthan): The Spiritual-Carnival Blend

Why visit? Due to its excellent synchronization with the world-famous Pushkar Camel Fair (Pushkar Mela), Pushkar delivers a once-in-a-lifetime Diwali experience. This produces a special ambiance where intense spirituality and a vivid, lively desert carnival collide.

What to experience:

• A Mix of Mela and Devotion: The town is filled with camel traders, folk performers, acrobats, and tourists, yet the spiritual core remains. The combination of the sacred Diwali lamps and the Mela’s vibrant colors is captivating.
• Sunset at Pushkar Lake: The holy Pushkar Lake is the spiritual heart of the town. During Diwali, a mesmerizing sight unfolds: the ghats are lit with hundreds of diyas, and the sunset over the desert hills provides a breathtaking backdrop for the flickering lamps on the water.
• Desert Festivities: The Mela grounds are buzzing with activities: hot air ballooning, camel safaris, traditional Rajasthani music (Manganiyar and Langa folk music), and markets selling exquisite camel decorations and desert crafts.
• Temple Visit: The iconic Brahma Temple (one of the very few in the world dedicated to Lord Brahma) is beautifully adorned and is a key site for Diwali prayers.

Pro Tip: Stay in a desert camp. Book a luxury tented accommodation outside the main town. This allows you to witness the fireworks and the vast, starry desert sky, providing a more authentic, tranquil Rajasthani experience away from the mela’s hustle, with the festive lights still visible in the distance.

9. Rishikesh (Uttarakhand): The Quiet, Himalayan Illumination

Why visit? Rishikesh is the perfect place for those looking for a more calm, introspective, and spiritual Diwali away from the bustle of the metropolis. The festival here, which is held on the banks of the holy Ganges in the foothills of the Himalayas, focuses on inner illumination and serene devotion.

What to experience:

• Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat: Similar to Varanasi, Rishikesh hosts a beautiful evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. However, the energy here is calmer, framed by the misty mountains and the crisp Himalayan air. Thousands of small lamps are set adrift on the Ganges, creating a quiet river of light.
• Yoga and Meditation Retreats: Many ashrams and wellness centers offer special Diwali-themed yoga and meditation retreats. The festive energy is channeled into spiritual practices, making it an ideal time for personal reflection and wellness.
• A Calm yet Festive Atmosphere: The bridges (Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula) and the surrounding cafes are lit up, but the overall atmosphere is one of peaceful reverence. It’s perfect for a spiritual traveler seeking the essence of the festival without the intense crowds and noise.

Pro Tip: Join a candle-light meditation by the river. Many ashrams and local centers organize quiet, focused meditation sessions on the ghats or banks of the Ganga. The serenity of meditating by the illuminated river, with the sound of the flowing water, is an unparalleled experience of peace.

10. Madurai (Tamil Nadu): The Dawn of Deepavali

Why visit? In a temple city like Madurai, celebrating Lord Krishna’s triumph over the demon Narakasura, Diwali (known as Deepavali in the South) offers a distinctive and distinctive cultural character. The food customs, timing, and rituals are very different from those in the North, providing a novel and profoundly cultural viewpoint.

What to experience:

• The Early Morning Oil Bath (Ganga Snanam): The biggest difference is the timing. Festivities kick off before sunrise on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi (which is the main Deepavali day in the South). Families perform “Ganga Snanam”—a sacred oil bath using sesame oil. This ritual, believed to be as purifying as bathing in the Ganges, symbolises washing away the darkness and sins of the past year.
• Pre-Sunrise Firework Spectacle: Since the victory over Narakasura is believed to have happened at dawn, the sound of firecrackers begins well before the sun rises, not late at night as in the North. This creates a thrilling atmosphere of anticipation as the day breaks.
• Meenakshi Temple Illumination: The magnificent, multi-hued Meenakshi Amman Temple is beautifully decorated and illuminated. While the major festival here is the Chithirai Thiruvizha, the temple still holds special pujas for Deepavali, with its famous gopurams (gateway towers) providing a stunning visual anchor.
• The Unique Deepavali Feast: Forget Laddoos and Barfis. The star sweets here are traditional Tamil delicacies like the crispy, coiled savory Murukku, the jaggery-infused Adhirasam (a donut-like sweet), and rich Mysore Pak. Many families also prepare a home-made herbal remedy called Deepavali Marundhu to aid digestion after the feast.

Pro Tip: Experience a traditional Tamil household Deepavali. The heart of the festival is in the home and community. If possible, arrange to be a guest of a local family—this is the only way to fully appreciate the early-morning rituals, the specific food, and the deeply cultural, joyous energy.

Bonus Hidden Gem: Nashik (Maharashtra)

Why visit? Nashik, a pilgrimage city on the banks of the Godavari River, offers a genuine Maharashtrian Diwali that is more subdued, incredibly traditional, and less tourist-heavy. The traditional five-day festival format and the river’s purity are the main attractions of the celebration.

What to experience:

• Naraka Chaturdashi Rituals: Like in the South, the day of Naraka Chaturdashi is crucial, beginning with the traditional oil bath and the start of festive cooking.
• Godavari Ghats at Dusk: The Ghats along the holy Godavari River are lined with oil lamps, offering a peaceful and beautiful contrast to the massive scale of Varanasi or Ayodhya.
• Traditional Maharashtrian Feasts: Indulge in local sweets like Anarse and Chirote, and the savory delicacies of the Faral (Diwali snack platter), including Chakli and Shankar Pali.

Essential Diwali Travel Tips from Your Expert

To navigate this vibrant, sometimes chaotic, yet always magical festival, keep these expert tips in mind:

• Book Early, Extremely Early: Diwali is the biggest travel week in India. Flights, trains, and quality hotels in popular destinations like Ayodhya, Amritsar, and Udaipur will be completely booked or exorbitantly priced if left until the last minute. Plan your trip at least 3-6 months in advance.
• Dress Bright, Dress Traditional: Indians dress in their finest, newest, and brightest traditional attire (sarees, salwar suits, Kurtas) for Diwali. Wearing traditional Indian clothes not only helps you blend in but also significantly enhances your own festive experience.
• Try Local Sweets (Mithai): Each region’s Diwali is defined by its food. Do not stick to the generic Gulab Jamun. Seek out local specialties: Ghevar in Jaipur, Adhirasam in Madurai, Pinni in Amritsar, and Sandesh in Kolkata.
• Embrace Eco-Consciousness: While fireworks are traditional, the resulting pollution is a major concern. Seek out community gatherings and destinations (like Rishikesh) that emphasize reusable diyas and eco-friendly decorations. Support local potters by buying earthen lamps over electric lights.
• The Power of Shared Celebration: The best Diwali memories are made with locals. If invited to a private home for puja or a meal, accept! It is a profound honour and a chance to experience the warmth and heart of the festival, which truly lies within the Indian family.

Diwali is a festival of illumination in every sense—it illuminates the sky with fireworks, homes with diyas, and the heart with joy and hope. No matter which of these destinations you choose, you are guaranteed to leave with a soul alight and a memory as rich and golden as the lights themselves.

Happy Diwali!