Navratri Dussehra 2026 travel deals

Sharad Navratri runs from 11 to 19 October 2026, with Dussehra (Vijayadashami) on 20 October 2026.

The best places to go for Navratri and Dussehra include Ahmedabad and Mysuru. The sheer scale of the celebrations in Ahmedabad makes it a popular choice for garba, while Vadodara and Surat also draw huge crowds. As for Dussehra, Mysuru hosts one of the country's most iconic processions. Kolkata stands out for Durga Puja celebrations during the same period.

In North India, Ram Leela and Ravan Dahan are the main events, while in Bengal and Odisha, Vijayadashami marks the immersion of Durga idols with Sindoor Khela. In Karnataka, royal processions and palace illuminations define the celebration.

Yes. Most events are open to families, though some garba venues can be lively and crowded. If you're searching for hotels on Expedia, use the "Family friendly" filter to find hotels with all the amenities you and your little ones need for a comfortable stay.

It's best to book Navratri or Dussehra holiday packages as early as possible to get the best deals and maximum choice of hotels, especially in high-demand cities like Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Mysuru. Luckily, Expedia has a vast selection of stays across India, so don't rule out a last-minute deal if you're booking close to the dates.

In Ahmedabad, hotels in Sindhu Bhawan Road, SG Highway and Prahlad Nagar offer easy access to major garba venues, while in Kolkata, Park Street and New Market are centrally located. Don't forget, you can use the search map on Expedia to find hotels that are near the festivities.

Be sure to pack appropriately. Many garba venues have traditional dress codes. Wear comfortable footwear, as festival hopping often involves long periods of standing or walking. Road closures and diversions are common near major venues, so walking short distances may be quicker than driving.

Mysuru Dasara is Karnataka's state festival and sees the royal Mysore Palace lit up with thousands of bulbs every evening throughout the celebration. It also includes cultural performances and the grand Jamboo Savari procession on Vijayadashami, which concludes with a traditional torchlight ceremony at Bannimantap.

Kolkata's Durga Puja is a 5-day city celebration that coincides with the end of Navratri. During the festival, the city comes to life with hundreds of creatively-themed pandals, community celebrations and cultural programmes. Sindoor Khela and the visarjan in the Hooghly River are the festivities' grand finale.

You'll want to wear comfortable footwear—pandal-hopping involves a lot of walking and standing. Events are generally safe, just be sure to arrive early to get a good space.

Yes, some Navratri and Dussehra holiday packages and hotels come with free cancellation on Expedia, so you can change your plans at no cost to you. Each property and deal is different, though, so be sure to always double check the terms and conditions before confirming your reservation.