Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India and by Hindu communities worldwide. The word Navratri comes from Sanskrit: 'Nav' meaning nine and 'Ratri' meaning nights. The divine feminine energy (Shakti), particularly Goddess Durga in her nine different forms (Navadurga). Especially in West Bengal, the last five days of Navratri are celebrated as Durga Puja, with grand idols, cultural events, and feasts.
1. Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Navratri isn’t just a festival in Ahmedabad — it’s an experience that pulses through the city like a heartbeat. While this nine-night celebration of Goddess Durga and her divine avatars is observed across the globe, Ahmedabad brings it to life with unmatched color, rhythm, and spirit.
The city transforms into a vast celebration ground where traditional Garba and Dandiya Raas take center stage, echoing the cultural soul of Gujarat. Clad in vibrant chaniya cholis and kediyus, locals and visitors alike gather to dance under the stars to the beats of energetic Gujarati folk music.
If you find yourself in Ahmedabad during this magical time, don’t just witness the festivities — join the circle, pick up those dandiyas, and dance your heart out.
Best Places to visit during Navratri in Ahmedabad:
Party plots, College & Universities, Clubs, Housing Societies, Gaam (Village), and Pol.
How to Reach:
By Air: Nearest Airport – Ahmedabad Airport (AMD)
By Train: Nearest station – Ahmedabad Junction (ADI)
By Road: There are well-connected Highways from many places like from Delhi to Gujarat and also from many other places.
2. Vadodara, Gujarat.
Steeped in cultural richness, Vadodara stands tall as one of India’s most iconic Navratri destinations. During these nine electrifying nights, the city transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights, devotion, and rhythm.
At the heart of it all is the famed United Way Garba — one of the largest Garba gatherings in the country — where thousands of dancers, from all walks of life, twirl in unison to the beats of traditional music. The city’s temples glow with festive lights, and its streets brim with energy, making Vadodara a truly unforgettable place to experience the magic of Navratri.
Best Places to visit during Navratri in Vadodara:
Navlakhi Ground, Sayaji Garden, Sardar Patel Planearium, Khanderao Market, and Local Societies.
How to Reach:
By Air: Nearest Airport – Vadodara International Airport (BDQ).
By Train: Nearest station – Vadodara junction Railway Station
By Road: There are well-connected Highways from many places like from Delhi to Gujarat and also from many other places.
3. Delhi, INDIA.
In Delhi, Navratri is a vibrant fusion of devotion and festivity. The city’s temples come alive with the sounds of prayers, bhajans, and the steady stream of devotees immersed in spiritual reflection. One of the season’s defining highlights is the grand Ramlila performances — dramatic retellings of the Ramayana that captivate audiences across the capital.
But it’s not just about tradition; the city also lights up with colorful Dandiya nights and lively Garba parties held at community centers, clubs, and open-air venues, offering something for everyone during this festive season.
Best Places to visit during Navratri in Delhi:
Pacific D21 Mall, The Garden of Five sense, Gaur City Football Statium, Major Dhyanchand National Stadium, NCR Sport Ground, Rajwada Palace, and Delhi Haat.
How to Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport – Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
By Train: Nearest Railway Station – Delhi Junction (DLI), New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM)
By Road: There is well-connected road, you can take Bus or Private Vehicles.
4. Kolkata, West Bengal.
While Kolkata is known more for Durga Puja than traditional Navratri, the sheer passion and grandeur of its celebration are unparalleled. For five days, the city becomes a living art gallery — with towering, intricately sculpted Durga idols, breathtakingly themed pandals, and streets buzzing with music, lights, and processions.
It’s a time when spirituality, creativity, and community spirit merge into an unforgettable cultural spectacle. If you're seeking a celebration that stirs both the soul and the senses, Kolkata during Durga Puja is where magic happens.
Best Places to visit during Navratri in Kolkata:
Dholira Jalsa, Durga Puja Special Cruise, Jagat Janani Temple, Basu Dev Bhawan, and Murari Niketan.
How to Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport – Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU).
By Train: Nearest Railway Station – Kolkata Railway Station (KOAA).
By Road: There is well-connected road, you can take Bus or Private Vehicles.
5. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
As chants echo across the Ganga and temples hum with spiritual energy, Varanasi offers a Navratri experience that is both peaceful and profoundly moving — a true journey inward for the devoted heart.
Best Places to visit during Navratri in Varanasi:
Dashashwamedh Ghat, Kashi Vishvanath Temple, Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, DurgaTemple, Ramnagar Fort, Sarnath, BHU.
How to Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport – Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS)
By Train: Nearest Railway Station – Varanasi Junction Railway Station (BSB)
By Road: There are well-connected roads from many places, like Delhi to Varanasi in India.
6. Bastar, Chhattisgarh.
In Bastar, Navratri is not just a religious observance — it’s a vibrant expression of the region’s deep-rooted cultural identity. The main spot of the celebration is the revered Danteshwari Temple, where rituals in honor of Goddess Danteshwari reflect centuries-old tribal traditions.
The highlight is the grand procession of deities on an intricately carved wooden chariot, a symbolic pilgrimage that brings together communities in devotion and pride. Here, Navratri becomes a spiritual tapestry woven with faith, heritage, and a profound sense of unity among the people.
Best Places to visit during Navratri in Bastar:
Danteshwari Temple, Hinglajin Temple, Bastar Palace, also visit Chitrakote Falls and Tirathgarh Falls.
How to Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport – Maa Dhanteshwari Airport (JGB).
By Train: Nearest Railway Station – Jagdalpur Railway Station (JDB).
7. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh.
Kullu celebrates Navratri in a special and unique way, making it one of the best places to enjoy the festival. The main event is Kullu Dussehra, which goes on for seven days and marks Lord Ram’s win over the demon Ravana. During this time, around 200 gods and goddesses from nearby villages are brought in colorful processions to the Raghunathji Temple in Kullu to take part in the celebrations.
Best Places to visit during Navratri in Kullu:
Raghunath Temple, Bijli Mahadev Temple, Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu), Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, and Jagganathi Temple.
How to Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport – Bhuntar Airport (KUU).
By Train: Nearest Railway Station – Jogindar Nagar Railway Station (JDNX).
8. Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Mumbai, Maharashtra, has become a city where people from many different backgrounds live together. As you move around the city, you’ll see many kinds of Navratri celebrations, which makes Mumbai one of the best places to enjoy the festival. From traditional Garba dancing to Durga Puja, everything is celebrated here.
On Vijayadashami, also called Dussehra, huge figures of Ravana, the ten-headed demon, are burned to remember Lord Ram’s victory over evil.
Best Places to visit during Navratri in Mumbai:
Kora Kendra, Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, CIDCO Grounds, Radio Club, Nesco Centre, Jio World Garden and Dome Garden.
How to Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
By Train: Nearest Railway Station – Mumbai Central (MMCT), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST).
9. Mysore, Karnataka.
One of the top reasons to visit Karnataka during Navratri is to witness the Mysore Royal Palace glowing with thousands of lights. Dasara, also called the Nadahabba festival, is a ten-day celebration filled with cultural events, including music and dance performances held at different venues across Mysore.
The grand parade on the final day of Navratri is the highlight of the celebrations. During this Dussehra procession, an idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed on a beautifully decorated elephant and taken through the streets in a majestic display.
Best Places to visit during Navratri in Mysore:
Mysore Palace, Chamundi Hill Temple, Brindavan Garden, Jamboo Savari, St. Philomena’s Church, and Jagmohan Palace.
How to Reach:
By Air: Nearest Airport – Mysore Airport (MYQ), Kempegowda International Airport (BLR).
By Train: Nearest station – Mysuru Junction Station (MYS).
10. Coorg, Karnataka.
In Karnataka, Durga Puja is celebrated like a grand carnival, full of colour and energy. This lively festival is also known as the Mariamma festival. Traditional dances are performed to honour Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas. A special parade is also held, where people act out scenes with gods, goddesses, and demons in theatrical performances.
Best Places to visit during Navratri in Coorg:
Iruppu Falls, Raja’s Seat, Madikeri Fort, Namdroling Monastry, and Abbey Falls.
How to Reach:
By Air: Nearest Airport – Mangalore International Airport (IXE) or Kannur International Airport (CNN).
By Train: Nearest station – Mysore Junction (MYS).
11. Mata Vaishno Devi, Jammu & Kashmir.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is a major spiritual destination. During Navratri, thousands of devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and observe fasts. Another important religious site is the Sharada Temple, located in the Teetwal area of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, near the Line of Control. Here, the ‘Sharad Navratri Pooja’ is held, adding to the region’s spiritual significance during the festival.
Best Places to visit during Navratri in Jammu & Kashmir:
Vaishno Devi Temple, Raghunath Temple, Bahu Fort Temple, Shankaracharya Temple, and Amarnath Cave Temple.
How to Reach:
By Air: Nearest Airport – Jammu Airport (IXJ).
By Train: Nearest station – Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station (SVDK).
12. Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Navratri in Jaipur is a colorful and culturally rich celebration that combines traditional Hindu rituals with the energetic Garba and Dandiya dances. The city lights up with beautifully decorated temples, lively markets, and various events that include live music, DJ nights, and a wide variety of tasty food.
Best Places to visit during Navratri in Jaipur:
Govind Devji Temple, Moti Dungri Temple, Entertainment Paradise, Chokhi Dhani, Jawahar Kala Kendra, Ravindra Manch, Mahalaxmi Temple and Birla Mandir.
How to Reach:
By Air: Nearest Airport – Jaipur International Airport (JAI).
By Train: Nearest station – Jaipur Junction (JP).
