Best Places to Celebrate Diwali 2026: Top Destinations in India

Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, 8 November, and the long festive weekend makes it one of the best years in a while to travel for the festival of lights. Diwali is celebrated in every corner of India, but it does not look the same everywhere.

In Ayodhya, lakhs of diyas line the Saryu River to welcome Lord Ram home. In Kolkata, the same new-moon night belongs to Goddess Kali. In Amritsar, the Golden Temple glows for Bandi Chhor Divas, while in Goa, towering Narkasur effigies go up in flames before dawn.

If you want to experience Diwali beyond your own neighbourhood this year, this guide covers the 10 best places to celebrate Diwali 2026 in India, what makes each one special, the key dates, and practical tips to plan your trip.

Diwali 2026 Dates at a Glance

The main day of Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Here is how the five-day festival and the major regional celebrations line up this year.

Some panchangs place Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj a day later, so confirm with your local calendar before booking non-refundable travel.

10 Best Places to Celebrate Diwali 2026 in India

1. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: The Grandest Deepotsav in India

No city is more closely tied to Diwali than Ayodhya. The festival marks Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, and the city celebrates it with Deepotsav, a multi-day festival of lamps along the Saryu River.

The 10th edition of Deepotsav runs from 5 to 7 November 2026, with the main diya-lighting evening on 7 November, a day before Diwali. Organisers are aiming for around 33 lakh earthen lamps across Ram Ki Paidi and the surrounding ghats. For context, the 2025 edition set a Guinness World Record with more than 22 lakh diyas.

Don't miss:

• The sea of diyas at Ram Ki Paidi after sunset

• Ramayana-themed processions, cultural shows and the planned drone show

• Darshan at Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan

Getting there: Ayodhya has its own airport (Maharshi Valmiki International Airport) and two railway stations, Ayodhya Dham Junction and Ayodhya Cantt. Lucknow is the most common alternative gateway.

Tip: Arrive by 6 November. Access to the ghats is controlled on the main evening, and rooms in the city fill up weeks in advance.

Where to Stay in Ayodhya for Diwali

If you are travelling to Ayodhya for Deepotsav, Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya, managed by Sarovar Hotels, is the hotel to stay in. It sits on Fatehganj–Civil Line Road, giving you an easy base for the Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi and the Saryu ghats. Book early, as Deepotsav week is the busiest time of the year for hotels in Ayodhya.

For travellers comparing hotels in Ayodhya, Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya is an accommodation option to explore through Sarovar Hotels for temple visits, family holidays and the Deepotsav celebrations.

2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Diwali on the Ghats, Twice Over

Varanasi celebrates Diwali on 8 November with lamps on homes, temples and ghats, and the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat feels especially moving that night. But the city's real festival of lights comes later.

Dev Deepawali, the "Diwali of the gods", falls on Kartik Purnima, Tuesday 24 November 2026. On this night, the long crescent of ghats along the Ganga is lit end to end with diyas, and the river fills with boats of spectators.

Don't miss:

• Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat

• A boat ride at dusk to see the ghats from the river

• Morning walks through the old city lanes and Kashi Vishwanath Corridor

Tip: If you can only make one trip, choose based on what you want. Diwali night is more intimate and family-focused; Dev Deepawali is the grand public spectacle. Chhath Puja (13 to 16 November) also falls between the two this year, so a longer stay can cover both.

3. Jaipur, Rajasthan: The Pink City Turns Gold

Jaipur is one of the most photogenic places to spend Diwali. The city's historic markets compete to put up the most elaborate lighting, and the walled city glows from end to end.

Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Chandpole and MI Road are draped in lights, lanterns and themed installations. Hawa Mahal and the surrounding streets look spectacular after dark, and the markets are buzzing with shoppers buying sweets, jewellery and diyas.

Don't miss:

• An evening walk or rickshaw ride through the lit-up bazaars

• The view of the illuminated city from Nahargarh Fort

• Festive treats like ghewar, mawa kachori and feeni

Tip: Visit the markets a day or two before Diwali, when the lighting is up and the shopping rush is at its peak.

Where to Stay in Jaipur for Diwali

For Diwali shopping and the lit-up bazaars, stay close to MI Road. V Sarovar Portico on Sansar Chandra Road sits right next to MI Road and close to Jaipur Railway Station, while Golden Tulip Jaipur City Center and Golden Tulip Essential, Jaipur are both on MI Road near the GPO, a short ride from Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar.

If you are driving from Delhi to Jaipur, Golden Tulip Jaipur, Kukas is the hotel to stay in. It is on the Delhi side of the city, close to Amer, with a pool and spa for a relaxed festive break. Other hotels in Jaipur by Sarovar include Sarovar Premiere Jaipur on Tonk Road, Sarovar Portico Jaipur in Vaishali Nagar and Nirwana Hometel near Station Road.

Travellers searching for hotels in Jaipur can explore these Sarovar Hotels properties according to their preferred location, whether they want easy access to festive markets, heritage attractions or a quieter holiday experience.

4. Udaipur, Rajasthan: Lakes, Palaces and Floating Lights

If you want a romantic, slower-paced Diwali, Udaipur is hard to beat. The City of Lakes reflects every lamp twice, and the palaces and havelis around Lake Pichola are lit up for the festival.

The City Palace, the ghats and the old city lanes glow with diyas and fairy lights, and the sound of fireworks echoes across the water at night.

Don't miss:

• An evening boat ride on Lake Pichola

• Sunset at Gangaur Ghat or Ambrai Ghat

• The Dharohar folk dance show at Bagore Ki Haveli

Tip: Udaipur is popular with couples and families during the festive week. Book lake-view rooms early if you want to watch the lights from your window.

Where to Stay in Udaipur for Diwali

Golden Tulip Udaipur, near Sukhadia Circle, is a convenient base for a festive trip to Udaipur. From here, Lake Pichola, the City Palace and the old city ghats are an easy drive, and the hotel also works well if you plan a day trip to the Shrinathji Temple in Nathdwara.

5. Amritsar, Punjab: Bandi Chhor Divas at the Golden Temple

An old Punjabi saying goes, "Dal roti ghar di, Diwali Amritsar di" (simple food at home, but Diwali in Amritsar). It sums up why so many people travel here for the festival.

For Sikhs, the day is Bandi Chhor Divas, marking Guru Hargobind Sahib's release from Gwalior Fort along with 52 imprisoned princes. In 2026 it falls on Sunday, 8 November. The Golden Temple is lit with thousands of lamps that shimmer in the sacred sarovar, and fireworks light up the sky after dark.

Don't miss:

• The illuminated Golden Temple and its reflection in the sarovar

• Kirtan, prayers and the community langar

• The fireworks display over the temple complex

Tip: Reach Amritsar by 7 November to see the full celebrations. Hotels near the Golden Temple are the first to sell out.

Where to Stay in Amritsar for Diwali

If you are going to Amritsar for Bandi Chhor Divas, choose a hotel close to the Golden Temple. Sarovar Premiere Amritsar, near Rialto Chowk, puts you close to the Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh. Golden Sarovar Portico, Amritsar, on Ranjit Avenue, is about 10 minutes from the Golden Temple and has a rooftop poolside restaurant, ideal for watching the Diwali fireworks over the city.

For those comparing hotels in Amritsar, Sarovar Hotels offers Sarovar Premiere Amritsar and Golden Sarovar Portico as accommodation options for exploring the city's religious landmarks and festive celebrations.

6. Kolkata, West Bengal: Kali Puja Under the New Moon

While most of India worships Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali night, Bengal turns to Goddess Kali. Kali Puja falls on the same Amavasya as Diwali, Sunday 8 November 2026, and the main worship takes place around midnight.

Kolkata's Kali Puja comes close to Durga Puja in scale. Neighbourhoods set up themed pandals with striking clay idols, homes are lit with diyas and fairy lights, and the night is filled with devotional music and fireworks. West Bengal has listed 8 to 10 November as holidays for Kali Puja this year.

Don't miss:

• Midnight puja at Kalighat or Dakshineswar Kali Temple

• Pandal hopping, including the famous Kali Puja pandals of Barasat

• Bengali sweets like sandesh, rosogolla and nolen gur treats

Tip: The temples get extremely crowded close to midnight. Go early in the evening for darshan and spend the late night pandal hopping.

Where to Stay in Kolkata for Diwali

Sarovar Portico, Kolkata Rajarhat, in New Town opposite Eco Park, is a comfortable base for Kali Puja. It is close to the airport, and the city's temples and pandals are a cab ride away, so you can head out for midnight puja and come back to a quiet room.

7. Goa: Narkasur Night and Beachside Celebrations

Goa's Diwali is unlike anywhere else in India. The highlight is Narak Chaturdashi, which marks Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura.

In the weeks before the festival, local groups build giant, often terrifying effigies of Narkasur from paper, hay and wood. On the night of 7 November 2026, they are paraded through towns and villages, many as part of competitions, and then burned before dawn on 8 November. The morning that follows brings oil baths, the custom of crushing the bitter kareet fruit, and festive dishes made with fov (beaten rice).

Don't miss:

• Narkasur effigy parades in Panaji, Margao and Mapusa

• The pre-dawn effigy burning and fireworks

• A relaxed post-Diwali break on Goa's beaches

Tip: Head out from around 8 pm on 7 November. Timings and routes vary by community, so check locally on the day.

Where to Stay in Goa for Diwali

To catch the Narkasur parades in Panaji and Mapusa, base yourself in North Goa. Golden Tulip, Candolim and Park Inn by Radisson Candolim are both a short drive from Panaji and Mapusa, with Candolim beach on your doorstep for a lazy morning after the pre-dawn effigy burning.

For a livelier stay, Golden Tulip, Goa Vagator and Grand Continent, Anjuna put you near Vagator and Anjuna beaches, while Golden Tulip Goa Mandrem offers a quieter North Goa retreat. If you prefer South Goa, Sobit Sarovar Portico near Palolem is the hotel to stay in.

Travellers searching for hotels in Goa can explore these Sarovar Hotels properties in North and South Goa. Choose accommodation based on whether you prefer festive celebrations, nightlife, beach activities or a peaceful Diwali holiday.

8. Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh: Diwali in Krishna's Land

In the Braj region, Diwali is woven into the month of Kartik, a time when devotees offer lamps to Lord Krishna every evening. The celebrations peak with Govardhan Puja, the day after Diwali (9 November 2026).

On Govardhan Puja, temples prepare Annakut, a mountain of food offerings that recalls Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers of Braj. Many pilgrims also walk the 21 km Govardhan parikrama.

Don't miss:

• Evening deepdaan (lamp offering) on the Yamuna ghats

• The illuminated Prem Mandir and the ISKCON temple in Vrindavan

• Annakut darshan and the Govardhan parikrama

Tip: Banke Bihari Temple draws huge crowds through the festive week. Plan darshan for early morning and keep your belongings minimal.

Where to Stay in Mathura and Vrindavan for Diwali

If you are going from Delhi to Vrindavan for Diwali and Govardhan Puja, Nidhivan Sarovar Portico, Vrindavan is the hotel to stay in. It is within a 15-minute drive of Prem Mandir and Banke Bihari Temple. In Mathura, Skywings Sarovar Portico on Sonkh Road is a newer option and a good base for Krishna Janmabhoomi and the Govardhan parikrama.

For visitors comparing hotels in Mathura and hotels in Vrindavan, Sarovar Hotels offers Nidhivan Sarovar Portico and Skywings Sarovar Portico as stay options for temple visits, family pilgrimages and Diwali celebrations in the Braj region.

9. Haridwar and Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: A Spiritual, Peaceful Diwali

If you prefer a calmer Diwali, the holy towns on the Ganga are a beautiful choice. The festive evening Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar, with hundreds of leaf-boat diyas floating downstream, is a sight to remember.

In Rishikesh, the aarti at Triveni Ghat and Parmarth Niketan feels intimate, and the ashrams and cafes along the river are lit up for the festival. The weather in early November is pleasantly cool, which makes it ideal for walks along the river.

Don't miss:

• Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar

• Evening aarti at Triveni Ghat or Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh

• A short trek or a dip in the Ganga the morning after Diwali

Tip: This is a good pick for families, older travellers and anyone looking for a quieter, more meditative festival.

Where to Stay in Haridwar and Rishikesh for Diwali

MJ Sarovar Portico, Haridwar, on NH 34 near Shantikunj, is a convenient base for both Har Ki Pauri and Rishikesh, with a rooftop pool and an all-day dining restaurant. Ambrosia Sarovar Portico, near Patanjali Yogpeeth, is another comfortable choice among hotels in Haridwar for a calm festive break.

Travellers comparing hotels in Haridwar and hotels in Rishikesh can consider these Sarovar Hotels properties in Haridwar as convenient bases for Ganga Aarti, nearby temple visits and excursions to Rishikesh.

10. Mumbai, Maharashtra: City Lights and Diwali Pahat

Mumbai brings big-city energy to Diwali. Marine Drive, the Queen's Necklace, sparkles even brighter, and markets like Crawford Market, Dadar and Lalbaug are packed with shoppers buying lanterns, rangoli colours and faral (Diwali snacks).

A uniquely Maharashtrian tradition is Diwali Pahat, early-morning music concerts held across the city during the festival. It is a lovely, peaceful way to start a festive day.

Don't miss:

• An evening walk along Marine Drive

• Akash kandil (paper lanterns) and rangoli on display in Dadar and Shivaji Park

• A Diwali Pahat concert at dawn

Tip: Traffic in the days before Diwali is heavy. Use local trains or plan market visits for mornings.

Where to Stay in Mumbai for Diwali

For Diwali by the sea, Hotel Marine Plaza by Sarovar sits right on Marine Drive, so the Queen's Necklace is outside your door. If you are staying in the western suburbs, Residency Sarovar Portico in Goregaon West is a good base, and Majestic Court Sarovar Portico suits travellers staying in Navi Mumbai.

For visitors exploring hotels in Mumbai, Sarovar Hotels offers accommodation options across different parts of the metropolitan area. Hotel Marine Plaza, Residency Sarovar Portico and Majestic Court Sarovar Portico can be compared according to your sightseeing plans and preferred location.

Which Diwali Destination Is Right for You?

Where to Stay This Diwali: Sarovar Hotels by Destination

Sarovar Hotels has properties in nine of the ten destinations above. Here is where to stay for each Diwali trip.

For your Diwali holiday, compare hotels in Ayodhya, Jaipur, Udaipur, Amritsar, Kolkata, Goa, Mathura, Vrindavan, Haridwar and Mumbai through Sarovar Hotels. Select your preferred destination based on the festival experience, hotel location and available facilities. If you are visiting Varanasi, compare hotels in Varanasi separately for convenient access to the ghats during Diwali and Dev Deepawali.

Travel Tips for Diwali 2026

Diwali week is one of the busiest travel periods of the year in India. A little planning goes a long way.

1. Book early. Trains, flights and hotels in Ayodhya, Amritsar, Varanasi and Jaipur sell out fast. Aim to book at least three to four weeks ahead. Sarovar Hotels has properties in most destinations on this list, including Ayodhya, Jaipur, Udaipur, Amritsar, Kolkata, Goa, Vrindavan, Haridwar and Mumbai.

2. Use the long weekend. Diwali falls on a Sunday this year. Taking leave around 6 to 10 November gives you a five-day break with very few leave days.

3. Arrive a day early. Many highlights happen before Diwali itself, such as Ayodhya's Deepotsav on 7 November and Goa's Narkasur night on the 7th.

4. Expect crowds and road closures. Temple towns restrict vehicles near ghats and shrines on festival evenings. Keep comfortable footwear and be ready to walk.

5. Check local firecracker rules. Many cities, including Delhi-NCR, restrict or regulate firecrackers. Follow local guidelines and celebrate responsibly.

6. Pack for the weather. Early November is pleasant across most of India, but evenings in North India and the hills can be cool. Carry a light jacket.

7. Dress modestly for temples. Cover shoulders and knees, and carry a scarf or head covering for gurdwaras.

8. Keep valuables safe. Crowded markets and ghats attract pickpockets. Carry only what you need.

Professional CTA: Celebrate Diwali 2026 with Sarovar Hotels

Make your Diwali 2026 getaway memorable with comfortable stays at Sarovar Hotels across India's popular festive destinations. Whether you are planning to experience Deepotsav in Ayodhya, explore Jaipur's illuminated markets, enjoy Goa's festive traditions or celebrate by the Ganga in Haridwar, explore accommodation that suits your travel plans.

Choose from Sarovar Hotels properties across Ayodhya, Jaipur, Udaipur, Amritsar, Kolkata, Goa, Mathura, Vrindavan, Haridwar and Mumbai for family holidays, cultural experiences and relaxing festive breaks.

For room availability, hotel recommendations, family bookings and festive stay enquiries, contact the Sarovar Hotels reservations team.

Reservations: +91 98 8680 0049

Email: Bookings@sarovarhotels.com

Official Website: www.sarovarhotels.com