Durga Puja Travel Checklist: Everything You Need for a Smooth Trip

Durga Puja is not just a festival, but an emotion. From the aroma of dhunuchi smoke and the rhythmic beats of dhaak to the artistic pandals and numerous food stalls, this festival turns the entire city into a living art gallery. If you are planning to be a part of Durga Puja celebrations 2025, you are surely in for an unforgettable journey.

However, here’s a catch: between the pandal hopping, crowded streets, and jam-packed itineraries, your trip can quickly turn into a chaotic one if you are not prepared for it. That’s where a solid travel checklist for Durga Puja comes in for the rescue. Think of it as your ultimate survival kit, ensuring that you don’t even miss a single beat of the celebration.

In this blog, we’ll take you through everything, including what to pack for your trip to Durga Puja, the best clothes to wear, tips for pandal hopping, and more. So, are you ready? If yes, then let’s quickly dive into the details.

Why Durga Puja 2025 is the Perfect Time to Travel?

The Durga Puja 2025 dates fall from 28 September 2025 to 2 October 2025, and trust us, the festive energy during this time is unmatchable. Kolkata is, without a doubt, the epicentre, but places such as Dadar in Mumbai, Chittranjan Park in Delhi, and even cities abroad light up with the same vibrancy.

Whether you want to experience the traditional rituals, simply indulge in street food, or marvel at creative pandals, Durga Puja offers travellers an ideal mix of celebration and culture.

Top Places to Visit for Durga Puja 2025

When planning your trip, location matters! Here are some of the top places to visit for Durga Puja that promise a grand spectacle:

• Kolkata, West Bengal: It is the heart of it all, and every lane in Kolkata becomes a canvas for pandal art.
• Delhi (CR Park): The CR Park in Delhi is a slice of Bengal that offers great music, lip-smacking food, and stunning idols, making it a must-visit place during Durga Puja.
• Mumbai (Powai, Dadar, and Andheri): Mumbai is famous for modern-themed pandals and star-studded events, making it an attractive place to visit during Durga Puja celebrations.
• Bangalore: This city offers a perfect mix of cosmopolitan vibes and traditional pujas. So, if you are someone who’s looking for the same kind of vibes, then you can visit Bangalore to enjoy Durga Puja.

Important Durga Puja Travel Checklist

Make your festive journey smooth and stress-free with our well-curated Durga Puja travel checklist. From what to pack for pandal hopping to smart Durga Puja travel tips, here’s everything you need for an unforgettable celebration. Let’s quickly have a look:

1. Clothing: Look Good, Feel Comfortable

Durga Puja is as much about fashion as it is about devotion. Now, if you are wondering about the best clothes to wear during Durga Puja, then here’s a quick guide for you:

• If you are going for daytime pandal hopping, then try to wear light cotton kurtis, linen shirts, or casual dresses, as breathable fabrics are your best friends.
• For the evening and Ashtami/Nabami nights, you can go with traditional attires like sarees, kurta-pyjamas, or Indian-western fusion outfits to match the festive vibes.
• During the pandal hopping, make sure to wear comfortable sneakers or sandals as you’ll be taking a walk. Also, try to keep an extra pair of flats handy for evenings.

Pro tip: Carry a foldable tote or backpack to store small essentials while hopping between pandals.

2. Travel Essentials: What to Pack for Durga Puja Trip

Packing for any trip mindfully is very important. Therefore, if you are going for your very first Durga Puja trip, then try not to overpack, but don’t leave behind the must-haves either. Here’s everything what to pack for the Durga Puja trip:

• Portable charger/power bank
• Reusable water bottle
• Small first-aid kit (band-aids, pain relievers, basic meds)
• Wet wipes & sanitiser (trust us, you’ll thank yourself later)
• Earphones & music playlist (for downtime during traffic)
• ID proofs & extra copies of travel bookings
• Lightweight scarf or shawl (for unexpected weather changes)

3. Food & Health Tips

Food is central to the celebration, and the streets will tempt you with phuchkas, kathi rolls, biryanis, and sweets. But here are some Durga Puja travel tips for all the foodies out there:

• Try to eat street food from popular, crowded stalls as it usually means fresher food.
• Also, make sure to stay hydrated and try to carry ORS or glucose packets if you’ll be out all day.
• Always ensure to avoid skipping meals, as it’s easy to forget while pandal hopping.
• Also, keep antacids or digestion tablets handy because too much biryani and street food can test your stomach!

4. Pandal Hopping Tips

There is no doubt that pandal hopping is the heart of Durga Puja. Here are some useful pandal hopping tips that will help you in acing the pandal hopping with your family or friends:

• Plan your route: It is important to group pandals by area. You can group the pandals by North Kolkata vs South Kolkata.
• Start early or late: Also, make sure to decide the pandal hopping timings. Mornings are less crowded, and nights are magical with lights. So, you can choose any time of the day as per your liking.
• Public transport wins: If you want to avoid the parking nightmares, then make sure to use the metro, buses, or app cabs. This will not only save your time but will be less frustrating for you.
• Group travel: It is suggested to either go with your friends or family, as it’s more fun and safer.
• Keep small cash handy: Many stalls don’t accept cards/UPI during rush hours. So, it’s better to keep some cash handy to avoid last-minute hussles.

5. Durga Puja Safety Tips

Festivals mean massive crowds, so keep these Durga Puja safety tips for travellers in mind for a better experience during the Durga Puja:

• Before going for pandal hopping during Durga Puja, try to keep your valuables to a minimum and avoid heavy jewellery to avoid any theft situation.
• Also, try to carry an anti-theft sling bag or waist pouch with you to secure your valuable stuff.
• Always make sure to note all the emergency numbers, including local police, hospital, and your hotel, for sudden emergencies.
• If you are out late during the Durga Puja, then you should share your live location with a trusted contact for safety purposes.
• Most importantly, if you are travelling with kids, then make sure to set a meeting point in case you get separated.

6. Tech & Gadgets

Durga Puja is Instagram heaven. Between pandals, street food, and cultural programs, your phone will work overtime. Therefore, below are some of the important gadgets that you should pack for your Durga Puja travel checklist:

• Extra SD cards or cloud storage access for photos/videos.
• A mini tripod if you’re a vlogger or content creator.
• Noise-cancelling headphones if you need some quiet after the loud dhaak beats.

The Final Thought

Durga Puja is not just about the rituals, but it is also about coming together, creativity exploding on the streets, and cultures blending seamlessly. With our Durga Puja travel guide, you’re all set for both the magic and the madness.

So, don’t think much! Pack light but smart, dress comfortably but stylishly, and keep those pandal-hopping tips in mind. Whether you’re exploring places to visit for Durga Puja in Kolkata or elsewhere, your trip will be smoother, safer, and a lot more fun.