10 Best Places to Visit in Diwali Vacation in India on a Budget

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a time of celebration, joy, and family gatherings in India. If you’re planning a Diwali vacation, there are numerous destinations across the country that offer a unique blend of festive atmosphere, cultural experiences, and affordability. Here are 10 of the best places to visit during Diwali in India on a budget:

1. Jaipur, Rajasthan:

• Why visit: Experience the grandeur of Rajasthan’s Pink City during Diwali. Witness the stunning illuminations of the Amer Fort and enjoy traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
• Budget tips: Stay in budget guesthouses or hostels, explore the city on foot or by public transport, and enjoy street food for affordable meals.

Jaipur, Rajasthan – 5-Day Travel Plan

Day 1: Arrive in Jaipur. Visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, and Hawa Mahal. Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dinner.

Day 2: Visit the Amer Fort and enjoy a thrilling elephant ride. Explore the bustling bazaars of Jaipur and shop for souvenirs.

Day 3: Visit the Jal Mahal, Albert Hall Museum, and Birla Mandir. Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani dance performance.

Day 4: Take a day trip to the Mandawa Fort and explore its beautiful frescoes. Return to Jaipur and enjoy a sunset view from the Nahargarh Fort.

Day 5: Depart Jaipur, or extend your stay to explore other nearby attractions like the Abhaneri Step Well or the Bhangarh Fort.

2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh:

• Why visit: Immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural heart of India. Witness the Ganga Aarti, explore the ancient temples, and experience the vibrant Diwali celebrations.
• Budget tips: Stay in budget accommodations near the ghats, take a boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise or sunset, and enjoy affordable vegetarian meals at local eateries.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – 5-Day Travel Plan

Day 1: Arrive in Varanasi. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, and the Assi Ghat. Enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges at sunset.

Day 2: Attend the Ganga Aarti at dawn. Explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi and visit the Ramnagar Fort.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon. Return to Varanasi and enjoy a traditional Indian meal.

Day 4: Visit the Tulsi Manas Temple and the Bharat Mata Temple. Enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges at sunrise.

Day 5: Depart Varanasi, or extend your stay to explore other nearby attractions like the Buddhist temples in Bodh Gaya.

3. Goa:

• Why visit: Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea while celebrating Diwali in Goa. Relax on the beautiful beaches, explore the Portuguese colonial architecture, and experience the vibrant nightlife.
• Budget tips: Stay in budget guesthouses or hostels, cook your own meals, and explore the beaches on foot or by public transport.

Goa – 5-Day Travel Plan

Day 1: Arrive in Goa. Relax on the beach and explore the Anjuna Flea Market.

Day 2: Visit the Old Goa churches, including the Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mandovi River.

Day 3: Explore the spice plantations of Goa. Visit the Dudhsagar Falls and enjoy a thrilling white-water rafting adventure.

Day 4: Relax on the beach and enjoy water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, or scuba diving.

Day 5: Depart Goa, or extend your stay to explore other nearby attractions like the Aguada Fort or the Chapora Fort.

4. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand:

• Why visit: Experience the spiritual and adventurous side of India. Practice yoga, go rafting on the Ganges, and witness the Diwali celebrations in the holy city.
• Budget tips: Stay in budget ashrams or guesthouses, enjoy affordable vegetarian meals, and explore the city on foot or by public transport.

Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – 5-Day Travel Plan

Day 1: Arrive in Rishikesh. Visit the Lakshman Jhula and the Ram Jhula. Enjoy a yoga class or meditation session.

Day 2: Go white-water rafting on the Ganges. Visit the Triveni Ghat and enjoy a Ganga Aarti.

Day 3: Explore the Beatles Ashram and the Vashishtha Cave. Enjoy a trek to the Neer Garh Waterfall.

Day 4: Visit the Haridwar Ganga Ghat and attend the evening aarti.

Day 5: Depart Rishikesh, or extend your stay to explore other nearby attractions like the Rajaji National Park or the Badrinath Temple.

5. Hampi, Karnataka:

• Why visit: Explore the ancient ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. Witness the stunning temples, forts, and other historical monuments.
• Budget tips: Stay in budget guesthouses or hostels, rent a bicycle or scooter to explore the ruins, and enjoy affordable local food.

Hampi, Karnataka – 5-Day Travel Plan

Day 1: Arrive in Hampi. Explore the Virupaksha Temple and the Vithala Temple. Enjoy a sunset view from the Hemakuta Hill.

Day 2: Visit the Lotus Mahal, the Zenana Enclosure, and the Elephant Stable. Explore the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Badami and explore the cave temples. Return to Hampi and enjoy a boat ride on the Tungabhadra River.

Day 4: Visit the Hazara Rama Temple and the Achyuta Raya Temple. Explore the local markets and shop for souvenirs.

Day 5: Depart Hampi, or extend your stay to explore other nearby attractions like the Pattadakal Temple Complex.

6. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh:

• Why visit: Marvel at the erotic sculptures of the Khajuraho temples. Explore the ancient temples, enjoy the vibrant Diwali celebrations, and experience the local culture.
• Budget tips: Stay in budget guesthouses or hostels, explore the temples on foot, and enjoy affordable local food.

Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh – 5-Day Travel Plan

Day 1: Arrive in Khajuraho. Explore the Western Group of Temples, including the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple and the Devi Jagdambi Temple.

Day 2: Explore the Eastern Group of Temples, including the Lakshmana Temple and the Chitragupta Temple. Enjoy a traditional Indian dance performance.

Day 3: Take a day trip to the Chanderi Fort and explore its beautiful frescoes. Return to Khajuraho and enjoy a sunset view from the Panna National Park.

Day 4: Explore the Southern Group of Temples, including the Parvati Temple and the Vishwanath Temple. Enjoy a traditional Indian meal.

Day 5: Depart Khajuraho, or extend your stay to explore other nearby attractions like the Bandhavgarh National Park.

7. Gokarna, Karnataka:

• Why visit: Relax on the beautiful beaches, explore the ancient temples, and experience the laid-back atmosphere of Gokarna.
• Budget tips: Stay in budget guesthouses or hostels, cook your own meals, and explore the beaches on foot or by public transport.

Gokarna, Karnataka – 5-Day Travel Plan

Day 1: Arrive in Gokarna. Relax on the Om Beach and explore the local markets.

Day 2: Visit the Mahabaleshwara Temple and the Kudle Beach. Enjoy a sunset view from the Nambi Beach.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Yana and explore the Yana Caves. Return to Gokarna and enjoy a bonfire on the beach.

Day 4: Relax on the Paradise Beach and enjoy water sports like surfing or kayaking.

Day 5: Depart Gokarna, or extend your stay to explore other nearby attractions like the Murudeshwar Temple.

8. Pondicherry:

• Why visit: Experience the French colonial influence in Pondicherry. Explore the beautiful beaches, visit the French Quarter, and enjoy the vibrant Diwali celebrations.
• Budget tips: Stay in budget guesthouses or hostels, enjoy affordable French and Indian cuisine, and explore the city on foot or by public transport.

Pondicherry – 5-Day Travel Plan

Day 1: Arrive in Pondicherry. Explore the French Quarter and visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.

Day 2: Visit the Promenade Beach, the Botanical Garden, and the Government Museum. Enjoy a French-style meal.

Day 3: Take a day trip to Auroville. Return to Pondicherry and enjoy a sunset boat ride on the backwaters.

Day 4: Explore the Serenity Beach and the Paradise Beach. Enjoy a traditional Indian meal.

Day 5: Depart Pondicherry, or extend your stay to explore other nearby attractions like the Mahe Beach or the Puducherry Museum.

9. Darjeeling, West Bengal:

• Why visit: Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, explore the tea plantations, and experience the vibrant Diwali celebrations.
• Budget tips: Stay in budget guesthouses or hostels, enjoy affordable local food, and explore the city on foot or by public transport.

Darjeeling, West Bengal – 5-Day Travel Plan

Day 1: Arrive in Darjeeling. Explore the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre.

Day 2: Take a toy train ride to Ghum and enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayas. Visit the Tiger Hill to watch the sunrise.

Day 3: Explore the Happy Valley Tea Estate and the Japanese Peace Pagoda. Enjoy a traditional Indian meal.

Day 4: Take a day trip to the Sandakphu Trek. Return to Darjeeling and enjoy a sunset view from the Observatory Hill.

Day 5: Depart Darjeeling, or extend your stay to explore other nearby attractions like the Mirik Lake or the Sikkim Himalayas.

10. Alleppey, Kerala:

• Why visit: Experience the backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, relax on the beaches, and experience the vibrant Diwali celebrations.
• Budget tips: Opt for budget houseboat packages, enjoy affordable local food, and explore the backwaters on foot or by public transport.

Alleppey, Kerala – 5-Day Travel Plan

Day 1: Arrive in Alleppey. Check into a houseboat and enjoy a cruise on the backwaters.

Day 2: Explore the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and the Vembanad Lake. Enjoy a traditional Kerala meal.

Day 3: Visit the Marari Beach and the Alappuzha Beach. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the backwaters.

Day 4: Explore the Mattancherry Palace and the Jewish Synagogue in Kochi. Return to Alleppey and enjoy a traditional Kerala dance performance.

Day 5: Depart Alleppey, or extend your stay to explore other nearby attractions like the Periyar National Park or the Munnar Hills.

By choosing one of these destinations, you can enjoy a memorable Diwali vacation in India without breaking the bank. Remember to plan your trip in advance, book accommodations early, and research local transportation options to save money.