Diwali 2026 travel deals
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Varanasi
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Chhawani Swiss Tent House
Jaipur
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Chicago
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voco Amritsar by IHG
Amritsar
Best places to go for Diwali 2026
Wondering where to stay for Diwali this year? From sacred riverbanks to royal city squares, celebrations unfold differently across India. Here's a rundown of some of the best places to go for Diwali 2026:
- Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: As one of the country's holiest cities, experiencing Diwali in Varanasi is a must. It offers a deeply spiritual Diwali experience. The ghats along the Ganges glow with thousands of diyas, accompanied by evening aartis and devotional chants. Stay near Assi Ghat or Dashashwamedh Ghat to be close to the ceremonies. As for getting there, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is the closest airport, around a 1-hour flight from Delhi.
- Jaipur, Rajasthan: Diwali in Jaipur is known for its illuminated markets and grand firework displays—looking spectacular from the fort ramparts and Chowgan Stadium. Historic facades in the Old City are lit up, and festive fairs add to the atmosphere. If you want to be in the heart of the action, consider booking a hotel in the Old City or along MI Road. There are direct flights to Jaipur International Airport (JAI) from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
- Amritsar, Punjab: It's a double celebration in Amritsar each year, with the Sikh festival Bandi Chhor Divas falling on the same night as Diwali. Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) is illuminated with thousands of lights, and fireworks reflect beautifully across the Amrit Sarovar. Popular areas to stay include those near the Golden Temple and along Lawrence Road. When booking your trip, you'll want to fly into Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ), which has direct connections from major Indian cities.
- Udaipur, Rajasthan: With the city's lakes and royal palaces, Udaipur provides a striking Diwali backdrop. Lights reflecting off Lake Pichola and the City Palace are a spectacle you'll be talking about for years to come. Some of the best places to stay for Diwali in Udaipur include the Old City or around Fateh Sagar Lake. Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) connects Udaipur with Delhi and other major hubs.
How to plan a Diwali trip
Diwali 2026 falls in early November, with the celebration spanning several days. Once you've selected your exact travel dates and destinations, you can plan your Diwali trip in a few easy clicks on Expedia.
The huge selection of hotels and holiday packages means you're sure to find something special, even if you're booking at the last minute. That said, it's usually best to book in advance to get the best deals.
Despite the vast selection of places to stay for Diwali on Expedia, narrowing down your choices is a breeze thanks to the search filters. You can filter by everything from property type to number of rooms and even view—this comes in especially handy in cities like Udaipur where you'll want a view of the lake and ghats during the festival.
Best of all, many of Expedia's Diwali packages come with free cancellation, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
Frequently asked questions about Diwali 2026 getaways
When is Diwali in 2026?
The main Diwali night falls on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The 5-day festival runs from Dhanteras on 6 November to Bhai Dooj on 10 November. As dates follow the Hindu lunisolar calendar, be sure to confirm closer to the festival time using an official Panchang.
Where are the best places to celebrate Diwali?
Some of the best places to go for Diwali 2026 include Varanasi for the ghats and Ganga Aarti ritual, Amritsar for the Golden Temple lights, and Jaipur for the fireworks over the fort.
Is Diwali a family-friendly time to travel?
Yes, Diwali is one of India's most family-friendly festivals, with events, fairs and celebrations suitable for all ages. When searching for hotels on Expedia, you can use the "Family friendly" search filter to find stays that are especially welcoming for children, with all the facilities you'll need for a comfortable stay as a family.
When should I book Diwali travel?
Diwali is a peak travel period, so it's always a good idea to book your Diwali holiday package as early as possible. This is when you'll find some of the best deals and have the maximum choice of hotels. Even so, Expedia has a vast selection of hotels available, so you're sure to find something even if it's a last-minute decision to travel.
What types of stays are best for Diwali access?
You'll usually find that heritage hotels and properties close to old city centres are the most atmospheric for Diwali. In cities like Varanasi and Udaipur, accommodation facing the ghats and lakes is especially popular. You can use the "View" filter on Expedia to find rooms with specific views.
What travel tips should I know for the Diwali rush?
The roads are at their liveliest from around 6 pm to midnight on the main Diwali night, so walking between venues is often the quickest way to get around and gives you a front-row view of the celebrations.
What should I pack for a Diwali getaway?
Consider packing traditional attire like a kurta or salwar-kameez as these suit the occasion well. You'll also want comfortable walking shoes, plenty of cash and a phone or camera with a good night mode setting. If you're sensitive to loud sounds, pack earplugs for the fireworks displays.
Can I combine Diwali with sightseeing?
Yes, the holiday time around Diwali makes it perfect for sightseeing, and the festive decorations add a special vibe to attractions like Amber Fort in Jaipur, the Golden Temple in Amritsar and the ghats of Varanasi. Just keep in mind that some museums may remain closed on the main public holiday.
Should I experience Diwali in Varanasi or Amritsar for a spiritual trip?
For Diwali, both Amritsar and Varanasi are great choices and offer distinct experiences. In Amritsar, Bandi Chhor Divas coincides with Diwali and worshippers of both faiths flock to the Golden Temple. As for Varanasi, if you can extend your stay, the famous Dev Diwali lamp spectacle (celebrated on Kartik Purnima, approximately 2 weeks later) features another spectacular display of lamps along the ghats.
What are the rituals over the different days of Diwali?
Here are some of the typical rituals over the Diwali holiday:
- Day 1, Dhanteras (6 November 2026): purchases of gold, silver, or utensils; lamps and diyas lit at dusk in honour of Yamraj.
- Day 2, Chhoti Diwali (7 November 2026): oil bath ritual and early fireworks begin.
- Day 3, Main Diwali (8 November 2026): Lakshmi Puja at night, rangoli decorations and main fireworks.
- Day 4, Govardhan Puja (9 November 2026): food offerings and prayers.
- Day 5, Bhai Dooj (10 November 2026): celebration of the sibling bond.
Can I find stays near major Diwali attractions easily on Expedia?
Yes, Expedia has a massive choice of hotels across some of India's most popular Diwali destinations. The location search filters and maps make finding stays near major Diwali attractions a breeze.
