As the festival of lights returns, many travellers are reimagining how they celebrate Diwali—choosing the calm of nature over city noise, and wellness retreats over firecrackers. Diwali 2025, which falls on October 20, is the perfect opportunity for a long weekend getaway. Across India, luxury resorts and boutique stays are curating festive experiences that blend culture, comfort, and sustainability: from diyas glowing under the stars in Ranthambhore and tea-scented hills of Ooty to riverfront palaces in Odisha and barefoot-luxury escapes in the Andamans. Whether you’re drawn to the quiet majesty of the wild, the rhythm of folk performances, or a gourmet Diwali dinner under the open sky, these handpicked destinations promise celebration with serenity.
Here are some of the best festive stays in India where you can unwind, reconnect, and welcome the season of light in unforgettable style.
The Ayatana Coorg prides itself on providing a smoke- and noise-free Diwali. Offering a retreat from busy city life, the property has a wilderness spa, a private waterfall, an infinity pool, hiking trails and a rope course. It also offers off-road safari experiences and a special Kodava dance performance, among other cultural celebrations. Visitors can also bring their pets here.
Meanwhile, the Ayatana Ooty property is a luxury resort in the Nilgiris. With this season's focus on tea harvesting, guests can immerse themselves in the natural landscape by exploring the lush tea plantations and enjoying breathtaking views of the mist-covered hills. There will be bonfire experiences to connect with fellow travellers, a nature session with a naturalist who studies reptiles and amphibians, a Baduga dance performance, a mehendi (henna tattoo) session, and a recital by a flautist.
Lastly, the Azora Goa in Morjim blends Santorini-inspired wooden cottages and a stunning lagoon pool to provide guests with the perfect deluxe experience. Visitors can taste authentic Goan delicacies at their in-house restaurant, CATCH; relax by their private pool villas; enjoy floating breakfasts; have high-tea sessions in the evenings; dine under the stars; belt out karaoke tunes; and soak in the views of the ocean.
Fringed by the forests of Jim Corbett National Park, The Golden Tusk is an experiential boutique retreat that captures the spirit of the wild while offering refined comfort. Spread across ten acres of landscaped greenery, the resort features 68 suites and villas, two pools, a spa, and immersive outdoor experiences—from guided safaris and riverside walks to wellness and adventure activities.
Rooted in sustainable hospitality, The Golden Tusk blends eco-sensitivity with thoughtful design, allowing guests to stay close to nature without compromising on luxury. Its culinary portfolio ranges from themed open-air grills and poolside dining to The Golden Forest, the newly revamped all-day restaurant showcasing regional Kumaoni flavours alongside global fare. Every element of the resort—its forest-inspired architecture, locally sourced ingredients, and personalised service—echoes Corbett’s quiet magnificence.
Situated on the edge of Ranthambhore National Park and against the beautiful backdrop of the Aravalli Hills, the luxurious 10-tented Aman-i-Khas offers incomparable privacy and daily safaris that seek out the reserve’s wildlife. Diwali comes to life at the camp with the warm glow of hundreds of handmade diyas. Join the puja ceremony on the lawn to welcome the goddess Lakshmi, after which you can enjoy traditional Diwali sweets and a special festive menu prepared by the chefs.
Rambha Palace is a beautifully restored 18th-century boutique luxury palace hotel along the banks of the revered Chilika Lake in Odisha. Steeped in history and grandeur, the property combines luxury with the state’s rich cultural heritage. It features a presidential villa and 14 suites adorned with traditional Odia art, refurbished 18th-century furniture and antique carpets. The property offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities—hosting over a million birds in winter—and is the breeding grounds of the endangered olive ridley turtles. Guests can enjoy boat rides to spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins and engage in exclusive activities like blackbuck safaris, Ayurvedic therapies and personalised wellness meals. Rambha Palace’s unique culinary offerings highlight local Odia flavours and include al fresco dining, complemented by an exclusive darshan at the Jagannath Temple of Puri.
Situated along the pristine boundaries of Jim Corbett National Park, the Aahana Resort offers an idyllic retreat for families looking to celebrate Diwali amidst nature and tranquillity. Spanning 13.5 acres of verdant landscape, this eco-luxury resort seamlessly blends comfort with sustainability. Its elegant, well-appointed rooms provide breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness, allowing guests to experience the serenity of nature from the privacy of their accommodation. Guests can partake in thrilling wildlife safaris, guided nature walks or enjoy a serene riverside picnic. Birdwatching enthusiasts will also find themselves captivated by the over 200 species of birds that call the resort home.
Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, Brij Bageecha is a boutique resort that embodies the essence of Rajasthani hospitality. Spanning 11 acres, this pet-friendly property features luxurious villas, each equipped with plunge pools and jacuzzis for a truly indulgent experience. Guests can immerse themselves in the serene surroundings of lush orchards and tranquil water bodies while enjoying traditional activities such as pottery and lac bangle making. With its inviting ambience, Brij Bageecha is the ideal destination for families and friends to come together and celebrate festive occasions while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
On the sun-dappled shores of Havelock Island, Tilar Siro embodies barefoot luxury. Its thatched-roof villas open onto wide verandahs overlooking turquoise waters and pristine reefs. Spend your days snorkelling through coral gardens, kayaking across mangrove creeks, or simply unwinding to the rhythmic hush of the sea. Built on principles of sustainability and simplicity, this serene hideaway mirrors the natural grace of the Andamans, a sanctuary for post-festive renewal and ocean-breezed calm.
More than a stay, an experience afloat. The Bengal Ganga is a boutique river cruise that traces Bengal’s timeless waterways, weaving together history, craft, and quiet indulgence. Onboard, handcrafted teak interiors meet the soft flow of the Ganga, while excursions along the banks reveal villages where India’s textile and artistic traditions were born. Between artisanal encounters, unwind on the deck as emerald fields and temple spires drift past, or savour chef-curated Bengali delicacies. A floating celebration of culture and serenity, it is ideal for travellers who seek immersion as much as luxury.
Cradled within 45 acres of Arabica coffee plantations and sharing a boundary with Nagarhole National Park, Coorg Wild Walk is an intimate six-room villa wrapped in birdsong and mist. Its proximity to Nanachi Gate promises thrilling safaris and frequent glimpses of big cats. Days unfold gently with guided eco-walks through lush estates, flavourful local meals, and lazy evenings by the plantation verandah. Only four hours from Bengaluru, it is a perfect Diwali escape for nature lovers seeking tranquillity, coffee, and the call of the wild.
Each winter, the Great Rann of Kutch transforms into a gleaming white expanse beneath a star-studded sky, and the Rann Utsav Tent City becomes its beating heart. Running this season from 23 October 2025 to 4 March 2026, the festival redefines desert hospitality with sustainable design, solar lighting, waste-management systems, and eco-friendly tents that blend earthy elegance with comfort. Days brim with craft workshops, folk performances, and art installations, while nights glow with music and moonlight over the salt flats. Easily reached from Bhuj (a scenic 90-minute drive), this ephemeral city captures the magic of Gujarat’s cultural spirit: vivid, soulful, and unforgettable.
