Festivals are a common thing in India, and one of the most glamorous celebrations in the country is Dussehra. It is also a festival of triumph of the good over the evil and is celebrated with pomp, cultural shows and local customs. Dussehra to the traveller is not merely a holiday but is a chance to see cultural diversity of India and also visit some incredible sites.
In case you are planning a getaway during the Dussehra Vacations in India 2025 , then these are the best destinations the country has to offer.
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Mysore, Karnataka -The Royal Dussehra.
Mysore is the centre of festivities of Dussehra in South India. Mysore Palace is adorned with the thousands of lights and the great procession featuring the decorated elephants, folk dancers, and musicians is a spectacle to be seen.
- Than must you miss: The lightened Mysore Palace and the Jamboo Savari (elephant procession).
- Ideal family, cultural travelers and photography lovers.
- This area has a number of attractions close by: Chamundi Hills, Brindavan Gardens.
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Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Ramleela and Spiritual Bliss.
Dussehra in Varanasi is observed by staging Ramleela that lasts a couple of days. There is the burning of gigantic effigies of Ravana on last day and the Ganga ghats are vibrant with devotions, music and lights.
- Miss not: The Ramnagar Ramleela (one of the oldest in India).
- Best: Spiritual seekers and people who like culture.
- Other attractions within the area: Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, Sarnath.
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Kolkata, West Bengal -Durga Puja Meets Dussehra.
Durga Puja in Kolkata is the time of Dussehra. The city becomes an open art gallery comprising of creative pandals and idols. During Vijayadashami women engage in the known Sindoor Khela (smearing vermilion) and immersion of idols in the river.
- Must not skip: Durga Puja pandal hopping and Sindoor Khela.
- Festivals: Ideal travelers and newcomers to Kolkata.
- Close to sightseeing places: Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge.

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Kullu, Himachal Pradesh The Famous Kullu Dussehra.
Kullu Dussehra is special and takes seven days as compared to one-day celebration in most places. It begins where in other places Dussehra has passed. gods of neighbouring villages are brought in colorful parades and the valley turns out to be a cultural niche.
- Local Himachali folk performances and Rath Yatra: It is only worth missing.
- Ideal customer: People who love nature, enjoy backpacking, and attend festivals.
- Other attractions: Manali, Kasol, solang valley.
- Ahmedabad, Gujarat Dussehra Navratri Vibes.
Dussehra has been incorporated with Navratri Garba in Gujarat. By the arrival of Dussehra the state is already full of music, dancing, and worship. Ravana Effigies are set on fire with fireworks, and all night Navratri Garba events continue till day break.
- Not to be missed: Traditional Garba dance nights.
- Best: Youths and cultural tourists.
- The local places of interest: Sabarmati Ashram, Kankaria Lake.
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Delhi- Ramlila Maidan Festivals.
Dussehra is another city that should be enjoyed in Delhi. Ramleela performances are celebrated in the renowned Ramlila Maidan and effigies of Ravana, Meghnath and Kumbhkaran are burned using fireworks.
- Missing this: The grand Ramleela at Ramlila Maidan.
- Best for: Families and kids.
- Close to attractions: India gate, Red fort, Akshardham Temple.
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Bastar, Chhattisgarh Tribal Twist to Dussehra.
When you are in need of something quirky, go to Bastar. Their Dussehra festivals take a period of 75 days and put more emphasis on their tribal customs rather than on Ramayana tale. It is a place of rituals, folk dances and culture.
- Forbidden: The tribal rituals and Rath Yatra.
- Best: Counterculture tourists and culture scholars.
- Local are the attraction sites: Chitrakote falls, Kanger Valley national park.
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Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh The Land of Lord Rama.
Ayodhya, the native place of Lord Rama is of course one of the most popular sites to visit during Dussehra. The entire city is illuminated with diyas, Ramleela mehndi and festivals, which resonate well with mythology.
- Don’t fail: Ramleela and evening aarti at the Sarayu River.
- Ideal customers: Devotees and families.
- There are other attractions such as Hanuman Garhi and Ram Mandir located nearby.
Dussehra Vacations 2025 Travel tips.
- Make reservations in advance: The flights, trains and the hotels are busy during the festivals.
- Dress lightly and yet celebratory: Pack light clothes but do not skip on some customary attires.
- Be attentive to traditions in the area: Festivals are so cultural, do not forget to be mindful when taking photographs.
- Be safe: It is easy to lose track of things in a usually busy area, and carry the necessities and IDs with you.

Conclusion
Dussehra is not merely a celebration but it is a feeling that unites culture, traditions and celebrations. Be it the royalty of Mysore, the spirituality of Varanasi, the offbeat tribalism of Bastar, India has something in each of the travelers during the Dussehra 2025.
Pack your bags, select your destination of choice and follow the spirit of the festive season on your trip!
FAQ Section
Q1. What is the most favourable location to visit when you are in India during Dussehra?
One of the other destination places to visit during Dussehra is Mysore in Karnataka which is meant to hold a royal procession and a well-lit palace.
Q2. And where do the Indians specifically celebrate Dussehra?
Dussehra in Kullu in Himachal Pradesh has a special manner that continues over a span of seven days and is characterised by local gods and folklores.
Q3. Is it possible to enjoy Durga Puja and Dussehra in the same time?
Yes, it is the right location where Durga Puja and Dussehra festivals meet each other, with their cultural performances and splendid celebrations.
Q4. Should the family have a vacation during Dussehra?
Absolutely! The Dussehra holidays are best suited to family holiday since most of the places have cultural events, Ramleela and festival fairs.
Q5. What are the off beating places of Dussehra holidays?
Bastar in Chhattisgarh is an unconventional destination, renowned with tribal ceremonies and special Dussehra festivals which take place during the two plus months.

