TTT NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI | 5 NOVEMBER 2026
Diwali no longer has to mean the same crowded circuit. This year, more travellers are heading to forest backwaters, cliff-edge coastlines and hill villages that barely register on the holiday map. Six places worth a long weekend.
1. Kabini, Karnataka: For Wild Mornings And Slow Water
Swap the festive rush for mist over the backwaters and the Nagarhole and Bandipur forests on the horizon. Safari drives, coracle rides and birdwatching make this a Diwali for people who prefer wildlife to fireworks.
Where to stay: Exotica Kabini by StayVista, a private villa retreat with the jungle on its doorstep.
2. Varkala, Kerala: For Cliffs, Waves And Zero Hurry
Red laterite cliffs drop straight into the Arabian Sea, with café-lined walkways above and a calmer shoreline below. Watch the sunset from the cliff, walk the beach at dawn and visit the old Janardhanaswamy temple.
Where to stay: Zostel Varkala, a social stay for solo travellers, friends and anyone who likes their holidays with good company.
3.Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh: For Pine Forests And Private Plunges
Long past its postcard days, Kasauli has quietly become the festive downtime pick. Colonial-era lanes, pine-scented walks and cold evenings made for slow dinners.
Where to stay: Savara by StayVista, a hill villa with mountain views, a heated infinity pool and a jacuzzi that makes a chilly night an advantage.
4. Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand: For Himalayan Views And Kumaoni Culture
Away from the busier hill stations, Mukteshwar sits quietly above the Kumaon valley. Forest trails, Himalayan viewpoints, old temples and village lanes add up to a trip that feels local, not packaged. Catch the sunrise, find a small café and walk without an agenda.
Where to stay: The Birdcage, Mukteshwar, a boutique mountain stay among the Kumaon hills, with a peaceful setting and views that do most of the talking.
5. Poombarai, Tamil Nadu: For A Village Above The Clouds
Tucked above Kodaikanal, Poombarai is a farming hamlet of terraced fields, temple bells and valley views that most visitors drive straight past. It suits travellers who want the hills without the Kodaikanal crowd.
Where to stay: Zostel Plus Kodaikanal Poombarai, where Zostel’s community spirit meets a genuinely rural setting.
Diwali has never needed to be loud to be meaningful. Somewhere between the mist over the Kabini backwaters, the pine-lined lanes of Kasauli, the cliffs of Varkala, the quiet ridges of Mukteshwar and the terraced fields of Poombarai, the festive break takes on a different rhythm. It is slower, quieter and closer to the land. For travellers willing to look beyond the usual circuit, the season offers something the crowded favourites rarely do: room to breathe, and a festival that feels like their own.
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