In Maharashtra, exchange Aptyacha Paan; in Delhi, catch a grand Ramlila; and in West Bengal, join the vibrant Sindur Khela. And that’s just the start; Dussehra brings a whole world of unique traditions and experiences across India.
That’s the magic of the places to visit during Dussehra in India, every destination has its own rhythm, food, rituals and wonderfully chaotic charm. For anyone planning ahead, comparing cheap flight tickets online can make getting to the festivities a little easier too.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- 1. Mysuru – Palace Lights And Royal Grandeur
- 2. Kullu – Dussehra In The Mountains
- 3. Varanasi – Ghats, Lamps And Ramleela
- 4. Kota – Where The Fair Keeps Going
- 5. Delhi – Ramlila And Ravan Dahan
- 6. Kolkata – A Different Kind Of Finale
- 7. Bastar – Dussehra, But Not As Expected
- A Few Things To Keep In Mind
- Final Thought
- Frequently Asked Questions: Places To Visit During Dussehra In India
- Discover More Travel Stories
- Akbar Travels Services
1. Mysuru – Palace Lights And Royal Grandeur
Image Credit: Aishwarya MV/Unsplash
Mysuru will have an almost cinematic look during Dasara 2026 with the palace lit up, cultural programs and the grand Vijayadashami procession. The celebrations run from 11-21 October, so there’s plenty of time for travellers to soak it all in. To enjoy a comfortable stay close to the action, check out the best hotels in Mysore early to avoid last-minute panic.
Travellers who prefer a ready-made itinerary can also compare all-inclusive Mysore tour packages before the festival gets into full swing. And if flying feels easier, keeping an eye on cheap flights to Mysore is worth doing well ahead of October.
2. Kullu – Dussehra In The Mountains
For travellers who like their festivals with a Himalayan backdrop, Kullu is hard to ignore. On 15 October, deity processions, Nati dancing, local food and colourful stalls will fill Dhalpur Maidan, making it one of the places to visit during Dussehra in India when mountain air sounds better than city traffic. For travellers coming from farther away, checking cheap flights to Kullu can help with planning the journey around the festival dates.
Since the celebrations can get busy, securing stays at one of the best hotels in Kullu beforehand makes the trip a bit more relaxed. Those looking for a simpler way to organise the whole getaway can browse all-inclusive Himachal Pradesh tour packages too.
Also Read: Celebrating Dussehra in India: How Different Indian States Celebrate Dussehra.
3. Varanasi – Ghats, Lamps And Ramleela
Image Credit: Roshan Kmr/Unsplash
Varanasi offers a more atmospheric festival experience, especially around the ghats and traditional Ramleela performances. Before setting off, make sure to secure cheap flights to Varanasi for suitable travel dates, as the city can get very crowded during this period.
Spend the afternoon wandering old lanes, pause for the evening lights, and let the city unfold slowly, exactly why it belongs among the must-visit places for Dussehra celebrations. Staying at one of the best hotels in Varanasi can also put the old city, ghats and evening celebrations within easier reach. For anyone who’d rather leave the itinerary to someone else, all-inclusive Varanasi tour packages can bring the main experiences together.
4. Kota – Where The Fair Keeps Going
Kota turns Dussehra into a proper fairground experience. The Kota Dussehra Fair is scheduled for 20 October to 6 November 2026, with giant effigies, folk performances, cultural shows and bustling stalls, making it one of the best destinations to visit during Dussehra for travellers who enjoy a little noise and a lot of colour. Travellers who want to explore the entire state during this period can opt for all-inclusive Rajasthan tour packages that include all the major tourist attractions.
While looking for a place to stay, planning in advance will help, especially when choosing among the best hotels in Kota during the busy fair period. And for those flying into the region, looking up cheap flights to Kota before the rush can make the journey easier to arrange.
Also Read: Best Family Holidays During Dussehra: 6 Vibrant Festive Getaways
5. Delhi – Ramlila And Ravan Dahan
Image Credit: Anirudh/Unsplash
Delhi goes big, as Delhi tends to do. Expect packed Ramlila grounds, lively neighbourhood celebrations and the dramatic burning of Ravan effigies on Vijayadashami, making the capital one of the best places to visit during Dussehra in India for travellers chasing that full-scale festival buzz. With so much happening across the city, choosing from the best hotels in Delhi based on the areas being visited can make getting around less tiring.
Travellers who like having sightseeing and stays sorted together can look at all-inclusive Delhi tour packages as well. And those flying in, comparing cheap flights to Delhi early is another small thing that can make the trip smoother.
6. Kolkata – A Different Kind Of Finale
Image Credit: rateek Saxena/Unsplash
Kolkata is one of the top places to celebrate Dussehra in India. Here the festival mood shifts toward Vijaya Dashami after the grandeur of Durga Puja. Beautifully crafted idols, farewell rituals and immersion processions offer an emotional finale; the Hooghly creates that unique riverside atmosphere. For those who are planning to visit here during Durga Puja 2026, make sure you book the best hotels in Kolkata early, as they get booked faster than one can imagine.
One option for those who want to skip planning is to check all-inclusive Kolkata tour packages for a more organised way to explore the city. And if flying is the plan, comparing cheap flights to Kolkata early can leave more room in the travel budget for food and wandering around.
Also Read: Celebrating Dussehra in India: How Different Indian States Celebrate Dussehra.
7. Bastar – Dussehra, But Not As Expected
Bastar is genuinely different. Its roughly 75-day celebration centres on Maa Danteshwari, local deities and tribal traditions rather than the familiar Ravana-burning story, with the main 2026 phase running from 18-22 October.
Those planning to stay for the celebrations can look into the best hotels in Bastar ahead of time. And since travel to the region takes some planning, checking cheap flights to Jagdalpur early can be useful. For travellers looking for the best places to visit in October in India 2026, Bastar offers something deeply connected to the region itself.
A Few Things To Keep In Mind
Dussehra 2026 in India falls on Tuesday, 20 October, although individual celebrations may begin earlier or continue well beyond the day itself. For planning a complete Navratri 2026 trip, making travel arrangements early can help ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience, especially for popular destinations such as Mysuru, Delhi, and Kolkata.
Still confused about where to go? This table might help you:
| Place | Unique Rituals / Things to See | What Makes It Special | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mysuru, Karnataka | Royal procession with decorated elephants. Mysore Palace is brightly illuminated. | Grand royal-style celebrations. | Palaces & processions |
| Kullu, Himachal Pradesh | Hundreds of local deities gather. The celebrations continue after Vijayadashami. | Strong local and Himalayan traditions. | Mountains & culture |
| Kota, Rajasthan | Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Meghnada are burned. A large fair is held. | Famous for its huge Dussehra Mela. | Fairs & family trips |
| Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Traditional Ramleela performances take place. | Strong religious and spiritual atmosphere. | Temples & traditions |
| Delhi | Large Ramlila performances are held. Giant effigies are burned on Vijayadashami. | Many historic Ramlila traditions. | Ramlila & city celebrations |
| Kolkata, West Bengal | Durga idols are taken for immersion. Sindoor Khela is observed by many women. | Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja. | Art, food & celebrations |
| Bastar, Chhattisgarh | Tribal rituals and processions take place. The festival lasts for several weeks. | Very different from the usual Ravana-burning tradition. | Tribal culture & traditions |
Final Thought
From Mysuru’s palace glow to Kullu’s mountain rhythms and Bastar’s distinctive traditions, there’s no single way to experience Dussehra. Pick the kind of trip that sounds right, royal, spiritual, cultural, noisy, slow and let the destination do the rest. The places to visit during Dussehra in India are really about seeing how differently one festival can come alive.
Which destination would you pick for your October 2026 Dussehra trip? Tell us in the comments.
Frequently Asked Questions: Places To Visit During Dussehra In India
Which place is best for Dussehra?
Mysuru (Mysore) in Karnataka is the best place for Dussehra. It has the famous royal Dasara, palace lights, and big processions.
Where to go on Dussehra in Hyderabad?
Go to Parade Grounds, NTR Stadium, or Necklace Road for Ravan Dahan and shows. For family fun, try Shilparamam or Ramoji Film City’s Dussehra events.
What are the top 5 Dussehra melas in India?
Mysuru Dasara (Karnataka), Kullu Dussehra (Himachal Pradesh), Delhi Ramlila grounds, Ahmedabad Garba and fairs, and Bastar Dussehra (Chhattisgarh).
Where is the biggest Dussehra fair in India?
The biggest Dussehra fair is Mysuru Dasara in Karnataka. It has city-wide events, a huge Jumbo Savari, and the lit-up palace.
Which Indian state is famous for Dussehra?
Karnataka is most famous for Dussehra because of Mysuru Dasara. Himachal Pradesh is also well known for Kullu Dussehra.
What are the best places to visit in Bangalore during Dussehra?
Visit Palace Grounds for big pandals, Malleswaram for Gombe Habba doll displays, ISKCON for special prayers, and malls like Phoenix for Dandiya Nights.
Where is the biggest Durga Puja mela in India?
Kolkata in West Bengal has the biggest Durga Puja mela in India. It has thousands of pandals and a huge Mahalaya event at Eden Gardens.
How much time before to reach the airport for a domestic flight?
Reach the airport at least 2 hours before your domestic flight to allow enough time for check-in and security.
Can we show a soft copy of ID proof at the airport?
Yes, a valid digital ID may be accepted, but keep the original ID handy if required.
Discover More Travel Stories
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Akbar Travels Services
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