Best Places in India & Nepal to Experience the Magic of Diwali 2025

Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights, and it is highly regarded as one of India’s most anticipated festivals. It celebrates light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali is between October 18th to October 22nd in 2025 – this is a great time to think about an unforgettable Diwali vacation. Diwali will be a fantastic time, regardless of whether you are seeking tranquility or spirituality, and whether you want to be loud and wild or lie by the beach. Diwali, like other holidays in India or Nepal, will still be different. 

To help you get to India or Nepal for Diwali vacations, it is sometimes best to consider booking a Diwali holiday package because it can often remove the stress and hassle of planning your holiday, such as transportation, accommodation, sightseeing, and local experiences.

Here are some of the Top destinations in India and Nepal to celebrate Diwali 2025.

1. Varanasi – The Spiritual Heart of Diwali

Varanasi, the age-old city on the banks of the Ganges, is celebrated as India’s spiritual capital. Once the main festival of Diwali is over, Varanasi offers a beautiful festival known as Dev Deepawali, which is celebrated approximately fifteen days after the regular Diwali festivities, and is a stunning visual spectacle, with thousands of diyas illuminating the Ganges. 

There are cities nearby, such as Allahabad (Prayagraj), Ayodhya, Chhapaiya, and Bodh Gaya, that provide spiritual excursions to enhance your Diwali festival:

• Ayodhya: This is where Lord Rama was born, and there are huge processions and other cultural programs held in Ayodhya during Diwali. 
• Chhapaiya: The birthplace of Lord Mahavir, ideal for learning about Jain history and heritage. 
• Bodh Gaya: A Buddhist pilgrimage site for silent meditation and reflection.
• Allahabad (Prayagraj): A historic city at the confluence of rivers, it provides temples with an overload of history and plenty of activities to celebrate the festival.

Tips: Make sure you attend the Ganga Aarti, shop in local markets for traditional sweets, and book Diwali vacation tour packages that include and cover these spiritual circuits. 

2. Amritsar – The Golden Temple’s Dazzling Glow

Amritsar, which is famous for being the location of the Golden Temple, is a festival destination in North India for Diwali. The temple is lit up beautifully during the Diwali festivities, and fireworks erupt in the night sky. Visitors are enchanted by the glistening reflection of the Golden Temple from the holy sarovar. 

Local Experience:

• Visit the local markets to try traditional Punjabi sweets, such as ladoos and jalebis. 
• Visit Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border as cultural experiences. 

Travel Tip: Consider visiting Amritsar in conjunction with nearby towns such as Chandigarh in order to have the ultimate travel experience of North India’s festive fun in one trip with curated Diwali holiday packages.

3. Rishikesh – A Spiritual Retreat for Diwali

Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. For Diwali, the ghats of the Ganges are bedecked with many diyas, and the evening Ganga Aarti will give you a spiritual experience unlike any other.

What to Do: 

• Yoga and meditation at local ashrams.
• Riverside Diwali celebrations with locals.
• Adventure activities, such as white-water rafting, combine thrills with traditions.

Pro Tip: If you book a Diwali vacation tour package, and you can include Rishikesh in your tour, this way you can have spirituality and adventure on your vacation.

4. Goa – Coastal Celebrations and Festive Lights

Goa, known for its beaches and nightlife, is a distinct place to celebrate Diwali. The state celebrates the Narak Chaturdashi, a tradition the day before Diwali, with old traditions, fireworks, and other colorful events. Beach parties, street and flea markets, and Goan food create a memorable experience.

Details:

• Explore the Mapusa and Panjim markets for lights, sweets, and souvenirs.
• Experience the beachside Diwali celebrations with music, dancing, and more fireworks.
• Enjoy Goan food such as bebinca, pork vindaloo, and desserts.

Travel tip: Book Diwali holiday packages that include Goa to combine the festival spirit with a relaxing coastal vacation.

5. Nepal – Pokhara & Chitwan National Park

For a uniquely Non-traditional Diwali celebration, Nepal offers a mesmerizing mix of stunning scenery, rich culture, and adventure. From the towering Himalayas that provide an impressive backdrop to the lively festivals alive on the streets, each moment spent in that captivating country is filled with beauty and excitement, making it an ideal substitute for the festival of lights.

• Pokhara: All you need to enjoy this Diwali with tranquil lakes, mountain scenery, and peaceful ambiance, perfect for Diwali reflection. 
• Chitwan National Park: Offering jungle safari and wildlife viewing options for your Diwali adventure. 

Tip: Many travel agencies now offer Diwali vacation tour packages, providing the option of combining India and Nepal, perfect for families and adventure seekers.

6. Kerala – Special Diwali Tour: Cochin, Munnar, Thekkady, Kovalam Beach, Kanyakumari

Celebrating Diwali in Kerala is a beautiful blend of historical culture, stunning natural beauty, and beaches along the coast. The lively activities and celebrations all happen in an environment of lush greenery, tranquil backwaters, and the sounds of waves lapping on the shore, all giving you the real essence of the festival. Under the fragrant itching of festival delicacies, celebrating Diwali in Kerala is paradise.

• Cochin: Visit festive markets, colonial buildings, and culture.
• Munnar: Hill stations and tea plantations are beautifully transformed in festive light.
• Thekkady: Wildlife safaris, spice plantations, and eco-tourism experiences.
• Kovalam & Kanyakumari: Stay on pristine beaches and enjoy the sunsets and festival vibe of Diwali.

Travel Tip: Book a Diwali holiday package for Kerala or more than one of your own class on travelling.

Travel Tips for Diwali 2025 Trips

• Book early: Diwali is the busiest travel timeframe of the year, and some holiday packages sell out quickly.
• Local Cuisine: Get your hands on regional Diwali sweets, such as ladoos, gulab jamuns, and renowned Kerala desserts.
• Culture: Get involved with some local Diwali traditions. You will come away with an experience that will stay with you.
• Photography: Make sure to take pictures of the ghats, temples, and markets for every glowing moment and visual enjoyment!
• Traveling light: Remember to take good walking shoes for the markets and festivals. 

Conclusion

A journey in India and Nepal during Diwali 2025 will bring you a variety of experiences from spiritual havens like Varanasi, Rishikesh, coastal getaways like Goa, the beauty of Kerala, and adventure in Nepal! 

Each of these locations will enrich your Festival of Light and enhance your Diwali experience. 

By booking a well-planned Diwali holiday package, you are guaranteed convenience, safety, and pre-planned enjoyable experiences in every one of these locations. Celebrate Diwali 2025 with light, culture, and happiness, beautiful memories for a lifetime.

Explore our Diwali holiday packages and discover the perfect blend of festivities, cultural immersion, and travel comfort. Connect with the best travel agency in Ahmedabad and trusted tour operators in Ahmedabad to make this Diwali unforgettable.

Browse through our Diwali Holiday Packages to find the ideal mix of celebration, culture, and travel comfort. Work with the top travel agency in Ahmedabad and reputable tour operators in Ahmedabad, and celebrate Diwali like never before.