Diwali time promises to be a celebration of lights, festivities, and endless laughter with your family and friends. But you know what makes it even more special? Turning the festive break into a much-deserved getaway! Whether you’re craving beachside bliss or a hillside retreat, we’ve got you covered. We’ve got a long list of the best Diwali long weekend getaways 2025. So, sit back, read on, and enjoy planning a Diwali long weekend with your loved ones!
6 Best Places To Visit During Diwali 2025
1. Varanasi
Why visit: If there’s a place in Diwali where the warmth of Diwali is felt in its truest sense, it has to be Varanasi. The ancient city turns into a celestial spectacle during Dev Deepawali as well as Diwali celebrations. Witness thousands of earthen diyas lit in almost every corner of the city’s lanes and streets. Plus, the ghats of Varanasi are a divine spectacle in itself during Diwali, especially the Manikarnika Ghat, Dashashwamedh Ghat, and Assi Ghat. These ghats have some of the most vibrant Diwali celebrations, including Ganga Aartis and fireworks painting the night sky.
Tourist attractions: Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum, Tibetan Temple
Nearest airport: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (approx 24 km)
Nearest major cities: Lucknow (approx 290 km), Prayagraj (approx 132 km)
2. Thanjavur
Why visit: Down South, Thanjavur is an ancient city that celebrates Diwali with unparalleled grandeur. Each palace, temple, and historic landmark in the city transforms into a venue of celebration. The city, through its radiant blend of tradition and culture, boasts of bustling streets where the aroma of Mysore pak and marigold garlands wafts through the air. Visit the palaces, watch artisans craft handicrafts and decorations, and enjoy the delicious Thanjavur food. It’s a city in South India where tradition comes alive and intertwines with local rituals and festivities.
Tourist attractions: Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur Maratha Palace, Saraswati Mahal Library, Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
Nearest airport: Tiruchirapalli International Airport (approx 62 km)
Nearest major cities: Tiruchirapalli (approx 59 km), Madurai (approx 182 km), Dindigul (162 km)
3. Gokarna
Why visit: Who says Diwali can’t be celebrated by the sea? Gokarna is a small coastal town that comes alive with the festive spirit during Diwali. As one of the best destinations for solo travel, Gokarna is also one of the best places to visit during Diwali 2025. If you’re looking for a calm beach retreat, complete with sandy shores, temple bells, ocean waves, and crimson sunsets, Gokarna is definitely the place for you. Stroll on the beaches, visit the temples, or simply explore the hiking trails; there’s so much to do in Gokarna!
Tourist attractions: Om Beach, Kudle Beach, Shri Mahabaleshwara Temple, Half Moon Beach, Mirjan Fort
Nearest airport: Dabolim International Airport (approx 137 km)
Nearest major cities: Karwar (approx 48 km), Mangalore (approx 231 km), Panjim (145 km)
4. Jaipur
Why visit: Trust the Pink City of India to turn Diwali celebrations into a gala of exuberance and grandiosity! Jaipur is a vibrant city in Rajasthan with plenty of famous tourist attractions, grand temples, historic landmarks, and forts where you can easily spend your Diwali weekend. Each street, each market comes alive with golden hues and transforms into a glittering paradise for foodies and shoppers, respectively. Make sure to savor local delicacies like the ghevar, kalakand, and ladoos that are especially in demand during Diwali. And do not miss the spectacular sunsets and the fireworks that will follow them!
Tourist attractions: Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mahal, The City Palace, Nahargarh Fort, Jaigarh Fort
Nearest airport: Jaipur International Airport (approx 12 km)
Nearest major cities: New Delhi (approx 300 km), Udaipur (approx 397 km)
5. Darjeeling
Why visit: This Diwali, why not trade glowing city lights for a starry Himalayan escapade in Darjeeling? Perched amid misty mountains, lush tea gardens, and British-era landmarks, Darjeeling is a town that quaintly and calmly celebrates Diwali. You’ll come across thriving markets, homes twinkling with diyas, and temples and monasteries lit up with oil lamps. The market streets and town squares waft with the aroma of freshly baked delicacies and local food. In this festive season, you can opt for a scenic toy train ride, sip freshly brewed tea, and enjoy breathtaking sunrises. It’s the perfect place to unwind this Diwali, making it one of the best Diwali long weekend getaways 2025.
Tourist attractions: Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, Yiga Choeling Monastery, Tiger Hill, Darjeeling Ropeway, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
Nearest airport: Bagdogra International Airport (approx 69 km)
Nearest major cities: Siliguri (approx 62 km), Kalimpong (approx 50 km)
6. Rishikesh
Why Visit: The vibe in Rishikesh during Diwali is an elegant combination of spiritual and soulful. The city, considered to be one of the most prominent ones for Hindu devotees, mainly due to its significance in Hinduism. Rishikesh comes alive with lights, temple rituals, and chants, with the vibe becoming especially festive during Diwali. The Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat is particularly mesmerizing – hundreds of diyas floating down the mighty river as devotees take a holy dip. It’s a Diwali that feels more like a spiritual reset than a getaway.
Tourist attractions: Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, The Beatles Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport (approx 15 km)
Nearest major cities: Dehradun (approx 38 km), Roorkee (approx 59 km)
Best Destinations For Diwali Celebration In India
Best Places To Visit Near Delhi During Diwali 2025
- Agra
- Nainital
- Mussoorie
- Shimla
- Rishikesh
Best Places To Visit Near Pune During Diwali 2025
- Mahabaleshwar
- Tapola
- Alibaug
Best Places To Visit Near Mumbai During Diwali 2025
- Alibaug
- Daman & Diu
- Palghar
Best Places To Visit Near Bangalore During Diwali 2025
- Coorg
- Ooty
- Gokarna
- Chikmaglur
Best Places To Visit Near Kolkata During Diwali 2025
- Darjeeling
- Shillong
- Mandarmani
Best Places To Visit Near Chennai During Diwali 2025
- Pondicherry
- Mahabalipuram
- Ooty
- Vellore
- Tirupati
Summing Up
Ready for Diwali long weekend trips? This festive season, it’s time to pack your bags, get your festive fits ready, and turn up the dazzling quotient in a peaceful getaway. These weekend getaways are just perfect for enjoying Diwali – be it the coastal allure of Gokarna or the Victorian charm of Darjeeling. So, which destination is on your mind this Diwali long weekend?
