Diwali Long Weekend: 10 Best Destinations Across India You Must Visit

Diwali is going to be a little extra special this year, folks! Besides the festive spirit that surrounds the country during this time, we’re also getting a long weekend! And what better way to celebrate this double feat than planning a long weekend getaway with family and friends? So, if you want to skip the usual tradition of going around the town to meet your relatives, and celebrate Diwali away a little differently this year, then plan a getaway to one of these amazing destinations in India over the long weekend!

10 Destinations Across India For A Getaway During Diwali Long Weekend

1. Gokarna, Karnataka

If you wish to spend your Diwali surrounded by warm people and beautiful beaches, then Gokarna is the place for you! This little temple town has some of the most stunning and clean beaches in India. You can spend your days lounging at Om Beach or Kudle Beach, visit the different temples here, trek around the beaches, or walk around the market.

2. Chail, Himachal Pradesh

If you want a peaceful vacation, away from the crowd, then instead of Dharamshala and Kasol, we recommend you to visit Himachal Pradesh’s Chail. This quaint little hill station is less than 50 kilometres away from Shimla and is perfect for a tranquil retreat amidst the Himalayan mountains. You can enjoy camping, trekking, and even exploring the splendour of Chail Palace here.

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3. Pelling, Sikkim

Whether you’re looking for a spiritual retreat or an adventurous break, Pelling will fulfil all your vacation needs! A small town nestled at the foothills of Kangchenjunga, Pelling is home to the famous Pemayangtse Monastery. It is said to be one of the oldest monasteries of Sikkim and people from all over the world come to visit it. The town also serves as a base for numerous treks in the area and you can also try your hand at mountain biking or rock climbing here.

4. Diu, Diu Island

If a beach vacation is on the cards, then we suggest heading to Diu Island this Diwali long weekend! You can either book a direct flight or take overnight buses from Ahmedabad to reach Diu. One of the best things about this place is that it is quiet and less crowded than most beach destinations in India. You can visit serene beaches like Nagoa Beach, Ghogla Beach, and Gomatimala Beach and enjoy local grub and drinks while you’re here.

5. Mawlynnong, Meghalaya

Famously known as Asia’s cleanest village, Mawlynnong is an absolute gem in Northeast India! At this little village, you can sit by cool mountain streams, explore the giant living root bridge, stroll through lush green meadows, or simply enjoy the splendid scenery here.

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6. Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh

The beauty that awaits you in Northeast India is simply unparalleled and Ziro is the perfect example of that! Home to the Apatani tribe, Ziro is surrounded by tall pine trees, rice fields, rare orchids and flowers like Rhododendron and Hedychium Densiflorum! This town is included on the Tentative List for UNESCO’s World Heritage Site for its Apatani cultural landscape. So, if you wish to explore the real beauty of India, then visit this town during the Diwali long weekend.

7. Puri, Odisha

A beautiful amalgamation of spirituality and nature’s beauty, Puri is one of the most serene beach destinations in India! Besides being home to the revered Jagannath Puri Temple, the place also has one of the few ‘Blue Flag’ beaches of India – Golden Beach! And the beach truly lives up to its name! While you’re here, you can also visit the famous Konark Sun Temple, which is just an hour’s drive from Puri.

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8. Chakrata, Uttarakhand

If mountains are calling your name, then skip the crowded Mussoorie and Nainital and plan a visit to Uttarakhand’s Chakrata this Diwali long weekend. Away from the humdrum of city life and pollution, Chakrata truly feels like heaven on earth. If you are a nature lover, then this place surely deserves your attention as lots of greenery and fun treks await you here!

9. Kovalam, Kerala

If you’re a thalassophile, then pack your bags and book a vacation to Kovalam in Kerala this Diwali long weekend! A popular vacation haunt for local and international tourists, Kovalam is a beachy paradise. It has three adjacent crescent beaches – Lighthouse, Samudra, and Hawa, and you can lounge at these places or enjoy water sports to make the most of your trip here!

10. Goa

This one is a no-brainer as Goa is always a good idea! Before the December crowd hits the beaches, plan a vacation to this beautiful place and enjoy the serenity it has to offer. To skip the crowd, you can visit beaches like Candolim Beach, Cabo De Rama Beach, or Morjim Beach. You can also visit casinos or party like there is no tomorrow at one of the many clubs in the coastal state.

Also Read: New Four-Lane Road Project In Goa Is Set To Connect Panaji, Ponda & Karnataka; All About It

So, where are you planning to travel this Diwali long weekend? Let us know in the comments!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva