Discover the best places in India to celebrate Navratri 2025. From vibrant garba nights to divine Mataji darshan, explore travel tips, accommodations, and local cuisine for an unforgettable experience.
India is a land of festivals, and among them, Navratri stands out as a vibrant celebration of devotion, culture, and community. This nine-day festival, dedicated to Goddess Durga, combines spirituality with joyous dance and colorful traditions. Every year, millions of devotees travel across India to witness grand celebrations, perform rituals, and enjoy the energetic garba nights.
If you are planning to celebrate Navratri in 2025, this guide will help you explore the best destinations, how to get there, where to stay, and what delicious local food to try.
1. Ahmedabad, Gujarat - The Garba Capital of India
Why Visit
Ahmedabad is renowned worldwide for its garba celebrations. The city becomes a hub of lights, music, and dance, with thousands of people gathering in open grounds, community halls, and streets to perform traditional dances every evening.
Mataji Darshan
Akshardham Temple - Though primarily known for its architecture, it hosts special prayers during Navratri.
Manek Chowk and Lal Darwaja Temples: Several local temples offer evening aarti and Mataji darshan.
Garba Nights
Popular venues include Law Garden, Kankaria Lake, and Gopi Talav.
Live music, traditional attire, and vibrant crowds make it a must-visit for dance enthusiasts.
How to Reach
By Air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad.
By Train: Ahmedabad Junction connects major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur.
By Road: Well-connected highways from neighboring states.
Stay Options
Luxury: Hyatt Regency, Novotel Ahmedabad
Budget: Hotel Express Inn, Ginger Hotel
Tips: Book well in advance, especially near Law Garden, as rooms fill up fast during Navratri.
Local Cuisine
Try Gujarati thali with undhiyu, dhokla, khichu, and farsan.
Street food at Law Garden Night Market – pav bhaji, kachori, and sweets like shrikhand.
2. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh - Spiritual Navratri on the Ganges
Why Visit
Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in India, offers a deeply spiritual Navratri experience. The city is famous for Ganga Aarti and special Durga Pooja at ghats.
Mataji Darshan
Durga Mandir: A 500-year-old temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Vishwanath Temple: While primarily for Lord Shiva, special Navratri rituals include Durga pooja.
Garba Nights
Garba is quieter here, mostly in community halls and cultural centers.
Nightly Bhajan Sandhya (devotional music) is a unique spiritual experience.
How to Reach
By Air: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (Varanasi).
By Train: Varanasi Junction connects to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
By Road: Accessible by national highways; taxi services available.
Stay Options
Luxury: Taj Ganges, BrijRama Palace
Budget: Hotel Alka, Ganpati Guest House
Local Cuisine
Try Banarasi kachori, tamatar chaat, lassi, and Malaiyo (a special winter sweet).
Explore small cafes near the ghats for local delicacies.
3. Kolkata, West Bengal - Navratri with Cultural Flair
Why Visit
Kolkata celebrates Navratri with grandeur, culminating in Durga Puja, one of India’s most famous festivals. The city is decorated with lights, themed pandals, and cultural performances.
Mataji Darshan
Kumartuli Temples: Home to some of the most artistic Durga idols.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple: A spiritual center with beautiful Navratri rituals.
Garba Nights
Garba is not as traditional here, but community halls and cultural clubs organize dance nights.
Durga Puja pandals often host folk dance and music performances.
How to Reach
By Air: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.
By Train: Howrah Junction and Sealdah connect major cities.
By Road: Well-connected highways; local cabs and metros for city travel.
Stay Options
Luxury: ITC Sonar, Taj Bengal
Budget: Hotel Casa Fortuna, Hotel Rajmahal
Local Cuisine
Must-try dishes: Rosogolla, Mishti Doi, Sandesh, and Bengali thali.
Street food: Puchka (pani puri), kathi rolls, and fish fry.
4. Delhi - Navratri Across the Capital
Why Visit
Delhi celebrates Navratri with a mix of traditional and modern flair. The city hosts massive garba events, Dandiya nights, and temple rituals.
Mataji Darshan
Chhatarpur Temple: One of the largest temple complexes, beautiful during Navratri.
ISKCON Temple: Special Navratri rituals and prasadam (holy food).
Kalka Ji Mandir: Dedicated to Goddess Kali, also hosts Durga Pooja.
Garba Nights
Major social clubs and hotels in South Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida host nightly garba and dandiya events.
DJ nights with live folk music for both young and old.
How to Reach
By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport.
By Train: New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, and Anand Vihar stations.
By Road: Metro connectivity is excellent; taxis and app-based cabs widely available.
Stay Options
Luxury: The Leela Palace, Taj Mahal Hotel
Budget: Hotel Hari Piorko, Bloomrooms
Local Cuisine
Street food: Chaat, Golgappa, Momos, and Kathi Rolls.
Navratri-friendly options: Sabudana khichdi, kuttu paratha, singhare ke pakore.
5. Jaipur, Rajasthan: Navratri with Royal Tradition
Why Visit
Jaipur combines culture, tradition, and royal flair during Navratri. The Pink City hosts temple fairs, folk dances, and cultural shows.
Mataji Darshan
Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple: Hosts Navratri rituals along with Ganesh pooja.
Birla Mandir: Special Navratri pooja with evening aarti.
Garba Nights
Open-air garba events near city squares and community grounds.
Some luxury hotels organize exclusive garba and dandiya nights.
How to Reach
By Air: Jaipur International Airport.
By Train: Jaipur Junction connects major Indian cities.
By Road: Well-connected highways; taxis, buses, and app-based cabs available.
Stay Options
Luxury: Rambagh Palace, ITC Rajputana
Budget: Hotel Pearl Palace, Zostel Jaipur
Local Cuisine
Rajasthani thali: Dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri.
Street food: Pyaaz kachori, samosa, mirchi vada.
Travel Tips for Navratri 2025
1. Book in Advance: Accommodation and garba events fill up quickly.
2. Local Transport: Prefer metro, taxis, or app-based cabs to avoid traffic jams.
Food During Navratri
Navratri is also about special fasting food (vrat ka khana). Across India, you will find:
Sabudana Khichdi: Tapioca pearls cooked with potatoes and peanuts.
Kuttu ke Parathe: Buckwheat flour flatbread.
Singhare ke Pakore: Water chestnut fritters.
Fruit Chaat and Milk-Based Sweets: Common in temples as prasad.
In cities like Ahmedabad and Delhi, you can enjoy local street food adapted for Navratri, ensuring both taste and religious compliance.
Navratri is more than just a festival—it’s a journey of devotion, dance, and cultural immersion. Whether you want to experience the spirituality of Varanasi, the garba nights of Ahmedabad, the cultural grandeur of Kolkata, or the royal vibes of Jaipur, India offers something unforgettable for every traveler.
Plan your trip early, book your stay, and get ready for nine nights of dance, devotion, and delicious food. This Navratri 2025, make your journey a perfect blend of faith, fun, and festivit
