Come September, India will be cloaked in a vibrant, joyous hoopla, with most of the nation bursting at the seams with festive pandals (marquees) popping up at every corner of every street. Some states will be greeted with an onslaught of rain, while others will be teeming with congregations of locals flooding the streets, to become a part of the celebrations during Durga puja holidays
If you belong to the tribe of people who want to get away from the rains, standstill traffic, and the cacophony of sounds and crackers that puja vacations command, waiting for you below are holiday packages ranging from towering mountains to ancient ruins, shimmering backwaters to pristine beaches.
Durga puja holidays you must consider
The following packages includes accommodation at lovely properties, buffet meals (mostly breakfast), airport transfers, sightseeing costs such as entry fees, travel insurance and flight tickets (for Andamans, Sri Lanka and Bhutan).
What more can you possibly ask for? If I were you, I would start booking now!
Think endless stretches of barren mountains, scattered with glistening lakes. Ladakh is a cornucopia of monasteries and gompas, that offer a sense of solitude like no other. The magnificent Khardung-La Pass, standing at a lofty 18,400ft, is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. A range of activities such as cycling, motor-biking, whitewater rafting and trekking can be enjoyed in the region as well. Explore the Shey Palace, a former home to Leh's royal families, take a stroll through sand dunes of Hunder and click a few hundred pictures by the Pangong Tso.
Cost: ₹19,999 per person | Book now!
Head to Gujarat for a dose of spirituality and a taste of traditions and quirks that are centuries old. Gujarat's temples boast of a unique grandeur and palatial architectural influences. The Dwarkadhish Temple is one of India's most important Hindu pilgrimage destinations, named after the city of Dwarka and devoted to Lord Krishna. Another such temple of Somnath, sworn to Lord Shiva sees large crowds flocking to the temple from across the globe. Don't forget to make a stop at the spectacular Little Rann of Kutch to spice up your Durga puja holiday.
Cost: ₹34,649 per person | Book now!
Known over the world by travellers for sustaining a rich marine life, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are flanked by coral gardens and aquamarine waters. The twin islands are located at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. The coast of the North Bay and Ross Islands will greet you with a serenity like no other, and in its establishments, you'll see shades of Andaman's multicultural past. Go for the sound and light show at the Cellular Jail and visit the Corbyn's Cove and Radhanagar Beach. The islands also offers a plethora of adventure activities, with snorkelling at the Elephant Beach being one of the most sought-after.
Cost: ₹36,999 per person | Book now!
Himachal Pradesh is home to a few of India's most gorgeous hamlets, scattered with pleasant days and chilly nights, glorious vistas and shimmering streams. This package will take you through Shimla, where you'll get a taste of the colonial charm and Kullu, for its lush woods and idyllic cottages. Head to Manali for the 457-year old Hadimba Devi Temple and the assortment of adventure activities offered at Manali's riverfront camps. Your Durga puja holiday wouldn't be much fun if you leave without travelling to the snow-laden wonders of Kufri and Solang Valley.
Cost: ₹19,999 per person | Book now!
God's Own Country is a tropical jumble of evergreen hills, palm-fringed beaches, and coffee, tea and spice plantations. Kerala hosts some of the most beautiful waterfalls, backwaters and gorgeous architectural wonders. The sweeping beaches of Thekkady also offer an assortment of adventure activities. So travel to Kerala for the forested hills of Munnar, for a memorable elephant ride through Periyar or the lovely Kathakali performances on the numerous houseboats dotting Alleppey's waters. If you are still not sure where to go during your puja vacations, Kerala is your best bet.
Cost: ₹25,999 per person | Book now!
Sri Lanka holds on its land all things exotic. In the midst of unhindered wilderness and Ayurvedic wellness retreats, Sri Lanka is teeming with a variety of birds, elephants and leopards. You can visit the beautiful Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, witness a cultural performance in Kandy, head to the bizarre temple of tooth relics and the turtle hatchery. Also, don't leave before taking a boat ride through the mangrove forests and taking back some tea home from the umpteen plantations.
Cost: ₹48,299 per person | Book now!
The Land of Dragons is peppered with prayer flags, vibrant monasteries, and apple orchards. And there's no better time to visit Bhutan during your puja vacations. Bhutan’s valleys and peaks offer biking, kayaking and rafting activities nearly all year round. Take out a day or more to explore the capital city of Thimphu, for spiritual enlightenment head to any or all of Paro's heritage sites. Also don't leave without trekking through the spectacular Dochu La Pass, at an elevation of 3,088m, where a sum total of 108 stupas stand guard greeting you with a breathtaking view of the Eastern Himalayas, including Gangkar Punsum, Bhutan’s highest peak.
Cost: ₹39,999 per person | Book now!
Find out more about the various tour packages you can choose to book during Durga puja holidays, and all their inclusions and exclusions, here.
So take out your travel planner, get your family and friends together and start booking!
BOOK NOW!
In association with Cox & Kings.
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