When is Diwali in 2026?

The main day, Lakshmi Puja, is Sunday, November 8, 2026. The five-day festival runs from November 6 to November 10.

Which state has the best Diwali lights?

Rajasthan, especially Jaipur, with its lit-up markets and landmarks.

Is Himachal Pradesh too cold in November?

Shimla and Dharamshala are cold at night but fine by day. Manali is much colder, so pack warm clothes.

Will it rain in Tamil Nadu during Diwali?

It can. The northeast monsoon usually brings rain from about mid-October into December, so carry a raincoat and keep your plans flexible.

Is Diwali celebrated in Kerala?

Only on a small scale, mainly by Gujarati, Konkani, and North Indian families in Mattancherry (Kochi), Thiruvananthapuram, and parts of Palakkad.

How early should I book a Diwali trip?

Ideally 4 to 6 weeks ahead. For Diwali 2026, that window is nearly closed, so book as soon as you can.

Best States to Visit for Diwali 2026 in India

07 Oct 2026

Best Destinations to Celebrate Diwali 2026 in India

Posted by: Vishvabandhu Patel

Best Destinations to Celebrate Diwali 2026 in India: Where the Festival of Lights Shines Brightest

Diwali 2026 falls on Sunday, November 8, and the full five-day festival runs from Friday, November 6 to Tuesday, November 10. Each state celebrates it in its own way. Some fill the streets with lights, some focus on family rituals and sweets, and others offer cool mountain air or quiet temple mornings.

Rajasthan is best for vibrant palaces and markets, Maharashtra for easy family trips and festive food, Himachal Pradesh for cool weather and a quiet Diwali, Tamil Nadu for temples and traditions, and Kerala for a scenic, peaceful break. November weather suits Rajasthan and Maharashtra best. Himachal is cold, and Tamil Nadu and Kerala can get rain.

Kerala marks Diwali only on a small scale, so choose it for the scenery. Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead; for 2026, that window is closing fast.

State	Best for	November weather	Cost
Rajasthan	Lit-up markets, forts, shopping	Warm days (~29°C), cool evenings (~17°C)	₹18,000–₹45,000
Maharashtra	Families, food, short trips	Mild and mostly dry	₹12,000–₹35,000
Himachal Pradesh	Cool weather, calm Diwali	Shimla ~20°C by day, ~6°C at night; Manali much colder	₹14,000–₹27,500
Tamil Nadu	Temples, culture, traditions	Warm, with a chance of rain	₹15,000–₹30,000
Kerala	Backwaters, tea hills, a peaceful break	Warm and humid, with showers possible	₹20,000–₹40,000

*Per person, twin sharing. Costs are approximate and do not include your travel from Ahmedabad.

Rajasthan

If you want to see Diwali glow, go to Jaipur. In the Walled City, markets like Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, and MI Road are covered in lights. The state runs lighting contests between markets, and landmarks like Hawa Mahal and City Palace are lit up too. Markets stay open late for several days.

Jaipur is ~650 km from Ahmedabad, so most families go by train or a short flight. Stay near MI Road or the Old City so you can walk to the lights. Go after sunset, around 7 PM, when it is cooler. For a calmer break after the crowds, add Udaipur or Jaisalmer. A 5-night Rajasthan trip package covering Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur usually costs about ₹18,000 to ₹45,000 per person, depending on the hotel level.

Maharashtra

Diwali in Maharashtra lasts four to five days. It begins with Vasu Baras, when cows are honoured, followed by Dhanteras. On Naraka Chaturdashi, many people take an early oil bath and visit a temple. Lakshmi Puja is the main day, and Bhau Beej, a celebration of brothers and sisters, ends the festival.

The food is a big reason to visit. Homes serve a platter of snacks and sweets called faral, with items like karanji, anarsa, and shankarpali. Mumbai and Pune have decorated streets and busy markets. Mumbai is ~530 km from Ahmedabad, so it suits a short break by train or flight.

Many families add Lonavala or Mahabaleshwar to escape city traffic. Most Maharashtra tour packages combine a city stay with a hill station, and 4 to 6 night trips cost roughly ₹12,000 to ₹35,000 per person.

Himachal Pradesh

Diwali in the hills feels quieter and cozier. In towns like Shimla, Kullu, and Manali, families decorate homes with marigolds and diyas, and temples hold special aartis. Try local dishes like sidu (steamed bread).

Weather is the main thing to plan for. In November, Shimla is pleasant by day, around 20°C, but drops to about 6°C at night. Dharamshala is similar. Manali is far colder, and snow can close passes like Rohtang early. With children or older family members, Shimla and Dharamshala are easier choices.

From Ahmedabad, most travellers fly to Chandigarh or Delhi and then take a car. Shimla is ~3 to 4 hours by road from Chandigarh. The Himachal tour package price for a 5-night Shimla and Manali trip is usually about ₹14,000 to ₹27,500 per person, before your flights or train tickets.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu celebrates Deepavali a day early. The main day is Naraka Chaturdashi, around November 7 in 2026, so confirm the exact day with your local calendar. The day starts before sunrise with an oil bath. Families then eat a herbal tonic called Deepavali Lehiyam, wear new clothes, and share a big feast. Homes are decorated with kolam designs.

This is a good choice if you like temples and culture. A classic route covers Madurai, Rameswaram, and Kanyakumari.

One honest warning: the northeast monsoon usually brings rain to Tamil Nadu from about mid-October into December. Rain rarely ruins a temple trip, but carry a raincoat and keep your plan flexible. Tamil Nadu travel packages built around the temple circuit usually cost about ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 per person for 5 nights, without flights.

Kerala

Kerala is one of India's most loved holiday states, but Diwali is not a big festival for most Keralites. It is marked on a smaller scale, mainly by Gujarati, Konkani, and North Indian families who live there, in places like Mattancherry in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and parts of Palakkad.

So choose a Kerala trip package for the calm. A classic 5-night route covers Kochi, Munnar, Thekkady, and one night on an Alleppey houseboat. Munnar's tea hills are cooler, and Fort Kochi is easy to explore on foot. Ask your hotel about Diwali events in Mattancherry for a little festival feel.

Kerala gets northeast monsoon showers in October and November, often as short downpours, so carry a raincoat and keep your plan flexible. A 5-night trip usually costs about ₹20,000 to ₹40,000 per person without flights, depending on the hotel level.

How to Choose the Right State

Want lights, shopping, and photos? Choose Rajasthan.
Want a short, easy trip with kids and good food? Choose Maharashtra.
Want cool weather and quiet? Choose Himachal, but pack warm clothes.
Want temples and traditions? Choose Tamil Nadu, and keep a rain plan.
Want scenery and calm more than a festival? Choose Kerala, and carry rain gear.

Simple Booking Tips for a Diwali Trip

Diwali is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year. Trains sell out, flights get costly, and good hotels go first. If you are reading this in October, book this week.

Book transport first. Trains and flights fill up before hotels do.
Expect traffic on Dhanteras and Diwali day. Leave extra time for airport and station transfers.
Plan dinner ahead. Some shops and restaurants close early on Diwali night.
Check what is included. Ask if the price covers hotel, car, sightseeing, and meals.
Pack for the weather. Warm clothes for Himachal, a raincoat for Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and light layers for Rajasthan.

Conclusion

There is no single best state for Diwali. The right choice depends on what your family enjoys most: glowing markets, easy travel, cool air, temple traditions, or quiet scenery. Whichever you pick, book early and plan around the weather.

Ready to plan your Diwali trip? WhatsApp Aasaan Holidays at +91 75672 24488, or send us a quick enquiry. Our Ahmedabad-based team will build a trip around your dates and budget.