Durga Puja is just around the corner this year. While most Bengalis prefer to stay in Kolkata, why not plan a trip with your loved ones and visit new locales? Check out the top places to visit and more here!
Top 3 Vacation Destinations For Durga Puja 2023
The sentence “Wake me up when September ends” does not work in Bengali. Why? Because come September and Bengalis are ready to usher in Goddess Durga and her children from their heavenly abode. The City of Joy is all decked up with streamers, and traditional “sholar shaaj” and the layout gets laid for the puja pandals across Kolkata. There’s noise, laughter, dancing, rituals, and traffic congestion like never before. Some people enjoy the bustling city during a festival. But, this cannot be said about everyone. This article is for those who want to get away from the off-season rains, the traffic, and the crowd that Durga Puja pulls in Kolkata every year.
Where should you go? Here are some awesome suggestions.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
5D, 6N Package
Perk: Lazing on the beach, tasting the waves
Welcome to Andaman and Nicobar Islands! These islands located in the Bay of Bengal are famous for their coral reefs and marine biodiversity. Start off with the North Bay and the Ross Islands where marine life meets serene aquamarine waters. Take a dip, cool off on the beach, or try out scuba diving if you feel adventurous enough. Radhanagar Beach is a cool locality with some great seafood and lip-smacking coconut drinks. History buffs should pay a visit to Port Blair, Cellular Jail, and Corbyn’s Cove. The Cellular Jail is well-known for its pre-eminence in the dark colonial history of oppression.
EW Tip: Do not forget to go snorkeling at Elephant Beach!
Himachal Pradesh
7D, 6N Package
Perk: Stunning mountains, calm and quiet romance
Not a fan of overcrowded locales? Then we would suggest taking a detour to Himachal Pradesh instead of the Bengali favorite – Darjeeling! Called the “Summer Capital of British India”, Himachal Pradesh opens a window to visit Shimla, Kullu, Manali, Mussoorie, Kufri, and Solang Valley. Idyllic, picturesque, and with fantastic options for capturing photographs, this 7D, 6N package will take you to the heart of hilly India. In Shimla, you will get a taste of the colonial charm, Kullu is well-known for its romantic cottages and dense woods while adventure is the code word for Manali. Go camping, take a just-for-two romantic retreat, or sign up for a trek across the snow-covered valleys of Kufri.
EW Tip: Landour in Mussoorie is the hometown of the famous Indian writer Ruskin Bond – beloved by many. Drop in if you can!
Sri Lanka
6D, 5N
Perk: International travel within means, cultural diversity, tea haven
Durga Puja is a short holiday and usually, people want to be back home for at least the “Subho Bijaya”. This means that for an international tour, Sri Lanka would be a superb option. Filled with cultural relics and a variety of colorful animals, Sri Lanka is truly exotic. Go for spa days at the Ayurvedic wellness retreats or visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Kandy is the place to witness the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Stay for the dance performances or taste some Sri Lankan meals for a change of palate.
EW Tip: Get some tea back home for sure!
Which location would you choose for your Durga Puja vacation this year? Let us know!
