Table of Contents Show
Planning your travel for Durga Puja and Dasara 2024? Whether you’re a festival lover or just looking to explore something new, this guide will give you the best places to experience the magic of Durga Puja across India. To help you plan better, we’ve included travel tips from TripAdvisor and MakeMyTrip for a more seamless experience.
1. Kolkata – The Heart of Durga Puja
When you think of Durga Puja, Kolkata is the first city that comes to mind. From its jaw-dropping pandals to its vibrant street food scene, the city goes all out for this festival.
- Top Attractions: The most popular pandals to visit include Bagbazar, Kumartuli Park, Santosh Mitra Square, and College Square. You can find user-generated lists on TripAdvisor with reviews and ratings on the best places to visit.
- Where to Stay: MakeMyTrip offers a wide range of hotels like The Oberoi Grand, Taj Bengal, and budget-friendly places like Treebo properties, all of which are well-located for pandal hopping.
- Travel Tip: Book your pandal-hopping tours via TripAdvisor or MakeMyTrip, which offer curated day tours so you can easily explore the top attractions without hassle.
2. Delhi – A Perfect Blend of Traditions
If you want to experience Durga Puja in a city that balances tradition and modernity, Delhi is the place for you. Head to Chittaranjan Park (CR Park), Delhi’s mini-Kolkata, for some serious Puja vibes.
- Top Attractions: Don’t miss Matri Mandir and Timarpur for their elaborate pandals. These locations are frequently rated on TripAdvisor, where you can find feedback from fellow travelers to plan your visit.
- Where to Stay: Check out accommodation options like The Leela Palace or JW Marriott Aerocity if you’re splurging, or budget options like Ibis Delhi and Bloomrooms via MakeMyTrip. Both are centrally located, giving you easy access to the best pandals.
- Tourist Spots Nearby: When in Delhi, take the opportunity to explore India Gate, Qutub Minar, and Lotus Temple—which are all easily accessible and highly recommended on TripAdvisor.
3. Mumbai – Where Bollywood Meets Durga Puja
Bollywood’s very own Mumbai is another hub for Durga Puja celebrations. The grandeur of pandals here often comes with a chance to bump into Bollywood celebrities.
- Top Attractions: Lokhandwala Durga Puja and Powai Sarvajanin Durgotsav are two of the most popular spots. With TripAdvisor reviews, you can find the best times to visit and any celeb sightings to watch for!
- Where to Stay: You can book amazing stays at Taj Lands End or The St. Regis Mumbai via MakeMyTrip, both offering luxury experiences close to the action. For budget travelers, FabHotels offers great, affordable alternatives.
- Local Tours: Use TripAdvisor to find guided Bollywood tours, which can be a fun addition to your Mumbai trip during Durga Puja.
4. Pune – A Cultural Hub for Durga Puja
Pune may not be as big on the Puja scene as Kolkata or Mumbai, but it still hosts some fabulous celebrations. The city’s Bengali Cultural Association hosts pandals that pull in huge crowds.
- Top Attractions: Check out pandals in Khadki and Deccan Gymkhana, where you’ll find detailed TripAdvisor listings with reviews and tips from past visitors.
- Where to Stay: Hyatt Pune and JW Marriott are great for premium stays, while MakeMyTrip has numerous options for those on a budget, like OYO Rooms or FabHotel properties.
- Tourist Spots Nearby: Don’t miss exploring Aga Khan Palace, Sinhagad Fort, and Shaniwar Wada—all highly rated on TripAdvisor and worth a visit if you’re exploring Pune during Dasara 2024.
5. Bangalore – A Festive Vibe for the Tech City
Bangalore knows how to celebrate, and Durga Puja is no exception. Areas like Ulsoor and Koramangala host some of the city’s most popular pandals.
- Top Attractions: Ulsoor Bengali Association Pandal is a must-visit, with visitors frequently recommending it on TripAdvisor for its authenticity and cultural richness.
- Where to Stay: For luxury stays, The Ritz-Carlton and The Oberoi Bangalore are highly recommended. Budget travelers can find great deals via MakeMyTrip at hotels like Treebo Trend and FabHotels.
- Things to Do: Don’t forget to check out Lalbagh Botanical Garden and Cubbon Park—perfect for a day out before you dive into the festive vibe.
Plan Your Trip With Ease
If you’re planning to travel during Dasara 2024, make sure to lock in your flights, accommodation, and festival tours well in advance. Both MakeMyTrip and TripAdvisor offer curated travel packages that can make your experience smoother and more organized. You can also look up local experiences, such as guided tours, restaurant suggestions, and even pandals to visit, with ratings and recommendations from fellow travelers.
Wrapping Up
So, where are you headed this Durga Puja season? Whether it’s the artistic pandals of Kolkata, the celebrity-packed celebrations in Mumbai, or the cultural richness of Delhi, each destination has something unique to offer. Using platforms like TripAdvisor and MakeMyTrip will help you make the most of your trip by offering the best accommodations, tours, and local insights for an unforgettable Durga Puja 2024!
Get your plans sorted now, and have a wild (but organized!) festival adventure!
Tafary Buddy
Tafari
