Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. It marks the victory of good over evil, reminding us of the timeless story of Lord Rama defeating Ravana. In 2025, Dussehra falls in October, and people across the country will gather to witness grand processions, Ramlila performances, decorated temples, and burning effigies of Ravana.
But where should you head to experience the best of Dussehra 2025? This blog will guide you to the top places that bring alive the festive spirit like nowhere else.
Significance of Dussehra
Before planning your travel, it is important to understand why Dussehra holds such value. For many, it is more than just a festival, it is a reminder that truth, courage, and justice always triumph. Across India, different regions celebrate it in their own unique way. From dramatic plays in Delhi to tribal festivities in Bastar, the cultural diversity during this season is unmatched.
So, if you want to soak in these traditions, here are the famous places to go for Dussehra 2025.
Famous Places to Go for Dussehra 2025
1. Delhi
Must-see attractions
Delhi is famous for its Ramlila performances, staged across the city in places like Red Fort Grounds and Ramlila Maidan. The highlight is the burning of huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran, accompanied by fireworks.
How to Reach
Delhi is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Indira Gandhi International Airport makes it accessible for international travelers.
2. Kullu Manali
Must-see attractions
The Kullu Dussehra is world-renowned and continues for seven days after the main festival. Unlike other parts of India, where effigies are burnt, here the celebrations focus on processions of local deities. Over 200 village deities are carried in colorful palanquins to the Kullu Dhalpur ground.
How to Reach
The nearest airport is Bhuntar (10 km from Kullu). You can also travel by road from Delhi or Chandigarh.
3. Varanasi
Must-see attractions
Varanasi celebrates Dussehra with grandeur. The Ramnagar Ramlila is a 200-year-old tradition where the entire city becomes a stage. Thousands gather to watch the story unfold over weeks. The final day, with Ravana’s effigy burning, is a deeply emotional experience for devotees.
How to Reach
Varanasi is connected by Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport and major railway routes from Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata.
4. Barara, Haryana
Must-see attractions
Barara is home to one of the tallest Ravana effigies in India, sometimes reaching over 200 feet. It is a spectacle of lights, music, and fireworks that attracts crowds from Haryana, Punjab, and Delhi.
How to Reach
The nearest airport is Chandigarh, about 65 km away. Barara also has a railway station with good connectivity.
5. Bastar
Must-see attractions
Bastar in Chhattisgarh celebrates Dussehra differently. Instead of Lord Rama, it honors the local goddess Danteshwari. The festival lasts for 75 days, making it the longest Dussehra celebration in the world. Tribal communities gather with music, dance, and rituals, giving visitors a glimpse of unique traditions.
How to Reach
Jagdalpur Airport connects Bastar with Raipur. Trains and buses are also available from Raipur.
6. Orchha
Must-see attractions
Orchha in Madhya Pradesh hosts Dussehra in front of the grand Raja Mahal. The celebrations include a massive procession where idols of Lord Rama are carried to the Ram Raja Temple. The blend of royal history and faith makes it special.
Best time for
The best time to visit is during the week leading to Dussehra 2025, when rituals and fairs are in full swing.
How to Reach
Jhansi is the nearest railway station (20 km away), and Gwalior is the closest airport.
7. Kolkata
Must-see attractions
In Kolkata, Dussehra coincides with Durga Puja. On Vijayadashami, the city witnesses grand idol immersions into the Hooghly River. The artistic pandals, traditional dances, and sound of dhak drums create an unmatched atmosphere.
How to Reach
Kolkata is well-connected via Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport and major railway stations like Howrah and Sealdah.
8. Mysore
Must-see attractions
Mysore Dussehra, known as Mysuru Dasara, is a state festival of Karnataka. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of lights, and a grand procession of decorated elephants, horses, and cultural troupes takes place. It’s one of the most majestic sights during Dussehra 2025.
How to Reach
The nearest airport is in Mysore itself, but Bengaluru International Airport is more accessible. Trains from Bengaluru to Mysore are frequent.
9. Madikeri, Coorg
Must-see attractions
Madikeri in Coorg celebrates Dussehra with vibrant tableaux and torchlight processions called “Kailpodh.” The city comes alive with music, dance, and performances.
How to Reach
The nearest airport is Mangalore, about 160 km away. Mysore railway station is the closest major railhead.
10. Hyderabad
Must-see attractions
In Hyderabad, Dussehra is both a cultural and religious celebration. People worship Goddess Durga during Navratri, and on Dussehra day, Ravana effigies are burnt across the city. The streets are filled with fairs, food stalls, and cultural performances.
How to Reach
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport connects Hyderabad to all major cities. The city also has three major railway stations – Secunderabad, Hyderabad Deccan, and Kachiguda.
Related Packages by Ghum India Ghum
Planning to experience these diverse celebrations of Dussehra 2025? Travel becomes even more meaningful when you have experts guiding your journey. Ghum India Ghum – Best Tour Operator for India and a trusted DMC for India offers specially designed packages that make festival travel hassle-free and memorable.
- Golden Triangle Tour Packages
- Varanasi Tour Packages
- Rajasthan Tours
- Bengal Tour Packages
- Madhya Pradesh Tour Packages
By choosing these packages, you can witness the traditions of Delhi, Varanasi, Mysore, and more without the stress of planning everything on your own.
Final Thoughts
Dussehra 2025 is not just another festival it is an opportunity to connect with India’s diverse cultural roots. Each city tells the story in its own way, and being part of it creates lifelong memories. Whether you want to watch Ramlila in Delhi, tribal celebrations in Bastar, or palace processions in Mysore, there is something for every traveler.
If you are ready to make this festival season special, let Ghum India Ghum, your trusted DMC for India, take care of your journey.
