The festive season in India is more than rituals and traditions, it is also about travel, togetherness, and rediscovering the country’s cultural and spiritual treasures. From temple towns to beach escapes, and from street feasts to grand celebrations, travellers are mixing devotion with discovery. According to Cleartrip’s PeekABoo travel trends tracker, several Indian cities are witnessing a strong surge in festive bookings this year.
If you are planning your festive travel in India 2025, here are the top destinations that combine faith, flavours, and festivities.
1. Madurai: Temple Hopping and Cultural Charm
Madurai, often called the cultural heart of Tamil Nadu, is witnessing a 22% surge in bus bookings this season. The iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, lit beautifully during Navratri, remains the centrepiece of devotion. Other sacred sites such as the Koodal Azhagar Temple and Thirupparankundram Murugan Temple resonate with chants and rituals.
After visiting temples, travellers can explore local bazaars bursting with jasmine garlands, handwoven textiles, and savour local delights like jigarthanda, soft idlis, and spicy street food.
2. Mumbai: Ganesh Chaturthi Magic
Mumbai, the city of dreams, turns into a city of devotion during Ganesh Chaturthi. This year, travel to Mumbai has risen by 20%. The grand Lalbaugcha Raja pandal attracts lakhs of devotees, while the Siddhivinayak Temple and ISKCON Juhu also see huge crowds. The Ganpati visarjan at Girgaon Chowpatty is one of India’s most iconic festive spectacles.
Beyond devotion, visitors can enjoy Mumbai’s heritage spots like Elephanta Caves and South Bombay’s colonial charm. Street food lovers can indulge in vada pav, chaat, and cutting chai, while hidden escapes like Bandra’s village lanes or a ferry ride at sunset offer a calm contrast.
3. Trivandrum: Kerala’s Spiritual Escape
Kerala’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), has seen a 20% rise in bookings this festive season. The famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, known for its mystery and grandeur, draws devotees throughout the year. The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, celebrated as the “Sabarimala of Women,” and the Parasurama Temple add to the city’s spiritual depth.
Alongside temples, Trivandrum offers golden beaches like Kovalam and Varkala, scenic backwaters, and authentic Kerala food such as sadya and kappa meen curry. Local markets brim with banana chips, brass lamps, mural art, and spices, making it a complete festive getaway.
4. Varanasi: Spiritual Vibes on the Ghats
Known as India’s spiritual capital, Varanasi is experiencing a 16% surge in flight bookings this festive season. During Navratri and Diwali, the Ganga ghats glow with diyas and music, while the evening Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat remains a highlight. The revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple is the focal point of devotion, while nearby Sarnath offers Buddhist heritage and peaceful retreats.
Food is part of the Varanasi experience – from kachori-sabzi at dawn to frothy thandai and the winter delicacy malaiyyo. The city’s lanes brim with Banarasi sarees, brass idols, and wooden toys, making it both spiritual and cultural.
5. Bhubaneswar: Kalinga Temples and Odisha Flavours
Bhubaneswar, the temple city of Odisha, has seen festive bookings grow by 10%. Its landscape is dotted with architectural marvels like the Lingaraj Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, and Rajarani Temple. During Durga Puja, colourful pandals and cultural events enhance the city’s festive appeal.
Travellers often extend their trip to Konark’s Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of India’s Char Dham shrines. Odisha’s food scene, with dalma and the famous chhena poda, offers a flavourful experience. The Dhauli Hills, linked with Emperor Ashoka’s transformation, add historical depth to the journey.
6. Kolkata: Durga Puja Extravaganza
Durga Puja in Kolkata is not just a festival; it is an emotion. Travel bookings are up 5%, but the city’s energy is unmatched. Every locality hosts its own pandal, ranging from traditional artistry to modern themes, making the celebrations visually spectacular. Kumartuli, where idols are crafted, offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the heart of Pujo.
Food is central to the experience, from sandesh and mishti doi to kathi rolls and special biryani. For visitors, Kolkata during Durga Puja is less of a trip and more of an unforgettable cultural immersion.
This festive season, Indians are travelling not only to celebrate but also to reconnect with their roots, heritage, and families. As PeekABoo’s travel insights reveal, festive tourism in India 2025 is about blending devotion with exploration, faith with flavours, and tradition with togetherness.
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