The “festival of lights” is celebrated with great ceremony and excitement in all parts of India, and the capital Delhi is no exception. The electric festival atmosphere, crowded night markets, traditional sweets and meet-ups with loved ones make this period one of the most special times of the year. However, the haze of air pollution that lingers day and night and the incessant lighting of firecrackers, despite a city-wide ban, are the least enjoyable aspects of Diwali celebrations in the city.
If you’re considering taking a holiday for the Diwali long weekend from Delhi, here are the best offbeat places you should consider.
This holy city is situated in the Shivalik ranges of Uttarakhand and is one of the top offbeat places to visit during Diwali. If you thought the evening aarti at Har ki Pauri, a sacred ghat, is a splendid visual spectacle at most times of the year, then the Diwali festivities take it up a notch. The number of diyas that float on the Ganges River light up the sky even at night, and the joy of people milling about is infectious. In the evening, people gather together to eat and chat. Furthermore, the clear skies and mild temperatures of late October provide the perfect setting for outdoor activities and exploration. Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll along the ghats or participating in an early morning yoga session by the river, Haridwar’s serene ambience invites visitors to slow down and savour each moment.
Take a flight to Dehradun Airport (DED) or the train to Haridwar Junction (HW). Buses and taxis travel to the city from Delhi, which is approximately 212 kilometres away.
The “City of Lakes” plays host to the Udaipur Light Festival every year during Diwali. This year’s festivities took place on October 27, with lanterns and fireworks lighting up the sky over Lake Pichola. During Diwali, visitors to Udaipur can enjoy the decked-out royal palaces and vibrant night markets. Local sweet shops prepare an array of traditional sweets, including barfis, laddoos and the popular ghevar. There are cultural events, music performances and traditional dance shows to attend in nearly every neighbourhood, along with the ubiquitous melas where vendors sell crafts, food and festive items.
Take a flight to Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) or the train to Udaipur City Railway Station (UDZ). Buses and taxis travel to the city from Delhi, which is approximately 728 kilometres away.
This village in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand attracts visitors looking to soak in its natural beauty, bird watch and meditate. The solitude of Mukteshwar is a world away from the chaos and bustle of Delhi. The fruit orchards and coniferous forests of the area are perfect for long walks and hikes that reconnect people with the more-than-human world. Check out the Chauli ki Jali cliffs, the Starscapes Observatory for a guided tour of the night sky, and the 350-year-old Mukteshwar Dham Temple while you’re here.
Take a flight to Pantnagar Airport (PGH) or the train to Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM). Buses and taxis travel to the town from Delhi, which is approximately 339 kilometres away.
Chandigarh is a popular offbeat getaway from Delhi during the Diwali season because of its quieter pace of life. However, that does not mean that the “festival of lights” is not celebrated with pomp and fervour here. Most markets are decorated with attractive lighting displays and elaborate floral arrangements. The popular shopping hub of Sector 17 has a stunning umbrella decoration reminiscent of Portugal’s famous “Umbrella Street.” Over 5,000 colourful hanging umbrellas and 10,000 lights have been set up with artificial plants and mirrors near the fountains of the market. Despite the loveliness of the city, air pollution peaks during this time, much like many other places in North India. Do your bit to not burst firecrackers and enjoy the beauty of the Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Sukhna Lake and Topiary Park.
Take a flight to Chandigarh Airport (IXC) or the train to Chandigarh Railway Station (CDG). Buses and taxis travel to the city from Delhi, which is approximately 261 kilometres away.
When it comes to celebrating Diwali amid snow-capped mountains and roaring rivers, Manali stands out. The cool climate of October with little to no air pollution makes it a wonderful getaway from Delhi. Explore the town’s numerous religious sites, like the Hidimba Devi Temple and the Himalayan Nyinmapa Buddhist Temple; paraglide and zipline your way through the Solang Valley; take in the cosy comforts of the cafés and restaurants that dot Old Manali; and shop at popular markets like Mall Road and the Tibetan Market for handicrafts and souvenirs.
Take a flight to Kullu-Manali Airport (KUU) or the train to Joginder Nagar Railway Station (JGNX). Buses and taxis travel to the town from Delhi, which is approximately 504 kilometres away.