Written By: Yashaswi KocharThe Navratri fever saw people coming to Gujarat to witness garba fever at its best. Not surprisingly, whether it is people from Mumbai or Colombia, they love planning trips during Navratri. According to Gujarat Tourism data, the state recorded over 224.09 lakh tourists from August 2026 till now, highlighting its strong tourism base and the growing potential for cultural and destination-led experiences. Shailesh Agrawal, director of a travel company, says, “There has been a 15% rise in hotel bookings during Navratri.”‘People come from North America, Middle East and Europe’Prashant Chadha, general manager of a five-star hotel, says, “Navratri has emerged as a key demand driver for us, contributing to increased weekend interest and stronger demand across our accommodation and dining offerings. The festive period brings added vibrancy to the property, as travellers look to combine the energy of the celebrations with comfortable stays and memorable dining experiences. It draws a spirited mix of global culture seekers, with arrivals from major metros like Mumbai and Delhi, alongside international visitors from North America, Europe, and the Middle East.”‘Navratri in Gujarat has a vibe of its own’For Gujaratis living abroad, Navratri brings back memories of celebrating the festival at home, prompting many to return to Gujarat to relive the experience after years. Prachi Patel, a pharmacist who has been living in the US for 23 years, is visiting Gujarat on a Navratri-themed trip curated by influencer Radha Patel. “I spent my childhood in Gujarat, and Navratri here has a vibe of its own. It was my favourite festival when I lived here, and now that I have been away for 23 years, I really miss celebrating it in Gujarat. Navratri in the US is very different. Garba usually starts around 8 pm and ends at midnight. I really miss the experience of celebrating Navratri in Gujarat.”She also highlights the variety of garba experiences in Gujarat, from mandli to sheri garba, with the group visiting different venues throughout the day. “Our $1,500 trip included garba passes, airport transfers, group travel and breakfast. Flights and other meals were extra. We also visited Adalaj ni Vav and shopped at Law Garden,” she says.‘It’s fun to experience garba magic firsthand’Maricela Leguizamon, a practising Hindu from Colombia who is in India for a pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, says, “I am here with two of my friends just for Navratri. We shopped for chaniya cholis and went to two garba events as well, and I really loved seeing people so happy in their colourful outfits. After spending 3-4 days in Ahmedabad, we went to Vadodara for the next two days. During the day, we went for more Navratri shopping, and loved trying out Indian food. We explored the pols and Gandhi Ashram as well.”Kush, a Mumbai resident, is a big garba enthusiast who travelled to Gujarat to celebrate Navratri. “I love the vibe of the city during these nine days. Everyone is dressed up, enjoying themselves and soaking in the festive spirit. I wanted to experience it firsthand,” he says.He adds, “I went for garba every day and enjoyed good food afterwards. I also planned to catch up with some college friends and visit different venues. I particularly enjoy performances by Parth Oza, Bhumik Shah and Raag Mehta.”‘Packages include sightseeing & culinary experiences’ Sanket Shah, Chapter Chairman, IATO (Indian Association of Tour Operators), Gujarat & Diu Chapter, and President, GTAA (Global Travel Agent Association), shares, “Our basic package (5 nights and 6 days) starts at ₹65,000. The rates, however, vary from country to country. We hire choreographers who teach them basic garba steps and also help them get tailored traditional outfits like chaniya cholis and kediyas. The arrangement for passes is our responsibility. Along with that, there are sightseeing spots in Patan, Modhera and Adalaj Ni Vav. There are local culinary experiences where we take them to locals’ houses and teach them how to make local cuisines like dhokla, sukhdi and khaman, and then they have meals with them. The people who spend a month in Gujarat almost spend ₹3-4 lakhs, have a good time at various heritage properties and safaris, and they have a guide with them all the time.”