Best Places to Visit During Navratri in India

Navratri is one of the most vibrant and exciting festivals in India. For nine days, cities turn into a riot of colors and energy, showcasing dance, music, lights, ethnic wear, and much more. From the Dandiya nights in Gujarat, grand temple events in Delhi, and the Garba events in Ahmedabad, every city has something unique to offer.

So, if you are going to India during the festival, you must take a moment to witness the grand Garba events and visit the famous temples that remain open throughout the night during Navratri.

Best Places to visit during Navratri

Here is a list of places that you must consider visiting during Navratri in India:

Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Ahmedabad is the first city that comes to mind when you think of Navratri. The city comes alive during the nine-day-long festival. It is a treat for Garba lovers as the whole city turns into a fun-filled zone of Dandiya and Garba.

Large-scale Garba events take place that attract thousands of people every night. The locals dress up in traditional Gujarati attire and come together on large Garba grounds to dance the night away to the beats and music of traditional and modern Gujarati folk songs.

Apart from dance, you can also explore the local temples and shop for traditional Gujarati cuisine.

Best For: Gujarati food, Garba, Dandiya, and Dance

Vadodara, Gujarat

Vadodara is another popular city in Gujarat which is well-known for its large scale and enthusiastic Garba events. People in Vadodara love dancing and enjoy the Garba nights even more when the festival is on. The city turns into a sea of bright colors and decorations as soon as the evening sets in.

This place is perfect if you want to experience an authentic Gujarati Navratri. If you are looking for the best places to visit in Gujarat during Navratri, Vadodara is a must-visit destination for you.

Best For: Authentic Gujarati Garba, Large Community Participation

Surat, Gujarat

Surat also boasts a large number of Garba events that take place in clubs, Garba lawns, and community halls. This city offers you a treat of traditional culture and dance along with the flavors of local cuisine. You can spend your day exploring the city and have fun during the night by dancing in the community halls. This is one of the best places to visit in Gujarat during Navratri.

Best For: Garba, Local Food

Rajkot, Gujarat

Navratri is an exciting time for people in Rajkot. The locals organize a number of events during the festival, where they come together and enjoy music and Garba. You can find a number of local events in Rajkot during Navratri where people of the community get together and dance.

It is always advisable to visit this place if you are looking for the best places to visit in Gujarat during Navratri.

Best For: Local Garba, Gujarati Culture

Delhi

In Delhi, Navratri is all about temples, Ramlila, and markets. The whole city gets decorated for the festival and thousands of people visit the temples and markets during the festival. The temple premises remain crowded throughout the week and you will see a number of cultural events being held in the evenings. If you are searching for the best places to visit in Delhi during Navratri, you must explore the temples and enjoy the Ramlila performances.

Temples to visit during Navratri in Delhi:

Jhandewalan Temple

Chhatarpur Temple

Kalkaji Temple

Birla Mandir

Gauri Shankar Temple

Best For: Temples, Ramlila, Markets, & Festive Decorations

Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mumbai has its own unique charm and style when it comes to the festival of Navratri. Even though the city has a lot of grand events and fairs during various festivals, the Garba and Dandiya nights are the most exciting ones. Different localities in Mumbai organize a number of events for the festival and people enjoy Dandiya and Garba throughout the night.

You can also explore the city on the evenings of the festival and have fun during the day by dancing to the beats of music in the localities. If you are looking for the best places to visit in Mumbai during Navratri, you can keep a lookout for local Garba events that are organized in your vicinity.

Best For: Dandiya, Garba, Music, & Nightlife

Pune, Maharashtra

Navratri in Pune is all about cultural events and Garba. A number of residential societies, colleges, and localities organise Garba events for the residents. You can also explore local temples and enjoy the cultural events organized in the city. If you are searching for the best places to visit in Pune during Navratri, you can enjoy Garba and cultural events along with visiting local temples.

Best For: Garba, Cultural Events and Temples

Hyderabad, Telangana

Navratri in Hyderabad is all about temples and community events. You can also witness the popular Bathukamma event in the state that is organized around the same time as Navratri. In addition to that, women from the community participate in decorating different flowers and arrange a gathering of friends and family. If you are searching for the best places to visit in Hyderabad during Navratri, you should enjoy visiting community events and experience the local culture.

Best For: Temples, Bathukamma and Local Culture

Bengaluru, Karnataka

Navratri in Bengaluru is a perfect blend of cultural events and temple visits. Various community events take place in the city and you can also witness temple events during the festival. You can explore the city and visit popular places such as Lalbagh, Bangalore Palace, Cubbon Park and many more.

If you are searching for the best places to visit in Bangalore during Navratri, you should consider exploring the local temples and enjoy cultural events.

Best For: Cultural Events, Temples and Exploration

Mysuru, Karnataka

Mysuru is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Karnataka and it is famous for its grand Mysuru Dasara festival. During this period, the city is decorated with lights and various cultural events take place. Mysore Palace looks absolutely stunning during this time and you can also witness processions and other cultural events. Although the Dasara festival is quite different from Navratri, the period of the festival coincides with the Navratri in 2022.

Best For: Palace Lights & Cultural Events

Kolkata, West Bengal

If you are searching for a unique experience during Navratri, you must consider visiting Kolkata. West Bengal has its own unique festival called Durga Puja which is organized during the same time as Navratri. The whole city turns into a festival mode with beautifully decorated pandals and you can also witness cultural performances taking place inside the pandals.

You can explore the city and visit different pandals to experience the art and creativity of West Bengal. The food is also a big highlight during this festival and you will see stalls selling traditional Bengali sweets and delicacies. If you are searching for the best places to visit in Kolkata during Navratri, you must experience Durga Puja and explore the local food culture.

Best For: Durga Puja, Pandal Hopping and Local Snacks

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Navratri in Varanasi is all about temples and ghats. You can explore the city temples and witness Ganga Aarti at night. If you are a fan of spirituality, Varanasi is definitely a place that you must visit during Navratri.

Best For: Temples, Ghats and Ganga Aarti

Mathura & Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Mathura & Vrindavan are the cities in Uttar Pradesh that are dedicated to Lord Krishna. If you are a fan of religious places, you must consider visiting these places, apart from exploring the local culture of the city.

Best For: Temples and Devotion

Why should you visit Gujarat during Navratri?

Gujarat is the most popular state in India for Navratri. The whole state comes together and celebrates this festival that is unique to the state. The cities such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat organize large Dandiya and Garba events. You can have a great time during the night events in large Garba grounds. You do not need to know how to dance as you can simply join the other people in the circle and enjoy the music.

What should you wear during Navratri?

Navratri is a perfect time to wear traditional Indian attire. Women should wear Chaniya Choli whereas men can wear Kediyu along with traditional pants or a simple Kurta. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes if you are attending a large-scale Garba event.

What are the popular foods to try during Navratri?

During Navratri, you can explore a variety of traditional foods. The most popular include:

• Sabudana Khichdi

• Sabudana Vada

• Singhara or Kuttu sabzi (based on the type of fast)

• Falahari (Snacks)

• Fruits

• Makhana

• Local Gujarati Snacks

Some travel tips for Navratri

Here are some tips for Navratri:

• Since the Garba events can get crowded, it is essential to make hotel bookings in advance.

• Keep a track on Garba event timings.

• Make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

• Keep some time aside for temple visits and exploration apart from the Garba events.

• Try to avoid visiting the crowded places as much as possible.

• Carry enough water with you if you are stepping out during the day.

• Always be respectful of the local culture.

• If you are visiting with your family, make sure to keep a check on the timing and venue of the events.

Best Places to Visit During Navratri: Quick Guide

Destination	What to Experience
Ahmedabad	Garba and Dandiya
Vadodara	Traditional Garba
Surat	Garba, food and events
Rajkot	Local Garba celebrations
Delhi	Temples and Ramlila
Mumbai	Garba and Dandiya
Pune	Cultural events and Garba
Hyderabad	Temples and Bathukamma
Bengaluru	Temples and cultural events
Mysuru	Mysuru Dasara
Kolkata	Durga Puja and pandals
Varanasi	Temples and spiritual celebrations
Mathura & Vrindavan	Devotional experiences

Conclusion

Navratri is not a single festival. It is a unique experience that allows you to witness a different part of the country with its rich culture. Be it Garba in Gujarat, Ramlila in Delhi, or the community events in Pune and Mumbai, or the grand Durga Puja in Kolkata, every single place has something unique to offer.

So, plan your trip as per your interests and make the most of your travel time by exploring different parts of the country!

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