India is the land of festivals and Diwali is one of the most popular festivals in India. It is celebrated more or less throughout the world. Planning your Diwali vacation or choosing a destination to visit to enjoy the best of the festival is not an easy task.
Diwali also known as Deepawali is a festival of lights in India. People light earthen lamps, burst crackers, exchange sweets, and gifts, and enjoy the festivities. No place is better than home to celebrate Diwali but for a change, there are some places where one can visit during the Diwali festival.
In this article, I will tell you about the top 10 best places/ cities in India to visit for Diwali celebrations. I have compiled a list of places in India where Diwali is most celebrated.
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Top 10 Best Places to Celebrate Diwali in India
Following are the 10 most popular places in India for Diwali celebrations with family and friends-
1. Ayodhya
Ayodhya is the best place to celebrate the Diwali festival in India. It is an ancient city in Uttar Pradesh and the birthplace of Lord Ram. The festival of Diwali represents the return of Lord Ram, his wife Sita, and brother Laxman to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
The Uttar Pradesh government organizes an event in Ayodhya every Diwali named Deepotsav – A Carnival of Lights. Sarayu River is a major center of activity where the river is afloat and lit up with thousands and thousands of floating diyas.
2. Orchha
Although the festival of Diwali is celebrated all over India, it has a special place in Orchha town. The town of Orchha is situated in Madhya Pradesh near Jhansi city. It is famously known as Mini Ayodhya because of Lord Ram’s connection to Orchha.
Shri Ram Raja Temple in Orchha is a sacred Hindu temple where Lord Ram is worshiped as a king and that too in a palace. Orchha is a great destination to visit during the Diwali festival with family & friends. There are many hotels available to stay in Orchha near the temple.
3. Varanasi
The sacred city of Varanasi celebrates Diwali every year to mark the victory of Lord Shiva over the demon Tripurasur. The festival is popularly known as Dev Deepawali in Varanasi. Varanasi is one of the best cities in India for Diwali celebrations with family and friends.
4. Amritsar
The festival of Diwali marks the foundation of the world-famous holy shrine, Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. Sikhs celebrate Diwali on a grand level because the festival of light acknowledges and remembers the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind Singh Ji who returned to Amritsar on this day from prison.
For Sikhs, the return of their Guru is as significant as the return of Lord Ram is for Hindus. That’s why the Golden Temple is decorated with colorful lights, many diyas (oil lamps), and candles on Diwali. Amritsar is one of the best places to celebrate the Diwali festival in India.
Also Read: Amritsar – One of the Most Visited Tourist Cities in India
5. Madurai
Madurai is an ancient city located on the banks of the Vaigai river in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is famously known as the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu. Madurai attracts huge crowds during the Diwali celebrations. The Meenakshi temple is a must-visit place in Madurai during the Diwali festival.
6. Udaipur
Udaipur is one of the most visited cities in India during the festive period of Diwali. The city of Udaipur is decorated beautifully during Diwali and it offers a celebratory atmosphere all around. It is one of the 15 best places to visit in India in October-November.
7. Gwalior
Diwali is the most popular festival celebrated in the Gwalior-Chambal division. One can enjoy the best of Diwali in Gwalior and nearby areas. The Ratangarh Mata Mandir in Datia town near Gwalior is one of the most-visited sites during the Diwali festival.
8. Jaipur
Jaipur celebrates the festival of light with utmost importance. The royals (kings) of Jaipur consider themselves as descendants of Lord Ram’s son Kusha. So, the Diwali celebrations in Jaipur are full of pomp and gaiety. If you want to visit Jaipur to enjoy Diwali then here are the best luxury hotels to stay in Jaipur.
9. Delhi
However, the government has implemented a complete ban on firecrackers in Delhi during the Diwali festival still the capital of India ranks in the top 10 list of best places to celebrate Diwali festival. One can visit India Gate in Delhi on Diwali eve to see the beauty of the festival in Indian Army style.
10. Goa
Goa is one of the most romantic places for couples to visit in India. If you are looking for a couple-friendly destination in India to celebrate the festival of light then Goa is the place you are looking for.
These are the top 10 most popular places to visit in India during the Diwali festival. Enjoy & celebrate the festival of light by visiting any of the above-mentioned destinations with your family, friends, and loved ones.
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Ayodhya is the best place for Diwali.