It is officially Diwali season as we now wait to welcome the onset of endless feasts, celebrations, and of course, meeting family after a long while!
Most everyone is gearing up to fly back to their hometown as we write, i.e., to be with family on an auspicious occasion, surrounded by love and warmth.
There is something about walking the streets of your hometown after a long absence just to retrace your steps, to binge on chaat or cherished street food, and smell the smells that have been missing from your lives, isn’t there?
But do you know enough about your city? Or is there something more to it than what you’ve always known?
Could it be that each place has something special to offer, which is why you might miss your hometown as you’re reading this?
Picture yourself a newcomer in your own city to truly understand this place you call home!
We at KAYAK analysed data from all the flight searches done by Indian travellers on our website throughout 2017, to destinations around India for the month of October.*
This article reveals the top 10 most popular domestic spots for the Diwali season, as searched by YOU!* Find out as we unravel the intriguing beauty of these 10 places in India – for you to learn just a bit more about the place you come from.
As if chomping on motichoor ladoos and aloo-poori wasn’t enough!
10. UDAIPUR
The ‘City of Lakes’? Most definitely is true! With stunning palaces, temples, and an unparalleled opulence in all of Rajasthan and at #10 in our list, Udaipur is a charming city for the romantic at heart. Put yourself in the Maharaja or Maharani’s gold-embroidered slippers and tour the colonial ruins taking your own time. Udaipur is home to Lake Pichola, the City Palace, and the splendid beauty of Jagmandir, shining its brightest once the sun sets.
9. HYDERABAD
At #9 on our list of most popular hometowns this Diwali season, is Hyderabad. This city is known for Charminar or ‘The Four Minarets’, Karachi bakery for its chocolate cookies and cakes, and Cyberabad – the center of tech giants like Google Inc. Hanging out with friends over coffee is always a great idea as moving around locally in Hyderabad comes easily! The Waterfront restaurant offers patrons a first-class view of Hussain Sagar lake making it a compulsory stop on your journey.
8. KOLKATA
Kolkata is where the arts come alive along with its narrow and winding streets, puchkas and roshogollas galore, and not to forget Flurys on Park Street with their soft, ‘melt-in-the-mouth’ buttercream icing! As Durga Puja fast approaches, the streets have been graced by a beautiful Alpana or Rangoli, and people are in high spirits. If you’re shopping for an upcoming wedding, what better place than Kolkata for its beautiful fabric, jewelry, and more.
7. MUMBAI
Ah, Mumbai! Nariman Point’s ‘crown’ing glory, late night walks on Marine Drive ice cream cup in hand, cafe hopping for the best cupcakes (think Le 15 Patisserie), long drives on the Bandra-Worli Sea Link to feel the wind in your hair as you race to reach the lights ahead!
6. BANGALORE
The silk saris are calling out your name as you read this, so don’t wait and head to MG Road for a bout of crazy shopping. Many cafes popping up that warrant a taste test and does piping hot idli dosa for breakfast sound good?
5. BAGDOGRA (DARJEELING)
If your journey ends in Siliguri’s Bagdogra, then the emerald fields of tea at the Bagdogra Tea Plantation are a mesmerising sight to behold. Taking a walk across town, visiting the temples, breathing in the fresh air instead of queuing up for a Happy Meal is sure to put you in good spirits.
Darjeeling is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site i.e. the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or lovingly termed the ‘toy train’. With tea plantations dotting its hills, the serene and calm air of the Himalayan town is a sure way to ease up before busy days. Head to scenic Mirik for your nature fix with horseback riding and boating on shikaras.
4. PORT BLAIR
Capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair is #4 in our list and the location of the infamous Cellular Jail or Kala Pani, a ‘colonial prison’. Besides that, there is Radhanagar Beach in Havelock with its clear blue waters, white sand, and all around calming ambiance. Pay a visit to the Naval Marine Museum and Forest Museum while you’re at it! Another place to see would have to be Ross Island as it served as the seat of British Administration during the Colonial Era.
3. KOCHI
As you calmly turn your gaze up to the Cheena Vala – Chinese fishing nets – so intrinsic to the port of Kochi, you’ll be met with soothing waters and warm-hued skies above. The famous backwaters of Kerala are not to be shrugged over, that’s the kind of impact they have on your soul. It’s no number this spot ended up at #3. Between the historical museums and monuments, you’ll be spoilt for choice on how to occupy your days here!
2. DELHI
At #2 is the Capital of India, a bustling city that comes alive during Diwali season – what with Diwali melas in full swing offering an infinite variety of scrumptious delicacies, swings/rides, street performers, and a ubiquitous good vibe. Old Delhi is where you have Chandni Chowk and the Red Fort, perfect spots for ‘easy-on-the-pocket’ shopping! Skip the shopping malls and go straight for the good ole’ streets of Sarojini Nagar and Janpath for your retail fix.
Guess which city is India is the most popular destination this Diwali season?
1. GOA
At #1 is none other than the super popular tourist destination, especially for the beach babies out there. Sun, sand, and water, what’s life if not at the coast? Anjuna beach, Baga beach, and Calangute beach are only some of the beaches that should be on your ‘must-see-before-we-die’ list in Goa, as not only do you get an eyeful of the dazzling water, there are beach shacks offering a myriad of activities and things including night markets, mouthwatering coastal cuisine, and iridescent dream-catchers to buy!
*This article is based on KAYAK’s own search data, featuring the top 10 most searched destinations by travellers across India on KAYAK.co.in in during the search period 01/01/2017 – 31/08/2017 for travel dates of 01/10/2017 – 31/10/17.
Note: These rates are based on search queries made on KAYAK.co.in on 3 October 2017. The prices are quoted in INR. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
