Durga Puja is in the limelight every year as the spirit of the festival is set in India with lights, colours and fun. It is not merely a festival but a mission in faith, culture, art and community. Whether it is the iconic pandals in Kolkata that resemble palaces to themed pandals in Delhi, the festival promises a visual and spiritual feast to the travellers.
But whether you have ever longed to experience the charm of Durga Puja, this guide will set you off on a journey of the finest pandals in India, and offer handy hints of some really practical ways on how to make your journey to the best tourist places to visit in India smooth.
Best Durga Pooja Pandal in India
1. Kolkata- Heart of Durga Puja
Durga Puja in Kolkata is the cultural capital. The whole city becomes one huge open-air gallery with thousands of pandals vying to one-up-the-other. It has become one of the best tourist places in India.
- Bagbazar Pandal: It is among the oldest, more than century old Pandal, with traditional themes and elaborate idol designs.
- Kumartuli Park Pandal: Constructed in the locality of idol-crafters, it is renowned in artistic merit.
- Sreebhumi Sporting Club: It is renowned with over the top themes, everything is a replica of palaces to global monuments.
- Ekdalia Evergreen: A popular audience, with gigantic idolatry and special design flair.
- College Square: Well-known because of its location on the lakeshore, with the idol mirrored perfectly in the water.
A trip to Kolkata during Puja is an evening of pandal-hopping, street food and inhaling the beat of dhak (drums). It also became one of the top places to visit in India.
2. Delhi Artistic & Culture Blend
Durga Puja of Delhi is celebrated especially by the Bengali community. Delhi is one of the best tourist places in India. They have cultural programs, dance, music in addition to themed pandals in the capital city.
- CR Park Pandals: Some of the largest artistic pandals in Delhi can be found in the neighborhoods of Chittaranjan Park ( CR Park ).
- Kashmere Gate Pandal: One of the oldest, preserving the traditional essence of Puja.
- Safdarjung Enclave & Mayur Vihar Pandals: Known for innovative themes and cultural performances.
3. Mumbai – Glamorous & Devotional
The pandals in Mumbai embody Bollywood glamour and traditional piety.
- Lokhandwala Durga Puja ( North Bombay Sarbojanin Puja Samiti)
- Famous among celebrities and huge idols.
- Club Panatal: Powai Bengali Welfare Association Pandal.
- Attractive to look at and open to everyone.
- Dadar Durga Puja: Cultural performances and food stalls hub.
4. Bengal Beyond Kolkata – Ancient Glory
Though Kolkata is the stealer of the show, smaller towns in West Bengal such as Santiniketan, Siliguri and Chandannagar have well-decorated and mesmerizing pandals that have the flavor of local art. Though it has become one of the best places to visit in India.
5. Bangalore, Hyderabad & Pune Bengali Communities
Other big cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune also celebrate Durga Puja in great splendor. It has become one of the most famous places to visit in India. Artistic pandals and cultural programs are organised by the Bengali associations in these cities which receive a huge number of people.
- Ulsoor Pandal, Bangalore: Famous due to the colorful decoration.
- Domalguda Pandal, Hyderabad: Reputed idol producer.
- Koregaon Park Pandal (Pune): A combination of ancient ceremonies and contemporary motives.
Planning Your Durga Puja Trip
1. Select Your Destination Carefully
To get the most spectacular experience, go to Kolkata.
Delhi or Mumbai are the excellent choices in case of theme-based pandals where people are few.
To get a local touch check out Bangalore, or Pune, or Hyderabad pandals.
2. Best Time to Visit
The celebration of Durga Pasca takes five days (Shashthi Dashami), normally in September-October.
Best Days:
These three days in Saptami, Ashtami and Navami are when pandals are most lively.
Reach a day earlier, before Shashthi so as to see the initiation ceremony.
3. Where to Stay
- Stay at Esplanade, Ballygunge or Salt Lake in Kolkata to have an easy reach to pandals.
- CR Park or South Delhi places are most convenient in Delhi.
- In Mumbai select Andheri or Powai as an easy place for pandal-hopping.
4. Travel tips in the area
- Kolkata:
To travel pandals by metro, app cabs or even walking. Peak time may be during Puja.
- Delhi & Mumbai:
The most convenient are the metro and app cabs.
Put some comfy shoes on-you will do a lot of walking!
5. What to Eat
Durga Puja is as much about food as it is about pandals.
- Kolkata: Try kathi rolls, phuchkas, and bhog (khichuri with vegetables).
- Delhi CR Park: Famous for Bengali sweets and fish delicacies.
- Mumbai Pandals: Street food like pav bhaji alongside traditional bhog.
6. Packing Essentials
- Light cotton clothes for comfort.
- A small sling bag for essentials.
- Power bank and camera for capturing memories.
- Umbrella or raincoat (if late monsoon overlaps).
Cultural Highlights of Durga Puja
- Dhak Beats: The sound of the traditional drums marks the festive spirit.
- Sindoor Khela: On Dashami, married women smear each other with vermillion, bidding farewell to Maa Durga.
- Dhuno Porano: Women balancing pots of incense during rituals, a mesmerizing sight.
- Cultural Performances: Music, dance, theatre, and poetry add charm to pandal evenings.
Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Avoid carrying heavy bags while pandal-hopping.
- Visit some pandals early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Respect rituals and traditions—photography may not be allowed during certain ceremonies.
- Try both theme-based pandals and traditional ones for a full experience.
Sample 5-Day Durga Puja Itinerary (Kolkata Example)
- Day 1 (Shashthi): Witness the unveiling of idols, visit nearby pandals.
- Day 2 (Saptami): Explore Bagbazar, Kumartuli, and north Kolkata pandals.
- Day 3 (Ashtami): Attend Pushpanjali rituals, visit College Square, and feast on bhog.
- Day 4 (Navami): Visit pandals in Salt Lake, south Kolkata such as Ekdalia Evergreen.
- Day 5 (Dashami): Attend sindoor khela, be part of festive activities, and witness the immersion of the idols.
Conclusion
Durga Puja is not a festival only, but it is a living masterpiece of devotion, culture and art. Whether it is the artistic wonders of Kolkata or the artistic pandals of Delhi and Mumbai, each city has its own flavour to the celebration. A trip to the best travel places in India during Durga Puja does become memorable with some planning, and makes the whole experience magical.
That way, put up your bags, stay confined in the holiday spirit and be prepared to experience the glory of Maa Durga in India!
Durga Puja Outfit Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. In India, which is the city with the best Durga Puja pandals?
The city of Kolkata is definitely the most suitable city for Durga Puja pandals that have thousands of themed and classical pandal arrangements throughout the city.
Q2. Is Durga Puja a tourist-friendly time to visit Kolkata?
Yes! It is the most colorful period to feel the atmosphere of the city culture, however large crowds can be expected.
Q3. Should I pre-book hotels during Durga Puja?
Absolutely. Book in advance, especially in hotels in Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai as they get packed months in advance of Puja.
Q4. Is Durga Puja open to non-Bengalis?
Durga Puja is a community festival to which everyone is welcome, yes. You will be able to participate in worship ceremonies, partake in bhog, and watch cultural performances.
Q5. What do I wear to the Durga Puja?
The best pandal-hopping cottons are comfortable ones. You can dress in sagacious neurons or kurtas on the 8 th or 9 th day, to fit in.
Q6. How congested are pandals?
Many people are present during evenings of Saptami to Navami. Go during wee hours of the morning or very late at night and have a less hectic experience.
Q7. How to reach pandals?
The best are by walking, metros, and cabs. Do not drive yourself, because there is a traffic jam.
