Holi, the festival of colors, is one of India’s most vibrant and joyous celebrations, bringing people together in a riot of hues, music, dance, and festive cheer. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring, symbolizing renewal and unity. Choosing the right destination can make a significant difference, whether you want to immerse yourself in traditional Holi celebrations or experience a unique twist on the festival.
Here are the top travel destinations to celebrate Holi 2025 for an unforgettable experience.
1. Mathura and Vrindavan—The Birthplace of Holi
Mathura and Vrindavan, the sacred towns associated with Lord Krishna, offer the most iconic Holi celebrations in India. The festivities here begin weeks before the actual day, with Lathmar Holi in Barsana being a major highlight. Women playfully beat men with sticks while drenching them in colors. The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan hosts Phoolon Ki Holi (Holi of Flowers), adding a divine touch to the celebrations. A visit here ensures a deeply spiritual and joyous experience.
Best Experiences:
Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon
Phoolon Ki Holi at Banke Bihari Temple
Colorful processions in Mathura
Krishna Leela performances
2. Jaipur—A Royal Holi Experience
For those looking for a regal touch to Holi, Jaipur in Rajasthan offers a grand celebration with royal traditions. The city’s Holi celebrations feature elephant parades, folk performances, and traditional Rajasthani festivities. The Holika Dahan at City Palace is a mesmerizing experience, where locals and tourists gather to witness the ceremonial bonfire.
Best Experiences:
Holi celebrations at City Palace
Cultural performances and folk dances
Elephant Festival with painted elephants
Traditional Rajasthani sweets and cuisine
3. Udaipur—The Royal Mewar Holi Festival
Udaipur, the city of lakes, elevates Holi celebrations through its royal festivities. The Mewar royal family hosts a grand celebration at the City Palace, including a spectacular procession with decorated horses and elephants. The evening ends with a magnificent fireworks display over Lake Pichola.
Best Experiences:
Traditional Holika Dahan at City Palace
Procession of horses and elephants
Lavish feasts and cultural performances
Stunning views of Udaipur’s lakes during the festivities
4. Delhi—Holi with a Modern Twist
Delhi offers a mix of traditional and modern Holi celebrations. The capital city is known for its energetic Holi parties, featuring live music, DJs, bhang (a cannabis-infused drink), and unlimited colors. Holi Moo Festival (formerly Holi Cow) is a major attraction, bringing together music lovers for a colorful music festival experience.
Best Experiences:
Holi Moo Festival—a fusion of colors, music, and food
Traditional Holi at temples and ashrams
Street Holi celebrations in Chandni Chowk
Bhang and festive delicacies at old Delhi eateries
5. Hampi—A Unique South Indian Holi
Unlike North India, Holi is not widely celebrated in South India, but Hampi stands out as an exception. The UNESCO World Heritage Site transforms into a festive hub with locals and tourists smearing colors, playing drums, and dancing along the banks of the Tungabhadra River. The ancient ruins provide a surreal backdrop to the celebrations.
Best Experiences:
Playing Holi amid Hampi’s historic ruins
Drum circles and folk music
Riverside celebrations and traditional rituals
Exploring ancient temples and markets
6. Shantiniketan—A Cultural Holi Celebration
In West Bengal, Holi is celebrated as Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival) at Shantiniketan, founded by Rabindranath Tagore. This celebration is more about cultural elegance than color chaos, with students dressing in yellow and performing folk songs and dances inspired by Tagore’s works.
Best Experiences:
Watching mesmerizing dance and music performances
Celebrating Holi in an artistic and poetic ambiance
Exploring Shantiniketan’s cultural heritage
Traditional Bengali sweets and delicacies
7. Pushkar—A Backpacker’s Holi Haven
Pushkar, known for its spiritual charm and hippie vibe, hosts an exciting Holi celebration that attracts travelers from around the world. The town square becomes the epicenter of celebrations with live music, color throwing, and enthusiastic dance performances. This makes it one of the most fun places to celebrate Holi as a traveler.
Best Experiences:
Celebrating with fellow backpackers and locals
Open-air Holi music festivals
Camel safaris and desert experiences
Traditional Rajasthani Holi sweets and drinks
8. Goa—Beachside Holi Parties
Holi in Goa is a fusion of colors and beachside festivities. The festival is known as Shigmo, a traditional Goan festival featuring parades, folk dances, and colorful floats. Goa’s famous beach clubs and nightclubs host lively Holi parties with electronic dance music, rain dances, and vibrant color play.
Best Experiences:
Shigmo festival parades and street performances
Holi parties at beach clubs in Baga and Anjuna
Bhang-based cocktails and special Goan cuisine
Late-night Holi raves with international DJs
9. Varanasi—The Spiritual Holi Experience
Varanasi celebrates Holi with devotion and grandeur, making it a divine experience. The celebrations begin with Holika Dahan with the ghats of the Ganges, followed by a color play, bhajans, and the famous Ganga Aarti. The sight of colors merging with the sacred river creates a breathtaking view.
Best Experiences:
Playing Holi at the ghats of the Ganges
Holika Dahan near Dashashwamedh Ghat
Experiencing the spiritual side of Holi
Traditional sweets like malpua and thandai
10. Anandpur Sahib—The Warrior Holi
In Punjab, Holi takes on a unique form with Hola Mohalla, a Sikh festival celebrated at Anandpur Sahib. The event showcases Sikh martial arts, mock battles, horse riding, and sword-fighting demonstrations, making it a distinct and thrilling experience for visitors.
Best Experiences:
Witnessing Sikh warriors perform martial arts
Watching grand processions with traditional music
Enjoying langar (community meal) at Gurudwaras
Participating in energetic kirtans and prayers
Final Thoughts
Holi 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience, with each destination offering a unique way to celebrate the festival of colors. Whether you prefer the traditional fervor of Mathura, the cultural elegance of Shantiniketan, or the beach parties of Goa, there is a perfect Holi destination for everyone. Plan your trip in advance, embrace the festive spirit, and get ready to drench yourself in colors and joy!
