It is not just Diwali shopping that is burning a hole in Indians’ pockets. Hotel stays could become even more expensive after the festival, with average rates at premium properties crossing ₹30,000 a night and luxury villa tariffs in Goa running into lakhs of rupees. A villa in Goa that costs around ₹2.2 lakh during the pre-Diwali period of October 25 to 31 could be priced at ₹5.8 lakh between November 16 and 30. Want to know about the Diwali travel situation? Read on!
27% Higher Hotel Rates Could Make Diwali Travel Costlier
According to data from Sciative Solutions, an AI-powered pricing and revenue management firm, hotel rates across several destinations are expected to peak during the extended weekend after Diwali. Mid-scale properties are projected to see rates rise by nearly 27% compared with their pre-festive baseline. Average nightly rates at three- and four-star hotels are expected to increase by 26.94%, from ₹9,221 during October 25 to 31 to ₹11,705 between November 11 and 15. At five-star properties, rates are projected to rise by 20.24%, from ₹25,917 to ₹31,163 over the same period.
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The figures suggest that festive travel demand is extending beyond Diwali itself. Although Diwali falls on November 8 this year, hotel prices are expected to climb sharply during the extended weekend that follows.
Goa, Lonavala And Mahabaleshwar See Higher Hotel Rates
Popular leisure destinations such as Goa, Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala are expected to record their highest hotel rates either during the November 11 to 15 extended weekend or in the second half of the month. In Goa, average rates at premium properties are projected to increase by nearly 42%, from ₹24,218 during October 25 to 31 to ₹34,355 between November 16 and 30. Mid-scale hotel rates are expected to climb by more than 51%, rising from ₹7,306 to ₹11,088.
Lonavala is also expected to see a significant increase during the post-Diwali extended weekend. Average rates at mid-scale hotels, which stand at ₹20,887 during the pre-festive period, are projected to rise to ₹25,801 between November 11 and 15. Premium properties could see their average rates increase from ₹38,414 to ₹45,200. Hotel prices are expected to remain elevated through the second half of November, suggesting that festive travel demand could overlap with winter holidays and the wedding season.
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Between November 16 and 30, average nightly rates at mid-scale properties are projected to stand at ₹11,670, while premium hotels are expected to charge an average of ₹32,126.25. The price gap between premium and mid-scale accommodation is particularly wide in several leisure and pilgrimage destinations. During the Diwali travel period, five-star properties in some locations charge more than four times the average rates of three- and four-star hotels.
Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels/Lost Traveller
FAQs
What time is Diwali Pujan in 2026?
Diwali Lakshmi Puja in 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026.
What are the 5 days of Diwali 2026 calendar?
The 5-day Diwali festival in 2026 runs from Friday, November 6, 2026, to Tuesday, November 10, 2026 (with some regional calendars extending Bhai Dooj through November 11).
Which day of Diwali are fireworks?
Fireworks are primarily set off on Day 3 (the main night of Diwali / Lakshmi Puja) and Day 2 (Choti Diwali / Narak Chaturdashi), according to the Diwali Festival of Lights Guide.
