Best Family Holidays During Dussehra: 6 Vibrant Festive Getaways

Indians love family trips, picnics, and, of course, all the little drama that comes with them. Someone forgets the charger, the kids ask for snacks five minutes after breakfast, and there’s always that one last-minute packing panic. But somehow, those are the moments everyone remembers. If you’re looking for the best family holidays during Dussehra, October brings plenty of colourful options, from grand palace celebrations and lively fairs to quieter cultural experiences.

1. Mysuru, Karnataka
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan
3. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
4. Delhi NCR
5. Dharamshala and McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh
6. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Family Holidays During Dussehra
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1. Mysuru, Karnataka

Mysuru Palace
Image Credit: Abhishek rana/Unsplash

The city’s grand Dasara celebrations make it one of the best family holidays during Dussehra, especially for families who enjoy history mixed with a big festival atmosphere. By evening, Mysuru can feel almost magical, with the palace glowing against the night sky and streets filling with music and activity. Families can look at the best hotels in Mysuru while planning their stay and compare cheap flights to Mysuru if they are travelling from another city.

October weather is also comfortable enough for sightseeing without turning every outing into a sweaty mission. All-inclusive Mysuru tour packages are another option for families who prefer having the main parts of the trip arranged together.

Things to do: Visit Mysuru Palace, explore Mysuru Zoo, see the illuminated palace, visit Chamundi Hill and watch the Dasara procession.
Approx. budget: ₹5,000–₹7,500 per person for 2 nights.

2. Jaipur, Rajasthan

Hawa Mahal
Image Credit: Mrudula Thakur/Pexels

Jaipur turns festive during Dussehra, with colourful celebrations, cultural performances and plenty of activity around the city. Families can enjoy the festive atmosphere while also exploring the Pink City’s famous landmarks, making it a good choice among the best family holidays during Dussehra.

Families can compare cheap flights to Jaipur early and look for the best hotels in Jaipur that fit their plans before the festive rush begins. Or to keep the planning part hasslefree all-inclusive Jaipur tour packages can be worth considering, especially for a short family break.

Things to do: Visit Amer Fort, explore City Palace, enjoy local markets, see cultural performances and try Rajasthani foods.
Approx. budget: ₹5,000–₹7,500 per person for 2 nights.

Also Read: Jaw-Dropping Dussehra Celebrations Worldwide That Make Indians Rethink Tradition

3. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

View from a highway in Manali
Image Credit: Naman jaswani/Unsplash

A completely different mood awaits in Kullu, where mountains, crisp evenings and traditional celebrations come together. Families can spend the day exploring the valley before heading towards the festival area, making this another of the best family holidays during Dussehra for travellers who want culture without giving up a little adventure. For a comfortable trip, families can explore all-inclusive Himachal Pradesh tour packages and choose something that works well for their sightseeing plans as well.

Things to do: Explore Dhalpur, watch traditional processions, try Himachali food, shop for local crafts and enjoy easy family walks.
Approx. budget: ₹6,000–₹9,000 per person for 2 nights.

For planning an October weekend getaway, checking cheap flights to Kullu early can make the journey easier, while securing a stay at the best hotels in Kullu can help keep the rest of the planning simple.

4. Delhi NCR

Humayun's Tomb — Humayun’s Tomb
Image Credit: Shubham Sharma/Unsplash

For families that don’t want to spend half the holiday travelling, Delhi NCR keeps things convenient while still delivering plenty of festive energy. Ramlila performances, illuminated streets and local fairs can make the evenings memorable, while daytime can be reserved for museums and landmarks. It’s easily among the best family holidays during Dussehra for a short city break, particularly for first-time visitors. You can check the best hotels in Delhi based on the areas you want to explore and compare all-inclusive Delhi tour packages if you prefer a more organised stay.

Things to do: Watch Ramlila, visit India Gate, explore the National Rail Museum, walk through Chandni Chowk and visit a local mela.
Approx. budget: ₹4,000–₹7,000 per person for 2 nights.

Families flying in from another city, make sure to check cheap flights to Delhi early to make the journey easier to plan.

5. Dharamshala and McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh

Scenic view of the Himalayas from Dharamshala
Image Credit: Ruchit Darji/Pexels

Those wanting a peaceful mountain getaway can head to Dharamshala and nearby McLeodganj. With beautiful views, Tibetan culture and plenty of relaxed family experiences, the region makes a refreshing choice among the must visit places for Dussehra celebrations. Families can check cheap flights to Dharamshala early and look for the best hotels in McLeodganj that suit their plans.

Things to do: Visit the Dalai Lama Temple in McLeodganj, explore Bhagsu Waterfall, walk around the town, visit Dharamshala Cricket Stadium and explore local cafés and markets.
Approx. budget: ₹6,000–₹9,000 per person for 2 nights.

Families who want to spend less time planning can also look at all-inclusive Dharamshala tour packages.

6. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

Ram Mandir, Ayodhya
Image Credit: PolarBearr_1417/Shutterstock

Dussehra is one of the top festivals in Ayodhya, as few places connect with the Ramayana story as naturally as this sacred city does. Families can keep the itinerary relaxed, combining temple visits with the Saryu riverfront, evening aarti and local food. For travellers comparing places for kids and families to celebrate Dussehra, Ayodhya offers a more cultural and spiritual experience rather than a trip centred entirely around a fair. While putting up their holiday arrangements, families can look at the best hotels in Ayodhya and compare cheap flights to Ayodhya. If you wish to have a more structured family trip, then all-inclusive Ayodhya tour packages are also an option.

Things to do: Explore Ram Mandir area, Hanuman Garhi, Saryu River, Do evening aarti, Sweets
Approx. budget: ₹4,000–₹6,500 per person for 2 nights.

Also Read: Celebrating Dussehra in India: How Different Indian States Celebrate Dussehra.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

A Dussehra vacation 2026 is worth planning early, especially if the trip falls close to school holidays. From palace lights and mountain processions to bustling melas and deeply rooted traditions, the famous Dussehra celebrations in India offer something for almost every kind of traveller. You don’t need an enormous itinerary either. Sometimes two or three good experiences, plenty of snacks and enough time to wander make the holiday feel much more relaxed.

Which destination would your family choose for a Dussehra getaway this October?

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Family Holidays During Dussehra

How many days of holidays are there for Dussehra?
The holiday duration varies by state across India, ranging from a single gazetted holiday up to a formal 10 to 13-day autumn break in places like Telangana and Karnataka.

What are the best places to visit for Dussehra holidays with family?
Kullu, Delhi, Kota and Mysuru are all time favourites for family travel as they offer wonderful sightseeing options and incredible festival pageantry.

Which place is famous for Dussehra?
Mysuru is globally renowned for its grand, 10-day Dasara celebration, which transforms the entire city with spectacular royal heritage.

How to get last-minute hotel deals in Indian metro cities?
Search several hotels for your dates and compare the rates and incentives available. Flexible dates can get you better deals.

How to check the live status of a domestic air journey?
Check the flight status on your airline’s website or app. Have your flight number and travel date ready for quick updates.

What are the best places to celebrate Dussehra in Bangalore?
Bangalore Palace Grounds and ISKCON Temple are popular for Dussehra celebrations. Malleswaram is also known for local fairs and festive food.

Where to go during Durga Puja in India?
Kolkata is famous for its grand Durga Puja celebrations and colourful pandals. Bastar in Chhattisgarh offers a unique traditional celebration.

Where is the biggest Dussehra fair in India?
The Kota Dussehra Mela in Rajasthan is widely recognized as the largest and most iconic traditional festive fair in the country.

How to check baggage allowance before booking a flight?
Before you book, check the baggage allowance for the fare you choose. Cabin and checked luggage restrictions allowed are usually shown.

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Best Family Holidays During Dussehra: 6 Vibrant Festive Getaways

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Mysuru, Karnataka

2. Jaipur, Rajasthan

Also Read: Jaw-Dropping Dussehra Celebrations Worldwide That Make Indians Rethink Tradition

3. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

4. Delhi NCR

5. Dharamshala and McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh

6. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

Also Read: Celebrating Dussehra in India: How Different Indian States Celebrate Dussehra.

A Little Planning Goes a Long Way

Frequently Asked Questions: Best Family Holidays During Dussehra

Discover More Travel Stories

Akbar Travels Services

Best Flight Deals

Domestic Flights

International Flights

Best Hotel Deals

Apply Visa Online

International Tour Packages

Domestic Tour Packages

Packages by Themes

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