Ahmedabad: Sharad Navaratri is predominantly a Hindu festival that is celebrated over the course of nine days and nights, in hour of the Hindu goddess Durga and her nine incarnations.
Sharad Navaratri began on Monday, September 26, 2022, and will end with Vijaydashami or Dusshera on Wednesday, October 05, 2022.
People usually plan trips around Dusshera holiday each year. Following is a list of budget-friendly holiday destinations for Navaratri and Dusshera celebrations:
- Jaipur
The historically and culturally rich city of Jaipur underwent a host of changes in the past decade to ensure it is more tourist-friendly. Jaipur has a rich source of natural and human-made wonders including temples, palaces, and forts built by Rajputs and the natural aravalli hills that are a sight to behold. With an increasingly cosmopolitan crowd of travellers flocking into the pink city, this place tops the list of navaratri holiday destinations.
- Mumbai
Renowned as the epitome of entertainment, luxury, and nightlife in India, Mumbai offers several commercialised garba avenues which though similar visually, are vastly different from the kind of garba held across Gujarat. It is one of the best budget-friendly holiday destinations in India and is sure to sweep one off their feet in wonder and appreciation of the city. Be it nightlife, Marine Drive, street food, or culture, Mumbai is quickly winning over tourists from across the globe.
- Agra
Initially known as the land of the forts and tombs, Agra began developing as a vibrant tourist environment recently, where tourists can watch world heritage sites, experience the nightlife, immerse in the local culture, and enjoy exquisite cuisine. Agra is considered to be one of the most affordable destinations for Navratri/Dussehra.
- Bengaluru
Dubbed as the IT capital of India, Bengaluru is among the finest destinations for a Navaratri getaway with family. Well-known for lush parks, futuristic buildings, diversity, and a thriving tourist economy, the city has always been one of the favourite Navaratri vacation destinations for Indians looking for an adventure on a smaller budget. It is undoubtedly one of the best Indian destinations to visit during the Navratri and Dusshera celebrations.
- Hampi
The architecturally-rich and historic city of Hampi is developing into a tourist destination, thanks to films like Magadheera and Rowdy Rathore, that exhibited parts of the city, thereby instilling a sense of exploring the vastly undiscovered yet beautiful location. The city houses archaic temples and ruins dating back to the Vijaynagar Empire. Besides, it is one of the most affordable tourist destinations during Navaratri/Dusshera in India.
- Gokarna
Located South of the state of Goa, the tropical paradise of Gokarna surprises tourists with its Indian culture, breathtaking scenery, and a calm lifestyle. Gokarna offers a holiday that will help reinvigorate, reconnect, and immerse in the warmth of rustic environment. It is also considered to be one of the best beach destinations to travel to during the Navratri/Dussehra holidays.
- Goa
Goa is presumably the most popular place to be and also one of the best holiday destinations for Navaratri/Dusshera. Travellers from all across the world fly to this tropical heaven, which is home to picturesque beaches, waterfalls, artistic temples, and mouth-watering cuisine. The Indian state offers a beautiful glimpse into history, with foreign settlers and a tryst with Christianity, along with modern water sports, several tourist activities, and a rich nightlife.
- Kerala
The God’s Own Country has blossomed into a peaceful haven with the perfect weather to travel during Navaratri/Dusshera. From the backwaters of Alleppey, Edakkal caves in Wayanad to beaches in Varkala, serene plantations in Munnar, the South Indian state of Kerala offers the much needed relaxation and rejuvenation, thereby making it one of the most peaceful holiday destinations to visit.
- Delhi
The Indian capital is one of the most interesting places to visit during the holidays. Historically rich and politically significant, the city is a blend of modern and old, as it manages to restore the old-world charm. Places like Chandini Chowk, Qutub Minar, and Red Fort highlight the long-forgotten Indian culture, hospitality, and distinction that is often overshadowed in the media, making it one of the best Navratri and Dusshera holiday destinations in India.
- Puducherry
A city known for spirituality and French-Portuguese influences, Puducherry is gradually changing its image into a more vibrant getaway with a naturally serene and picturesque locations and traditional foods that have been passed on through generations. The city is one of the most inexpensive places to travel during the Navaratri/Dusshera holidays.
(Avya Mathur)