Lifestyle Trend: The Rise Of Diwali Travel: From Family Villas In Bali To Desert Camps In Dubai | Travel News You Should Know

Last Updated:October 11, 2025, 16:02 IST

From diyas in Dubai to celebrations in the Northeast, Diwali 2025 is about taking the light and the feeling of home wherever you go.

Indians are no longer just travelling to home; they are taking home with them. The shift is subtle but powerful, one that mirrors how a new generation views both celebration and belonging.

Once upon a time, Diwali meant returning home to the familiar glow of diyas, the hum of laughter over sweets, and the comfort of family reunions. Today, however, “homecoming” is being redefined. Indians are no longer just travelling to home; they are taking home with them. The shift is subtle but powerful, one that mirrors how a new generation views both celebration and belonging.

“Travel during Diwali is the new homecoming; only now, the home travels with you,” observes Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings. “Today, Indians are redefining ‘home’, taking the spirit of the festival with them across cities and countries. From family villas in Bali to desert camps in Dubai, travellers are seeking experiences that blend tradition with exploration.”

This evolution marks a profound change in how Indians perceive festivals. It’s no longer about where you celebrate Diwali, but how you make it meaningful. Multi-generational travel has emerged as a defining pattern, grandparents, parents, and children heading out together for immersive getaways that balance ritual with recreation. The diyas might be lit on a Balinese balcony or a Rajasthani dune, but the sentiment remains the same: connection, memory, and light.

If Karan Agarwal describes the why behind this shift, Abhishek Daga, co-founder, Thrillophilia, captures the how the rhythm of new-age festive travel. “We’re seeing Indians light the diyas, celebrate with friends and family at home, and then board a flight the very next morning,” he says. “With a natural 3–4 day window after the festival, short-haul getaways are exploding: Dubai and Singapore top outbound lists, while the North East and Rajasthan lead at home. On Thrillophilia, festive travel demand is up 18% year-on-year, and outbound bookings have surged 24%, largely to Asia-Pacific. Travellers are chasing experiences that blend chill, adventure, and wellness, turning Diwali from a celebration of light into a long weekend of meaningful memories.”

What once used to be a pause for celebration has now become a movement quite literally. Families gather, exchange gifts, perform puja, and then take off to chase sunsets, safaris, and spa retreats. Platforms like Thrillophilia and legacy travel brands like Cox & Kings are witnessing a fascinating convergence of nostalgia and novelty: Diwali is no longer confined to one home or one evening, it’s a portable festival of light, spreading across destinations.

And yet, even amidst this globalisation of festivity, the emotional core remains intact. As Karan Agarwal beautifully sums it up, “This evolution reflects a changing mindset: Diwali is no longer confined to one place; it is about togetherness, memory, and creating light wherever you are.”

In that sense, modern Indian travellers aren’t abandoning tradition, they’re expanding it. The diyas might glow a little farther from home, but their light shines just as bright.

About the Author

Swati Chaturvedi

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in N…Read More