Imagine bringing in the festival of lights on a star-studded night, surrounded by lanterns and glimmering diyas. There are local pastries, chocolates and sweets to devour at a gorgeous new destination filled with family, both old and new.
Unknown paths become familiar with the warmth of the locals. There are glow worms lighting up the trees around you. You can hear the crackle of twigs and the cackle of fellow travellers as they sing joyous songs by a toasty bonfire. Diwali never felt this fulfilling, eco-friendly and memorable. You catch yourself thinking ‘Is this an illusion?’ and you pinch yourself to find the perfect Diwali coming alive in front of you!
If you’re tired of Diwali in cities that turn stuffy and noisy, why not swap it for a magical and green one at goSTOPS’ stunning hostels? With colourful dorms where you can find friends for a Diwali away from home as well as private rooms for groups looking for a new way to celebrate the festival, you’ll be left spoilt for choice with these five hostels in exquisite locations around India.
A short drive away from Delhi:
goSTOPS Manali
Head to the dreamy mountains of Manali to trace the Beas river along deodar-laden paths. Chase the last rays of the sun in the valley with a cup of refreshing chai at a village. The breathtaking surroundings encourage you to seek an adrenaline rush as you make your way to elevations of 4000-metres above sea level to the snowclad Rohtang Pass. After calling it a day, return to the goSTOPS Manali hostel where you’ll be welcomed with top-notch hospitality, a cosy bonfire and a fluffy bed to catch up on some much-needed rest. Your Diwali will never be the same again once you spend it at goSTOPS Manali!
Location: Near OakLand House, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, 175131
Price: Prices range from Rs 399 per night for a dorm to Rs 1,799 for a private room
Amenities: 24X7 check-in facility, lockers, laundry, linen, luggage room, hot water, indoor games, common room, bonfire and the bonus - it’s pet-friendly, so bring along your furry friend for just Rs 500/day.
goSTOPS Bir Landing Site
Get in touch with your spiritual side this Diwali with a drizzle of adventure as you spend the festival at the ‘paragliding capital of India’. Originally a Tibetan settlement with origins in the 1950s, the picturesque Bir Billing will have you jumping off cliffs towards magnificent sunrises and sunsets overlooking the valley.
After you spend some time on cloud 9 with aerial views, explore this heavenly destination that offers peace with its monasteries, quiet pathways leading to towering waterfalls and nights that will leave you in awe of the stars. If you’re looking for company, head to the goSTOPS Bir that’s located at the foothills of the Himalayas and catch up on conversations in the common room, over a bonfire or a scrumptious dinner.
Location: Khasra no. 658, Village Suja, Tehsil Baijnath, Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Price: Prices range from Rs 700 per night for a dorm to Rs 2,100 for a private room
Amenities: 24X7 check-in facility, lockers, laundry, mountain view rooms, indoor games, common room, bonfire
A Diwali in Southern India:
goSTOPS Pondicherry Near Auroville
Chomp on delicious french sandwiches, savour macarons and eclairs and take a walk down the colourful beach town of Pondicherry as you experience a vibrant Diwali with the locals in this eclectic Union Territory. Discover the many patterns of rangoli which adorn the roads, seek blessings from the local elephant, Lakshmi who resides at the Ganesha temple and spend an evening at a cafe that’s lit up by a curtain of handmade lights dangling in the wind.
If you want more quiet, rent a bike and head to Auroville where you can eat at the best vegan cafes in South India, meditate at the Aurobindo Ashram and experience a slice of Tamil culture served tastefully within enormous bungalows at the French settlement in India. Return to the goSTOPS hostel here to soak up some sunshine with excellent company provided by other hostellers. Get to know each other better over a game of monopoly, a movie night and fireworks to add a sparkle to festivities this year.
Location: 239/1A2 Royal Mother City Layout, Irumbai Village, Taluk, Auroville, Vanur, Tamil Nadu
Price: Prices range from Rs 499 per night for a dorm to Rs 1,999 for a private room
Amenities: 24X7 check-in facility, lockers, laundry, parking, air conditioning, indoor games, common room, bonfire
goSTOPS Coorg
If you love the smell of freshly brewed coffee, you’ll fall in love with Coorg. Head to the land of the Kodavas, the warrior clan of Coorg, roasted coffee beans and pandi curry - a local pork delicacy made for special occasions. Set amidst thick jungles and misty hills, this cultural hub of Karnataka is a favourite for any traveller who loves a mix of flavourful cuisine and nature. Credited with some of the best Arabica and Robusta coffee that’s exported the world over, Coorg has much to offer for a traveller who yearns to enjoy a quiet, scenic getaway with nature.
Location: Chettalli Rd, Stuart Hill, Madikeri, Karnataka
Price: Prices range from Rs 499 per night for a dorm to Rs 1,799 for a private room
Amenities: 24X7 check-in facility, lockers, laundry, parking, home theatre, indoor games, common room, bonfire
goSTOPS Munnar
If you can’t resist a good cup of tea, book a stay at goSTOPS Munnar. Surrounded by tea plantations, this idyllic location in ‘God’s Own Country’ is the perfect getaway for a Diwali surrounded by stunning scenery.
Wake up to a misty morning over a sea of green courtesy of the neighbouring tea plantations. Take a refreshing walk along one of the meandering roads as you make your way to the nearby town. Explore the Mattupetty Dam, Pothamedu Viewpoint and Munnar’s tallest spot Stop Station View Point. Shop for some local teas to gift loved ones and sip on a few carefully curated chai recipes.
Treat yourself to a hike to the national parks and the Anamudi Peak at 2,695 metres above sea level for panoramic views of the tea-soaked hill station. Return to the goSTOPS hostel that welcomes you with colourful graffiti, conversations and incredible hospitality as you muse over your day at Munnar wondering if anything else can top this Diwali experience.
Location: KVJ Homes, Sengulam PO, Anachal Rd, Munnar, Kerala 685565
Price: Prices range from Rs 399 per night for a dorm to Rs 1,299 for a private room
Amenities: 24X7 check-in facility, lockers, laundry, parking, home theatre, indoor games, common room, linen
Diwali is all about lights, great food, incredible memories and spending time with family. When you check in to a goSTOPS hostel, you get all of this and much more - friendly staff, good company, access to the most sought-after tourist destinations and a chance to go off the beaten track. This year, opt for a green Diwali to truly appreciate the festival of lights.
In association with goSTOPS
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