Diwali Travel Guide: Travel Tips and How to Stay Connected

If you’re planning to be in India for the Diwali celebrations or even travel to nearby countries afterward, staying connected can make your trip a lot easier. In this guide, we walk you through what Diwali is, how it’s celebrated, share some useful travel tips, and share the best eSIM plans to keep you connected the moment you land.

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the biggest and most popular festivals in India. People come together to celebrate the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Diwali doesn’t fall on the same date every year because it follows the Hindu lunar calendar. It’s usually celebrated between October and November. In 2025, Diwali will start on October 20th, while in 2026, it will fall on November 8th.

Diwali is celebrated for different reasons in different parts of India. Most people celebrate it to mark the return of Lord Rama to his home in Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, which shows that good wins over evil. It’s also a time to honor Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and to welcome happiness and prosperity into homes.

Diwali is celebrated with lights, decorations, and lots of joy. People clean and decorate their homes, light oil lamps and candles, and make colorful designs. Families exchange gifts and sweets, enjoy special meals, and watch fireworks. 

For Diwali, wear bright, festive clothes. 

• Women usually wear sarees, lehengas, or salwar kameez. 
• Men wear kurta pajamas or sherwanis. 

Red, gold, orange, and green are popular colours. Make sure your clothes are comfortable so you can enjoy the celebrations and prayers.

It’s important to be mindful and respectful during Diwali celebrations, so keep these tips in mind.

• Avoid wearing loose or synthetic clothes because they can easily catch fire while lighting diyas or fireworks. Choose cotton instead as it’s safer and more comfortable.
  
• Skip using lighters or matchsticks when setting off fireworks. Use a sparkler or a long stick to light them safely from a distance.
  
• Do not burst crackers in closed or crowded areas as it can be dangerous and cause injuries. Pick an open space away from people, homes, and vehicles.

Never leave diyas or candles burning unattended, especially near fabrics or decorations.

With all the crowds, lights, and last-minute rush, traveling during this festival can get a little tricky. Here are some simple tips to make your Diwali journey stress-free and much more fun.

• Book your train early: If you haven’t booked your tickets early, check the Tatkal quota for trains. These tickets are released later than the general ones, giving you a last-minute option. Book them quickly, as they sell out fast. 
• Travel during off-peak hours: Traveling during the middle of the day can be hectic because everything is crowded. If possible, try leaving before 10 am or after 6 pm when the crowds are smaller. If you’re travelling during peak hours, break your journey into smaller chunks and take short breaks in quieter spots. This makes the trip feel less tiring.
• Try different routes: Crowds and traffic can get overwhelming during Diwali, so think about taking a less popular route. For example, if you are flying to Delhi, you could land in Jaipur or Chandigarh instead. Both cities are nearby and usually less crowded. If you are travelling by train, look for trains that do not get booked as quickly, like a regional express instead of a mainline train.

Getting an eSIM before you go is one of the smartest (and easiest) things you can do. It saves you from the hassle of finding a SIM card when you land, dealing with paperwork, or paying sky-high roaming charges. With an eSIM, your phone connects the moment you arrive, so you can order a taxi, check maps, or message family right away. It’s simple and more convenient.

Whether your trip is just a few days or lasts a month, we have an India eSIM plan that will fit your needs. Here are our top eSIM plans for India.👇

Great if you’re heading to India for a quick Diwali visit. You’ll have plenty of data to share photos, check maps to get to festive gatherings, and message loved ones without hunting for Wi-Fi.

Unlimited eSIM

India

Smartroam

Duration

7 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$40.25

More Info

Buy Now

Stay Connected, Anywhere.

Best Value

This plan is perfect if you want plenty of data during your trip. You can use apps like WhatsApp, to stay in touch since it’s a data-only plan. The eSIM also lets you share your connection with other devices, which is handy if you’re travelling with friends. It works on major networks like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, giving good coverage in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.

20 GB eSIM

India

Smartroam

Duration

30 Days

Plan

Data

Speed

4G / 5G

Price

$36.00

More Info

Buy Now

Stay Connected, Anywhere.

Top Seller

We recommend installing and activating your eSIM before arriving in India due to local restrictions. This way, you’re ready to go as soon as you land.

Our free eSIM trial makes it easier than ever to test out an eSIM before choosing the perfect plan from Sim Local. Try us out for free.