5 Amazing Benefits of Slow Travelling in India
January 6, 2026
A Slow Day Trip to Alibaug’s Coastal Villages near Mumbai
January 20, 2026India’s Untold Festive Celebrations, Beyond Holi
“Describe India in one word.”
Probably the most common adjective used for India by travellers is “colourful”, and rightly so.
India is colourful with its vibrant ever-changing landscapes, rich varied cultures, and versatile traditions across different communities. The country has numerous national, local, and hyperlocal festivals celebrated by different communities and religions. Yet, when travellers think of Indian festivals, one name dominates the conversation: Holi.
So why do we only talk of Holi?
It is definitely one of the largest Indian festivals celebrated in a big way almost throughout the country. But imagine exploring a new local festival beyond the usual. Beyond Holi, India is also about other major festivals and many little local festivities that are celebrated intimately with fun and flair in communities, representing a small region of the vast country. These festivals might not dominate the common narratives of documentaries about India or even travel company banners. However, through these little festivals you experience an untold side of India beyond the usual trending pictures of social media.
India in the Festive Season
There’s nothing wrong with Holi—it’s truly colourful, vibrant and spectacular! But focusing only on Holi means missing out on India’s rich festive calendar that unfolds throughout the year.
The country comes alive during other major festivals too, especially during the festive season from late September to New Year’s Eve. Diwali, for instance, is the festival of lights celebrated during October-November and is as popular as Holi. During this time, people decorate their homes and neighbourhoods with oil lamps and lights and enjoy their holidays with family and friends. Another major celebration called Navratri brings nine nights of traditional garba dancing, particularly in Gujarat. Different states and communities in India also celebrate their native New Year like Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Baisakhi in Punjab, and Ugadi in South India. Even Christmas is celebrated with unique Indian touches, especially in Goa’s churches, Kerala’s Christian communities and North-east India’s tribal regions.
In December 2025, our travellers from the UK—Helen and Brian—experienced a delightfully adorable Christmas at a vineyard in Nashik, sipping wine and celebrating their holidays in an off-the-beaten-path location in India.
At Unfollow Travel, travellers often get to participate in familiar festivals in new unique styles with a taste of India while following a slow and immersive travel experience.
A slice of “real India” in small towns & villages through Regional Festivals
Beyond the major festivals, India also celebrates many hyperlocal regional small holidays that let you experience an untold side of the country that might never find any representation in a story about India. Participating in lesser-known celebrations also reveals an authentic side of India. You’ll have conversations with the underrepresented communities of small towns and villages.
Our traveller, Jude Weel from Australia, celebrated Kanya Pujan with local women in the heart of a village, where little girls are worshipped as the 9 avatars of the goddess Durga. “My 3-week journey with Unfollow Travel was truly life-changing and a trip I will cherish forever. Experiencing festive traditions made it unforgettable and a truly humbling experience,” Jude shares.
India observes beautiful regional harvest festivals across the country like Makar Sankranti, Magh Bihu, and Pongal, celebrated with varied customs like kite flying, bonfires, and traditional feasts. There are also many hyperlocal mountain fairs and temple festivities with local deities—these events bring the community of a village together. You will be surprised to experience the genuine sense of Indian culture that has a deep connection and understanding with the local environment.
These festivals let you discover authentic cultural experiences in India as you celebrate them amongst local people, often with better opportunities for participation beyond Holi’s overwhelming crowds.
Exploring India through festivals promises:
- A unique holiday with authentic cultural immersion instead of commonplace tourist-heavy cookie-cutter itineraries.
- A real and intimate connection with the region, beyond the mundane social media-template-like shots.
- Heartfelt interactions with kind and welcoming locals who welcome travellers like guests to participate in regional festivals.
- Regional culinary experiences from seasonal harvest feasts in home kitchens to sacred festive meals with communities.
- A glimpse into India’s spiritual diversity through temple festivals honoring local deities.
- Local festivals are celebrated throughout the year in different areas of the country. This gives you an opportunity to travel to India beyond peak tourist seasons.
- While experiencing real India through local festivities, you end up supporting smaller local communities rather than overtourism hotspots.
Choose a regional festival while slow travelling in India
India is best experienced through a slow travel customised itinerary to lesser-known offbeat regions beyond the popular Golden Triangle tourist circuit.
Local festivals in rural India are an invitation to slow down your journey. They offer a chance to participate with the community and feel the warmth of authentic heartfelt hospitality of the country’s people.
These festivals are as colourful, vibrant, and celebratory as the major celebrations. However, they offer more regional authenticity and the opportunity to delve into the festivities beyond the large crowds attracted by the mainstream touristy celebrations organized by most travel companies.
Travellers from Canada, Australia, Europe, UK, and USA have experienced rural and offbeat India with Unfollow Travel for more than two years. I, Sayali, is the founder of Unfollow Travel and I craft slow travel itineraries suited to your individual travel style. These itineraries let you truly experience India’s authentic side with local support, guiding you through your holiday at a comfortable pace.
Fill out this short form with 5 quick questions and we can e-meet to explore all possibilities.
Things You’ll Want To Know
1) What are the best festivals to experience in India?
We recommend major celebrations like Ganpati in Mumbai, Navaratri in Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh, Diwali in Uttarakhand, Onam in Kerala and Christmas in Shillong. Village fairs of Maharashtra, mountain festivals of Himachal and Tibetan festivals in Leh are also a favourite amongst international tourists. Harvest festivals and tribal celebrations – in different times of the year – are also highly recommended for an offbeat way to experience India with local communities.
2) Can I experience festivals as part of a customized itinerary?
Absolutely! All trips at Unfollow Travel can be tailor-made around festival dates, allowing you to experience both major celebrations and intimate regional festivals as part of your customized slow travel itinerary.
3) How are the festival experiences curated?
We collaborate with local entrepreneurs or villagers who welcome travellers to experience their local festivals. All end-to-end arrangements are made and personally guided by me.
4) Will travelling offbeat in India be more expensive than regular tours?
No. Offbeat Travel is not expensive. At Unfollow Travel, we work as per our guests’ budget. We tailor the itineraries accordingly, by choosing accommodations and including experiences that suit your budget.
5) When is the best time for UK / European / Canadian / Australian travellers to visit India?
The usual inbound travel season in India is October – March. You can travel anytime within these months. However, one can also opt for the monsoon season, which is offbeat and one of a kind. You can experience surreal road trips in Maharashtra during this time.
6) Which regions in India are best for offbeat travel?
India has a lot to offer beyond the Golden Triangle. You can slow travel anywhere across India, but here are some of mine and our travellers’ favourites:
- Uttarakhand & Himachal for the Himalayas in North India
- Gujarat & Maharashtra for Sahyadris and village life in West India
- Assam and Meghalaya for tribal culture in North-East India
- Wayanad, Vagamon, Coonoor for Nilgiris and coffee plantations in South India
Exploring Maharashtra in monsoons is also a unique offbeat experience.
7) Is India safe for solo travellers?
We work with solo travellers and accompany them on the tour too. India is perfect for a solo traveller, especially the North Indian regions of Himachal and Uttarakhand.
8) Is travelling offbeat in India safe? Will there be a tour guide accompanying us?
Yes, it is! With Unfollow Travel, a dedicated journey host will be accompanying you and will take care of every end-to-end detail of the tour so that you can relax and focus on enjoying the experience.
9) Will I get help with my visa and other procedures?
Yes.
10) What are the inclusions and exclusions?
You’ll receive these in the product docket once you get in touch.
11) What’s the procedure to book a trip with Unfollow Travel?
At Unfollow Travel, I provide a wholly tailor-made itinerary for you to explore India at your own slow pace.
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- Fill out our short 2-minute form with 5 quick questions.
- I’ll get on a 1-1 call with you to understand your interests, travel style and preferences.
- I’ll curate the trip entirely customized for you, around the kind of India you are seeking, adding selective delightful new experiences.
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