The end of the year in the Northern Hemisphere brings with it a chill in the air, tasty seasonal food like sarson ka saag, and, of course, lots of holidays. This year, the festival of lights takes place on October 31, which many people will convert into a four-day long holiday till November 4. If you’re one of those who want to escape the urban chaos of Diwali, consider jetting off to nature retreats and wellness resorts deep in the jungles, beaches and plantations of India.
Here are some of the best places for a festive getaway this Diwali season.
The Ayatana Hospitality Group is distinguished for its chain of boutique hotels and luxury resorts across India. The Ayatana Coorg prides itself on providing a smoke- and noise-free Diwali. Offering a retreat from busy city life, the property has a wilderness spa, a private waterfall, an infinity pool, hiking trails and a rope course. It also offers off-road safari experiences and a special Kodava dance performance, among other cultural celebrations. Visitors can also bring their pets here.
Meanwhile, the Ayatana Ooty property is a luxury resort in the Nilgiris. With this season's focus on tea harvesting, guests can immerse themselves in the natural landscape by exploring the lush tea plantations and enjoying breathtaking views of the mist-covered hills. There will be bonfire experiences to connect with fellow travellers, a nature session with a naturalist who studies reptiles and amphibians, a Baduga dance performance, a mehendi (henna tattoo) session, and a recital by a flautist.
Lastly, the Azora Goa in Morjim blends Santorini-inspired wooden cottages and a stunning lagoon pool to provide guests with the perfect deluxe experience. Visitors can taste authentic Goan delicacies at their in-house restaurant, CATCH; relax by their private pool villas; enjoy floating breakfasts; have high-tea sessions in the evenings; dine under the stars; belt out karaoke tunes; and soak in the views of the ocean.
Situated on the edge of Ranthambhore National Park and against the beautiful backdrop of the Aravalli Hills, the luxurious 10-tented Aman-i-Khas offers incomparable privacy and daily safaris that seek out the reserve’s wildlife. Diwali comes to life at the camp with the warm glow of hundreds of handmade diyas. Join the puja ceremony on the lawn to welcome the goddess Lakshmi, after which you can enjoy traditional Diwali sweets and a special festive menu prepared by the chefs.
Rambha Palace is a beautifully restored 18th-century boutique luxury palace hotel along the banks of the revered Chilika Lake in Odisha. Steeped in history and grandeur, the property combines luxury with the state’s rich cultural heritage. It features a presidential villa and 14 suites adorned with traditional Odia art, refurbished 18th-century furniture and antique carpets. The property offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities—hosting over a million birds in winter—and is the breeding grounds of the endangered olive ridley turtles. Guests can enjoy boat rides to spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins and engage in exclusive activities like blackbuck safaris, Ayurvedic therapies and personalised wellness meals. Rambha Palace’s unique culinary offerings highlight local Odia flavours and include al fresco dining, complemented by an exclusive darshan at the Jagannath Temple of Puri.
Niraamaya Retreats has a catalogue of opulent private sanctuaries that are cocooned in nature's embrace. Meticulously crafted with the utmost attention to detail, they can be found in some of India's most breathtaking enclaves, like Chikkamagaluru, Kohima, Thekkady, Benaulim, Bengaluru, Kovalam, and more. Their multi-award-winning Niraamaya Spa is a repertoire of wellness therapies that rejuvenate the mind, body and soul, such as traditional Ayurveda and yoga. Guests are introduced to the destination's cultural legacy and treated to a gastronomic extravaganza that embodies the region's magnificence. Designed with an unparalleled emphasis on spaciousness and privacy, the residences provide a sense of indulgence and comfort that is perfect for the festive season.
The Tranquil Resort is an enchanting coffee plantation stay that combines sustainable living with natural comfort. It is a unique escape that immerses guests in both the art of coffee cultivation and the serene beauty of nature. The resort also features two charming treehouses that provide breathtaking views and the tranquillity of staying among the treetops. While you’re here, go on a birdwatching tour, make an authentic Keralite meal with the host and head chef, swim in the clear pool, relax with an Ayurvedic massage, and play board games at the tree deck lounge.
The IHG Hotels and Resorts company has launched its premium lifestyle brand, voco, in India, with its first outpost at Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand. Spread across 13.5 acres of lush greenery along the majestic Kosi riverside, the resort in the Dhilkuli region is a sanctuary of tranquillity and serenity amidst dense forests and a symphony of foliage. voco boasts thoughtfully designed guest rooms with breathtaking views, an all-day dining restaurant, and a beautiful alfresco overlooking the Kosi River. The Tattva spa at the resort offers a range of treatments and therapies that draw inspiration from ancient healing techniques and modern wellness practices. Apart from a jungle safari, voco also offers river rafting experiences and mountain drives, which take visitors through the beautiful landscape and allow them to be present in the living world. A hilltop dinner in the evening is the perfect opportunity to indulge in food cooked by the people of the city. Guests also have the choice to opt for a privately curated BBQ night featuring the freshest ingredients and a private chef at their service.
For those seeking a lavish Diwali retreat without straying far from Delhi, the Jaypee Greens Golf and Spa Resort in Greater Noida offers an opulent escape. The 170 meticulously designed rooms and suites provide a perfect vantage point to enjoy the resort's Diwali decorations, with views overlooking either the illuminated golf course or the beautifully lit tropical gardens. Culinary delights abound during the festival, with seven fine dining restaurants offering special Diwali menus that blend traditional festive fare with global cuisines. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a unique Diwali experience on the Greg Norman-designed 18-hole course, which takes on a magical quality when adorned with festival lights. For those looking to rejuvenate after the festivities, the expansive Six Senses Spa offers special Diwali-themed treatments that incorporate traditional Ayurvedic rituals with modern relaxation techniques.
Situated along the pristine boundaries of Jim Corbett National Park, the Aahana Resort offers an idyllic retreat for families looking to celebrate Diwali amidst nature and tranquillity. Spanning 13.5 acres of verdant landscape, this eco-luxury resort seamlessly blends comfort with sustainability. Its elegant, well-appointed rooms provide breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness, allowing guests to experience the serenity of nature from the privacy of their accommodation. Guests can partake in thrilling wildlife safaris, guided nature walks or enjoy a serene riverside picnic. Birdwatching enthusiasts will also find themselves captivated by the over 200 species of birds that call the resort home.
Grab your sunscreen and head to this quintessential getaway for beach lovers. Located on the quieter and open seaside of Swaraj Island (formerly Havelock Island), this eco-chic resort and its beautiful sandy shore are your perfect beach therapy. The Tilar Siro elegantly fuses luxury with a commitment to sustainability; you can lounge in style knowing you’re treading lightly on this tropical paradise. Suave rooms with breathtaking views, a beautiful pool amidst lush greens—they even have a villa with a private pool, and delicious local cuisine. Whether you’re diving into thrilling water sports or signing up for their fascinating intertidal walks to discover the diverse marine life, Tilar Siro is a slice of heaven.
For a unique blend of culture and wellness, head to the Namaste Dwaar Resort, located midway on the Delhi-Haridwar highway. This serene retreat offers a wellness oasis, where you can rejuvenate with international and Ayurvedic treatments, yoga and meditation. Families will love the recreational spaces, indoor entertainment and outdoor pool, while corporate teams can foster creativity and teambuilding. Admire the architectural marvel designed by the late Pradeep Sachdeva, blending traditional and modern styles. Indulge in Satvik cuisine, scenic views and sensory delights during the festive season.
CGH Earth Saha unveils Mansao Curtorim, a 223-year-old heritage villa nestled in Goa's peaceful Curtorim village, now part of its distinguished villa collection. This meticulously restored property blends traditional Indo-Portuguese architecture with modern comforts, offering a serene retreat 30 minutes from the beach. The villa embodies Goa's rich cultural heritage with six elegantly appointed bedrooms, spacious living areas, and lush gardens. Guests can enjoy local flavours and explore the area's beauty, from historic churches to paddy fields and cycling trails. Mansao Curtorim invites travellers to experience an authentic, tranquil side of Goa's timeless allure.
Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, Brij Bageecha is a boutique resort that embodies the essence of Rajasthani hospitality. Spanning 11 acres, this pet-friendly property features luxurious villas, each equipped with plunge pools and jacuzzis for a truly indulgent experience. Guests can immerse themselves in the serene surroundings of lush orchards and tranquil water bodies while enjoying traditional activities such as pottery and lac bangle making. With its inviting ambience, Brij Bageecha is the ideal destination for families and friends to come together and celebrate festive occasions while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Amanbagh is a luxurious oasis in a lush valley framed by the majestic Aravalli Mountains. Reflecting the grandeur of Mughal architecture, this resort provides an authentic experience with spacious suites and private pools. Guests can indulge in enchanting candle-lit dinners beneath the stars and rejuvenating spa treatments inspired by traditional Indian wellness practices. With excursions to nearby heritage sites, Amanbagh offers an idyllic setting for a festive getaway, blending luxury with cultural exploration in a serene environment.
jüSTa Diwans Bungalow, a 150-year-old heritage property, is the ancestral home of celebrated Indian architect I.M. Kadri, known for iconic designs like the Taj Palace in Mumbai and Fort Aguada in Goa. Named after Saiyed Bavamiyan Kadri, the Diwan of Radhanpur, who built the house upon retiring in Ahmedabad, this bungalow showcases exquisite architecture that reflects its rich history. With intricately carved wooden pillars and expansive courtyards adorned with fountains, every corner reveals a captivating story. Lush gardens surround it and offer a tranquil escape from city life, featuring eight rooms, including six Heritage Suites and two Deluxe Twin Rooms.
Discover a tranquil retreat at Marchula Estate, a homestay nestled along the banks of a gentle stream, surrounded by the lush jungles that once inspired Jim Corbett.
Marchula Estate is the home of photographers Mansi and Mustafa, their toddler, Amna, and an array of animals, making it an enchanting escape from the city. Located within a stunning Corbett landscape featuring a white-pebbled riverbed embraced by densely forested mountain slopes, the journey to the estate is an adventure in itself.
Guests can choose from three beautifully appointed guest rooms and three charming cottages, each surrounded by expansive garden spaces overlooking the river.
Mar Selva by Jaglax Homes offers a unique blend of coastal charm and forested tranquillity, which is ideal for a festive escape in Goa. Set amid the serene woods of Siolim, this exclusive collection of four spacious holiday villas redefines luxury. Inspired by coastal Australian architecture, each villa features exposed concrete walls, expansive glass doors, and floor-to-ceiling windows, creating seamless connections to nature. With a warm, earthy palette, elegant terrazzo flooring, and handcrafted furniture, Mar Selva is curated for relaxation. Guests enjoy bespoke hospitality services, from housekeeping and spa treatments to gourmet dining, making every stay an unforgettable, indulgent experience.
Shivgarh House of Sustainable Living, a heritage farm just 55 km from Jaipur, spans 200 acres of verdant land featuring three water bodies. This eco-friendly retreat offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, waking to the soothing melodies of migratory birds and savouring carefully crafted meals made from locally sourced ingredients.
The 17th-century haveli has been meticulously preserved, incorporating sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting and solar energy. Guests can choose from lake-view cottages or suites with private porches. Explore the surrounding area through engaging activities like village trails, farm tractor rides, and evening boat excursions.