Top Destinations in India to Experience Dussehra Festivities 2025

Dussehra (also called Vijayadashami) is one of India’s most colourful and emotional festivals. In 2025, Dussehra falls on 2 October 2025, and for many travellers this is the best time to see India’s culture at its most vivid. 

If you are planning a trip to watch Dussehra, this guide will walk you through the Top Destinations in India where the festival is especially grand — what to expect, when to go, and practical tips so you leave with warm memories and no confusion. If you’re an international visitor, remember to check India Visa Online options and India Visa Requirements well before booking so your trip goes smoothly.

1. Mysore, Karnataka — Royal Dasara (Mysore Dasara)

Mysore’s Dasara is perhaps the best-known royal celebration in India. For eleven days the city fills with music, lights and processions, and the Mysore Palace becomes a glowing landmark at night. The final day, Vijayadashami, features the Jumboo Savari — a grand procession where the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried on a decorated elephant, followed by tableaux, music and a torchlight parade. In 2025, Mysore Dasara is scheduled from 22 September to 2 October 2025.

Why go: the royal history, the palace illumination, and the cheerful family atmosphere make Mysore one of the Top Destinations in India for Dussehra. Tip: book tickets for the palace illumination and any special viewing areas early — these sell out quickly.

2. Kolkata, West Bengal — Durga Puja and Vijayadashami

In Kolkata, Dussehra is the emotional end of Durga Puja week. The whole city becomes an outdoor art show: huge decorated pandals (temporary art structures) display creative Durga idols and themes, and people move from one pandal to another, tasting street food and watching cultural shows. Durga Puja dates in 2025 lead up to Vijayadashami on 2 October 2025. 

Why go: if you love art, food and crowded city life, Kolkata is one of the Top Destinations in India. Tip: go pandal-hopping, wear comfortable shoes and be ready for lively crowds.

3. Delhi — Historic Ram Leela and Ramlila Maidan

Delhi stages grand Ram Leela performances across the city that end with effigy burning (Ravana Dahan). Famous venues such as Ramlila Maidan host large productions that bring the Ramayana to life with music, drama and colourful costumes. This theatrical side of Dussehra makes Delhi one of the Top Destinations in India for visitors who enjoy live performance and street celebration. 

Why go: powerful live theatre and local community events. Tip: arrive early for good viewing spots and check local transport changes on festival day.

4. Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh — Kullu Dussehra (Hill culture and pageantry)

Kullu’s Dussehra is different from city celebrations. It is a week-long festival where many village deities come together in the valley for colourful processions, folk dances and mask performances. In 2025, Kullu Dussehra events are scheduled in early October and often run over several days. This festival gives travellers a chance to see local Himalayan traditions and is listed among the Top Destinations in India for travellers who want an offbeat experience. 

Why go: folk music, mountain scenery and close-up cultural shows. Tip: it can be cool in the hills — bring layers and check road conditions if you travel by road.

5. Varanasi & Other Historic Centres — Ram Lila and Ganga rituals

Places like Varanasi combine Ram Lila performances with river rituals on the Ganges. Here, Dussehra links the story of Lord Rama with the deep spiritual life of the city. Small temple towns and historic centres also stage local pageants that are quieter but deeply meaningful. These locations are counted among the best tourist places in india for people who want spiritual depth with their festival visit.

Why go: early-morning river rituals and a strong spiritual atmosphere. Tip: hire a local guide for the Ganga ceremonies — guides will explain the meaning and the right etiquette.

How to choose the right Dussehra destination

• If you want spectacle, lights and family crowds, choose Mysore or Kolkata.

• If you want dramatic theatre and urban energy, pick Delhi.

• If you prefer local folk culture in the hills, Kullu is ideal.

• For spiritual and historic ritual, choose Varanasi or temple towns.

All these are excellent Top Destinations in India for festival travel, and each one offers a different way to feel the festival. Many of them are also among the best tourist places in india for first-time visitors who want a festival-themed trip.

Practical travel tips (visa, safety, transport)

1. Visa & entry: International visitors must check India Visa Online and India Visa Requirements well before travel. Start the process weeks ahead to avoid delays.

2. Book early: Hotels and event tickets sell fast in festival cities — reserve accommodation and any special passes in advance.

3. Packing & health: Carry water, a small first-aid kit, comfortable shoes and a light jacket for cooler nights.

4. Crowd sense: Dussehra days can be crowded. Keep valuables safe, decide on meeting points with your group, and follow local police or volunteer directions.

5. Respect and photos: Be respectful at religious rituals. Always ask before photographing people during worship.

Final thoughts

Dussehra 2025 is a warm, colourful time to visit India. Whether you choose the royal shine of Mysore, the artistic frenzy of Kolkata, the theatre of Delhi, the folk flavour of Kullu, or the spiritual banks of Varanasi, these Top Destinations in India will give you lasting memories. Each place shows a different face of India — and together they explain why festivals are such an important part of Indian life. If you want, I can now help make a day-by-day travel plan for any of these places, or prepare a short checklist that includes reminders for India Visa Online and India Visa Requirements so your trip is stress-free.

Would you like a travel plan for Mysore, Kolkata, Delhi, Kullu or Varanasi first?