As Diwali approaches, travel professionals are seeing a shift in how Indian travellers celebrate the festival of lights. Instead of staying home for the traditional puja and family gatherings, a growing number are booking short breaks that combine festive spirit with immersive experiences. This trend aligns with recent data from Agoda showing that Indian festive travel is moving toward experience-led trips, favouring destinations that offer more than just a hotel room.
For operators and agents curating Diwali packages, three properties across India stand out for their distinct appeal: a wildlife retreat in Madhya Pradesh, a luxury villa enclave in Goa, and an adventure resort in the Sahyadri hills. Each caters to a different traveller profile, from nature-focused families to high-end groups seeking privacy.
Bandhavgarh: a wildlife Diwali
Bagh Tola, located in Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh, offers a wildlife-centric escape that pairs the thrill of tiger country with comfortable lodge hospitality. Guests can book private safaris into Bandhavgarh National Park, one of India's premier tiger reserves, accompanied by experienced naturalists. Beyond game drives, the retreat organises guided forest walks and stargazing sessions, appealing to travellers who want to reconnect with nature during the holiday.
The dining programme at Bagh Tola emphasises local flavours, with wood-fired meals and jungle-inspired thalis served in an open-air setting. For families, this kind of immersive yet safe environment is a strong selling point. The property's focus on personalised service and small-group experiences fits the growing demand for bespoke festive travel.
Goa: villa privacy and coastal charm
For those who prefer the coast, V Escapes in Goa offers luxury villa stays with a strong emphasis on privacy and personalised hospitality. Its newest property, V Escapes Moira, features six bedrooms, a 58-foot infinity pool and a heated Jacuzzi, making it suitable for multi-generational families or groups of friends travelling together. The villa is positioned as a base for exploring Goa's beaches and local culture, while providing the flexibility of a private residence.
Villa rentals are an increasingly important segment in India's luxury travel market, particularly during festive periods when groups seek exclusive spaces. The ability to cater to large parties with dedicated staff and amenities gives properties like V Escapes Moira an edge over traditional hotels. Agents can leverage this for Diwali reunions or corporate retreats that blend leisure with celebration.
Lonavala: adventure meets luxury
Della Resorts in Lonavala, set across 50 acres of greenery in the Sahyadri hills, combines outdoor activities with upscale amenities. The resort's proximity to Mumbai and Pune makes it a convenient option for a short festive break, especially for travellers from these metropolitan hubs. Its adventure offerings—ranging from zip-lining to ATV rides—appeal to younger travellers, while the luxury accommodation and dining options cater to those seeking comfort.
The resort's dual positioning as both an adventure park and a luxury hotel allows it to attract a broad demographic, from families with teenagers to couples looking for a quick getaway. For travel agents, Della Resorts represents a reliable choice for clients who want a mix of adrenaline and relaxation without long travel times.
Industry implications
The diversity of these Diwali getaways reflects a broader trend in Indian travel: the festival is no longer just a time for domestic rituals but also an opportunity for short-haul leisure. This is echoed by the recent Diwali fare sale from LOT Polish Airlines, which targets Indians travelling to Europe during the festive period, and by the Diwali hampers launched by Sheraton Hyderabad for corporate and leisure clients.
Hospitality groups are also expanding their festive offerings. The recent debut of LXR Hotels & Resorts in India with The Den Bengaluru signals growing interest in luxury experiences tailored to Indian celebrations. Meanwhile, Accor's signing of 30 new hotels across Asia underscores the importance of midscale and franchising models to meet rising demand for festive travel.
For travel professionals, the key takeaway is to offer packages that combine accommodation with unique experiences—whether that's a tiger safari, a private villa with a pool, or an adventure park. As the Agoda data suggests, travellers are prioritising experiences over mere stays, and properties that deliver on that promise will capture a larger share of the Diwali travel wallet.
