Diwali is a time for family, light, and new beginnings. Why not celebrate it somewhere you'll never forget? We've picked the 10 best places to visit with your family during the Diwali vacation. These sites are a great mix of culture, fun, and tradition, whether you're interested in spiritual areas like Varanasi or celebratory metropolis like Dubai.
1. Dubai, UAE
Dubai is one of the best places to visit in Diwali vacation out of India. It's a place where Indian traditions bloom in the midst of modern luxury. The city celebrates Diwali in a big way, with fireworks at the Burj Khalifa, cultural nights at Global Village, and colorful Indian food festivals all throughout. It's a great place for families to celebrate in a unique and elegant way.
Why visit during Diwali vacation with Family?
- Burj Khalifa: Watch Dubai's famous skyline come to life with LED shows and amazing fireworks that are all about Diwali. It's a visual treat that the whole family will remember.
- Global Village: Celebrate Diwali in a multicultural wonderland with Indian music, folk dances, shopping, and fireworks. It's a great place for kids and adults to have a fun evening.
- Dubai Mall: Explore one of the world's largest retail malls while enjoying Diwali-themed decorations, live performances, and family-friendly events. There are also special festival deals.
- Gold Souk: Visit Dubai's famous Gold Souk and get beautiful gold and diamond jewelry at special Diwali prices. This is a great place to buy gifts for family and friends throughout the holidays.
Travel Tip: To be close to all the main Diwali festivities and have easy access to the metro for sightseeing without traffic, stay near Downtown Dubai or Business Bay.
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Check out - Dubai Family Travel Guide
2. Singapore
Singapore is one of the best places to visit in Diwali vacation out of India with family, offering a perfect blend of cultural celebration and world-class attractions. The entire city, especially Little India, transforms into a glowing hub of Diwali festivities with light installations, street markets, and vibrant cultural shows that reflect the warmth of Indian traditions in a global cityscape.
Why visit during Diwali vacation with Family?
- Little India: Walk through beautiful light arches, buy holiday gifts, and eat real Indian street food.
- Deepavali Festival Village: Check out the colorful stalls selling traditional costumes, sweets, gifts, and crafts.
- Cultural Performances: Enjoy Indian music, dancing, and stories that are fun for both kids and adults.
- Orchard Road: Get great savings on electronics, clothes, and high-end brands for your family's Diwali shopping.
Travel Tip: Go to Little India after 6 PM to see the lights at their peak and enjoy free cultural shows.
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Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one of the most peaceful and spiritual places to visit during Diwali vacation outside of India, especially for families looking for calm, nature, and cultural depth. The island has a profound Diwali experience with temple visits, beautiful scenery, and Indian-style hospitality, from the cultural core of Ubud to the quiet beaches of Seminyak.
Why visit during Diwali vacation with Family?
- Traditional Villas: Spend Diwali in private villas with candlelit dinners and puja settings.
- Ubud Temples: Go to quiet Hindu temples where the Diwali rites feel private and solemn.
- Indian Food: Many Indian eateries have special meals and desserts for Diwali.
- Nature tours with family: Rice terraces, monkey forests, and waterfalls are all great places to relax and have fun with your family.
Travel Tip: For the best blend of culture, peaceful beaches, and neighboring Indian restaurants with a celebratory atmosphere, stay in Ubud or Seminyak.
4. Malaysia
Malaysia is one of the best destinations to visit in Diwali vacation with your family because it has a large Indian community, big temple celebrations, and beautiful street festivals. Malaysia has a lot of fun and spiritual things to do for the whole family during Diwali. For example, the beautiful Deepavali lights in Brickfields (Little India) in Kuala Lumpur, temple celebrations at Sri Mahamariamman Temple, and cultural markets in Penang and Malacca.
Why visit during Diwali vacation with Family?
- Little India Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur: Walk down streets that are decked with lights, music, and Indian cuisine stalls.
- Sri Mahamariamman Temple: Go to Diwali prayers and see ancient ceremonies at Malaysia's oldest Hindu temple.
- Penang's Deepavali Bazaars: Shop for ethnic clothes, snacks, and handicrafts at colorful cultural markets.
- On Jonker Street in Malacca, you may see Indian culture mixed with colonial elegance and street performances by locals.
Tip for travelers: Stay in KL Sentral or Little India to be close to the main Diwali celebrations and have easy access to the monorail.
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5. Maldives
The Maldives is one of the best destinations to travel during Diwali vacation outside of India. It's serene and opulent, and it's perfect for families who want to relax in nature without missing out on the holiday spirit. Diwali here is all about spending time with family, doing rituals on the beach, and relaxing in the tropics. There are resort islands like Maafushi and Hulhumalé, beautiful beaches, and private villas.
Why visit during Diwali vacation with Family?
- Private Island Resorts: Celebrate Diwali with poojas on the beach, fireworks, and Indian meals under the stars.
- Hulhumalé: Beaches and parks that are safe and family-friendly are great places to relax and enjoy the holiday.
- Maafushi: Stay in local guest houses that serve Indian food, have festive lights, and are very friendly.
- Resort Celebrations: Many of the best resorts throw Diwali-themed gala dinners, cultural nights, and use traditional decorations.
Travel Tip: To save money on food and enjoy celebratory meals, pick resorts that offer full-board or all-inclusive packages, especially those with Indian chefs.
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6. Mauritius
Mauritius is one of the best destinations to visit for the Diwali holiday with family because it has a huge Indian community and beautiful scenery. Diwali lights, temple rituals, and local celebrations make places like Triolet, Grand Bassin, and Port Louis feel like home away from home.
Why visit during Diwali vacation with Family?
- Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao): This famous lake temple is a great place to pray with locals during Diwali.
- Triolet Village: See colorful street decorations, sweet stores, and diya lighting.
- Port Louis Markets: Buy Indian clothes, food, and presents at the island's capital city, which is full of life.
- Family Resorts: A lot of hotels plan Diwali events, cultural banquets, and activities for youngsters.
Tip for travelers: Rent a car or hire a driver to see a lot of communities that celebrate Diwali in different ways.
7. Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the best destinations to visit during Diwali vacation outside of India. It's a hidden gem, especially for families that enjoy nature, culture, and calm celebrations. Jaffna, Colombo, and Nuwara Eliya are some of the places where emotional Diwali traditions mix with beautiful scenery and Tamil friendliness.
Why visit during Diwali vacation with Family?
- Jaffna: Celebrate in the Tamil heartland with traditional poojas, oil lamps, and sweets.
- Colombo Temples: Visit Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil and other surrounding temples to take part in festive ceremonies.
- Nuwara Eliya: Light diyas in the cold weather and enjoy the foggy mountain views.
- Indian food: Tamil communities are full of Diwali dinners and mithai.
Travel Tip: Trains are beautiful, but book early for Diwali week, especially on the Kandy to Nuwara Eliya line.
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8. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is one of the most colorful destinations to visit during Diwali holiday outside of India. It has Indian temples, busy Diwali markets, and a lot of energy. Pahurat (Little India) and Silom are two neighborhoods that hold holiday celebrations that make Indian families feel at home.
Why visit during Diwali vacation with Family?
Pahurat Market: In Bangkok's Little India, you may buy ethnic clothes, sweets, and puja goods in Pahurat Market.
Sri Mariamman Temple: Join the Indian population in the area for prayers and ceremonies during Diwali.
River Cruises: Have dinner on the Chao Phraya Cruise and watch fireworks.
Street Food and Markets: Diwali delicacies that mix Indian and Thai flavors that everyone loves.
Tip for Travelers: Stay in the Silom or Sukhumvit neighborhood to be close to Indian temples, markets, and restaurants that are good for families.
9. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi is one of the best destinations to visit in India during the Diwali vacation since it is so spiritual and soul-stirring. Families may have a very meaningful celebration there. The ghats of the Ganges are lined with millions of diyas during Dev Deepawali, making the whole city look and feel amazing.
Why visit during Diwali vacation with Family?
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: Watch the beautiful Ganga Aarti with hundreds of diyas floating on the river.
- Dev Deepawali: See the riverfront light up with dedication and lights once a year.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Pray at one of India's most sacred places, which is magnificently lit up during Diwali.
- Boat Rides: Take a family-friendly boat sail to see the city's sparkling ghats.
Tip for travelers: Book your accommodation near Assi or Dashashwamedh Ghat ahead of time to have front-row seats to Diwali activities and not have to trek very far.
10. Pushkar, in Rajasthan
Pushkar is a beautiful, quiet, and culturally interesting spot to come with family during the Diwali vacation that isn't too crowded. It is famous for its holy lake and colorful markets. During Diwali and the famous Pushkar Camel Fair, which often happens at the same time as the festival, it becomes even more enchanting.
Why visit during Diwali vacation with Family?
Pushkar Lake: Join in the festivities when people light diyas around the holy water for a peaceful, spiritual experience.
Pushkar Camel Fair: Go to one of India's most colorful festivals, where you may ride rides, see folk acts, and watch camel parades.
Brahma Temple: The only temple in the world devoted to Lord Brahma, it is brilliantly decked for Diwali.
Shopping in the Bazaar: Visit the vibrant marketplaces to see local handicrafts, jewelry, and holiday decorations.
Travel Tip: For a real Rajasthani festive experience and easy access to festivities, stay in a traditional haveli or a guesthouse by the lake.
Final Thoughts
This Diwali, skip the crowded cities and boring festivals and go to places that would make you feel good and make your family happy. These carefully chosen sites are some of the best to visit with family over the Diwali break. They include a cultural parade in Singapore, and spiritual aartis in Amritsar. Why wait then? With our personalized Diwali holiday packages, Best Value Tourism can help you organize a fun, stress-free trip.