Last Call For A Diwali Getaway

The festive season is in full swing and Diwali is just around the corner - for those who haven't planned a getaway yet, our Editorial Team has picked out their favourite retreats for a spectacularly jubilant getaway.

1. Hamira, Kapurthala, Punjab

Hamira is a Lutyens-style palatial home built in the 1950s. This 80 year old homestay in the hamlet of Hamira has a zero-pollution philosophy so you can expect minimal fireworks here. Away from hustle and bustle of the city, get ready to celebrate an extraordinary Diwali amidst splendid Mughal gardens with a dazzling Bhangra night followed by a feast fit for kings.

2. Tree of Life Resort & Spa, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

The Ganga Kund at the Tree of Life is special. It is blessed with sacred water from the Ganga and is home to the statue of Goddess Vindhyavasini, a manifestation of Durga. On Diwali, the Ganga Kund is decorated with oil lamps and with fairy lights. A few locals from the surrounding village come and sing a traditional Diwali song which has been passed on from generation to generation. A special prayer ceremony is then done by the in-house priest.The evening ends with an amazing Banarasi Thali for dinner.

3. Khas Bagh, Jaipur, Rajasthan

Diwali is celebrated at Khasbagh in a very personalised way. The Rathore family who run the homestay performs a puja along with the guests. Prasad and aarti are offered by the guests which is followed by a dazzling show of firecrackers. The night ends with a lavish feast and you are left with a feeling of wonderment and true joy of Diwali.

4. Aahana the Corbett Wilderness, Ramnagar, Uttar Pradesh

Aahana Corbett Wilderness is an eco-friendly luxury retreat spread across 13 acres, stretched along the wall of Corbett National Park. Aahana prides itself in being a zero-waste eco-resort so for a quiet and cracker-free Diwali you can head on over to this wilderness hideaway. Far from the frenzied crowd, celebrate Diwali by taking a safari in the jungle, playing a round of golf or simply taking a walk along the forests or the river bed of the Kosi River- a true festive celebration for all nature lovers.

So where are you celebrating Diwali?