The Best Places to Visit in Dussehra for a Memorable Vacation

Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Dussehra 2025

We have curated a list of the top 10 best places to visit in Dussehra, each offering a unique and unforgettable experience. From ancient traditions to modern-day celebrations, these are the ultimate places to visit on Dussehra to witness the festival in its full glory.

1. Mysore, Karnataka

The Dussehra celebration in Mysore is one of the Famous Dussehra Celebrations in India. The history of Mysore Dasara dates back to the 15th century, with the festival gaining its royal patronage from the Wodeyar dynasty in 1610. Today, the city is globally renowned for its week-long festivities, which transform the tranquil city into a bustling hub of culture and tradition, making Mysore during Dasara a must-visit for every traveler.

The highlight of the Dasara celebration in Mysore is the spectacular Jamboo Savari, a grand procession featuring adorned elephants, horses, and cultural troupes. The iconic Mysore Palace, illuminated by over 100,000 bulbs, serves as the majestic backdrop for the events. While many celebrations are free to attend, you can also secure a premium viewing spot for key events like the procession by purchasing a special Mysore Dussehra ticket.

To fully immerse yourself in the royal grandeur without the hassle of navigation, a reliable cab service in Mysore is indispensable. Book your ride in advance to ensure a smooth, comfortable journey to all the major attractions and witness the festival's full splendor.

2. Kolkata, West Bengal

While the rest of India celebrates Dussehra, Kolkata transforms into the "City of Joy" for Durga Puja, a festival that has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The festivities here revolve around the worship of Goddess Durga, with each celebration being a vibrant spectacle of artistry and devotion. Visiting Kolkata Dussehra is a phenomenal choice for a trip, offering a unique blend of cultural immersion and grand festivities. It's a prime example of the best places to visit in dussehra vacation with family.

The city's soul during this time lies in its stunning pandals, temporary art installations with magnificent idols that are often based on a creative theme. "Pandal hopping" is a beloved tradition, where locals and tourists explore countless pandals, each telling a different story through its intricate craftsmanship and lighting. The festival culminates on Vijayadashami, when the idols are taken in grand processions for immersion in the Hooghly River, a sight that is both emotional and majestic.

Navigating Kolkata during this peak festive season can be overwhelming. Booking a reliable Kolkata taxi service will allow you and your family to effortlessly hop between pandals and take in all the sights without the stress of navigating the city’s bustling streets.

3. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

For a deeply spiritual and theatrical Dussehra experience, there are few places to visit on Dussehra that can match Varanasi. The city’s celebration is unique, revolving around the world-famous Ramlila of Ramnagar, a tradition that has been performed for over 200 years. This isn't just a play; it's a living, immersive theater where the entire town of Ramnagar acts as the stage, drawing thousands of devotees and tourists alike to witness the epic unfold over a month.

The Dussehra in Varanasi culminates with a massive procession and the burning of towering effigies of Ravana, his brother, and his son, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Beyond the Ramlila, visitors can experience the profound spiritual energy of the city by attending the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti on the ghats, which becomes even more spectacular during the festive season. This harmonious blend of sacred rituals and dramatic performances makes Varanasi Dussehra an unforgettable cultural journey.

To navigate the narrow, crowded streets of this ancient city and easily travel between the Ramlila grounds and the ghats, a reliable Taxi service in Varanasi is a must. A pre-booked taxi via Hurryup Cabs ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus entirely on the spiritual and cultural wonders around you.

4. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh

For a truly unique festive experience, Dussehra in Kullu is an unparalleled choice. Unlike the rest of India where the festival culminates on Vijayadashami, Kullu’s celebrations begin on this very day and continue for seven full days. This grand spectacle is a magnificent display of local Himachali culture and devotion, focusing on the congregation of hundreds of local gods and goddesses, making it one of the most remarkable places to visit in dussehra vacation with family.

The main event is the grand procession of local deities in their elaborate palanquins, led by the chief deity, Lord Raghunath, to the Dhalpur Maidan. The festival is a vibrant carnival, complete with folk music, traditional dance performances, and a bustling fair. The celebrations conclude with a unique ritual on the banks of the Beas River, symbolizing the victory of good over evil, without the usual burning of effigies.

A reliable Kullu taxi service ensures you can comfortably explore the festival grounds and the valley’s scenic beauty, making your trip stress-free and enjoyable.

5. Delhi

The nation's capital hosts a Dussehra celebration in Delhi that is a magnificent blend of tradition and spectacle. The heart of the festivities lies in the grand Ramlila performances, which take place across the city in various forms, from professional stage productions to large community-led theatricals. Witnessing the immersive ramleela in Delhi is a cultural must, offering a dramatic re-enactment of the Ramayana story over the nine nights leading up to the main event.

The climax of Dussehra in Delhi is a sight to behold, with thousands gathering at iconic venues like Ramlila Maidan and the Red Fort. These are undoubtedly the most popular places to visit in Dussehra in Delhi, where towering effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad are set on fire, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The event is accompanied by dazzling fireworks and a vibrant fair, creating an electrifying atmosphere that captivates all who attend.

For a hassle-free experience, book a reliable Delhi taxi service to easily travel between different Ramlila grounds, ensuring you don’t miss any of the capital’s incredible Dussehra magic.

6. Kota, Rajasthan

For a truly immersive cultural experience, Dussehra in Kota is unlike any other celebration in India. The city hosts one of the country's oldest and grandest Dussehra festivals, which lasts for an incredible 25 days. Rooted in the royal history of the Hada rulers, this massive event combines ancient tradition with a vibrant modern-day fair, attracting millions of visitors from across the country to witness its unique grandeur.

The centerpiece of the festival is the magnificent procession on Vijayadashami, featuring decorated elephants, folk dancers, and musicians, all leading to the grand Dussehra Maidan. The highlight, however, is the ceremonial burning of gigantic, 75-foot-tall effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad, a spectacle that draws a massive crowd. Beyond the main event, the Mela offers a bustling handicraft bazaar, traditional Rajasthani cuisine, and amusement rides, making it a perfect destination for both cultural enthusiasts and families.

By booking a reliable Kota taxi service, you can comfortably get to the fairgrounds and explore all the attractions without worrying about parking or congestion.

7. Bastar, Chhattisgarh

Unlike any other celebration in India, Dussehra in Bastar is a unique, 75-day tribal festival with no connection to the Ramayana story. Instead of celebrating Lord Rama's victory, it is a spiritual congregation dedicated to the presiding deity, Goddess Danteshwari, and a host of local deities who are invited from surrounding villages. This ancient festival is a profound showcase of the region's deep-rooted indigenous culture and traditions, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic and distinct experience.

The core of the Bastar Dussehra celebration is a series of fascinating rituals, including the "Pata Jatra" ritual to consecrate the wood for the chariot, and the "Jogi Bithai" where a priest undergoes a nine-day penance in a pit. The festival's climax is the grand Rath Yatra, where a massive chariot, handcrafted without the use of nails, is pulled through the streets of Jagdalpur by thousands of devotees. This incredible display of faith and community spirit is a truly mesmerizing spectacle.

Given the remote nature of the region and the scale of the celebrations, navigating the area can be a challenge. For a comfortable and stress-free journey, hurryup cabs is your best option.

8. Hyderabad, Telangana

The Dussehra celebration in Hyderabad is a unique and vibrant affair, intrinsically linked with the state festival of Telangana, Bathukamma. This nine-day floral festival, which culminates just before Dussehra, is a mesmerizing showcase of feminine divinity and community spirit. It’s a spectacular sight to witness thousands of women creating and worshipping beautiful, conical flower arrangements, making the city a canvas of colors and traditions during this festive season.

The true essence of Dussehra in Hyderabad can be found in the cultural performances and rituals of the Bathukamma festival. Women, dressed in vibrant sarees, gather in circles to sing and dance around the floral stacks, creating a rhythmic and joyful atmosphere. The festival concludes with the "Saddula Bathukamma" celebration, where the floral arrangements are taken in a procession and immersed in water bodies, symbolizing the return of the goddess to nature.

To experience the city’s dual festive spirit without any hassle, a dependable cab service in Hyderabad is a great choice. Navigating the city’s busy streets and traveling to different Bathukamma venues and Durga Puja pandals becomes easy with a pre-booked taxi service, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the celebrations.

9. Ahmedabad, Gujarat

When it comes to Dussehra in Ahmedabad, the celebration is a rhythmic extension of the world’s longest dance festival—Navratri. The city transforms into a vibrant hub of energy, where the victory of good over evil is celebrated not with effigies, but through the jubilant folk dances of Garba and Dandiya Raas. This nine-night extravaganza attracts thousands of people who come together to dance in unison, making it a truly captivating experience.

The atmosphere in Ahmedabad during this time is electric. Locals and visitors alike dress in traditional, colorful attire and gather in party plots, clubs, and even narrow lanes to dance the night away. The pulsating beats of live music and the coordinated movements of the dancers create a mesmerizing spectacle that continues until the early hours of the morning. This grand Dussehra Garba in Ahmedabad is a testament to the city's rich culture and a celebration of pure joy and devotion.

With the late-night festivities and crowded streets, having a reliable transport partner is a must. A dedicated cab service in Ahmedabad is highly recommended to ensure you can easily travel between Garba venues without the stress of parking.

10. Mumbai, Maharashtra

The Dussehra in Mumbai is a captivating fusion of Maharashtrian traditions and pan-Indian festive fervor. While the city observes the auspicious ritual of worshipping the Shami tree and exchanging "gold" leaves, it is also a hub for grand Durga Puja celebrations, drawing inspiration from Bengal's elaborate pandal culture. This dynamic mix gives the Dussehra celebration in Mumbai a unique character that is both deeply traditional and brilliantly modern.

On Vijayadashami, the city comes alive with the symbolic burning of Ravana's effigies at various public grounds, including the famous Shivaji Park and Girgaon Chowpatty, a sight that draws huge crowds and is accompanied by spectacular fireworks. The city’s numerous Durga Puja pandals are a major attraction, with each one showcasing intricate themes and hosting a range of cultural events. This blend of traditions ensures there are plenty of places to visit on Dussehra that cater to every interest.

By booking a Mumbai taxi service, you can easily navigate the city, hop between the various Durga Puja pandals and effigy-burning sites, and enjoy the celebrations without any travel-related stress.

Things to Do on Dussehra

For an experience that goes beyond sightseeing, there are a variety of incredible things to do on Dussehra that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the festive spirit. Here's how you can make your Dussehra vacation truly memorable.

Attend a Ramlila Performance: A cornerstone of the North Indian celebrations, witnessing a Ramlila performance is a cultural pilgrimage. These dramatic folk plays, which can last from a few hours to an entire month, beautifully narrate the story of Lord Rama’s life. Watching the episodes unfold live, complete with elaborate costumes and dialogues, is a must-do to truly appreciate the historical and mythological roots of the festival.

Witness the Effigy Burning: The most iconic event on Vijayadashami is the "Ravan Dahan," or the burning of effigies. As the sun sets on the final day, colossal effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnad are set alight amidst a sky full of fireworks and roaring crowds. The spectacle is a powerful and dramatic symbol of the triumph of good over evil.

Explore Local Markets: Dussehra is a time of grand fairs (melas) and bustling markets. These festive bazaars are a treat for the senses, offering everything from traditional handicrafts and colorful clothes to a wide array of local street food. Exploring the stalls and interacting with vendors provides a fantastic glimpse into the local culture and festive economy.

Participate in Local Rituals: To get a truly authentic experience, try to participate in the local rituals of the city you are visiting. This could mean joining the “pandal hopping” tradition during Durga Puja in Kolkata, learning a few Garba steps in Ahmedabad, or simply observing the peaceful rituals and processions of local deities in a place like Kullu. These interactions offer a deeper connection to the festival's spiritual and community-driven heart.

Conclusion

From the royal grandeur of Mysore to the vibrant folk dances of Ahmedabad, Dussehra offers a kaleidoscope of experiences for every traveler. Each city celebrates the victory of good over evil in its own unique and magnificent way, providing a truly immersive cultural journey. Whether you are seeking a spiritual pilgrimage, a historical spectacle, or a family-friendly fiesta, the perfect Dussehra destination awaits you.

As you plan your festive getaway, remember that the right travel partner can make all the difference. Choose your ideal destination from our curated list and embark on a memorable vacation this Dussehra. And for a truly stress-free journey, let Hurry Up Cabs take care of your travel needs, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in the festivities.