Diwali 2026 is one of the best long-weekend chances of the year for Indian travellers. Laxmi Pujan falls on Sunday, 8 November, with Choti Diwali on Saturday the 7th, and many states also give holidays for Govardhan Puja and Bhai Dooj in the days that follow. Add a day or two of leave, and you can turn the festival into a five to nine-day holiday.
The catch? Everyone else has spotted it too. Festive airfares in India are already 30 to 40 per cent higher than last year, and travel portals expect them to rise another 15 to 20 per cent closer to the dates. The good news is that there is still time to lock in a great trip, if you book this month.
Quick answer: The best Diwali 2026 long weekend getaways are Goa, Udaipur, Ayodhya–Varanasi, Kerala and the Andaman Islands in India, and Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Mauritius abroad. Plan a break from Saturday, 7 November to Wednesday, 11 November, taking leave only on the days your state doesn't give as holidays, and book flights and hotels in October before fares climb further.
Diwali 2026 Dates and Your Long Weekend Plan
| Date | Day | Occasion | Holiday status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Nov 2026 | Friday | Dhanteras | Restricted holiday |
| 7 Nov 2026 | Saturday | Choti Diwali (Narak Chaturdashi) | Weekend |
| 8 Nov 2026 | Sunday | Diwali (Laxmi Pujan) | National holiday (falls on Sunday) |
| 9 Nov 2026 | Monday | Govardhan Puja / Gujarati New Year | Holiday in some states, e.g. Delhi, UP, Gujarat |
| 10 Nov 2026 | Tuesday | Balipratipada / Bhai Dooj (in many northern states) | Holiday in some states, e.g. Maharashtra, UP, Bihar |
| 11 Nov 2026 | Wednesday | Bhaubeej (Maharashtra) | Holiday in Maharashtra |
| 15 Nov 2026 | Sunday | Chhath Puja | Holiday in Bihar, Jharkhand, UP and others |
- The 5-day plan (Sat 7 to Wed 11 Nov): depending on your state, you need between one and three days of leave. Perfect for Goa, Udaipur, Dubai or Thailand.
- The 9-day plan (Sat 7 to Sun 15 Nov): add leave for the rest of the week. Enough for Vietnam, Mauritius, the Andamans or a two-city trip.
Holidays differ by state and company, so check your office calendar before you book. Many families prefer to do Laxmi Pujan at home and fly out on Monday, 9 November; the ideas below work either way.
5 Diwali Getaways in India
1. Goa – Narkasur night and beach vibes
- Getting there: direct flights from most metros; about 1 hr 15 min from Mumbai, 1 hr 30 min from Bengaluru, 2 hr 30 min from Delhi
- Ideal for: friends, couples, young families
- Trip length: 3N/4D
Goa celebrates Diwali in a way you won't see anywhere else. On the night of Narak Chaturdashi (7 November), towns and villages build giant effigies of the demon Narkasur, parade them through the streets and burn them at dawn with fireworks. Many neighbourhoods even run competitions for the best effigy.
After the festive night, spend your days at quieter South Goa beaches like Palolem and Agonda, or catch a sunset cruise on the Mandovi. November is the start of Goa's season, with clear skies and sea-facing shacks reopening after the monsoon.
Happy Traveller tip: Book a beachside villa for a group; it often costs less per head than separate hotel rooms during Diwali week.
2. Udaipur – Diwali in the City of Lakes
- Getting there: direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad (about 1 to 2.5 hours)
- Ideal for: couples, families, senior citizens
- Trip length: 3N/4D
Udaipur is made for Diwali. The City Palace, havelis and ghats along Lake Pichola glow with diyas and fairy lights, and the old-city bazaars are full of festive shopping. Take an evening boat ride on Lake Pichola to see the city lit up from the water.
Add a day trip to Kumbhalgarh Fort or the Ranakpur Jain Temple, and end with a Rajasthani thali dinner. The weather is pleasant, with cool evenings in early November.
Happy Traveller tip: Our Amazing Udaipur package can be extended with Mount Abu or Jodhpur for a 5-day Diwali break.
3. Ayodhya and Varanasi – the spiritual Diwali
- Getting there: fly to Ayodhya, Varanasi or Lucknow from most metros; Delhi is about an hour away, Mumbai and Bengaluru about 2 to 2.5 hours
- Ideal for: families, parents, spiritual travellers
- Trip length: 4N/5D
There is no more meaningful place to celebrate Diwali than Ayodhya, where the festival marks Lord Ram's homecoming. Ayodhya's Deepotsav on Saturday, 7 November 2026 is expected to light more than 28 lakh diyas across Ram Ki Paidi and the Saryu ghats, along with a Saryu Maha Aarti, a Ramayana procession and a drone show. On Diwali day, devotees visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Kanak Bhawan and Hanuman Garhi.
Pair it with Varanasi for the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and a sunrise boat ride. If you can travel later in the month, Dev Deepawali in Varanasi falls about 15 days after Diwali, when the ghats glow with lakhs of lamps.
Happy Traveller tip: Ayodhya hotels sell out fast for Deepotsav. We can arrange a stay in Lucknow with transfers, or plan a Varanasi–Ayodhya circuit with darshan support.
4. Kerala – a calm, green escape
- Getting there: fly to Kochi; about 1 hr from Bengaluru, 2 hr from Mumbai, 3 hr 15 min from Delhi
- Ideal for: honeymooners, families wanting a slow holiday
- Trip length: 4N/5D
Want a peaceful break from crackers and crowds? Kerala is at its greenest just after the monsoon. Spend a night on a private houseboat in Alleppey, sip tea in the misty hills of Munnar, and finish with Ayurvedic massages in Kovalam or Varkala.
Happy Traveller tip: Our Kerala Honeymoon package (3N/4D) is ideal for newly-weds, and is easy to stretch to a 5-day Diwali break.
5. Andaman Islands – India's own island paradise
- Getting there: fly to Port Blair from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai or Kolkata (Chennai and Kolkata are about 2 hours; Mumbai has a direct flight of about 3 hr 25 min)
- Ideal for: couples, families, beach and diving lovers
- Trip length: 5N/6D
November is the start of the Andaman season, with calm seas and clear water. Relax at Radhanagar Beach on Havelock (Swaraj Dweep), snorkel at Elephant Beach, and visit the Cellular Jail light and sound show in Port Blair. You get a tropical-island holiday with no passport or visa needed.
Happy Traveller tip: Ferries to Havelock and Neil fill up during Diwali; book them together with your hotel and flights.
5 International Diwali Getaways from India
6. Dubai – Diwali lights in the desert city
- Getting there: about 3 hours from Mumbai and 4 hours from Delhi, with direct flights from almost every major Indian city
- Visa: most Indians need a UAE tourist visa arranged before travel; those holding a valid US, UK or EU visa or residence permit can get a 14-day visa on arrival
- Trip length: 4N/5D
Dubai has one of the biggest Indian communities in the world, so Diwali feels right at home here. The old souks of Bur Dubai light up with diyas and rangoli, and the city often marks the festival with fireworks and festive markets. Add a desert safari, the Burj Khalifa, a dhow cruise at Dubai Marina and a day at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi.
Happy Traveller tip: Gold shopping on Dhanteras is a Dubai favourite. Pair your trip with the Gold Souk and keep your purchase bills for customs back home.
7. Singapore – Deepavali in Little India
- Getting there: about 4 hours from Chennai and Bengaluru, 5.5 hours from Mumbai and Delhi
- Visa: required for Indians; apply through an authorised agent a few weeks in advance
- Trip length: 4N/5D
Few places abroad celebrate Deepavali like Singapore. The Little India light-up stretches over 2 km of Serangoon Road, and the Deepavali Festival Village on Campbell Lane runs until 8 November 2026. Monday, 9 November is a public holiday in Singapore, so the festive mood carries through the long weekend.
It is also ideal for families: think Universal Studios on Sentosa, Gardens by the Bay, the Night Safari and plenty of vegetarian food.
Happy Traveller tip: Singapore visas take a few working days. Book now, and let our visa desk handle the paperwork.
8. Thailand – visa-free and value-packed
- Getting there: about 2.5 hours from Kolkata, 4 to 4.5 hours from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru
- Visa: visa-free for Indians for up to 30 days; fill the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arrival
- Trip length: 4N/5D
Thailand is the easiest international Diwali trip for Indians: no visa, short flights and great value. Shop and eat your way around Bangkok, enjoy Pattaya's Coral Island, or head to Phuket and Krabi, where November is the start of the dry, sunny beach season.
Happy Traveller tip: Read our guide, Why Thailand Is a Favourite Among Indian Travellers, for costs, food tips and itineraries.
9. Vietnam – the trending new favourite
- Getting there: direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Ho Chi Minh City (about 5 to 5.5 hours), plus connections to Hanoi and Da Nang
- Visa: e-visa, applied online; the official government fee is US$25 for a single entry
- Trip length: 6N/7D (best with the 9-day plan)
Vietnam is the fastest-rising destination for Indians, with Indian arrivals up about 70 per cent in early 2026. Cruise past limestone islands in Ha Long Bay, eat your way through Hanoi's Old Quarter, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, and stroll the lantern-lit lanes of Hoi An.
Happy Traveller tip: North Vietnam is cool and dry in November, while central Vietnam (Da Nang, Hoi An) can still be rainy. We build your route around the weather. Ask about our Vietnam 5D/4N package.
10. Mauritius – a Diwali island where it's a public holiday
- Getting there: about 6 hours on a direct flight from Mumbai (Air Mauritius and Air India); one stop from other cities
- Visa: no visa needed in advance; Indians get entry on arrival for tourism, typically up to 90 days. Fill the Mauritius All-in-One Travel Digital Form before you fly
- Trip length: 5N/6D
Mauritius is the most special Diwali destination abroad. With a large Indian-origin population, Divali is a national public holiday here, and homes across the island glow with diyas. You also get turquoise lagoons, the Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel, catamaran cruises to Île aux Cerfs and the sacred lake of Ganga Talao.
Happy Traveller tip: Mauritius is a top honeymoon pick for couples married in the October–November wedding season. Ask us for honeymoon inclusions.
Diwali 2026 Getaways at a Glance
| Destination | Best for | Ideal length | Visa for Indians | Approx. budget per person* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goa | Friends, couples | 3N/4D | Not needed | ₹18,000 – 35,000 |
| Udaipur | Couples, families | 3N/4D | Not needed | ₹20,000 – 40,000 |
| Ayodhya–Varanasi | Families, parents | 4N/5D | Not needed | ₹25,000 – 45,000 |
| Kerala | Honeymooners, slow travel | 4N/5D | Not needed | ₹28,000 – 50,000 |
| Andaman Islands | Beaches, diving | 5N/6D | Not needed | ₹40,000 – 70,000 |
| Thailand | First trip abroad, friends | 4N/5D | Visa-free (30 days) | ₹45,000 – 75,000 |
| Dubai | Shopping, families | 4N/5D | Visa before travel | ₹55,000 – 90,000 |
| Singapore | Families with kids | 4N/5D | Visa before travel | ₹65,000 – 1,00,000 |
| Vietnam | Explorers, couples | 6N/7D | e-Visa | ₹65,000 – 1,00,000 |
| Mauritius | Honeymooners, luxury | 5N/6D | Entry on arrival | ₹90,000 – 1,50,000 |
*Indicative ranges for 3 to 4-star stays, including return economy flights at festive-season fares, as of October 2026. Final prices depend on your city, dates and hotel.
7 Tips to Beat Diwali 2026 Prices
- Book in October, not November. Travel portals expect festive fares to rise another 15 to 20 per cent as the dates get closer.
- Fly on the festival day itself. Flights on Diwali day (8 November) or Laxmi Pujan evening are usually cheaper and emptier than the Friday or Saturday before.
- Avoid peak return days. Return on Thursday, 12 November or later, when the rush home eases.
- Try a nearby airport. Fly into Lucknow for Ayodhya or Dabolim instead of Mopa for Goa, depending on your city's fares.
- Book a package. Bundled flights, hotels and transfers are usually cheaper than booking each piece separately in peak season.
- Start visas now. Dubai, Singapore and Vietnam visas take time; Thailand and Mauritius need only online arrival forms.
- Buy travel insurance. Festive season means crowded airports and tight connections; insurance protects your trip money.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Diwali in 2026?
Diwali (Laxmi Pujan) is on Sunday, 8 November 2026. Dhanteras is on Friday, 6 November, Choti Diwali on Saturday, 7 November, and Bhai Dooj on 10 or 11 November, depending on the region.
How can I get a long weekend for Diwali 2026?
Plan your break from Saturday, 7 November to Wednesday, 11 November. Depending on your state's holidays for Govardhan Puja, Balipratipada and Bhai Dooj, you need only one to three days of leave. Add leave until Friday, 13 November for a nine-day holiday.
What are the best places to visit during Diwali 2026 in India?
The best Diwali destinations in India are Ayodhya and Varanasi for the spiritual celebrations, Udaipur for its lit-up palaces and lakes, Goa for the Narkasur festivities and beaches, Kerala for a calm escape, and the Andaman Islands for a tropical holiday.
Which international destinations are best for Diwali from India?
Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Mauritius are the best Diwali getaways abroad. Singapore and Mauritius celebrate Diwali as a public holiday, Dubai has big festive events, and Thailand is visa-free for Indians.
When is Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026?
Ayodhya Deepotsav 2026 is on Saturday, 7 November, the day before Diwali. More than 28 lakh diyas are expected to be lit on the Saryu ghats, along with a Maha Aarti and a drone show.
Which countries can Indians visit without a visa for Diwali?
Thailand (visa-free for up to 30 days) and Mauritius (entry on arrival) are the easiest options. Within India, Goa, Kerala and the Andamans need no paperwork at all.
Is it too late to book a Diwali trip in October?
No, but book soon. Festive fares are already 30 to 40 per cent higher than last year and are expected to rise further, so booking in October gets you better prices and more hotel choice.
How much does a Diwali trip cost?
A Diwali trip within India costs roughly ₹18,000 to ₹70,000 per person, and an international trip about ₹45,000 to ₹1,50,000 per person, including flights and hotels.
Book Your Diwali 2026 Getaway with Happy Traveller
This Diwali, celebrate somewhere new. Whether it is lakhs of diyas on the Saryu ghats in Ayodhya, a lake-side dinner in Udaipur, Deepavali lights in Singapore or a lagoon in Mauritius, a short leave plan can give you a holiday to remember.
Diwali seats and rooms are filling fast. Happy Traveller creates 100 per cent tailor-made Diwali packages from anywhere in India, with flights, hotels, transfers, sightseeing, visas, forex and travel insurance in one place, plus on-call support throughout your trip.
Limited Diwali slots left. Talk to our travel experts today.
Call +91 96531 10261 or +91 96193 57402 | Email info@happytraveller.in
Holiday dates, visa rules, flight schedules and prices change often. Information in this guide is accurate as of October 2026; please confirm the latest before you travel.
