Diwali Trip from Delhi — The Best Weekend Getaways for the Festival of Lights
GS
Gaurang Singh
6 min read
Best Diwali Weekend Getaways from Delhi in 2026
Why Take a Diwali Trip from Delhi
Delhi is one of India's strongest Diwali cities in its own right — but it is also the most connected city in North India, sitting within a few hours of three of the most spectacular Diwali destinations in the country. Varanasi's Ganga ghats, Jaipur's illuminated forts and markets, and Ayodhya's Deepotsav are each a genuine upgrade on Delhi's own Diwali experience for a traveller willing to travel 2–6 hours from the capital.
This guide covers the three strongest Diwali weekend trips from Delhi — what makes each destination special, how to get there, and where to stay. All hotel bookings are on Globinn (previously known as BidInn) with up to 40% off on verified listings.
Delhi to Varanasi for Diwali
Why Varanasi
Varanasi's Diwali on the Ganga ghats is a singular experience — the 84 ghats of the Varanasi riverfront are lit with earthen lamps, fireworks arc over the river, and the reflection of the illuminated ghats on the Ganga creates a visual spectacle that has made Varanasi the most photographed Diwali destination in India. The Dev Deepawali — celebrated 15 days after the main Diwali on Kartik Purnima — extends the festival season for an additional major event. Varanasi is also India's oldest continuously inhabited city, which gives its Diwali a cultural and spiritual depth that newer destinations simply do not have.
How to Get There
• By flight: Multiple daily flights from Delhi (IGI) to Varanasi (Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport). Flight time approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Book flights on Globinn for competitive fares during the Diwali season.
• By train: Several overnight trains connect Delhi to Varanasi Junction, with journey times of 11–14 hours. The Vande Bharat Express covers the route in approximately 8 hours. Book train tickets via IRCTC well in advance for Diwali travel.
• By road: Delhi to Varanasi is approximately 800 km — a long drive of 12–14 hours, practical for those who want road-trip flexibility but not ideal for a weekend trip.
Where to Stay in Varanasi
Varanasi's hotel zones fall into two main categories: properties near the ghats (walking distance to Dashashwamedh and Assi Ghat, best for experiencing the Diwali atmosphere directly) and properties in the Cantt/Sigra area (newer, better-maintained rooms, slightly farther from the ghats but with reliable transport links). For Diwali, ghat-adjacent accommodation is the priority — book well in advance.
Book Varanasi hotels on Globinn — up to 40% off.
Delhi to Jaipur for Diwali
Why Jaipur
Jaipur's Diwali combines three things that work exceptionally well together: world-class heritage architecture (Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace) that becomes dramatically more beautiful when illuminated, one of North India's best festive market experiences (Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Nehru Bazaar), and a hotel infrastructure covering all budget categories from budget guesthouses to heritage palace properties. Jaipur is the most practical Diwali weekend trip from Delhi — 5–6 hours by road or 4.5 hours by Vande Bharat, with no flight required.
How to Get There
• By road: Delhi to Jaipur via NH-48 is approximately 270 km, taking 4.5–5.5 hours by car.
• By train: The Vande Bharat Express covers Delhi–Jaipur in approximately 4.5 hours. Several other trains including the Shatabdi Express cover the route in 4.5–5.5 hours. Book via IRCTC — Diwali trains fill quickly.
• By bus: RSRTC and private operators run Delhi–Jaipur services regularly. Journey time approximately 5–6 hours. A practical option for those booking last-minute when trains are full.
Where to Stay in Jaipur
For Diwali in Jaipur, the old city / walled city zone puts you closest to the Johari Bazaar markets and the Hawa Mahal and City Palace area. The MI Road and Sanganeri Gate area is the traditional mid-range hotel belt. For heritage hotel experiences — staying in a haveli or palace property — Jaipur has one of the largest concentrations of such properties in India.
Book Jaipur hotels on Globinn — up to 40% off.
Delhi to Ayodhya for Diwali
Why Ayodhya
Ayodhya's Deepotsav — the mass lamp-lighting on the Sarayu river — has become one of India's most watched annual events, with lakhs of lamps lit simultaneously along the riverbank. The newly rebuilt Ram Mandir adds a major pilgrimage dimension to any Ayodhya Diwali visit. For travellers who want a Diwali experience rooted in the narrative at the heart of the festival — Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya is the origin story of Diwali itself — Ayodhya is the most directly meaningful destination of any in India.
How to Get There
• By flight: Delhi–Lucknow flights are frequent (approximately 1 hour), followed by a 135 km drive from Lucknow to Ayodhya (approximately 2.5 hours). Search Delhi–Lucknow flights on Globinn.
• By train: Several trains run Delhi–Ayodhya directly, including Vande Bharat services with a journey time of approximately 6 hours.
• By road: Delhi to Ayodhya is approximately 700 km, taking 9–11 hours. Better covered by train or flight for a Diwali trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best Diwali weekend trip from Delhi?
For the most immersive Diwali experience, Varanasi is the strongest choice — the Ganga ghats during Diwali are unmatched in India for visual drama and spiritual atmosphere. For a shorter, easier trip combining good heritage, markets, and hotels without a flight: Jaipur. For the most historically and narratively connected Diwali experience: Ayodhya and its Deepotsav.
How many days should I spend for a Diwali trip from Delhi to Varanasi?
A minimum of 3 nights in Varanasi gives you enough time to experience the ghats across multiple times of day — dawn boat ride, evening Ganga Aarti, Diwali night itself — and visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and old city lanes. If you want to extend to Dev Deepawali (Kartik Purnima, 15 days after main Diwali), plan a separate 2-night trip specifically for that event.
Is Jaipur good for Diwali?
Yes — Jaipur is one of India's top 3 Diwali destinations. The combination of illuminated Rajasthani heritage architecture, one of North India's best festive market experiences, and an easy 4.5-hour train connection from Delhi makes it the most accessible major Diwali destination from the capital. Heritage palace hotels and haveli guesthouses add a distinctive accommodation layer.
Can I visit Ayodhya from Delhi for Diwali in a day?
A day trip from Delhi to Ayodhya for Diwali is very difficult — the total journey takes 12–16 hours by road and train round trip, leaving very little time at the destination. For a meaningful Ayodhya Diwali experience, plan at least 1–2 nights. A Delhi–Lucknow flight (1 hour) followed by a 2.5-hour drive to Ayodhya is the fastest connection, enabling a 2-night trip without losing an entire day to travel.
Does Globinn cover flights for Diwali trips from Delhi?
Yes. Globinn lists flights on Delhi routes including Delhi–Varanasi, Delhi–Lucknow (for Ayodhya access), and Delhi–Jaipur during the Diwali travel season. Book flights and hotels together on Globinn (previously known as BidInn) for a complete Diwali trip.