Diwali is a time of happiness tripled. Diwali is sparks in the air. It is everyone on the streets becoming family. Diwali is sweets popped into your mouth. It is children running around with smiles wider than anything. But beyond any of this it is people coming together and celebrating life together. And what better way to do that than travel? Leave the extreme noises and find for yourself a beautiful, sparkling respite somewhere far away.
No Diwali holiday plans yet? Do you also have that favourite cousin coming in from the United States? Do you also have the immense urge to get out there and experience our new year from a different point? Don’t worry! It is never too late. MLMT has an entire list of things planned out just for you.
- Heritage Stay
Rajasthan screams of royalty. It is all men in turbans and mustaches welcoming you with the warmest of smiles. Come live where history was created. Rajasthan is the perfect Diwali destination. The place lights up beyond usual. The intricate, delicate patterns smile their gentle smiles.
And in all of this beauty, lies the beauty of the Heritage Hotel chain of HRH. This is the only privately-owned heritage hotel chain in all of Rajasthan. The grandeur of the plush, pompous seats can validate all of this. Sit aside pools and fountains and gaze onto the warm glow that this place gives off. These are vacations starting from 7,000 rupees per person. Beauty incarnated in simple prices.
- Shimla
One does not need a reason to go the Himalayas. There is always something to see. Always something to feel. The times around Diwali are exceptionally great for this place. The months of October and November are the most pleasant months to go. It is not too cold, but the skies are clear and the stars are out. It is the most organic way to celebrate your Diwali. Amidst the bright sky lights. Nature treats us with beauty this Diwali.
The entire quiet city lights up in their own way. Not too many people swarm here during this season. You get to breathe in the fresh air without the hindrance of thousand other people. So, this Diwali run away to a quiet place. A place that will fill you to the brim with happiness. And guess what? It begins from only 8,000 rupees.
- Hampi
The historical, peaceful village of Hampi lies in a corner of Karnataka. Hampi takes you back to a century ago. Along with the lush scapes of the land you also get an entire outlook into a time before you. This place is raw. It is original. It is like no other. People from all over come to experience this historical journey.
The number of places that come under the World Heritage Sites from Hampi is impossible to count. Every ruin, every brick has a story to tell. The kingdom that once was shines through brightly with these intricately aged monuments. This place also creates an entire album full of family photogenic photos. There is also a tonne of lit festivals around this time. Hampi makes for a hidden gem of a destination. This Diwali take a trip to the past.
- Bandhavgarh
Most of us turn into children and animals when we get to Diwali. Diwali is not just about the loudest and brightest of crackers. Imagine celebrating Diwali amidst the dense jungles with snakes and lions to keep you company. The children will now have someone to play with. Only when you go into the depths of the canopies will you know Diwali homecoming like Lord Ram did.
A lot of people tend to want this experience and so the tickets get sold out very soon. The parks stay closed on the daily basis. Try booking as quick as possible. The quiet, peaceful morning safaris are far from the noisy, colourful Diwali that is generally associated with, but it is an amazing experience all the same. This Diwali take a deep breath.
- Goa
Whatever the season, whatever the occasion Goa always makes sense. It is the big fat travel paradise. There is something for every one and every time. Goa does Diwali a little differently. For them it is all about destroying the demon, Narakasura. This was done back in the day by Lord Krishna. There are various competitions that happen to see who can build the biggest demon. The demon model is then burnt down around Narakasura Chaturdashi.
Goa also lights their Diwali up in another different way. They light their luck on fire by gambling. This is a very popular activity here at this time. Do try your luck at some of the big, floating casinos in Goa. Diwali is the new year. Start your year by making some big bucks and having some great laughs. Goa will do that without a doubt.
- Egypt
Far away from our country are the pyramids we all love to hold in our hands. It has become a very popular destination in the last few years, but there are still a million small passages and bugs still left to explore. Tombs and cats with elaborate headgear. This place is royalty incarnate.
Sand flows longer than the Nile here. Sit upon a camel hump and sway away to the soulful music that the caravans hum to. Culture is the first word in Egypt. Leave your typical Diwali outings and dive deep into the Egyptian adventure.
- Maldives
Maldives is up and running at any time. It is a catch of a destination for any season. The sunny beaches and the golden sands are all the brightness you need this Diwali. Shut yourself and your family off from all the noise and go into the peaceful, serene vacation. Diwali is not just a festival, it is a few days off from regular life. And what better way to cool off that go to this poster perfect beach.
Since the demand for this place is always right up there it is not tough to get last minute tickets of the place. So, those busy, working families this is your shot at happiness. A lot of celebrities find their recluse here. The priceless trip starts from about 40,000 to 60,000.
- Sri Lanka
Not too far away from India lies this beauty known as Sri Lanka. From Lord Ram to the other end of the story that made the festival happen. Sri Lanka is a blend of the Portuguese, Dutch and British heritage. Everything here is three stars and beyond. Rustic energy combined with high end atmospheres.
But it is not just a place to visit. It is an opportunity. The year is now beginning and each one of us want to start this year off with brightness. There is nothing brighter than the shine of golden coins that radiates on your face as you win rounds over rounds at the casino. This Diwali learn from the best and remember. This is a complete round trip for mythology and history in India.
- Hong Kong and Macau
Diwali is loud, colourful and exotic. And no place says it better than the lantern lit, busy market places of Hong Kong. Hong Kong is Every thing you could want. It is all posh and calm water bodies. It is also large holiday parks and equally large meals.
Macau is all sizzle. Money is the golden boy of this city. It is all casinos and heritage. No place brighter than Macau. Make sure to have a big bite of the egg tart. Make your Diwali full of spins and happiness.
- Turkey
India is full of various different spots to dive into. But, that is not all. The entire world is our canvas as we branch out into the new beginning. This country is an entire buffet of various flavours and cultures. There is something for everyone here. There is a sort of magic that floats in the air. This is a relatively longer holiday and hence many people reach out to this country. It is a very popular spot.
Even though it is in demand, if you were booking about 15 days in advance you will find a place to set foot in. There is an entire community of Indians here who party this bright, festive season with lit diyas and dances prepared. Go beyond boundaries and venture out into the land far away.
Diwali is extremely important to most of us. It is something that binds all of us together. Everyone has their way of beginning this year.
What is your ideal Diwali? What do you love most about this festival of pure happiness?
Let us know! We cannot wait to listen to your tales!