Best Diwali Trip Ideas in North India 2026: Where to Celebrate the Festival of Lights

Celebrating Diwali away from home in one of North India's most spectacular cities is an experience that transforms how you see the Festival of Lights. From the millions of diyas on the ghats of Varanasi to the illuminated forts of Jaipur, Diwali 2026 offers incredible travel opportunities. This guide covers the best places to celebrate Diwali in North India, with travel packages, events, and practical tips. Book your Diwali trip early as demand peaks during festival season.

1. Varanasi - Dev Deepawali (The Ultimate Diwali Experience)

Why Visit: Varanasi celebrates Diwali TWICE. Regular Diwali, and then Dev Deepawali 15 days later (on Kartik Purnima) when over 1 million diyas (earthen lamps) line the ghats of the Ganges. This is arguably the most spectacular Diwali celebration on Earth.

What to Expect

• 1 million+ diyas illuminating 84 ghats along the Ganges
• Grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat (larger than usual)
• Fireworks reflecting on the river
• Special boat rides on the illuminated Ganges
• Laser shows and cultural performances at select ghats

Getting There: 800 km from Delhi (12-14 hours by road, or 1.5 hours by flight). Book a Varanasi tour package for the complete experience. We recommend staying 3-4 days to soak in the atmosphere.

Where to Stay: Book 2-3 months in advance. BrijRama Palace (luxury, on the ghat), Hotel Ganges View (mid-range, ghat views), Stops Hostel Varanasi (budget-friendly).

2. Jaipur - Royal Rajasthani Diwali

Why Visit: Jaipur's forts and palaces are illuminated with thousands of lights during Diwali. The city organizes heritage walks, light-and-sound shows at Nahargarh Fort, and cultural performances. The Diwali mela (fair) at Jawahar Circle Garden is massive.

Jaipur Diwali Highlights

• Nahargarh Fort illumination and cultural evening
• Hawa Mahal and Amber Fort lit up beautifully
• Diwali mela at Jawahar Circle (shopping, food, rides)
• Fireworks from Nahargarh Fort overlooking the pink city
• Special Rajasthani Diwali sweets - Ghevar, Mawa Kachori

Getting There: 280 km from Delhi (5 hours). View Jaipur tour packages. The Delhi-Jaipur Expressway makes this an easy drive.

3. Amritsar - Golden Temple Diwali

Why Visit: Diwali at the Golden Temple has a special significance for Sikhs as it marks the return of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment. The temple is decorated with thousands of lights and candles, creating a breathtaking golden reflection in the sacred pool (sarovar).

Amritsar Diwali Highlights

• Golden Temple illuminated with candles and lights (reflection in sarovar is magical)
• Spectacular fireworks display from the Golden Temple complex
• Special Diwali langar (community meal) serving thousands
• Jallianwala Bagh and heritage buildings illuminated
• Diwali shopping in Hall Bazaar and old city markets

Getting There: 450 km from Delhi (7-8 hours). Browse Amritsar tours.

4. Udaipur - Lakeside Lights

Why Visit: Udaipur's Diwali celebrations center around its lakes. Diyas floating on Lake Pichola, illuminated palaces, and fireworks reflecting on the water create a magical atmosphere. The city's heritage hotels host special Diwali dinners with live music and cultural shows.

Getting There: 660 km from Delhi (10-11 hours). Consider a road trip via Jaipur to see two Diwali destinations.

---

Diwali Travel Tips

• Book 2-3 months early: Hotels sell out and prices double during Diwali week
• Transport in advance: Cab availability drops sharply during festivals as many drivers go home to celebrate
• Carry ear protection: Firecrackers can be extremely loud, especially for children
• Air quality: Post-Diwali air quality in Delhi drops significantly. Plan to be outside Delhi during Diwali
• Cash is king: Many small shops and services may not accept cards during festivals; carry extra cash
• Festive dress: Pack Indian festive wear (kurta, saree) to join in the celebrations authentically

Related Reading

More guides to help plan your festive trip:

• Holi in Mathura Travel Guide - another spectacular festival experience
• Road Trips from Jaipur - explore Rajasthan during the Diwali break
• Pushkar Camel Fair Guide - another November festival near Jaipur
• Outstation Cab Booking Tips - book your festival trip confidently
• Toll Charges Guide - budget your Diwali road trip costs accurately
• Road Trip Packing Checklist - essential items for festival travel
• Round Trip Cab Service - best value for Diwali return trips

Diwali Trip Cost Estimate (from Delhi, per couple)

Destination	Transport	Hotel (2 nights)	Total (approx)
Jaipur	₹6,500	₹6,000-10,000	₹15,000-20,000
Amritsar	₹8,500	₹5,000-8,000	₹16,000-20,000
Varanasi	₹12,000	₹8,000-15,000	₹24,000-32,000
Udaipur	₹10,000	₹8,000-15,000	₹22,000-30,000

Why Escape Delhi During Diwali?

Delhi's air quality plummets dramatically after Diwali due to firecracker pollution, with AQI routinely exceeding 400 (severe category). For health-conscious travelers, especially families with children or elderly members, escaping to a destination with cleaner air is not just a luxury - it is a health decision. Varanasi, Jaipur, Amritsar, and Udaipur all maintain significantly better air quality during the festival period.

Additionally, experiencing Diwali in a different city offers a unique cultural perspective. Varanasi's Dev Deepawali is profoundly spiritual. Jaipur's illuminated forts feel like stepping into a fairy tale. Amritsar's Golden Temple during Diwali is a once-in-a-lifetime visual experience. These are memories that a Delhi apartment Diwali simply cannot match.

How to Plan Your Diwali Trip Transport

Festival season is the most challenging time for travel bookings in India. Trains sell out months in advance. Flights triple in price. Cab availability drops as many drivers go home to celebrate. Here is how to ensure smooth transport:

• Book 2-3 months early: This guarantees vehicle availability and locks in regular pricing
• Consider a round trip: Round trip cabs offer better per-km rates than one-way bookings
• Choose the right vehicle: For couples, a sedan is sufficient. Families should opt for an SUV. Groups save with tempo travellers
• Factor in toll costs: Use our toll charges guide to budget accurately

Why Families Trust Triveni Cabs for Festival Travel

Since 2015, we have completed over 500+ festival-season trips during Diwali, Holi, and other major holidays. Our drivers are available through the festival period (we compensate them additionally for holiday duty), ensuring you are not stranded by a last-minute cancellation. Every vehicle has active FASTag for seamless toll passage, comprehensive insurance, and GPS tracking. Our office at 366 Dandupura, Agra coordinates trips across the Golden Triangle region. Call 7668570551 or check our customer reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Dev Deepawali in Varanasi?

Dev Deepawali falls on Kartik Purnima, exactly 15 days after Diwali. In 2026, this will be in late October or November (exact date depends on the Hindu lunar calendar). The event is the highlight of the Varanasi Diwali experience - over 1 million diyas illuminate the ghats along the Ganges.

Can I do a Diwali road trip with kids?

Absolutely. Jaipur is the most family-friendly Diwali destination - the fort illuminations, Diwali mela (fair), and cultural shows are magical for children. The 5-hour drive from Delhi is manageable. Our family Jaipur guide has detailed tips for traveling with children.

---