Diwali Getaways: Top Cities to Visit for a Sparkling Celebration

Diwali Getaways: Top Cities to Visit for a Sparkling Celebration

By Author

Published on November 8, 2023

The festival of lights is upon us, and this year's Diwali is set to sparkle with more than just firecrackers. With a calendar that blesses us with a long weekend, why not swap the usual festivities at home for a burst of new experiences? Let's jet set to some of India's most iconic cities, where Diwali isn't just a festival, it's a lifetime memory waiting to happen.

 Varanasi: A Divine Spectacle on the Ganges

First up, Varanasi – the spiritual heart of India, where the Ganges isn’t just a river but the canvas for the grandest aarti you'll ever witness. Diwali here is a celestial event, an endless cascade of lights and colors that makes the city feel like a galaxy on earth. As the ghats light up with thousands of diyas, the echoes of chants and bells create a soundtrack that's more soul-stirring than any orchestra.

 Jaipur: Royal Splendor Amidst Pink Walls

Next, let's take our Diwali celebration royal at Jaipur, the Pink City that turns into a golden mirage during the festivities. Here, palaces aren’t just historic landmarks; they’re timeless sentinels watching over a city draped in vibrant hues and twinkling lights. The markets bustle with activity, as locals and visitors alike seek treasures in the form of traditional wear and artisanal crafts.

 Ayodhya: An Epic Homecoming Celebration

In Ayodhya, the essence of Diwali goes back to its mythological roots – a homecoming and a victory of good over evil. The city isn’t just lit; it reenacts history, inviting everyone to be a part of a celebration that has been ongoing for millennia. Here, the warmth of the people matches the warmth of the lights that adorn the city.

Goa: A Beachside Festivity with a Twist

Then there's Goa, which offers a Diwali with a twist. It's not just about the sandy shores; it's about cultural fusion where traditional lamps meet the serenity of the sea. Goa's version of the festival includes vibrant fairs, effigies of Narakasura being paraded through the streets, and, as night falls, a panorama of fireworks that reflect over the ocean.

 Kolkata: The City of Joy and the Goddess of the Night

Our festive trail ends in Kolkata, the cultural capital that turns into a panorama of devotion and celebration during Diwali. Known for its grand Kali Puja, the city takes on an ethereal aura, offering a stark contrast to the usual Lakshmi Puja observed elsewhere. The city is alive with thematic pandals, sweets that are culinary masterpieces, and a collective spirit that could light up the darkest of nights.

Each city on this list offers a slice of Diwali that's unique, immersive, and utterly unforgettable. This isn't just about escaping the routine; it's about enriching it with stories you'll tell for years to come. So, light up your inner traveler and let this Diwali be a journey that celebrates not just the victory of light over darkness, but also the joy of exploration and the spirit of India in all its festive glory.


Antica Ceramica Unveils New Tile Collection Designed for Modern Hospitality Spaces

Antica Ceramica Unveils New Tile Collection Designed for Modern Hospitality Spaces

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 23, 2025

Antica Ceramica, known for its innovative approach to architectural surfaces, has launched a new collection of wall and floor tiles created specifically for cafés, restaurants, boutique hotels, lounges, and modern hospitality spaces. The collection focuses on meeting the evolving design expectations of the industry by combining global aesthetics with advanced material technology.

The tiles are crafted in the versatile 600 x 1200 mm size with a 10 mm thickness, offering convenience in installation and suitability for a wide range of layouts. Their durability makes them ideal for commercial spaces that require both visual appeal and long-lasting performance. They are designed to resist stains, handle heavy foot traffic, and maintain their finish over time.

The new collection includes a variety of design styles such as warm wood-inspired textures, luxurious stone looks, and intricate global motifs. These surfaces help designers create themed environments, from calm Mediterranean-style cafés to bold patterned restaurant floors and sophisticated bar backdrops. Each tile can be used individually or paired creatively to enhance zoning, ambience, and storytelling within a space.

The brand highlights how thoughtfully selected tiles can transform hospitality environments. Whether it is a café patio with geometric floors, a bistro with contrasting patterns, a cozy dining corner with textured 3D walls, or a bar setting enhanced by elongated block-style tiles, the collection offers design flexibility for every concept.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Rahul Bhugra, Director of Antica Ceramica, said, "Design in the hospitality industry today is all about creating memorable spaces that resonate with people. Our new wall and floor tile collection is crafted for exactly that, helping designers and brands express identity, emotion, and experience through surfaces. Every tile in this collection is designed to elevate a space into something meaningful and unforgettable."

With this launch, Antica Ceramica strengthens its presence as a leader in contemporary architectural materials, offering solutions that support design-forward hospitality environments across India and beyond.

The collection is available at Antica Ceramica, 40 Raja Garden, Opp. Metro Pillar No. 371, New Delhi – 110015. More details can be found on their website.


Suba Hotels Announces Opening of Comfort Inn Vindhyan in Mirzapur

Suba Hotels Announces Opening of Comfort Inn Vindhyan in Mirzapur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 23, 2025

Suba Hotels has announced that Comfort Inn Vindhyan in Mirzapur will open tomorrow (23rd November), bringing a new and refreshing hospitality experience to the city. Designed to offer comfort, warmth, and memorable stays, the hotel is ready to welcome both tourists and pilgrims visiting this culturally rich region.

Located close to the famous Maa Vindhyavasini Temple, the property is set to support Mirzapur’s growing traveller movement with its thoughtful amenities and inviting atmosphere. Guests can enjoy dining at Chahal Pahal Restaurant, which promises wholesome meals, and unwind at Bean Haven Café and Lounge, a relaxed space crafted for conversations and comfort.

With the opening of this new property, Suba Hotels adds yet another feather to its hat, continuing its commitment to delivering quality service and meaningful guest experiences across India. The group aims to make Comfort Inn Vindhyan a reliable stay choice for visitors seeking convenience and warm hospitality in Mirzapur.


SaffronStays Introduces Junglebrooke, India’s First Pet-First Escape in Kolad

SaffronStays Introduces Junglebrooke, India’s First Pet-First Escape in Kolad

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 22, 2025

SaffronStays has opened Junglebrooke, a unique pet-first escape in Kolad, Maharashtra, set within the lush AMTM Kolad campus. Owned by Ganesh Nayak, the founder of Animals Matter To Me, the retreat is built as a space where strays are cared for with love and pets come first, while humans are welcomed as companions in their world. The property follows a simple philosophy — “Pets Over People”, creating a setting where animals live freely and travellers can unwind with them.

The retreat features eight thoughtfully designed cottages, eco-friendly interiors and recycled furniture sourced from Film City sets. Spread across an acre of green landscapes, Junglebrooke allows guests to stay close to a caring rescue ecosystem. Through guided tours, animal interactions, yoga sessions and reading corners set amid nature, visitors can slow down, reflect, and be part of meaningful moments that support animal welfare.

Every stay includes space for two guests along with one pet at no extra charge. Complimentary pet meals, pool access, yoga, karaoke and other experiences make it a relaxed escape for both pets and people. The retreat is home to a wide range of animals,  from dogs and cats to cows, pigs, ducks, rabbits and geese, each now living a safe and peaceful life. A 10,000 square feet cage-free cattery offers a comforting environment for rescued cats, while the gaushala shelters gentle cows away from harm.

Junglebrooke paints an inviting picture for conscious travellers: mornings spent feeding a rescued calf, afternoons splashing in the infinity pool with your dog, and quiet evenings watching the sunset while your pet rests beside you. Surrounded by nature, guests can enjoy a holiday that not only rejuvenates but also contributes to a kinder world.

AMTM has long supported more than 400 rescued animals across Kolad and Mumbai, with help from philanthropists and industrialists like Nawshir Mirza, Cyrus Mistry and the Tata Group. Their support has strengthened the organisation’s rescue mission and helped expand its facilities.

“Junglebrooke is our way of giving a voice to the voiceless, those with paws, claws, wings, and whiskers. It’s built as a space where pets can truly be themselves, and humans are happy companions in their world. A place where dogs can run free, cats can nap under trees, and their people can unwind right alongside them. Every stay becomes a small step toward a kinder world for animals and for us,” said Devendra Parulekar, founder of SaffronStays.

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