Top 15 Places to Visit in India for Dussehra & Durga Puja 2025: Festival Travel Guide
India is a land of festivals, but few celebrations match the grand scale, devotion, and cultural richness of Dussehra 2025 and Durga Puja 2025. These festivals are not just about religious rituals, but also about a rich heritage, old traditions, cultural art, great music, delicious food, fairs, and community celebrations that bring together millions of people.
In 2025, Dussehra (Vijayadashami) falls on October 2nd, and cities across India will witness Ram Leela plays, Ravan Dahan effigies, Durga Puja pandals, Garba and Dandiya nights, royal processions, and cultural fairs. Each region celebrates in its unique style—whether it’s the royal Mysuru Dussehra, the artistic Durga Puja pandals of Kolkata, the tribal Bastar Dussehra, or the vibrant Dandiya and Garba nights of Gujarat.
Dussehra 2025 celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It highlights the triumph of positivity over negativity and is celebrated in India as one of the biggest and most colourful festivals in different, unique traditional ways of every state of India, showcasing the unity of diversity of India. On October 2, 2025, India will witness the variety of Dussehra and Durga Puja celebrations. In Mysuru, the majestic charming royal procession of elephants, music and decorated chariots attracts a lot of crowds, whereas in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh, the tribal rituals, folk dances comes in role play offering a raw cultural charm. In the north, Shri Ram Leela retell the story of Lord Rama victory over Ravana, the sacrifice story of 14 years exile of Lord Rama, Maa Sita and Lord Laxman with grandeur, while Gujarat celebrates with nights and dance of Garba and Dandiya and the City of Joy, Kolkata, attracts million of pilgrims and tourists from all over World displaying the famous nine days Durga Puja festival representing women power by worshipping Goddess Durga's annihilation of Mahishasura.
Travelers can witness unique traditions of Navratri in India, where each region adds its own flavour, giving a chance to us to experience India's cultural diversity at its peak. For such long hectic travel, comes smooth travel option with reliable cab services like BroomBoom Cabs coming up with unique customized budget friendly top new models of all type of cabs, travellers in BroomBoom Car Rental festive packages to explore your destinations smoothly to enjoy the magic of Dussehra in India.
Dussehra 2025 Trip Planning
Dussehra in 2025 promises more than just a festival – it brings with it a golden opportunity for travel, thanks to the long weekend. Every year, Dussehra is celebrated across India with grandeur, lights, and age-old traditions, but this year’s timing makes it even more special for planning trips with family and friends. From bustling city events to serene countryside celebrations, the atmosphere is charged with festive spirit, making it the perfect time to step out and explore.
Since Dussehra attracts travelers from every corner of the country, it is also one of the busiest times for hotels, trains, and cab bookings. Most popular tourist destinations witness a huge surge in visitors, which means last-minute plans can often lead to higher expenses and fewer choices. That’s why preparing in advance is the smartest way to secure the best deals on hotels, train tickets, and car rentals. A little foresight ensures your holiday is filled with joy instead of stress.
Why a Road Trip is the Best Way to Celebrate Dussehra 2025?
1. October’s Perfect Road-Tripping Weather
October marks the end of monsoon showers and the arrival of pleasant, cool breezes. The skies are clear, the air feels fresh, and the landscapes look rejuvenated after months of rain. Highways during this season are particularly beautiful, lined with green fields, festive banners, and decorated roadside stalls. Long drives become more than just travel – they turn into experiences of their own. Whether you are driving to Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, or coastal towns, October weather makes your journey comfortable and enjoyable.
2. Celebrations Full of Festive Energy
Dussehra in India is not confined to a single tradition – it is a cultural mosaic that changes from region to region. In Delhi, the iconic Ram Leela performances and Ravan Dahan events light up the city. In Gujarat, Garba and Dandiya nights keep the energy high until late hours. Kolkata transforms into a hub of devotion and artistry with grand Durga Puja pandals. The sheer diversity of celebrations in Dussehra 2025 ensures every traveler finds a unique experience, whether they are history enthusiasts, cultural explorers, or festival lovers.
3. Offbeat Escapes for Peace and Simplicity
For those who prefer calm over crowds, Dussehra is also celebrated in smaller towns and hidden destinations with simpler yet equally meaningful traditions. In hill stations like Almora or local villages in Himachal and Uttarakhand, the festival takes on an eco-friendly and community-centered approach. Handmade effigies, folk songs, and intimate rituals replace large-scale events, giving visitors a chance to immerse themselves in authentic traditions. These peaceful escapes offer a refreshing balance to the otherwise busy festive season.
Top Picks for Dussehra 2025 Celebrations
Mysuru, Karnataka: Witness the royal Dussehra parade, a majestic display of culture and heritage.
Kolkata, West Bengal: Explore the iconic Durga Puja pandals, blending art, devotion, and grandeur.
Delhi, NCR: Be a part of Ram Leela performances and Ravan Dahan at historic grounds.
Almora, Uttarakhand: Experience a mountain fair where local crafts and simple rituals make Dussehra soulful.
Plan Early, Travel Smoothly
The secret to enjoying Dussehra 2025 lies in advance planning. With early bookings, you can secure comfortable hotels, reliable travel options, and rental cars at better prices. More importantly, you’ll have the freedom to explore each destination at your own pace, without the hassle of last-minute arrangements. Whether it’s joining the grand parades, attending a cultural event, or escaping to the hills, a well-planned Dussehra trip ensures you return home with memories that last a lifetime.
15 Spectacular Destinations to Experience Dussehra 2025 in India
India turns into a land of lights, traditions, and cultural marvels during Dussehra. The festival is celebrated in countless ways across the country — from the dramatic burning of Ravana effigies in the North to grand temple processions and folk traditions in the South. If you’re planning your festive trip, here are 15 unforgettable places to witness the magic of Dussehra 2025.
1. Mysuru, Karnataka – The Royal Dasara Experience
Mysuru Dasara, known as the "Royal Festival of Karnataka", is celebrated with grandeur at the Mysore Palace, which is illuminated with over 100,000 lights each evening. The iconic Jamboo Savari procession, where Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried on a golden howdah atop an elephant, is the highlight. Folk dances, drum performances, martial arts, and processions of decorated horses and camels add to the royal charm. The Mysuru Dasara Exhibition, where illuminated palaces, grand parades, and decked elephants steal the show includes food stalls, handicrafts, doll displays, wrestling matches, and cultural performances. At night, concerts and theatre turn the city into a cultural hub.
👉 With heavy tourist crowds in Mysuru Dasara 2025, BroomBoom Car Rentals ensures smooth travel with packages that include palace tours and procession viewing. Book a BroomBoom Cab from Bangalore to Mysore and nearby hill station add-ons like Coorg and Ooty.
2. Kolkata, West Bengal – Durga Puja Pandals & Bonedi Bari Heritage.
Kolkata Durga Puja 2025 is an extravaganza where art, devotion, and tradition merge. Over 4,000 pandals across the city will showcase theme-based artistry ranging from mythology to modern social issues. Some pandals even use eco-friendly materials like bamboo, jute, and clay to create larger-than-life idols. The Bonedi Bari Pujas 2025, like Shovabazar Rajbari, showcase 200-year-old traditions, with rituals, dhak beats, and homely feasts. Food is central to Kolkata’s Puja—indulge in special Bengali rich Kolkata biryanis, rolls, puchkas, mishti doi, and rosogollas while hopping from pandal to pandal.
👉 BroomBoom Kolkata Durga Puja Rentals offer guided pandal-hopping packages with gate-to-gate passes, pet-friendly cabs, and experienced drivers who act as tour guides. The city comes alive with Durga Puja pandals, each designed like an art exhibition. From artistic themes to devotional songs, the city becomes a blend of spirituality, culture, and creativity. For smooth, hassle-free travel, book a car rental in Kolkata with the BroomBoom Cabs application or via the premium Durga Puja car rental booking reservation desk.
3. Ahmedabad, Gujarat – World’s Biggest Navratri Garba
When it comes to Dandiya, Garba and Navratri 2025, Ahmedabad is unmatched. The city becomes the world’s biggest open-air dance floor, where lakhs of devotees in traditional attire like colourful chaniya-cholis, ghangras, punjabis dance together around sacred lamps and Durga idols. Major venues include GMDC Ground, Karnavati Club, Manek Chowk, and exclusive Garba events where celebrities often perform. Garba here is not just a dance—it’s a spiritual offering to Goddess Amba and a celebration of community. Food stalls serve fafda-jalebi breakfasts, khaman dhokla, undhiyu, and chaas, giving festive nights a delicious twist. On Vijayadashami, effigies of Ravana are set aflame amid fireworks.
👉 BroomBoom Garba Car Rental Packages in Ahmedabad are designed for multi-venue Garba hopping, late-night pickups & drop-offs, pet-friendly rides, and chauffeur-guides who know the top Garba spots. Perfect for group tours or families who want to enjoy Garba without travel stress. Book a car hire in Ahmedabad with BroomBoom Cabs to hop between the top Garba venues.
4. Vadodara, Gujarat – Cultural Heart of Garba
While Ahmedabad hosts massive Garba events, Vadodara (Baroda) is often called the cultural capital of Navratri celebrations. The United Way Garba in Vadodara is one of the largest Garba gatherings in the world, attracting participants from India and abroad. Apart from dance, you can explore Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Navlakhi Grounds, and cultural exhibitions that run parallel to Navratri.
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5. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh – Valley of Gods Dussehra
Unlike other regions, Kullu Dussehra begins on Vijayadashami and lasts for seven days. Over 200 local deities carried from temples across Himachal gather at Dhalpur Maidan, creating a divine assembly. Ritual processions, folk theatre, and Himachali handicraft stalls make it a unique blend of culture and devotion.
👉 BroomBoom Delhi to Kullu Car Packages provide a comfortable road trip through the Himalayas with stops at scenic valleys and temples.
6. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Spiritual Ram Leela & Ganga Aarti
In Varanasi, Dussehra is celebrated through the Ramnagar Ram Leela, a 200-year-old tradition where the entire Ramayana is enacted across 31 days. On Dussehra, giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are set on fire. The evening Maha Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and Kashi Ghat, with synchronized chants of Kashi Viswanath, Maa Ganga, bells, and fire rituals, leaves visitors spellbound.
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7. Delhi – Ramlila Maidan & Lav Kush Ramlila
Delhi’s Lav Kush Ramlila at Red Fort Grounds is one of India’s most famous, blending traditional storytelling with modern 3D effects, fireworks, and LED displays. Other hotspots include Ramlila Maidan, Dwarka Ground, and Noida Stadium, where massive Ravan Dahan effigies light up the night sky. Delhi also hosts Navratri Garba events with DJs and cultural themes.
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8. Kota, Rajasthan – Gigantic Ravana Effigies & Mela
The Kota Dussehra Mela is one of Rajasthan’s most vibrant festivals. The fair includes cultural performances, local crafts, poetry recitals, and amusement rides. In 2025, the 215-foot Ravana effigy will be the tallest in India.
👉 Book BroomBoom Kota Rentals for hassle-free mela tours and sightseeing of Rajasthan’s palaces.
9. Bastar, Chhattisgarh – 75-Day Tribal Dussehra
The Bastar Dussehra is India’s longest festival, lasting 75 days. Here, Goddess Danteshwari is worshipped, and unique rituals like wood pulling, chariot processions, and tribal dances create a spiritual and cultural experience unlike any other.
👉 BroomBoom Bastar Rentals ensure safe journeys to tribal villages and rural festivities.
10. Pune, Maharashtra – Urban Garba & Fusion Dandiya
Pune’s youth-centric vibe adds energy to Navratri. The city hosts theme-based Garba nights at venues like Phoenix Marketcity, Seasons Mall, and The Mills. Pune also combines Dandiya with Bollywood music, live DJs, and food festivals.
👉 With BroomBoom Pune Garba Rentals, enjoy multi-venue late-night pickups, chauffeur guides, and safe family packages.
11. Hoshiarpur, Punjab – Small-Town Dussehra Charm
Hoshiarpur offers an intimate Dussehra with fairs, folk songs, and Ravana effigy burning. It’s ideal for families who want a peaceful yet devotional experience without overwhelming crowds.
12. Almora, Uttarakhand – UNESCO Heritage Ramlila
The Almora Ramlila, recognized by UNESCO, is a blend of Kumaoni folk songs, dance, and Ramayana enactments. Effigies are burned in the dramatic backdrop of Himalayan peaks, making it a truly magical Dussehra experience.
13. Madikeri (Coorg), Karnataka – Mantapas & Coffee-Land Dussehra
The Coorg Dussehra is known for its decorated mantapas (floats) carrying idols of Goddess Durga. The local Kodava culture, folk dances, and coffee plantation feasts make it a distinctive celebration.
14. Chennai, Tamil Nadu – Golu Displays & Carnatic Music
In Tamil Nadu, Navratri is celebrated with Golu (doll) displays, where mythological stories are depicted with clay dolls. Classical Carnatic concerts, Bharatnatyam performances, and temple processions highlight the cultural richness.
15. Hyderabad, Telangana – Bathukamma & Navratri Fusion
The Bathukamma festival coincides with Navratri in Telangana. Women create floral towers, sing devotional songs, and immerse the arrangements in lakes and rivers. Hyderabad also hosts Garba nights, fairs, and temple rituals, creating a mix of North and South Indian traditions.
👉 BroomBoom Hyderabad Rentals cover Bathukamma processions, temple visits, and Garba hopping.
🎉 BroomBoom Festive Car Rental Packages 2025
* 🚖 Garba Car Rentals (Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad) → Multi-venue Garba hopping, late-night pickups, pet-friendly rides, group packages.
* 🚖 Durga Puja Rentals (Kolkata) → Guided pandal tours, Bonedi Bari visits, gate-to-gate access.
* 🚖 Dussehra Rentals (Mysuru, Delhi, Kullu, Kota, Bastar, Coorg) → Procession viewings, cultural tours, and chauffeur-guides.
* 🚖 Pet-Friendly Cabs → Travel with pets during Durga Puja, Navratri & Dussehra.
* 🚖 Custom Festive Tours → Choose your route & driver-guide for a stress-free festive journey.
🚖 Features of BroomBoom Durga Puja Car Rentals Kolkata 2025:
* Gate-to-gate pandal hopping with priority parking passes.
* Pet-friendly cab options for families with pets.
* Trained drivers who act as tour guides, familiar with famous pandals.
* 24x7 availability for late-night pandal hopping.
👉 With Durga Puja car rentals in Kolkata, Garba hopping cabs in Gujarat, and Dussehra Ravan Dahan packages in Delhi, Mysuru & Kota, BroomBoom Festive Rentals 2025 are designed for stress-free, guided festive journeys.
✨ With Ramlilas, Garba nights, Durga Puja pandals, Bathukamma floral processions, and tribal rituals, India becomes a living festival stage in Dussehra 2025.
👉 Book your BroomBoom Festive Car Rental Packages 2025 now and experience India’s most colorful celebrations with comfort, safety, and guided tours.
🪔 FAQs on Dussehra, Durga Puja & Garba Travel 2025
1. When is Durga Puja in 2025?
Durga Puja 2025 will be celebrated from September 21, 2025 (Mahalaya) to October 2, 2025 (Vijaya Dashami). The main Puja days are September 28 – October 2, 2025 when thousands of pandals across Kolkata and West Bengal will showcase idols of Goddess Durga with artistic themes.
2. What are the dates & main rituals of Durga Puja 2025?
* Mahalaya – September 21, 2025 → Marks the invocation of Goddess Durga.
* Shashthi (Bodhan) – September 28, 2025 → The unveiling of idols and rituals begin.
* Saptami – September 29, 2025 → Morning rituals, Pushpanjali, cultural programs.
* Ashtami – September 30, 2025 → Sandhi Puja, Anjali, and Dhunuchi dance.
* Navami – October 1 morning → Navami puja & feasting.
* Dashami (Vijaya Dashami / Dussehra) – October 2, 2025 → Sindoor Khela, immersion of idols in rivers.
3. What are the timings of Kolkata Durga Puja 2025?
Most pandals in Kolkata remain open 24x7 during Durga Puja 2025, especially from Saptami to Dashami.
* Morning Pushpanjali & Aarti → 7 AM – 11 AM
* Afternoon Bhog distribution → 12 PM – 3 PM
* Evening Aarti, Dhunuchi Naach, cultural shows → 6 PM – 11 PM
* Night pandal visits & light shows → 11 PM – 3 AM (all-night hopping is common).
👉 With heavy crowds expected in Kolkata Durga Puja 2025, booking a BroomBoom Durga Puja Car Rental package ensures safe, air-conditioned travel with professional chauffeurs.
4. Which are the most famous Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata 2025?
Kolkata has over 4,000 pandals, but some always stand out. For Durga Puja 2025, these pandals are expected to attract the largest crowds:
1. Bagbazar Pandal – Traditional, over 100 years old.
2. College Square Pandal – Iconic lakeside immersion backdrop.
3. Ekdalia Evergreen Club – Famous for grand lighting themes.
4. Singhi Park Pandal – Oldest South Kolkata puja.
5. Kumartuli Park – The hub of idol artisans.
6. Shobhabazar Rajbari (Bonedi Bari Puja) – Aristocratic heritage Puja.
7. Deshapriya Park – Known for gigantic idols.
8. Suruchi Sangha & Santosh Mitra Square – Famous for theme-based décor.
9. Mudiali Club & Jodhpur Park – Popular with young pandal hoppers.
10. Park Street / Maddox Square – Best for pandal hopping + food.
👉 BroomBoom Kolkata Pandal Hopping Packages 2025 include priority routes, Bonedi Bari heritage tours, and late-night pandal visits without parking hassles.
5. How can I book a Durga Puja Car Rental in Kolkata?
You can book Durga Puja 2025 Car Rentals in Kolkata with BroomBoom in just 3 steps:
1. Download the BroomBoom Cabs App or book via the website.
2. Select “Festive Packages – Durga Puja 2025” for customized pandal-hopping tours.
3. Choose hourly rentals, day rentals, or multi-day packages depending on your plan.
6. What is special about Bonedi Bari Durga Puja in Kolkata?
Bonedi Bari Pujas are Durga Puja celebrations hosted in aristocratic family mansions of Kolkata, some dating back 200–300 years. Unlike theme-based pandals, these are intimate, traditional, and heritage-rich.
Famous ones include:
* Shobhabazar Rajbari Puja – Started by Raja Nabakrishna Deb in 1757.
* Rani Rashmoni Bari Puja – Founder of Dakshineswar Temple.
* Dutta Bari & Sovabazar houses – Known for rituals and age-old traditions.
👉 With BroomBoom Bonedi Bari Car Packages, tourists can explore multiple aristocratic family pujas in half a day with a knowledgeable chauffeur-guide.
7. When is Ravana Dahan (effigy burning) for Dussehra 2025?
Dussehra (Vijayadashami) is on October 2, 2025. The Ravan Dahan timings vary by city but usually take place between 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM, after sunset.
* Delhi (Ramlila Maidan / Red Fort Grounds) → Around 7:00 – 8:00 PM
* Varanasi (Ramnagar Fort) → Traditionally after evening Ganga Aarti (\~7:30 PM).
* Kota (Rajasthan) → Grand effigy burning with record-breaking height at \~8:00 PM.
* Lucknow & Kanpur → Around 7:30 PM.
* Punjab towns like Amritsar & Hoshiarpur → Around 8:00 – 8:30 PM.
👉 BroomBoom offers Dussehra Car Rentals in Delhi, Varanasi, Kota & Lucknow, with chauffeur-guided tours to the biggest Ramlila grounds and Ravan Dahan venues.
8. What is special about Garba during Navratri 2025?
Garba is a devotional dance performed during Navratri (September 22 – October 1, 2025) in Gujarat and across India. Dancers move in circles around a lamp (symbolizing Goddess Amba), clapping in rhythmic patterns.
In cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Pune, and even Delhi, Garba has become a mix of *traditional folk dance, Bollywood beats, and DJ nights*, attracting global tourists.
👉 BroomBoom Garba Car Rental Packages 2025 include:
* Late-night pickups & drop-offs.
* Multi-venue Garba hopping (GMDC, United Way Garba, Karnavati Club).
* Pet-friendly cabs for families.
* Trained chauffeurs familiar with festival grounds.
9. Are BroomBoom festive car rentals pet-friendly?
Yes ✅ BroomBoom offers pet-friendly car rentals for Durga Puja, Dussehra, and Garba 2025. Cars are sanitized, drivers are trained for comfort, and pets can travel freely without restrictions.
10. Can tourists book customized Durga Puja 2025 tours in Kolkata?
Absolutely! BroomBoom offers customized festive tour packages, where travelers can:
* Choose 5-hour, 8-hour, 10- hours or full-day pandal hopping.
* Add Bonedi Bari heritage tours.
* Include food trails (street food hopping).
* Select night-only packages (10 PM – 3 AM).
11. Why should I book a car rental for Durga Puja in Kolkata 2025?
You should book BroomBoom Car rentals for Durga Puja in Kolkata 2025 as:
* Roads are extremely congested with lakhs of pandal hoppers.
* Parking is nearly impossible near pandals.
* Public transport (autos, buses, metro) is overcrowded.
* A chauffeur-driven cab lets you enjoy pandal hopping, food trails, and cultural events stress-free.
12. What makes Mysuru Dasara different from Durga Puja?
* Mysuru Dasara → Royal festival celebrated at Mysore Palace, centered on Goddess Chamundeshwari and grand processions.
* Durga Puja Kolkata → Artistic festival celebrating Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, with pandals, idols, and rituals.
Both are UNESCO-recognized heritage festivals but celebrated differently.
13. Which are the top places to celebrate Dussehra in India 2025?
* Mysuru (Karnataka) – Royal palace celebrations.
* Kolkata (West Bengal) – Durga Puja pandals.
* Ahmedabad & Vadodara (Gujarat) – Navratri Garba nights.
* Delhi & Varanasi (UP) – Ramlila and Ravan Dahan.
* Kullu (Himachal) – Valley of Gods traditions.
* Kota (Rajasthan) – Gigantic Ravan effigies.
* Bastar (Chhattisgarh) – Tribal 75-day rituals.
14. Which is the best place for Navratri Garba?
Ahmedabad and Vadodara are the Garba capitals of India.
15. Can I book cabs for late-night Garba events?
Yes, BroomBoom Garba Rentals provide late-night pickup & drop facilities.
16. Is Durga Puja 2025 in Kolkata safe for tourists?
Yes, with guided BroomBoom car rentals services and top rated traied expert chauffeurs, Durga puja pandal-hopping 2025 in Kolkata is safe, smooth, and enjoyable for all persons even for females, or women groups.
17. Which Dussehra is most royal?
Mysuru Dasara is the most royal, while Kullu Dussehra is the most spiritual.
