Where for Diwali?

SueJ · Sep 28th, 2007, 07:47

I know that the North is the best place to be for Diwali, but on this trip we intend to remain South of Bangalore. We arrive in Bangalore from the UK in the early hours of Nov 8th, which is Diwali eve.

Where should we head that is reasonably easily reachable from Bangalore (prepared to get on another plane if absolutely necessary, but would prefer not to), and where we will experience the best of Diwali in the South? I have heard that Diwali eve is the best bit in the South, is this true?

Nick-H · Sep 28th, 2007, 16:32

So far as Chennai is concerned, if it is not raining you will be deafened by the continual explosions of fireworks and firecrackers. If it is raining heavily enough you'll hardly notice it. Maybe the sound of disappointed children may be there

batistuta · Sep 28th, 2007, 17:18

Having celebrated the festival in Madras as well as Bangalore, I would choose Madras over Bangalore. But you would need to travel again By train. There won't be much happening during the festival itself. The temples will be full and loads of crackers would be burst.

SueJ · Sep 28th, 2007, 17:52

We're hoping to avoid the rain by staying further West. Any suggestions for the smaller more Westerly cities? or even over to Karnataka/Kerala?

batistuta · Sep 28th, 2007, 17:55

Mysore will be a good Option, the traffic won't be as chaotic as Bangalore and it is just 3 hours away from Bangalore.

SueJ · Sep 28th, 2007, 17:58

Sorry, forgot to say that we have already visited Mysore, Cochi, & on down coast/backwaters to Trivandrum. Whilst I love Mysore, I'd sooner cover new ground if possible.

milan · Sep 29th, 2007, 09:20

Hey Sue,

I'm landing in Bangalore a few days before Diwali. I had planned to spend it at a big temple in the city, but am now thinking I might head to the Meenakshi temple in Madurai for the festivities.

You are right, though. Diwali is not as big a deal in the south of India. Which is great, because I've heard that at places like Varanasi or Mumbai, the noise of the firecrackers doesn't stop for days on end!

A nice quiet, low-key Diwali celebration is what I'm after.

SueJ · Sep 29th, 2007, 10:58

Yes, Madurai sounds like a good place to be, it's on our list to visit anyway. I guess the rub is how long it would take to get to Madurai from Bangalore, on the day we arrive.

Does anyone have input on how long it would take by road, please?

Sep 28th, 2007, 07:47	#1
SueJ Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: UK Posts: 127	Where for Diwali? I know that the North is the best place to be for Diwali, but on this trip we intend to remain South of Bangalore. We arrive in Bangalore from the UK in the early hours of Nov 8th, which is Diwali eve. Where should we head that is reasonably easily reachable from Bangalore (prepared to get on another plane if absolutely necessary, but would prefer not to), and where we will experience the best of Diwali in the South? I have heard that Diwali eve is the best bit in the South, is this true?

Sep 28th, 2007, 16:32	#2
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 26,856	So far as Chennai is concerned, if it is not raining you will be deafened by the continual explosions of fireworks and firecrackers. If it is raining heavily enough you'll hardly notice it. Maybe the sound of disappointed children may be there __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Sep 28th, 2007, 17:52	#4
SueJ Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: UK Posts: 127	Further West? We're hoping to avoid the rain by staying further West. Any suggestions for the smaller more Westerly cities? or even over to Karnataka/Kerala?

Sep 28th, 2007, 17:58	#6
SueJ Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: UK Posts: 127	Forgot to say.... Sorry, forgot to say that we have already visited Mysore, Cochi, & on down coast/backwaters to Trivandrum. Whilst I love Mysore, I'd sooner cover new ground if possible.

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Sep 28th, 2007, 17:18	#3
batistuta Maha Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,729	Having celebrated the festival in Madras as well as Bangalore, I would choose Madras over Bangalore. But you would need to travel again By train. There won't be much happening during the festival itself. The temples will be full and loads of crackers would be burst.

Sep 28th, 2007, 17:55	#5
batistuta Maha Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 1,729	Mysore will be a good Option, the traffic won't be as chaotic as Bangalore and it is just 3 hours away from Bangalore.

Sep 29th, 2007, 09:20	#7
milan Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: New Zealand Posts: 52	Hey Sue, I'm landing in Bangalore a few days before Diwali. I had planned to spend it at a big temple in the city, but am now thinking I might head to the Meenakshi temple in Madurai for the festivities. You are right, though. Diwali is not as big a deal in the south of India. Which is great, because I've heard that at places like Varanasi or Mumbai, the noise of the firecrackers doesn't stop for days on end! A nice quiet, low-key Diwali celebration is what I'm after.

Sep 29th, 2007, 10:58	#8
SueJ Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: UK Posts: 127	Yes, Madurai sounds like a good place to be, it's on our list to visit anyway. I guess the rub is how long it would take to get to Madurai from Bangalore, on the day we arrive. Does anyone have input on how long it would take by road, please?

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