Travel Ideas during Durga Puja

Durga Puja is a grand festival that lights up the entire city of Kolkata and various parts of Bengal. It is a time that all Bengalis wait for with bated breath. While many prefer to immerse themselves in the vibrant festivities, some choose to move out of the city to escape the rush and unwind in peace. The latter gives you the opportunity to relax away from the noise of the city or maybe discover the different ways in which other places celebrate these ten days. Travel ideas during Durga Puja need to be short and crisp. It is better to explore places that can be covered in six to seven days.

Odisha

As West Bengal’s neighbouring state, Odisha is an ideal and budget-friendly vacation spot during Durga Puja. The state is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and rich tribal culture. While the Puri beach is extremely popular (especially amongst Bengalis), you could also opt for visiting Raghurajpur- home to Patachitra artists. The village is a world of its own, lined with homes of artisans whom you can visit and buy exquisite pieces from.

You cannot miss the Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dubbed as the ‘Kashmir of Odisha’, Daringbadi, with its lush hills, pine forests, and waterfalls, is a great hill station to explore. While winter is the peak season for spotting migratory birds in the iconic Chilika Lake, the gorgeous waters are worth your time any time of the year. The period of Durga Puja (September-October) is a great time to visit Odisha with pleasant weather and clear skies. Bhubaneswar, the capital city, is easily accessible from Kolkata by road, air, and rail.

Madhya Pradesh

Instead of the traditional Durga Puja celebrations, you will get the opportunity to enjoy the festivities of Navratri here instead. While both essentially celebrate Goddess Durga, the rituals associated with it are somewhat different. The most defining characteristic is probably Garba or Dandiya, where everyone dresses up to dance and mingle in concentric circles. You can indulge in these festivities as most hotels and resorts of major cities organize these events during this time of the year.

Beyond the magic of the festival, Madhya Pradesh is a beautiful state in its own right. Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the state boasts of places like the Bhimbetka rock shelters, the Khajuraho caves, and stunning Buddhist stupas at Sanchi. The majestic forts of Gwalior cannot be missed either.  Most tourists choose to stay in cities like Bhopal and Indore, which are accessible from all major cities of India.  A trip for exploring all the notable spots in the state typically lasts for a week to 10 days, making it a perfect fit for the holidays. It is one of the most convenient travel ideas during Durga Puja.

Bhutan

If you want to de-stress away from all the hectic festivities of the country, look no further than Bhutan! The small, neighboring nation shares borders with India; the travel is not as extensive as conventional international trips.  Bhutan is a pristine nation where tranquility governs the environment in most places of the country. The country has incredible sights to offer, including beautiful mountains, fortresses (dzongs), and monasteries. When in Bhutan, you cannot miss the experience of hiking to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery or the Paro Taktsang. The iconic monastery is situated on a cliffside. It is best known for being one of the ‘takt-sang’ or ‘tiger-lair’ caves where the famous Buddhist guru Padmasambhava used to meditate.

The monastery is a cultural icon of Bhutan, which is primarily a Buddhist state. You can also visit the Punakha Dzong, a grand fortress located at the confluence of two rivers. The Dochula Pass is also a wonder to witness. It is a mountain pass adorned with around 100 stupas and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Other memorable spots in Bhutan include the Buddha Dordenma Statue and Phobjikha Valley. Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is a vibrant city with colourful markets. The city is easily accessible from the metro cities of India by air. Going to Bhutan is one of those travel ideas that could be an experience of a lifetime!

Arunachal Pradesh

Known as the ‘Land of Dawn-lit Mountains’, Arunachal is one of the most beautiful states of India. Exploring the state would require more time than the other places on the list, but it will surely be worth your time!  Visiting Arunachal is incomplete without going to Tawang- home to the iconic Tawang monastery, which is the largest in India and the second-largest in the world. Nature lovers looking for a peaceful retreat can also consider going to the Ziro Valley.

The area boasts of lush green hills, pretty rice-fields, and the unique Apatani tribal culture. If you have a penchant for trekking, you can opt for visiting Bomdila, located at an elevation of 8,000 feet. The Namdapha National Park is a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts; rare species like spot snow leopards, red pandas, and hoolock gibbons can be seen. The park is one of the largest protected areas in India. The weather is quite pleasant in Arunachal during September and October. The state cuisine, consisting of items like Thukpa and Bamboo shoot curry, is quite delectable as well. Travelling to Arunachal is one of the most unique travel ideas for the Durga Puja holidays.

The bustling festivities of Durga Puja can be hard on some people. This period is a great opportunity to explore new places for people who want to stay away from the city traffic and noise. These travel ideas are great options for them. Most of them provide a break from usual festive activities and would enrich anyone’s travel experiences.