Diwali, the festival of lights, is just around the corner, and the festive spirit is already in the air. While many choose to celebrate at home with family and friends, travellers and wanderers look beyond the familiar, seeking new places and experiences that capture the magic of the season. If you have the means to splurge, the world is your oyster, but for those travelling on a budget who still want to savour the spirit of the festival, there are plenty of escapes that don’t break the bank. From serene hill stations and heritage towns to quiet eco-stays, these five destinations promise the perfect Diwali getaway—all under ₹20,000.
Diwali is a time for self-reflection and renewal. Rooted in the story of Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, the festival commemorates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness — both in the world and within oneself. Few places mirror that spirit as naturally as Rishikesh – cradled in the foothills of the Himalayas and spread along the sacred banks of the Ganges, it exudes a serene, timeless charm. Here, the glow of diyas along the ghats replaces city fireworks, and the chants from evening Aarti carry a sense of peace. Whether you join a yoga session at sunrise, raft down the river, or simply sit by the banks watching the lamps drift by, Rishikesh offers a soulful way to celebrate Diwali.
Train: Haridwar (about 25 km away) — From Haridwar, you can reach Rishikesh by cab, shared jeep, or local bus in around 45 minutes.
Bus: Regular buses from Delhi, Dehradun, and Haridwar connect directly to Rishikesh. Overnight Volvo or state transport options are available from Delhi (approx. 6–7 hours).
Flight: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (about 20 km away) — cabs and shared taxis are readily available from there.
Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat
Go river rafting or try bungee jumping for adventure
Join a sunrise yoga session overlooking the river
Explore Beatles Ashram and Lakshman Jhula
Visit nearby waterfalls like Neer Garh
Travel (train/bus/flight + local): Train fares to Haridwar range from ₹800–₹5,000, while buses to Rishikesh cost around ₹250–₹1,200, depending on comfort and operator. Round-trip flights to Dehradun (Jolly Grant) from major cities usually cost ₹3,000–₹6,000, though fares often rise around Diwali.
Stay: Budget stays start at under ₹1,000 for guesthouses and hostels, while 3-star hotels costs around ₹1,000–₹2,500 per person, depending on the season.
Food: ₹1,500–₹2,400 (₹500–₹800 per day)
Activities: ₹3,000
Estimated Total Cost: Approx. ₹12,000–₹15,000
As one of India’s most sacred towns, Pushkar offers a deeply spiritual yet affordable setting to celebrate the festival of lights. Nestled around the sacred Pushkar Lake, the town glows during Diwali — its ghats and countless temples illuminated by flickering diyas, their reflections dancing on the water. Taking a dip in the lake is believed to be especially auspicious during this time, symbolising renewal and blessings.
Beyond the rituals, Pushkar’s narrow lanes and vibrant bazaars come alive with colour and sound — the perfect place to savour festive sweets, shop for traditional handicrafts, or simply soak in the joyous atmosphere. Around the same time, the famous Pushkar Camel Fair comes to life under the full moon of Kartik Purnima, bringing together spiritual celebration and cultural beauty.
Train: The nearest railhead is Ajmer Junction, 15 km away, connected to Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur.
Bus: Regular buses operate from Jaipur (3 hrs), Ajmer (30 mins), and Delhi (8 hrs).
Flight: Kishangarh airport (approx. 40 km) or Jaipur airport (150 km) — both well connected by flights from major Indian cities.
Visit the sacred Brahma Temple
Take a spiritual dip in Pushkar Lake
Explore Pushkar’s colourful bazaars for silver jewellery and handicrafts
Attend the evening Aarti by the lake
Experience the Pushkar Camel Fair if visiting around Kartik Purnima
Travel (train/bus/flight + local): Train fares to Ajmer range from ₹700–₹2,600 one way, while buses from Delhi to Pushkar cost ₹700–₹1,200. Flights to Jaipur average ₹4,000–₹7,000 return (book early for best rates). Local transfers and tuk-tuks cost around ₹500–₹800.
Stay: Budget guesthouses start at ₹800–₹1,000 per night, while charming havelis or boutique stays near the lake cost around ₹1,200–₹1,500 per person.
Food: ₹1,200–₹2,000 (₹400–₹700 per day)
Activities: ₹2,000–₹3,000
Estimated Total Cost: Approx. ₹9,000–₹17,000 per person
For travellers drawn to the hills, Munnar, Kerala, makes for a refreshing and budget-friendly Diwali retreat. Unlike most parts of the country, where Diwali is marked by grandeur and fireworks, celebrations here are far more serene — centred around local customs and the legend of Narakasura’s defeat, rather than the Ramayana epic.
This quieter rhythm makes Munnar ideal for travellers seeking reflection over revelry. A weekend here unfolds in quiet simplicity — with cosy homestays, local cafés, and scenic trails offering an authentic taste of hill-station life. Wander through vast tea estates, pause at viewpoints like Echo Point or Top Station, and unwind over traditional Kerala meals.
Train: Aluva or Ernakulam Junction (connected to major Indian cities)
Bus: KSRTC and private operators run daily buses from Kochi, Trivandrum, and Bangalore to Munnar.
Flight: Kochi International Airport (approx. 110 km; 3–4 hrs by cab or bus)
Visit tea plantations and the Tea Museum
Trek to Top Station or Anamudi Peak
Enjoy boating at Mattupetty Dam
Explore Eravikulam National Park
Try local spice tours and Kerala meals at homestays
Travel (train/bus/flight + local): Flights to Kochi average ₹6,000 - ₹8500 return, depending on city and booking time. From Kochi, shared taxis or buses to Munnar cost ₹500–₹1,000. Train travellers can reach Aluva or Ernakulam (from ₹800–₹2,500 one way) and continue by cab or bus.
Stay: Budget homestays and guesthouses start at ₹1,000–₹1,200 per night, while eco-lodges or plantation stays cost ₹1,500–₹1,800 per person, depending on amenities and view.
Food: ₹1,200–₹2,000 (₹400–₹700 per day)
Activities: ₹2,500–₹3,000
Estimated Total Cost: ₹10,000–₹15,000 per person
From lush green landscapes and misty mountains to coffee and spice plantations, Coorg, Karnataka, offers a relaxing Diwali escape that won’t strain your wallet. Known as the “Scotland of India”, this hill district is all about slow living — bonfires under starlit skies, the aroma of freshly roasted coffee, and forest trails that come alive after the monsoon.
Diwali in Coorg is less about noise and fireworks and more about connection — with nature, with local Kodava traditions, and with yourself. Stay in charming homestays or eco-lodges tucked amid plantations, enjoy hearty Coorgi meals, and spend your days exploring Abbey Falls, Madikeri Fort, or simply wandering through coffee trails. Within a modest budget, Coorg offers all the warmth and brightness of the festive season, wrapped in the calm of the Western Ghats.
Train: Mysuru (about 95 km) and Mangaluru (about 140 km).
Flight: The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport (about 95 km) or Mangaluru (about 145 km). From there, cabs or buses can take you to Madikeri or nearby towns in Coorg.
Visit Abbey Falls and Raja’s Seat for views
Walk through coffee and spice plantations
Visit Madikeri Fort and Omkareshwara Temple
Try traditional Kodava cuisine and local coffee tastings
Trek to Tadiandamol Peak
Travel (train/bus/flight + local): Bus fares from Bengaluru to Coorg start around ₹500–₹1,000, while train travellers can reach Mysuru (₹600–₹1,500 one way) and continue by cab or bus to Coorg (₹1,000–₹2,000). Round-trip flights to Kannur or Mangaluru generally cost ₹5,000–₹8,000, depending on the origin city and booking time.
Stay: Homestays start around ₹1,200–₹1,500 per night, while plantation stays or eco-lodges range between ₹1,800–₹2,000 per person.
Food: ₹1,200–₹2,000 (₹400–₹700 per day)
Activities: ₹2,000–₹3,000
Estimated Total Cost: ₹9,000 – ₹18,000
Coming back to spiritual and cultural getaways, few places capture the heart of Diwali quite like Varanasi. Here, the festival isn’t just seen — it’s felt. As evening falls, thousands of diyas light up the ghats, their shimmering reflections turning the Ganga into a river of gold. The air hums with the sound of temple bells and devotional songs, and for a moment, time seems to pause in reverence.
Wander through the city’s narrow lanes, past sweet shops frying jalebis and stalls selling marigold garlands. Stop to chat with a boatman or join the crowds gathered for the Ganga Aarti, where faith meets firelight in one of the most moving sights you’ll ever witness. With its small guesthouses and local eateries, Varanasi doesn’t demand much — just that you slow down, breathe it all in, and let the light of Diwali work its quiet magic.
Train: Varanasi Junction is a major rail hub with direct trains from across India.
Bus: Intercity buses connect Varanasi with nearby cities such as Lucknow, Patna, and Prayagraj.
Flight: Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS) is connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. From the airport, cabs or auto-rickshaws can take you to the ghats or old city area in about 45 minutes.
Witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges
Explore Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon
Walk through the old city’s labyrinthine lanes
Try local delicacies like kachori sabzi and Banarasi paan
Travel (train/bus/flight + local): Train fares to Varanasi range between ₹800–₹3,000 (one way) from major metros, while intercity buses cost around ₹600–₹1,200 depending on comfort. Round-trip flights to Varanasi usually cost ₹5,000–₹8,000 when booked early, though prices can rise closer to Diwali.
Stay: Budget guesthouses near the ghats start around ₹1,000–₹1,200 per night, while boutique stays or heritage-style hotels range from ₹1,500–₹1,800 per person.
Food: ₹1,200–₹2,000 (₹400–₹700 per day)
Activities: ₹2,000–₹3,000
Estimated Total Cost: ₹9,000 – ₹16,500
1. What are some tips for planning a budget Diwali getaway in India?
Book your travel at least two weeks in advance, opt for homestays or boutique guesthouses instead of hotels, and explore destinations that are accessible by train or overnight bus to save costs.
2. Which are the best offbeat destinations to visit during Diwali?
Beyond popular cities, places like Orchha in Madhya Pradesh, Kutch in Gujarat, and Majuli in Assam offer unique Diwali experiences that blend local traditions with scenic charm — often at much lower costs.
3. What is the average budget for a short Diwali trip in India?
A 2–3-day getaway can cost between ₹10,000 and ₹20,000, covering accommodation, local food, and sightseeing.
4. What should I pack for a Diwali trip to hill stations like Munnar or Coorg?
Carry light woollens, comfortable walking shoes, a rain jacket (especially for Coorg), and festive wear if you plan to attend local celebrations. Don’t forget eco-friendly toiletries and a reusable water bottle.
5. Which is the most spiritual Diwali destination in India?
Varanasi is one of the most spiritual places to experience Diwali, with its grand Ganga Aarti and thousands of diyas illuminating the ghats.