Navratri, meaning “nine nights,” is more than just a holiday in India. This Hindu festival honors the Goddess Durga and her nine incarnations. During Navratri, tourists can see India’s variety at its most vibrant. This guide delves into Navratri celebrations in India and makes excellent recommendations on where to visit.
1. West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, and Odisha
West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, and Odisha are the best trip places in India for Navratri celebrations. These places, particularly West Bengal, focus their Navratri celebrations on Durga Puja. In Kolkata, large pandals, idol displays, and cultural events occur. In Assam, Durga Puja is observed with traditional music and dancing. Bihar and Odisha both practice fasting and prayer.
How to Reach
By Air
- For West Bengal, fly to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (Kolkata).
- Fly to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (Guwahati) for Assam.
- Fly to Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (Patna) for Bihar.
- Fly to Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar) for Odisha.
By Train
- After air travel, you can take a train to your next destination in this region.
- For West Bengal, use Howrah or Sealdah railway stations.
- For Assam, use Guwahati railway station.
- For Bihar, use Patna Junction.
- For Odisha, use the Bhubaneswar railway station.
By Road
To explore the area more extensively or to travel to places difficult to access by train or flight, you can use local bus services or a cab.
Things to do During Navratri
- Kolkata, West Bengal: Visit the Durga Puja pandals, enjoy cultural performances, and indulge in delectable Bengali sweets during the Navratri celebration in Kolkata.
- Guwahati, Assam: Participate in traditional Bihu dancing performances and explore the Kamakhya Temple.
- Patna, Bihar: Visit the Patna Sahib Gurudwara to receive blessings and witness Ram Leela’s performances.
- Bhubaneswar, Odisha: Attend the Dandiya Raas dance festivities and visit the Lingaraja Temple.
2. Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu hosts a blend of culture and heritage during the Navratri festival in India. ‘Golu’ shows, which feature dolls and miniatures, are held in Tamil Nadu to celebrate Navratri. Families pay each other visits and exchange prasad. During this season, Tamil Nadu tourism packages commonly offer temple visits, showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage.
How to Reach
If you choose the right Tamil Nadu tour packages offer air service from Chennai International Airport, Coimbatore International Airport, and Madurai Airport. Trains can reach Tamil Nadu at major rail terminals, including Coimbatore Junction and Chennai Central. Also, national highways offer good road connections.
Things to do During Navratri
- Visit Temples: Explore temples decorated for Navratri, such as the Meenakshi Amman Temple, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and the temples of Kanchipuram.
- Golu Doll Display: Participate in the Golu doll exhibitions, a collection of dolls and miniatures displayed in homes being hosted around the state.
- Cultural Performances: Enjoy the traditional dance and music that are a part of Tamil Nadu Navratri celebrations, such as Bharatanatyam and concerts with Carnatic music.
3. Maharashtra
Maharashtra, a state in western India, is known for its Navratri celebrations. The celebration of Durga Puja and Dandiya evenings marks the end of the Navratri celebration in Maharashtra. Dance performances and cultural events abound in Mumbai. Maharashtra darshan tour packages include tours to temples and historical sites during this period.
How to Reach
The domestic airports in Pune and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport can be used to fly into Maharashtra. Substantial railroad networks connect major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. Highways and road networks make traveling by car easier for Mumbai Navratri.
Things to do During Navratri
- Mumbai Navratri Utsav: Experience Navratri Utsav, which includes Garba and Dandiya Raas dance competitions, cultural exhibitions, and elaborate decorations.
- Visit Temples: To seek blessings, visit temples during Navratri, such as the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai and the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple in Pune.
- Cultural Extravaganza: Enjoy traditional Marathi cultural performances at this feast, including the Lavani dance and folk music.
4. Karnataka
Discover the best Navratri festivities and tourist attractions with Karnataka tour packages. Navratri is commemorated in Karnataka as Mysuru Dasara, a royal celebration that includes processions, displays, and cultural events. Mysore Palace is illuminated and has become a major tourist attraction.
How to Reach
Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru serves as Karnataka’s primary entrance point. Karnataka travel package also provides access from more airports in cities like Hubli and Mangalore. A strong rail network connects the state with major train hubs in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Hubli. Well-maintained highways and roads provide comfortable automobile travel.
Things to do During Navratri
- Mysuru Dasara: Attend the Mysuru Dasara festival, one of the best Navratri in India, to see a majestic parade of adorned elephants, cultural displays, and breathtaking illumination of the Mysore Palace.
- Visit Temples: Seek blessings at temples, including mysuru’s Chamundeshwari Temple, Kukke Subramanya Temple, and Kollur Mookambika Temple
- Historical Sites: The best places to visit in India, such as the Vijayanagara Empire ruins or the Hampi and Pattadakal UNESCO World Heritage Sites, provide a glimpse of Karnataka’s rich past.
5. Gujarat
Gujarat, a state in western India, is renowned for its vibrant Navratri celebrations. Navratri festival in Gujarat is noted for its Garba and Dandiya Raas dances. Many tourist locations are festively decorated and beautifully lit, attracting tourists who wish to view the Navratri celebration in Gujarat.
How to Reach
Gujarat is reachable from the airports in Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The state’s built rail network comprises significant stations in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat. National highways ensure that there are accessible roads.
Things to do During Navratri
- Garba and Dandiya: To fully experience Navratri in Gujarat, participate in the free Garba and Dandiya Raas dance events held in every area.
- Visit Navratri Fairs: Learn about the exciting Navratri fairs held in several locales where you can buy Gujarati street food, handicrafts, and traditional apparel.
- Attend Cultural Performances: Attend cultural events to enjoy live music, dancing, and traditional dances such as Raas-Garba and Garbi.
6. Rajasthan
Rajasthan, renowned for its royal palaces and vibrant culture, provides a unique Navratri experience. Despite the observance of Navratri, Rajasthan’s culture provides folk music and dance with a unique edge. During this season, cultural activities and temple visits are included in Rajasthan tour packages.
How to Reach
Udaipur Airport and Jaipur International Airport offer flights to Rajasthan. Significant railroad stations in the state are in Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. The state’s rail system is extensive. Roads and highways offer good connections for travel by vehicle.
Things to do During Navratri
- Traditional Folk Dances: During the Navratri celebrations, you can enjoy Rajasthani traditional dances like Ghoomar and Kalbelia.
- Visit Temples: Discover temples, including the Dilwara Temples and the Govind Dev Ji Temple, which is well decorated for Navratri.
- Heritage Exploration: The Rajasthan holiday package provides a Visit to iconic palaces and forts, including the City Palace, Mehrangarh Fort, and Amber Fort, to learn about Rajasthan’s rich history.
7. Kerala
Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” is recognized for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse cultural heritage. During the Navratri festival in India, the goddess Saraswati is revered in Kerala. Because they involve the worship of both literature and instruments, the final three days are very important. Kerala holiday packages include experiencing local culture and visiting temples during Navratri.
How to Reach
Several airports can be utilized to reach Kerala, including Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Kochi International Airport, and Calicut International Airport. The state’s three most significant railroad stations are Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Kozhikode. The road network in Kerala is very well-connected, making roads and highways easy to access by vehicle.
Things to do During Navratri
- Explore the Backwaters: Take boat excursions to observe the serene beauty of Kerala’s backwaters, including Alleppey and Kumarakom.
- Visit Temples: The best Kerala tour packages include the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram and the Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur.
- Cultural Shows: Attend cultural shows showcasing Kerala’s classical dance forms, such as Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, routinely staged for tourists.
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