As the festival of lights approaches, many Indians are trading diyas at home for new experiences abroad or across the country. Diwali 2025 (October 20–24) is set to spark one of the busiest festive travel periods, as travelers search for the perfect blend of celebration and relaxation.
However, high demand doesn’t mean you have to settle for high prices. With the right strategy and timing, you can still grab cheap Diwali flights and escape to dazzling destinations that bring the spirit of Diwali to life — whether through glowing cityscapes, beach bonfires, or candlelit temples.
Here are ten of the most captivating Diwali holiday destinations for 2025, each offering a unique way to celebrate India’s brightest festival.
Why You Should Travel During Diwali
Diwali marks not just a spiritual renewal, but also the ideal time to pause and recharge. With schools closed and extended leaves across offices, the festival opens a rare window for family adventures or solo getaways.
It’s the time when India glows in cities, skies, and on faces. Whether you’re drawn to the grandeur of Jaipur, the serenity of Coorg, or the tropical bliss of Bali, these Diwali travel destinations promise both celebration and escape.
Top Domestic Getaway Destinations for Diwali
1. Jaipur, Rajasthan
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During Diwali, Jaipur becomes a city of light in every sense. The streets of the old city shimmer with thousands of lamps, palaces gleam like gold, and markets come alive with handcrafted lanterns and sweets. Take an evening walk down MI Road to witness the city’s famous lighting competition, or explore the illuminated façade of Hawa Mahal after dusk.
Recommended Route: Fly into Jaipur International Airport (JAI) from Mumbai (IndiGo or Air India) or Delhi (SpiceJet or Akasa Air). From the airport, it’s a 25-minute ride to the heart of the Pink City.
2. Goa
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Trade the urban chaos for the rhythmic sound of waves and fireworks reflected on the water. During Diwali, Goa offers the perfect fusion of festivity and relaxation — golden sands by day and glowing shacks by night. Explore Latin-style streets in Panjim, join beachside Diwali dinners in Baga, or visit Old Goa’s churches for candlelight services that echo the spirit of the festival.
Recommended Route: Direct flights connect Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune to Goa’s Dabolim Airport (GOI) via Akasa Air, IndiGo, and Air India Express. For northern travelers, Air India operates convenient one-stop options from Delhi.
3. Coorg, Karnataka
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If you’d rather celebrate Diwali enveloped in mist and birdsong, Coorg is your haven. Wake up to freshly brewed coffee, take slow drives through forested hills, and light diyas on your homestay’s balcony as the valley glows below. The air smells of rain, coffee blossoms, and roasted nuts, and it is a peaceful alternative to the city’s fireworks.
Recommended Route: Fly into Bengaluru (BLR) with IndiGo, Air India, or Akasa Air, then take a scenic 5-hour drive to Coorg. The route via Mysuru offers picture-perfect pitstops and charming roadside cafés.
4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
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Diwali in Varanasi is unlike any other celebration on earth. As dusk falls, thousands of diyas float down the Ganges, casting rippling reflections on the sacred water. The ghats hum with chants, bells, and laughter as locals and pilgrims gather to celebrate light’s triumph over darkness. Two weeks later, during Dev Deepawali, every step of the ghat glows with lamps, making it a sight that feels almost celestial.
Recommended Route: Direct flights operate from Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata to Varanasi (VNS) on IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air. Alternatively, fly into Lucknow (LKO) and take a 4-hour train or private car to the ghats.
5. Andaman Islands
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Picture celebrating Diwali barefoot on a beach under a sky full of stars. In the Andamans, candlelight mingles with moonlight, creating a tranquil glow far from city chaos. Spend your days diving in Havelock’s turquoise waters, then return to a candlelit seafood feast by the sea. It’s the kind of Diwali that stays with you long after the tan fades.
Recommended Route: Flights from Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru connect to Port Blair (IXZ) on IndiGo. For island-hopping, ferries connect easily between Port Blair, Neil Island, and Havelock.
6. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
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Rishikesh’s Diwali glows differently with a quieter, spiritual, and restorative atmosphere. Here, diyas line the riverbanks, and yoga chants replace fireworks. Take morning meditation classes overlooking the Ganges or join an evening aarti at Parmarth Niketan. For adventurous souls, white-water rafting and cliffside stays add a rush of energy to the calm.
Recommended Route: Fly to Dehradun (DED) with IndiGo or Alliance Air, then drive 1 and a half hours through scenic mountain roads to Rishikesh.
Top International Getaway Destinations for Diwali
7. Dubai, UAE
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Dubai takes Diwali seriously and extravagantly. The city’s vast Indian community turns it into a dazzling spectacle with fireworks at Global Village, concerts, and traditional sweets at Bur Dubai. Pair that with tax-free shopping, world-class dining, and gold souks that shimmer brighter than the diyas themselves.
Recommended Route: Direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad to Dubai International (DXB) are available via Emirates, Air India, Vistara, and IndiGo. The average flying time is 3 and a half hours.
8. Singapore
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Singapore celebrates Deepavali in style, especially in Little India, where Serangoon Road glows with arches of lights, music, and the scent of jasmine and street food. The Diwali bazaar here rivals any Indian market, while the Marina Bay skyline offers the perfect modern contrast. Families love Singapore’s blend of celebration and convenience, considering it’s spotless, safe, and vegetarian-friendly.
Recommended Route: Non-stop flights from Chennai, Bengaluru, and Delhi to Changi Airport (SIN) via Singapore Airlines, IndiGo, and Scoot. Flight duration is around 5 hours.
9. Bali, Indonesia
Photo by Pakornc from Getty Images Pro
For a slower, soulful Diwali, Bali offers serenity and sunshine. Imagine starting your day with temple blessings in Ubud, exploring rice terraces, and ending it with a beachfront dinner under lantern-lit palm trees. Balinese hospitality makes every traveler feel at home, making this Diwali travel destination a spiritual escape wrapped in luxury and nature.
Recommended Route: Fly to Denpasar (DPS) with connecting flights via Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok on AirAsia, Thai Airways, or Batik Air.
10. Bangkok, Thailand
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Bangkok pulses with energy year-round, but during Diwali, its lively night markets and rooftop views make it irresistible. Stroll through Chatuchak for gifts and lanterns, visit Wat Arun for sunset prayers, and enjoy Diwali dinners with skyline views at rooftop bars like Vertigo or Octave. Affordable yet dynamic, Bangkok is a favorite among Indian millennials seeking a quick escape that doesn’t compromise on fun.
Recommended Route: Non-stop flights from Kolkata, Delhi, and Mumbai to Bangkok (BKK) on Thai Airways, IndiGo, and Air India. Flight time is around 4 hours.
How to Get the Cheapest Flights During Diwali
Finding cheap Diwali flights in one of India’s busiest travel weeks requires proper timing and smart booking.
- Book Between September 1–October 5, 2025. Prices surge after October 10, especially on routes like Mumbai–Jaipur and Delhi–Goa.
- Travel Midweek. Tuesday or Wednesday departures and post-Diwali Monday returns consistently cost less than weekend travel.
- Leverage AI-Powered Fare Tracking. Tools like OneAir monitor real-time price drops and automatically rebook at lower rates to maximize your savings.
- Compare Multi-City Options. Flying via alternate hubs (like Kochi for Andamans or Kuala Lumpur for Bali) can yield significant discounts.
- Book Round-Trips. Festive one-way fares are often inflated; round-trips can save 20–30%.
With smart planning, even the busiest Diwali holiday destinations become accessible.
Smart Travel Tips for Diwali
To make your 2025 festive travel seamless and stress-free:
- Arrive Early: Airports like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru see record crowds during Diwali week.
- Check-In Online: Saves time and avoids queues during peak hours.
- Pack Light: Many airlines restrict baggage during festive sale fares.
- Mind Air Quality: Post-Diwali smog can affect visibility in North India — keep flexible return options.
- Carry Digital Payment Options: UPI and wallets are faster during peak congestion.
- Plan for Delays: Keep buffer hours between flights and onward travel.
Takeaway
From Jaipur’s regal glow to Bali’s tropical calm, this Diwali 2025 is your chance to experience the festival in a new light — literally. This year, let your journey be as bright as your Diwali lamps with festive adventures and memories that shine long after the fireworks fade.
Book early, travel smart, and let AI-powered platforms like OneAir secure post-booking fare drops automatically. Because celebrating Diwali shouldn’t mean spending more, but should mean living more. Sign up for FREE today.
*Banner photo by Anirudh on Unsplash
