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.


NIFCO India Chooses Inspira City for Its Fourth Manufacturing Facility

NIFCO India Chooses Inspira City for Its Fourth Manufacturing Facility

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 24, 2026

Inspira Realty, a real estate development company under Inspira Global, has announced the addition of NIFCO India Pvt. Ltd. to its flagship industrial and warehousing development, Inspira City, located in Shendra MIDC, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.

As part of the agreement, NIFCO India has secured a long-term lease for an industrial plot measuring 2,23,561 sq. ft. The site will house the company's fourth manufacturing facility in India, strengthening its production network and supporting future growth plans in the country.

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Headquartered in Japan, NIFCO Inc. is a globally recognised manufacturer of plastic fasteners, clips and functional components for the automotive industry, with operations in more than 30 countries. In India, the company serves as a key Tier-1 supplier to leading automotive OEMs. The new plant is expected to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and help meet the growing requirements of India's expanding automotive sector.

The development is also a significant milestone for Inspira City, with NIFCO becoming the third Japanese company to establish operations within the industrial park. The addition follows the presence of NHK Springs Co. Ltd. and Aisin Automotive India Pvt. Ltd., further strengthening the park's reputation as a preferred destination for global manufacturers.

Aayush Madhusudan Agrawal, Founder & Managing Director, Inspira Global, said, "NIFCO's decision to establish its fourth India facility at Inspira City is a strong endorsement of the infrastructure and ecosystem we are building. Beyond the transaction itself, we are particularly encouraged by the growing interest from Japanese manufacturers, who are among the world's most demanding industrial occupiers. Their presence validates our vision of creating a globally competitive manufacturing destination in the heart of Maharashtra."

Uday Shankar, MD, NIFCO India, said, "India continues to be a strategically important market for NIFCO, driven by the sustained growth of the automotive sector and evolving customer requirements. The establishment of our fourth manufacturing facility reflects our commitment to strengthening local production capabilities and supporting our OEM partners more effectively. Inspira City's infrastructure readiness, strategic location, and connectivity made it a compelling choice for our next phase of expansion in India."

The latest agreement adds to a growing list of investments at Inspira City, which continues to attract both domestic and international companies from sectors including automotive, engineering, logistics and allied industries. With several land parcels currently under discussion, Inspira Realty remains focused on supporting Maharashtra's growth as a leading industrial and manufacturing investment destination.


Amritara Hotels Expands Presence in Varanasi with Launch of Amritara The Samagam

Amritara Hotels Expands Presence in Varanasi with Launch of Amritara The Samagam

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 23, 2026

Amritara Hotels has strengthened its presence in Varanasi with the launch of Amritara The Samagam, a riverside retreat located at the confluence of the Ganga and Gomti rivers. The property marks the group's second hotel in the destination and reflects its continued focus on offering deeper and more meaningful travel experiences within culturally significant locations.

Situated in Kaithi village, around 35 kilometres east of Varanasi city, the retreat is surrounded by one of the region's oldest sacred landscapes. The area is home to the historic Markandey Mahadev Temple, a revered Shiva shrine that has stood on the riverbank for centuries.

Offering a quieter alternative to the bustling ghats of Varanasi, the property allows guests to experience evening aarti ceremonies in a more peaceful setting. The surrounding landscape is also known for its natural beauty, with freshwater dolphins occasionally visible in the river and serene riverside walks that offer a close connection with nature.

The launch reflects Amritara Hotels' decision to deepen its presence in Varanasi rather than expand into a new destination. The company believes that the future of hospitality lies in understanding and interpreting destinations with strong cultural and spiritual significance rather than simply increasing geographic reach.

Amritara's first property in the city, Amritara Suryauday Haveli, offers guests an experience immersed in the vibrant energy of Kashi, with its ghats, rituals, and spiritual traditions. In contrast, Amritara The Samagam has been designed for travellers seeking a slower and more reflective journey.

Guests at the new retreat can explore lesser-known spiritual experiences, including aarti ceremonies at the Markandey Mahadev Temple, boat rides along the confluence of the Ganga and Gomti rivers, and opportunities to discover the region's rich natural surroundings.

Together, Amritara Suryauday Haveli and Amritara The Samagam offer visitors two distinct perspectives of Varanasi, one rooted in the energy and devotion of the ancient city, and the other in the tranquillity and spiritual depth of its surrounding countryside.

With this addition, Amritara Hotels continues to strengthen its portfolio of experiential stays while catering to travellers seeking authentic cultural, spiritual, and nature-based experiences.


Lemon Tree Expands Portfolio with Resorts in Tadgaon and Igatpuri

Lemon Tree Expands Portfolio with Resorts in Tadgaon and Igatpuri

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 22, 2026

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of two new resort properties in Maharashtra – Lemon Tree Resort, Tadgaon and Lemon Tree Resort, Igatpuri. With these additions, the hospitality company will expand its presence in the state to 32 properties, comprising 15 operational hotels and 17 properties in the pipeline, including the newly signed resorts.

Both properties will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited. The latest signings reflect the group's continued focus on emerging leisure destinations that are becoming popular drive-to getaways for travellers from major cities such as Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.

Lemon Tree Resort, Tadgaon will feature 110 well-appointed rooms designed to offer a comfortable stay for guests. The resort will include a restaurant, banquet hall, meeting and conference facilities, swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre. Positioned approximately 75 km from Navi Mumbai International Airport and 100 km from Mumbai Central Railway Station, the property is expected to cater to both leisure travellers and events-led gatherings.

Meanwhile, Lemon Tree Resort, Igatpuri will offer 90 rooms along with a restaurant, banquet hall, meeting and conference spaces, swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre. The resort is located around 134 km from Mumbai International Airport and 5.6 km from Igatpuri Railway Station, providing convenient access for visitors seeking a getaway in the region.

Commenting on the signing, Vishvapreet Singh Cheema, President, Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd., said, "Our expansion strategy with resorts in Tadgaon and Igatpuri in Maharashtra is deeply aligned with the evolving dynamics of the drive-to hospitality sector. Urban travellers and corporate houses are increasingly prioritizing accessible, high-amenity destinations that don't require complex logistics. By introducing the Lemon Tree Resort brand to these two distinct, premium micro-markets, we are uniquely positioned to capture a highly lucrative mix of weekend leisure, multi-generational travel, and mid-to-high-level corporate retreats."

According to the company, the addition of these two resorts further strengthens Lemon Tree Hotels' presence in Western India while expanding its portfolio of premium regional resorts designed to meet the growing demand from both leisure and corporate travellers.

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