With Diwali approaching at lightning speed, get ready to explore these magical destinations with your partner and create precious memories.
Skip the thought that Diwali, the festival of lights, is only about family gatherings. It is also the time when couples can take their romance to the next level and celebrate it in the midst of the glow of diyas and the heat of festive celebrations. India has an infinite number of romantic places that are open during Diwali and offer different experiences like spiritual serenity, royal elegance, or beachside calm. The best couples’ magical getaways are now revealed through this guide created by our team at Wedding Affair.
Table of Contents:
Udaipur, Rajasthan
Udaipur is undoubtedly the place that signifies love most during the Diwali festival. The city, which has been dubbed the Venice of the East, becomes a dreamland during the celebration of lights. The City Palace and Lake Palace sparkle with millions of diyas, and the reflections on Lake Pichola resemble nothing but delightful fantasies.
A couple’s private boat ride on the lake during sunset will be one of the most romantic experiences, accompanied by the city gradually coming to life. The royal heritage hotels have made arrangements for special Diwali dinners and serve the traditional Rajasthani delicacies, and besides that, there are folk performances, firework displays and more. Strolling along the brilliantly lit ancient town streets, with your lover next to you, while crafts and sweet shops show their best in the countdown to the big days, is already unforgettable.
Bagore Ki Haveli’s celebrations are an unmissable event where cultural programs like Rajasthani dance and music are performed at the beautifully lit haveli’s premises. Couples looking for luxury will find the experience of royal celebrations incomparable if they choose to stay at one of the heritage properties like the Taj Lake Palace or the Oberoi Udaivilas.
Read Also: 10 Common Details Couples Miss During Wedding Planning
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
If you are a couple who wants to seek spiritual blessings for your union, Varanasi is the answer for you which will provide you with all the immersive experiences that you need. The ancient city celebrates Dev Deepawali, which falls on the full moon night, fifteen days after Diwali, making it an extended celebration of lights.
The ghats of Varanasi are adorned with over a million earthen lamps, creating a breathtaking sight along the Ganges. Couples can take a boat ride during the evening Ganga Aarti, where the river comes alive with floating diyas, chanting priests, and the mesmerising sound of temple bells. The spiritual energy of the city during this time is palpable and deeply moving.
Explore the narrow lanes of Varanasi together, discovering hidden temples, sampling street food like kachori and jalebi, and shopping for Banarasi silk. Stay in a heritage hotel overlooking the ghats to wake up to the sight of the sunrise over the holy river, making it a moment of pure romance and reflection.
Goa
While Diwali marks the beginning of the tourist season in Goa, the state celebrates the festival uniquely by burning effigies of the demon Narakasura, symbolising the victory of good over evil.
Couples can enjoy the best of both worlds by participating in traditional celebrations at temples and local homes, then head to the beach for sunset views and candlelight dinners. Many beach shacks and restaurants organise special Diwali parties with bonfires, live music, and spectacular food spreads.
South Goa, particularly areas like Palolem, Agonda, and Patnem, offers a more peaceful and romantic setting compared to the bustling North. Stay in a beachfront cottage, wake up to the sound of waves, and spend your days exploring Portuguese churches, spice plantations, and hidden coves. The post-Diwali period is also when Goa’s weather becomes perfect with warm days and cool nights, ideal for couples.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur is a visual spectacle that combines royal heritage with festive fervour. The Pink City adorns itself with lights, and the major monuments like Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, and City Palace host special illuminations that make for stunning photographs and romantic backdrops.
The local markets, especially Johari Bazaar and Bapu Bazaar, become even more vibrant during Diwali with special sales, traditional decorations, and festive energy. Couples can enjoy shopping for jewellery, textiles, and handicrafts while soaking in the festival atmosphere. Many heritage hotels organise rooftop Diwali dinners with traditional Rajasthani thalis, folk performances, and firework displays.
Don’t miss the chance to dress in traditional Rajasthani attire and have a professional photoshoot against Jaipur’s iconic pink buildings and illuminated monuments. The city’s forts and palaces also offer special night tours during Diwali, providing a unique perspective on these architectural marvels.
Amritsar, Punjab
The Golden Temple in Amritsar is a sight that transcends religious boundaries and touches the soul. The entire complex is illuminated with thousands of lights, and the golden dome reflects beautifully in the sacred pool, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
Diwali holds special significance in Amritsar as it also marks the return of Guru Hargobind Ji to Amritsar, celebrated as Bandi Chhor Divas by the Sikh community. The celebrations are grand, with fireworks, special prayers, and community langar (free meals) that couples can participate in together.
Beyond the spiritual experience, couples can explore the Wagah Border ceremony, shop in the bustling Hall Bazaar, and indulge in authentic Punjabi cuisine. The warmth of Punjabi hospitality combined with the divine atmosphere of Diwali makes Amritsar a destination that nourishes both the heart and soul.
Kerala
For couples who prefer a quieter, more intimate Diwali celebration, Kerala’s backwaters offer the perfect escape. While Kerala doesn’t traditionally celebrate Diwali with the same fervour as North India, many resorts organise special Diwali events that blend South Indian traditions with festive celebrations.
Imagine floating on a private houseboat through serene backwaters, surrounded by coconut palms, with your own personal chef preparing Kerala’s delicious cuisine. Watch the sunset paint the sky orange as you light diyas on your deck. Many luxury resorts in Alleppey, Kumarakom, and Kovalam offer special Diwali packages with Ayurvedic spa treatments, traditional Kerala feasts, and cultural performances.
The tranquillity of Kerala during Diwali provides the perfect setting for couples to reconnect, away from the crowds and chaos of everyday life.
Read Also: Top 7 Jewellery That You Need to Get for Diwali 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the best time to book for Diwali travel?
A: Book at least 2-3 months in advance, as Diwali is one of the busiest travel periods in India. Flights, trains, and hotels fill up quickly, and prices tend to increase as the festival approaches.
Q: Are tourist destinations crowded during Diwali?
A: Popular destinations can be crowded during Diwali. If you prefer quieter celebrations, consider lesser-known spots or book private experiences. Kerala and Goa’s South beaches tend to be more peaceful than North Indian cities.
Q: What should couples pack for a Diwali trip?
A: Pack traditional ethnic wear for Diwali celebrations, comfortable walking shoes, a camera for capturing the beautiful lights, and modest clothing for temple visits. Don’t forget sunscreen and any personal medications.
