Where to travel during the Puja and Dussehra holidays

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

The Puja and Dussehra holidays fall in September or October, as the monsoon ends. It is a great time to travel, but popular routes fill up fast.

Celebrate at home

• Durga Puja in Kolkata: spectacular pandals and festivities.
• Mysuru Dasara: the illuminated palace and processions.
• Navratri in Gujarat: garba nights.

The eastern Himalaya

Gangtok, Darjeeling and Kalimpong are clearing after the monsoon, with improving mountain views. October is especially good.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan begins to cool in October, and the main season starts. Heritage hotels have good availability early in October.

Kerala and the south

Kerala's hills and backwaters are lush after the rains. Hampi and Karnataka's heritage sites become comfortable.

Abroad

• Thailand: late in the rainy season; the Gulf islands and Bangkok work well.
• Singapore and Malaysia: year-round destinations.
• Dubai: temperatures start to ease in October.
• Bali: still in the dry season.
• Europe: autumn colours in September and October.

Tips

• Book two to three months ahead.
• Expect higher demand for flights from eastern India.
• Check whether monsoon rains have fully ended in the hills.

See Travelling during Diwali, Pongal and Christmas holidays: how to plan and our Festival and seasonal trips page.

Short trips

If you have only four or five days, consider Puri and Konark, the Sundarbans, a quick hill break in Darjeeling, or a short international trip to Thailand or Singapore.

Family planning

The Puja break is one of the main family travel windows in eastern India; book early.