Traveling during the festive season is a unique experience, offering a blend of cultural richness, local traditions, and vibrant celebrations. If you are planning a trip and want to explore India at your own pace, using self drive cars in Delhi can be the perfect solution. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to chart your own course, stop wherever you like, and fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
In this blog, we will take you through some of the top festival destinations across India, perfect for a memorable self drive car journey
1. Diwali in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Known as the “Festival of Lights,” Diwali is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. Jaipur, with its beautifully illuminated markets and iconic landmarks like the Hawa Mahal and Amer Fort, is a must-visit during this time. The entire city glows with lights, making it an enchanting experience for visitors. With a self drive car, you can explore the Pink City at your own pace, visit nearby attractions, and even plan a day trip to Pushkar.
Highlights:
- Illuminated Markets: Johari Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, and Bapu Bazaar are adorned with lights.
- Monuments: Amer Fort and Nahargarh Fort offer stunning views of the city lit up.
- Day Trips: Pushkar is just a few hours away, famous for its annual fair during November.
2. Durga Puja in Kolkata, West Bengal
Durga Puja is Kolkata’s most significant festival, celebrated with unmatched grandeur. The city is adorned with vibrant pandals, each showcasing unique themes and artistic brilliance. Using a self-drive rental car allows you to explore these pandals at your own pace, from the traditional ones in North Kolkata to the modern, artistic displays in the South. However, it is essential to follow Car Rental Safety Tips. Always inspect the vehicle before driving, ensure the insurance is up-to-date, and familiarize yourself with local traffic rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience during the festival.
Highlights:
- Famous Pandals: Visit the Kumartuli, Bagbazar, and Maddox Square pandals.
- Local Delicacies: Relish Kolkata’s street food like phuchka, kathi rolls, and mishti.
- Ganga Aarti: Experience the serene Ganga Aarti at the Prinsep Ghat.
3. Navratri in Gujarat
Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to the goddess Durga, is celebrated with immense enthusiasm in Gujarat. The state is famous for its Garba and Dandiya Raas, traditional dance forms that attract visitors from all over the country. Cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat are the best places to experience the festivities. With a self drive car, you can hop from one Garba ground to another, enjoying the cultural vibrancy of each location.
Highlights:
- Garba Venues: Visit the vibrant Garba grounds in Ahmedabad and Vadodara.
- Local Crafts: Explore local markets for traditional handicrafts and Bandhani sarees.
- Day Trips: Take a trip to the Rann of Kutch, famous for its white desert.
4. Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai, Maharashtra
Ganesh Chaturthi transforms Mumbai into a vibrant festival hub, with stunning idols of Lord Ganesha displayed in homes and pandals across the city. To experience the grandeur of this celebration, consider renting self drive cars for your family trip. This allows you to explore iconic pandals like Lalbaugcha Raja and discover the lesser-known, serene celebrations in the suburbs at your own pace. A self-drive rental provides the flexibility and convenience needed to immerse yourself in the festival’s spirit, making your family trip to Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi both memorable and comfortable.
Highlights:
- Famous Pandals: Lalbag Raja, Siddhivinayak Temple, and Andhericha Raja.
- Street Food: Indulge in Mumbai’s street food like vada pav, pav bhaji, and modak.
- Beach Visitation: Witness the grand immersion processions at Girgaon Chowpatty.
5. Dussehra in Mysore, Karnataka
Mysore Dussehra is renowned for its royal celebrations, with the Mysore Palace illuminated with thousands of lights. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with a grand procession of decorated elephants, horses, and cultural performances. With a self drive rental, you can explore the city’s attractions, such as Chamundi Hill, St. Philomena’s Church, and the Brindavan Gardens, all at your convenience.
Highlights:
- Mysore Palace: Witness the grandeur of the palace adorned with 100,000 bulbs.
- Dussehra Procession: Experience the grand procession on Vijayadashami.
- Nearby Attractions: Visit Srirangapatna and Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary.
6. Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated with unparalleled enthusiasm in Mathura and Vrindavan. These towns, associated with Lord Krishna, witness a unique celebration known as Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Phoolon ki Holi in Vrindavan. A self drive rental is ideal for exploring the various temples and witnessing the vibrant festivities without being tied to a fixed schedule.
Highlights:
- Lathmar Holi: Experience this unique tradition in Barsana.
- Phoolon ki Holi: Participate in this flower-based Holi at the Banke Bihari Temple.
- Temples: Visit the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple and ISKCON Vrindavan.
7. Onam in Kochi, Kerala
Onam is Kerala’s most significant festival, celebrated with grand feasts, traditional games, and cultural performances. Kochi is a prime destination during Onam, offering a mix of cultural festivities and scenic beauty. With a self drive rental, you can explore Kochi’s historical sites, such as Fort Kochi and Mattancherry Palace, and also take a day trip to the backwaters of Alleppey.
Highlights:
- Athachamayam Procession: Witness the traditional procession in Tripunithura.
- Snake Boat Race: Experience the thrilling Vallam Kali (boat race) in Alleppey.
- Kerala Sadhya: Indulge in the traditional Onam feast served on a banana leaf.
8. Pongal in Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated with much fervor in Tamil Nadu, and Madurai is one of the best places to experience it. The city’s temples, particularly the Meenakshi Amman Temple, are beautifully decorated. The Jallikattu event, a traditional bull-taming sport, is also a major attraction. With a self drive rental, you can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage and even plan a visit to nearby destinations like Rameswaram.
Highlights:
- Meenakshi Temple: Explore the grandeur of this ancient temple.
- Jallikattu: Witness the thrilling bull-taming event.
- Nearby Attractions: Visit Rameswaram, a sacred town with beautiful beaches.
9. Bihu in Guwahati, Assam
Bihu is the most important festival of Assam, celebrating the Assamese New Year. It’s marked by traditional music, dance, and feasts. Guwahati, the gateway to the Northeast, is the ideal place to experience Bihu. With a self drive rental, you can explore the city’s attractions, such as the Kamakhya Temple, and take a scenic drive to Kaziranga National Park.
Highlights:
- Bihu Dance: Witness traditional Bihu dance performances.
- Kamakhya Temple: Visit one of the most revered temples in India.
- Kaziranga National Park: Take a day trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
10. Pushkar Fair in Pushkar, Rajasthan
Although not a festival in the traditional sense, the Pushkar Fair is one of India’s most vibrant cultural events, coinciding with Kartik Purnima. The fair is famous for its camel trading, cultural performances, and religious rituals at the Pushkar Lake. With a self drive rental, you can explore the fair and nearby attractions like Ajmer and the Brahma Temple.
Highlights:
- Camel Fair: Experience the unique camel trading event.
- Pushkar Lake: Participate in the Kartik Purnima rituals.
- Nearby Attractions: Visit Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Ajmer.
Conclusion
India’s festival season offers an excellent opportunity to explore the country’s diverse culture, traditions, and landscapes. With a self drive rental, you have the freedom to craft your own adventure, visiting multiple destinations, and soaking in the festive spirit at your own pace. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Jaipur during Diwali or dancing the night away during Navratri in Gujarat, a self drive car journey adds a personal touch to your festival experience. So, buckle up and set off on a memorable festival road trip across India!