Diwali 2023: Top 4 destinations in India to explore with family

One of India's most beloved festivals is around the corner. Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is celebrated in a grand manner across the country. When various cities are decorated with sparkling lights, families use this opportunity to get together, buy new clothes, exchange gifts, share sweets and light diyas. Symbolizing the victory of good over evil, Diwali is best spent with family. This is also a great time for a short yet fulfilling vacation. Are you planning to go out with your family this Diwali? CNBC-TV18 has compiled a list of 10 Indian places you must visit this festive season.

Ayodhya: What better place to celebrate Diwali than Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama? Local people here celebrate the festival of lights in a grand manner. For four days the entire city is decorated with colorful papers and twinkling lights. In fact, people from all over Uttar Pradesh gather on the banks of the Sarayu river to light the lanterns. Interestingly, Ayodhya has also got a place in the Guinness Book of Records for lighting three lakh lamps during Diwali.

Amritsar: Imagine spending Diwali at 'The Golden Temple' surrounded by thousands of beautiful lamps, oil lamps and candles. Excellent right? Interestingly, Diwali is important to the city of Amritsar as it commemorates the foundation stone of the Golden Temple in 1577. If you choose to visit Amritsar this Diwali, you will get beauty and tranquility in one package.

Varanasi: If you are interested in a peaceful and serene Diwali, Varanasi is the place to visit! Take a dip in the holy river Ganga, go for a boat ride during sunset and watch the beautiful lights reflected in the river dreamily. You will also witness a spectacular firework display during this festive season. Don't miss Dev Deepavali, also called the Diwali of God, where you will see a procession of all the Hindu deities and see the ghat lit up with more than a million lamps.

Udaipur: Celebrations in the city of lakes begin with Dhanteras. You will find local musicians playing folk music in the market. The whole city will be decorated with lots of fairy lights. Lake Pichola will reflect the spectacle of fireworks during Diwali. This is also the time to pay respects at the Mahalakshmi temple.