Why This Diwali Should Be Different
Last Diwali, I found myself scrolling through the same old family WhatsApp groups, watching fireworks from my balcony, and thinking: “Is this it?”
The truth hit me like a misplaced rocket – I was documenting everyone else’s adventures while my own story remained unwritten. This year, I decided, would be different. The camera wouldn’t just capture crackers; it would capture cultures. The tripod wouldn’t just hold a phone; it would hold memories.
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous
“सफर खूबसूरत है मंज़िल से भी” (The journey is more beautiful than the destination) – Hindi Proverb
If you’re a content creator tired of the same Diwali content, or a traveler seeking authentic festive experiences without burning a hole in your pocket, this guide is your golden ticket.
1. Varanasi – The City of Eternal Light
The Story
Imagine 15 lakh diyas flickering simultaneously along the ghats of the Ganges. The air thick with incense, temple bells, and the murmur of ancient prayers. This is Dev Deepawali in Varanasi – the Diwali of the Gods, celebrated fifteen days after the main festival (November 15, 2024).
I met Rajesh, a 67-year-old boatman, who told me: “यहाँ हर दिया एक कहानी है, हर घाट एक इतिहास (Here, every lamp is a story, every ghat is history).” He’s been rowing tourists through these sacred waters for 40 years, and his wrinkled hands have stories deeper than the river itself.
Where to Stay
Budget Hostels (Solo Travelers)
- Zostel Varanasi – ₹450/night (dorm), rooftop with ghat views
- Moustache Hostel – ₹500/night, community vibes, perfect for networking
- Bunkyard Hostel – ₹400/night, walking distance to Dashashwamedh Ghat
Budget Hotels (Couples)
- Hotel Alka – ₹1200/night, Dashashwamedh Ghat, heritage property
- Ganpati Guest House – ₹900/night, authentic experience, family-run
- Suryauday Haveli – ₹2000/night (splurge option), stunning ghat views
Food Paradise
Must-Try Street Food
- Kashi Chat Bhandar (Godowlia) – Tamatar chaat ₹30, Palak chaat ₹40
- Deena Chaat Bhandar – Famous aloo tikki ₹25
- Ram Bhandar (Kachori Gali) – Kachori-sabzi ₹40, served since 1912!
- Blue Lassi Shop – 80+ lassi flavors ₹40-80
Restaurants
- Brown Bread Bakery – Continental breakfast ₹150-300, profits go to charity
- Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe – Rooftop dining ₹200-400
- Baati Chokha (Traditional Bihari) – Thali ₹180, authentic village-style
Hidden Gem: Walk into any small local eatery near Assi Ghat before 9 AM and ask for “Banarasi Poori Sabzi” – ₹50 for a meal that’ll fuel your entire morning shoot.
Offbeat Experiences
- Sarnath at Sunrise – 10km from Varanasi, where Buddha gave his first sermon. Empty temples, golden light, zero crowds. ₹100 auto ride.
- Ramnagar Fort – Crumbling 18th-century fort across the river. Museum ₹50 entry. Incredible golden hour shots.
- Ganga Aarti from a Boat – Skip the crowded ghats, watch from the river. Private boat ₹300-500 for 1 hour.
- Subah-e-Banaras Walk – Dawn walk through narrow lanes with a local (free, tip-based). Contact through your hostel.
2. Pushkar – Where Desert Meets Devotion
The Story
Picture this: 50,000 camels, folk dancers in swirling skirts, and a sacred lake surrounded by 400 temples – all set against the Aravalli sunset. Pushkar during Diwali isn’t just a destination; it’s a fever dream painted in desert gold.
I camped under the stars with a group of Rajasthani musicians who sang “रेगिस्तान में भी दीये जलते हैं, जहाँ प्यार हो वहाँ रोशनी होती है (Lamps light even in the desert, where there’s love, there’s light).” The next morning, I woke up to camel grunts and chai being served in clay cups.
Where to Stay
Budget Options (Solo)
- Moustache Pushkar – ₹600/night dorm, artistic vibe
- Pushkar Palace – ₹800/night private room
- Desert camps – ₹700-1000/night (during fair season)
Couple-Friendly
- Hotel Pushkar Legacy – ₹1500/night, rooftop restaurant
- Sunset Cafe Guest House – ₹1200/night, lake views
- The Greenhouse Resort – ₹2500/night, eco-luxury
Food Scene
Street Food Champions
- Falafel stalls near main market – ₹60-100 (Pushkar has amazing Israeli food!)
- Om Shiva Garden – Thalis ₹120-180
- Honey & Spice – Malpua (sweet) ₹50, perfect for Diwali vibes
Restaurants
- Out of the Blue – Rooftop, Italian + Indian, ₹300-500 per person
- Sunset Cafe – Lake views, continental ₹250-450
- La Pizzeria – Yes, wood-fired pizza in Rajasthan! ₹200-400
Local Secret: Visit the Gurudwara for free langar meals. Freshly made rotis, dal, sabzi – and the community experience is priceless for content.
Offbeat Experiences
- Savitri Temple Trek at Dawn – 1-hour climb, panoramic views of Pushkar and fair. Free.
- Apteshwar Temple – Less crowded than Brahma Temple, beautiful architecture. Free entry.
- Village Safari – Visit nearby Kishangarh and Merta City. ₹500 for auto day hire.
- Pushkar Lake at 5 AM – Before pilgrims arrive. Misty, mystical, magical.
3. Amritsar – Golden Lights, Golden Hearts
The Story
When I first walked into the Golden Temple at night during Diwali, I literally stopped breathing. The entire complex shimmered in thousands of lights, reflected in the Amrit Sarovar (sacred pool), while free food was being served to 100,000 people daily in the langar hall.
An elderly volunteer named Harjeet Singh told me: “ਦੀਵੇ ਉਹ ਨਹੀਂ ਜੋ ਘਰਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਗਦੇ ਨੇ, ਦੀਵੇ ਉਹ ਨੇ ਜੋ ਦਿਲਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਗਦੇ ਨੇ (The real lamps are not those that light homes, but those that light hearts).”
“Service to humanity is service to God.” – Sikh Principle
Where to Stay
Solo Budget
- Stops Hostel Amritsar – ₹450/night, near Golden Temple
- Golden Temple accommodations – Free (yes, free!), but book well in advance
- Hotel Sawera Grand – ₹700/night private room
Couples
- Hotel City Heart – ₹1200/night, 5-min walk to temple
- Hotel Grand Jewel – ₹1500/night, modern amenities
- Ranjit’s SVAASA – ₹2800/night (luxury option), heritage property
Food Heaven
Street Food Must-Haves
- Kesar Da Dhaba (since 1916) – Dal makhani ₹200, stuffed parathas ₹80
- Kulcha Land – Amritsari kulcha ₹60-100, multiple outlets
- Bharawan Da Dhaba – Chole bhature ₹80
- Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wala – Hot jalebis ₹40 per plate
- Ahuja Lassi – Creamy lassi ₹50
Restaurants
- Beera Chicken House – Tandoori chicken ₹300-500
- Crystal Restaurant (Golden Temple complex) – Thali ₹150, proceeds to charity
- Brothers Dhaba – Butter chicken ₹280
Pro Tip: Eat langar at Golden Temple (free) at least once. It’s not about saving money; it’s about the experience of eating alongside thousands, regardless of religion, caste, or status.
Offbeat Experiences
- Partition Museum – Deeply moving, ₹20 entry. Essential for understanding Punjab’s soul.
- Gobindgarh Fort Light Show – ₹200 entry, evening show on Sikh history.
- Dera Baba Nanak (Kartarpur Corridor starting point) – 30km away, peaceful border area.
- Khalsa College – Stunning Indo-Saracenic architecture, free to walk around campus.
4. Goa – When Traditions Meet The Tides
The Story
Forget what you know about Goa’s party reputation. Diwali in Goa is about massive Narkasur effigies being paraded through streets before dawn, then dramatically burned. The unique blend of Hindu-Portuguese culture creates a Diwali unlike anywhere else.
Maria, a Goan home-stay owner, explained: “आमचे दिवाळी वेगळं आहे (Our Diwali is different). We celebrate defeating the demon Narkasur at 4 AM, then by evening, we’re having sorpotel and sannas.”
Where to Stay
Solo Travelers
- Backpacker Panda Arambol – ₹550/night, beach hostel
- Jungle Hostel Anjuna – ₹700/night, pool, party vibe
- Roadhouse Hostels Panjim – ₹800/night, heritage area
Couples
- Casa De Goa Boutique Resort – ₹2000/night, Baga
- Chalston Beach Resort – ₹1800/night, Calangute
- Airbnbs in Assagao/Siolim – ₹1500-2500/night, authentic village experience
Food Guide
Goan Delicacies
- Fisherman’s Wharf – Seafood platter ₹800-1200 for two
- Infantaria (Calangute) – Bebinca (Goan dessert) ₹150, Goan sausage pulao ₹280
- Black Sheep Bistro (Panjim) – Modern Goan ₹500-800 per person
Beach Shacks
- Thalassa (Vagator) – Greek + Goan, sunset views ₹600-900
- Curlies (Anjuna) – Beach shack legend ₹400-700
- Martin’s Corner (Betalbatim) – Tourist favorite but for good reason ₹500-800
Street Food
- Panjim Municipal Market – Choris pao (sausage bread) ₹40
- Miramar beach – Corn, bhel puri ₹30-50
- Mapusa Market (Friday) – Fresh poee bread, Goan sweets ₹20-100
Offbeat Experiences
- Divar Island – Ferry ride from Old Goa (free), cycling around peaceful villages. ₹100 cycle rent.
- Netravali Bubble Lake – 1.5 hours from Panjim, mysterious bubbling lake in forest. Free.
- Chorla Ghat – Goa-Karnataka border, waterfalls, misty mountains. ₹500 auto/day.
- Latin Quarter (Fontainhas) – Panjim’s Portuguese neighborhood, painted houses, art galleries. Free walking tour.
5. Jaipur – The Pink City Turns Golden
The Story
When the Pink City lights up for Diwali, it transforms into a living jewelry box. Every palace, haveli, and monument glows, and the markets overflow with handcrafted diyas, lanterns, and rangoli materials.
Govind, a third-generation diya maker in Bapu Bazaar, shared: “मेरे दादा कहते थे – हर दिया एक प्रार्थना है, हर रोशनी एक आशा (My grandfather used to say – every diya is a prayer, every light is hope).”
Where to Stay
Budget Solo
- Zostel Jaipur – ₹600/night, heritage haveli converted
- Moustache Hostel – ₹550/night, rooftop views
- Jaipur Jantar Hostel – ₹500/night, near City Palace
Couples
- Pearl Palace Heritage – ₹1500/night, famous boutique hotel
- Hotel Arya Niwas – ₹1200/night, garden setting
- Alsisar Haveli – ₹2500/night, heritage property
Food Paradise
Street Food Royalty
- Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar (LMB) – Dal baati churma ₹180, ghevar ₹200/kg
- Rawat Mishthan Bhandar – Pyaaz kachori ₹25, best in city
- Pandit Pav Bhaji – ₹80 per plate
- Falahaar Kendra (near Hawa Mahal) – Breakfast thali ₹100
Restaurants
- Chokhi Dhani (village resort) – Cultural experience + dinner ₹700-900
- Peacock Rooftop – City views, continental + Indian ₹500-800
- Tapri Tea House – Instagrammable cafe ₹200-400
- 1135 AD (Amer Fort) – Royal dining ₹1000-1500 (splurge)
Hidden Gem: MI Road’s street vendors post-7 PM – mirchi vada, mawa kachori, kulfi – ₹20-50 each.
Offbeat Experiences
- Chand Baori (Abhaneri) – Stepwell featured in “The Dark Knight Rises”, 90km away. ₹50 entry. Day trip ₹1500 by car.
- Galta Ji (Monkey Temple) – Hilltop temple complex, natural springs. Free entry. Sunset spot.
- Sambhar Lake – 80km away, India’s largest saltwater lake, flamingos (winter). Free.
- Block printing workshop (Sanganer) – Learn traditional craft ₹500-800 including materials.
Offbeat Diwali Destinations (Bonus)
1. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
“The town time forgot”
Empty temples lit by diyas, Betwa River reflecting lights, zero tourist crowds.
- Budget: ₹1000-1800/day (solo)
- Stay: Orchha Resort ₹800, Sheesh Mahal MPTDC ₹1200
- Why: Ram Raja Temple (only place where Ram is worshipped as king), stunning cenotaphs
2. Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh
“When ancient stone dances with fire”
Temple sculptures illuminated, sound-and-light show, peaceful vibes.
- Budget: ₹1200-2000/day (solo)
- Stay: Zostel Khajuraho ₹550, Hotel Harmony ₹1000
- Why: UNESCO site, fewer crowds, cultural performances
3. Chitrakoot, UP/MP Border
“Where Ram spent his exile years”
Spiritual, riverside ghats, Deepawali on Mandakini River.
- Budget: ₹800-1500/day (solo)
- Stay: MPTDC Panchvati ₹1200, guest houses ₹500-800
- Why: Authentic, untouched by commercial tourism
4. Hampi, Karnataka
“Ruins illuminated”
Boulders and temples lit up, Vijayanagara festival might coincide.
- Budget: ₹1000-1800/day (solo)
- Stay: Gopi Guest House ₹500, Mowgli Hostel ₹700
- Why: Surreal landscape, hippie vibes, boulder climbing
5. Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh
“Tibetan Diwali in the mountains”
Mix of Hindu and Buddhist celebrations, mountain backdrop, cooler weather.
- Budget: ₹1200-2000/day (solo)
- Stay: Zostel Mcleodganj ₹650, Pema Thang ₹1000
- Why: Unique cultural blend, monasteries, trekking options
The Journey Awaits
As I write this, my backpack sits half-packed in the corner of my room. There’s a train ticket to Varanasi on my phone, a hostel booking confirmation, and that familiar pre-trip anxiety mixed with excitement bubbling in my chest.
This Diwali won’t be about the biggest fireworks or the fanciest party. It’ll be about Rajesh the boatman’s stories, Govind’s handmade diyas, Maria’s sorpotel recipe, and a hundred small moments that will never make it to Instagram but will stay with me forever.
“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anonymous
“जिंदगी एक सफर है सुहाना, यहाँ कल क्या हो किसने जाना” – (Life is a beautiful journey, who knows what tomorrow holds)
So here’s my challenge to you: Close this tab. Open your booking app. Pick a destination. Any destination from this list. Book the cheapest ticket you can find. Pack light. Leave heavy.
This Diwali, let’s not just light lamps in our homes. Let’s light up our stories.
The road is calling. Your camera is ready. Your story is waiting to be told.
Where will your light shine this Diwali?
Safe travels, happy filming, and may your Diwali be as bright as your content! 🪔📸
Connect: Drop your travel stories in comments or tag me in your Diwali content – let’s build a community of festive wanderers!
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