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If you are looking to explore some underrated gems this Diwali and celebrate the festival in your way, check out these enriching retreats across India.
Escape the Diwali hustle with these underrated getaways.
Diwali, along with the festive spirit, brings with it a range of emotions. For some, it’s the most joyous time of the year; for those navigating life’s uncertainties, it’s bittersweet; while for others craving change, it’s a chance to get away from the monotony. If this year you’re looking to spend the festive season your way, here are some excursions that you can head out to.
1. Experience a Calm Pet-Friendly Diwali
If noisy evenings and crowded celebrations aren’t on your 2025 bingo card, heading out to Botanix Resort’s eco-conscious and pet–friendly retreat in Jim Corbett and Nainital might just be what you’re looking for. Instead of the usual pomp and show, immersive experiences such as organic candle making, floral rangoli sessions and diya painting take the centre stage, while your pets get to unwind in cosy corners away from the chaos.
2. Join the Annual Hill‑Climb of the Deviramma Jatre
Amid the Western Ghats, near Chikkamagaluru, lies the region’s best-kept Diwali secret – the revered Deviramma Hill, where the festival Deviramma Jatre is held annually on Diwali – offering a unique blend of devotion and adventure. On the day of the festival, thousands of devotees gather before dawn to climb the forested slopes of the hill to reach the hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Deviramma. Festivities here include traditional rituals like Deepotsava (lamp lighting), homas, and grand processions with a palanquin and chariot. All set against the stunning backdrop of the Western Ghats. The steep terrain and sheer scale of the event make it both a physically demanding and a spiritually uplifting experience. More details regarding this experience can be found on Travebrate.
3. Choose a Compassionate Celebration in Udupi
For those who want to spend the day giving back to nature, Udupi is the place to be, where a new Diwali tradition is gaining momentum at the Neelavara Goshala. Here, every year, over 2,000 elderly cows are honoured through Go Puja. Organised by locals and supported by the Pejawara Mutt, volunteers prepare food a day in advance to feed the cows in a unique celebration of gratitude and sustainability.
4. Indulge in a Nature First Retreat Near Mumbai
Located just an hour away from Mumbai, it is every nature enthusiast’s dream getaway for when the smog and the city’s festive frenzy get too much to bear. Set on a sprawling 3-acre organic farm, the Chlorophyll Estate embodies tofanaauthentict of nature-first experience. The villa’s interiors use natural materials and muted tones that blend seamlessly with the lush outdoors, creating a calming, immersive experience. Moreover, visitors can relish farm-to-table meals prepared from over 140 varieties of fruits, herbs, and spices grown right on the estate, while spending their afternoons unwinding by their massive pool.
5. Find Stillness This Diwali at a Riverside Ashram in Haridwar
For those craving inner quiet, the Santosh Puri Ashram near Haridwar is offering a deeply spiritual way to observe Diwali. Located on the banks of the Ganga in the peaceful village of Haripur Kalan, this riverside ashram is hosting a special spiritual gathering on Diwali where guests can take part in a meditative evening that includes lighting hundreds of traditional ghee lamps around the mandir, gardens, and riverbanks, symbolising the inner light that we seek during this sacred festival.
Delhi, India, India
October 19, 2025, 15:55 IST
