11 international destinations you should travel to this Diwali

A trip to Paris may not be so much about Diwali celebrations per se, but more about spending time with the family, museum hopping and sightseeing. Since it is a long-haul flight, extend your mid-week break to make it a longer trip.

Things to do
Visit the Eiffel Tower
Go museum hopping
Check out the Notre Dame Cathedral

Another city which celebrates Diwali in a big way is Singapore. A visible presence of Hindu culture gives Diwali celebrations in Singapore an Indian feel. Plan a trip to Little India and have a delightful experience in the little red dot country.

Diwali in a big way is Singapore. A visible presence of Hindu culture gives Diwali celebrations in Singapore an Indian feel. Plan a trip to Little India and have a delightful experience in the little red dot country.

Things to do
Shop (or window shop) at Orchard Road
Universal studios
China town

The largest Diwali celebration outside of India is said to be in the United Kingdom. Spectacular celebrations are held in Leicester; but with the Indian population in the UK at nearly one and a half million and counting, London’s Trafalgar Square is also beautifully lit up.

Things to do
View the city from London Eye
Plan a trip to the Tower of London
Get your art fix at the National Gallery

With Indians being the third largest Asian community in the United States, it is no wonder that New York emerges as a favoured holiday destination during the Diwali break. Additionally, Diwali in early November means you get to visit the Big Apple during the best weather.

Things to do
Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Plan a day trip to the Statue of Liberty
Take a bike tour of Central Park

Just a short flight away, the shiny city of Dubai has emerged as the top choice to spend the Diwali break. Additionally, a huge chunk of the population in Dubai is Indian which makes it a great place for celebration!

Things-to-do
Get a view of the city from Burj Khalifa
Mall crawl – choose from Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates amongst many more
Spend an evening at the Dubai Fountains – it’s free!

Diwali in KL is celebrated with a South Indian twist because a majority of Indians in Malaysia are of South Indian origin. Kuala Lumpur is also a shopper’s haven, so use this small mid-week break to fill up those closets!

Things to do
Check out the Petronas Towers
Visit the Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Go to the KL Bird Park

Check out Hong Kong this Diwali break! It is not entirely a short flight, but the holiday is definitely refreshing. Travelling with kids? Head to Hong Kong Disneyland or to Ocean Park Hong Kong.

Things to do
Visit Lantau Island and the Tian Tan Buddha
Spend an evening at Temple Street Night Market
Check out Hong Kong from Victoria Peak

Use your mid week break to explore this action packed city. A short 4 hour flight away, this shopping haven makes for a great Diwali break, given that there is a sizeable Hindu and Indian population here. There are lots of Hindu temples in Bangkok, adding to the visual delight of the festival of lights. You can also combine your Bangkok trip with a short beach break close by.

Things to do
Shop at MBK Mall
Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Brush up your Thai cooking skills by joining a class

Colombo is another good destination for a November visit. Athough it may not be the perfect weather for a trip to Sri Lanka, Diwali celebrations more than make up for it.
Things to do
Visit the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
Spend time at the National Museum
Spend an evening at the Galle Face Green.

Bali, a favourite holiday destination for beach bums, makes for a great holiday around Diwali. November is in fact the best time of the year to plan a tropical beach vacation if you want to escape the season hordes and get yourself a quiet vacation.

Things to do
Surfers head to Balian beach
Catch a Bali theatre performance
Visit the Uluwatu Temple