Diwali getaways outside India that won’t give you a visa headache

Diwali is next month, and if you’ve been waiting for an excuse to take a few days off, this is it. You could do the usual Goa trip or brave the traffic heading towards Manali and Dehradun, or you could just book a flight and get out of the country for a bit. Kazakhstan has horseback rides and turquoise lakes, Sri Lanka has laid-back coastal towns, and Bhutan has great mountain trails for those into hiking. Here are a few international getaways that are relatively easy to plan, so you can spend less time sorting paperwork and more time planning your escape.

Kazakhstan

If your idea of a Diwali break involves trading traffic for mountain trails and your screen saver for actual scenery, Kazakhstan deserves a spot on your list. Gallop across vast open steppes on horseback, trek through snow-capped mountains or spend an afternoon staring at the unreal turquoise waters of Big Almaty Lake and Kolsai Lakes. There’s also Charyn Canyon, with its dramatic red-rock formations, and Almaty for cafes and people watching. It’s wildly underrated and, with some smart planning, easier on the wallet than you’d think.

Visa: Visa-free for Indian citizens for up to 14 days per visit, with a maximum of 42 days in any 180-day period.

Where to stay: Base yourself in Almaty, which has cafes, restaurants, and easy access to mountain excursions and day trips to nearby lakes.

Thailand

Thailand is entering peak season, so consider this your cue to cash in those Diwali holidays. Head to Bangkok if your ideal break involves shopping for vintage finds, eating your way through street-food markets, and hopping between rooftop bars. But if you’d rather trade traffic for turquoise waters, make your way to Krabi. Park yourself in Ao Nang for three days, spend one day island-hopping around limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons, and use the rest of your time for beachside lounging. With Maya Bay reopening after its seasonal closure, it’s also a good time to plan a trip there. Bonus: it makes for an excellent pre-wedding getaway with your favourite people.

Visa: Indian ordinary passport holders are eligible for a 30-day visa-exempt stay under the current scheme. Complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within three days before arrival.

Where to stay: Pick Bangkok for shopping and nightlife, or Ao Nang in Krabi for a beach base with easy access to island-hopping tours.

Sri Lanka

Make the area around Tangalle in south Sri Lanka your base for a few days of coastal exploring. Rekawa Beach is a short drive away, while Kalametiya Lagoon offers boat rides through wetlands filled with birdlife. Goyambokka is another easy outing for a change of scenery. Have a couple of extra days? Head west to Mirissa for an early-morning whale-watching trip into the waters off Dondra Head, Sri Lanka’s southernmost point. November marks the start of the season, although sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Visa: Indian passport holders must apply for an ETA before departure. The current scheme offers eligible Indian tourists a free, 30-day, double-entry tourist ETA.

Where to stay: Look for a small guesthouse or villa around Rekawa, just outside Tangalle, for a laid-back coastal stay close to the beaches and wetlands.

Bhutan

Paro gets most of the attention, but Bhutan has quieter corners worth making a detour for. Head to Phobjikha Valley, where wide-open meadows, traditional farmhouses and mountain trails make a good case for slowing down. Spend your days walking through the countryside, visiting local monasteries and eating your way through Bhutanese food. It’s a nice alternative to the usual tourist circuit. November is also when black-necked cranes arrive for winter, and the valley marks their return with an annual festival at Gangtey Monastery, featuring traditional music, dance, and local performances. It’s a lovely way to experience Bhutan beyond its usual tourist circuit.

Visa: Indian citizens do not need a visa but must obtain an entry permit.

Where to stay: Look for a local guesthouse or farmhouse stay around Gangtey village for a more intimate experience of the valley. Book ahead, particularly if you’re visiting during the festival.

Mauritius

Mauritius is a good option if your idea of a holiday involves a bit of everything. There are lagoons and white-sand beaches but also the dramatic Le Morne mountain, waterfalls, and the colourful markets of Port Louis. Spend a day hiking, try the island’s Creole food, and leave another afternoon entirely free for the beach. It’s especially handy for a group trip when one friend wants adventure, another wants to eat her way through the holiday, and someone else just wants a sun lounger.

Visa: Indian citizens can receive a tourist visa on arrival for up to 60 days, subject to immigration requirements. Carry your return ticket, accommodation confirmation, and evidence of sufficient funds.

Where to stay: Flic-en-Flac. This west-coast town has a long beach, plenty of restaurants, and accommodation across different budgets

Maldives

If the festive season has left you socially exhausted, book yourself a few days in the Maldives. Overwater villas, breakfast with an ocean view, and a private pool you barely have to share with anyone? Yes, please. Spend your days diving, indulging in a spa treatment or doing absolutely nothing between meals. If the resort prices are giving you second thoughts, local islands like Maafushi offer a more affordable way to experience the Maldives without the five-star bill.

Visa: Free 30-day visa on arrival. Complete the Traveller Declaration online within 96 hours before arrival.

Where to stay: Thulusdhoo is a good pick for a laid-back island with a surf scene and independent guesthouses.

Seychelles

Seychelles is best explored at an unhurried pace. Start on Mahé, the main island, where you can settle into a beachside stay, explore the capital Victoria, and spend your days hopping between sandy coves and Creole restaurants. If you have time to explore further, take a ferry to Praslin (around an hour from Mahé) to visit Vallée de Mai, a lush nature reserve known for its rare Coco de Mer palms. From there, La Digue is just a 15-minute ferry ride away. You could easily spend a few days island-hopping, but even a single island makes for a lovely escape.

Visa: No visa is required for ordinary tourist visits, but every traveller must obtain a Travel Authorisation before departure.

Where to stay: For a first visit, base yourself on Mahé for easy access to the airport, beaches, and restaurants.

Hong Kong

A city holiday may sound like an oxymoron, but Hong Kong's charm lies somewhere between its impressive skyline, efficient MTR network, a bustling art community and an exploding bar scene. On the World’s 50 Best Bars list, Hong Kong makes an appearance at the top every year: Just this week, Bar Leone was once again feted at the No 1 spot. But there is plenty to do even for teetotallers. Mornings can be spent browsing independent galleries and antique shops in Sheung Wan, or at M+ art musuem, or hiking to Dragon’s Back. Afternoons can be spent exploring Tai Kwun, a former police station turned arts and heritage space, where Madame Fù serves some spectacular Cantonese food. There is also Victoria Peak, the highest hill to climb and look over Hong Kong Island with a sourdough egg tart from BakeHouse in hand. Or Mong Kok, where hints of Wong Kar-wai’s neon-tinged films still come alive at night. The street is just a short walk away from Ned Kelly’s Last Stand, one of Hong Kong oldest jazz bars. Because luckily, November is when the weather is just fine to explore the city on foot.

Visa: Indian citizens can visit visa-free for up to 14 days but must complete the free online Pre-arrival Registration before travelling.

Where to stay: Kennedy Town for a laid-back neighbourhood feel, or Starstreet Precinct in Wan Chai for independent shops, Michelin restaurants and lively bars.