Places to Visit During Pongal Holidays 2024
The colorful festival of Pongal, celebrated with great zeal and dedication throughout Southern India, corresponds with the northern hemisphere’s winter solstice. Pongal, a four-day festival, typically falling in mid-January, is a period of celebration, merriment, and feasting. It is when Indians pay tribute to the Sun God for bountiful harvests and prosperity.
Amidst the festivities, it’s also a wonderful occasion for a festive holiday where one can revel in the charm of the season. Let’s look at some of the best places to visit during Pongal holidays 2024.
1. Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Pongal in Tamil Nadu is celebrated with unmatched fervor. Among the many captivating places in Tamil Nadu, Madurai shines as a top city to witness Pongal celebrations. A cultural hub and one of the oldest inhabited cities in India, Madurai offers a historical vibe along with a festive aura during Pongal. The city’s iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple hosts special events and rituals during Pongal. The streets are vibrant with decorations, kolam displays, and the famed Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming event. It is one of the best places to visit during Pongal holidays with family.
Location: Southern India
Places to Visit: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Alagar Koyil
Things to Do: Witness Pongal festivities & Jallikattu events, explore the vibrant city, visit temples
Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Budget: Medium
Nearby Cities: Trichy, Dindigul
Must Try Foods: Pongal, Chettinad Chicken, Kothu Parotta
How to Reach: Accessible by air (Madurai Airport), rail, and road.
Recommended: Makar Sankranti 2024: Dates, Timings, Importance
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan
While not traditionally a spot for Pongal celebrations, Jaipur offers an interesting alternative during the Pongal Holidays. The city hosts the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival around this time, attracting literary enthusiasts worldwide. It also concurs with the Makar Sankranti kite flying events, painting the pink city’s sky with colorful kites. The city’s historical forts, palaces, and vibrant bazaars offer an exceptional cultural experience during this period. It is one of the best places to visit during Pongal Holidays 2024
Location: Northwestern India
Places to Visit: Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace
Things to Do: Attend Jaipur Literature Festival, participate in Kite flying events, visit historical forts
Trip Duration: 3-5 days
Budget: Medium to High
Nearby Cities: Agra, Udaipur, Jodhpur
Must Try Foods: Daal Baati Churma, Ghevar, Rajasthani Thali
How to Reach: Accessible by air (Jaipur International Airport), rail, and road.
3. Bangalore, Karnataka
Bangalore, the cosmopolitan hub of Karnataka, may seem like an unusual choice. However, its diverse population ensures an array of cultural Pongal celebrations. Multiple organizations host cultural functions showcasing traditional Pongal festivities, including folk dances, music, and food stalls offering authentic South Indian Pongal delicacies. Bangalore also provides excellent opportunities to take short trips to nearby hill stations like Nandi Hills and Coorg for a serene Pongal break. Also, Bangalore is one of the best places to visit during Pongal Holidays 2024
Location: Southern India
Places to Visit: Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore Palace, Bannerghatta Biological Park
Things to Do: Enjoy Pongal festivities, indulge in shopping, visit museums
Trip Duration: 3-4 days
Budget: Medium to High
Nearby Cities: Mysore, Coorg
Must Try Foods: Bisibele Bath, Benne Dosa, Mysore Pak
How to Reach: Accessible by air (Kempegowda International Airport), rail, and road.
4. Alleppey, Kerala
For a more tranquil experience during Pongal, head to the backwaters of Alleppey, Kerala. Known as the “Venice of the East”, Alleppey proposes a calming holiday amidst nature. Here, the festival is known as Makaravilakku and coincides with Pongal. Soaking in the silent backwaters while watching the villagers celebrate this harvest festival is a unique experience. Visit the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple to witness the grand Makaravilakku celebrations.
Location: Southwestern India
Places to Visit: Alappuzha Beach, Marari Beach, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
Things to Do: Explore backwaters on houseboats, visit Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple, relish local cuisine
Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Budget: Medium to High
Nearby Cities: Kochi, Kumarakom
Must Try Foods: Appam with Stew, Kerala Sadya, Puttu and Kadala Curry
How to Reach: Accessible by air (Cochin International Airport), rail (Alleppey Railway Station), and road.
5. Hampi, Karnataka
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi turns into a different spectacle during Pongal. This festival brings life to the ancient ruins with special rituals, cultural performances, and delectable festive cuisines. The cool January weather makes exploring the site’s historical gems even more inviting. It is one of the best places to spend pongal holidays with family,
Location: Northeastern Karnataka, India
Places to Visit: Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar, Lotus Palace
Things to Do: Explore historical ruins, visit temples, enjoy cultural performances
Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Budget: Low to Medium
Nearby Cities: Hospet, Bellary
Must Try Foods: South Indian Thali, Mango Tree Restaurant specials
How to Reach: Accessible by rail (Hospet Junction) and road.
6. Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Seek a different kind of Pongal holiday amid the clear blue waters and white sandy beaches of Havelock Island. While it doesn’t host grand Pongal celebrations, the serene beachside offers a beautiful and relaxing alternative to traditional festivities. Watersports like scuba diving, snorkeling, and sea walking make the holidays more adventurous. It is one of the best places to visit during Makar Sankranti festival.
Location: Bay of Bengal, India
Places to Visit: Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar Beach
Things to Do: Scuba diving, snorkeling, sea walking
Trip Duration: 3-4 days
Budget: High
Nearby Cities: Port Blair
Must Try Foods: Seafood, Andaman Pulao, Coconut Prawn Curry
How to Reach: Accessible by air (Veer Savarkar International Airport, then
Every place offers an exceptional ambiance during the Pongal holidays, making the festival even more magical. Be it the culturally vibrant towns of Tamil Nadu or the calm backwaters of Kerala, the charm of Bangalore or the historical beauty of Hampi, each city has something unique to offer. So plan your holidays during Pongal 2024, and immerse yourself in a merry mix of culture, tradition, adventurism, relaxation, and most importantly, festive
