Top 10 Best Places for Holi in India – A Colorful Celebration Across the Country

Yash Shrivastav 06/02/2025

Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and joy across India. Known for its vibrant spirit, Holi symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the renewal of relationships. If you’re planning to immerse yourself in this lively celebration, here’s a guide to the Top 10 Best Places for Holi in India. In 2025, Holi will be celebrated on Friday, March 14, with Holika Dahan taking place on Thursday, March 13.

Table of Contents

1. Mathura and Vrindavan – The Heart of Holi Celebrations

Highlights: Traditional rituals, Lathmar Holi, temple processions, and Krishna-themed celebrations.
Why Visit: Witness the birthplace of Lord Krishna come alive with week-long festivities. The celebrations start well before Holi, with different events each day leading up to the main festival.
Special Tip: Don’t miss the Phoolon Ki Holi (Flower Holi) at Banke Bihari Temple, where flowers replace colors for a divine experience.
Cultural Insight: Participate in the widow’s Holi in Vrindavan, a powerful celebration that breaks societal taboos.

2. Barsana – The Unique Lathmar Holi

Highlights: Women playfully hitting men with sticks, recreating a legendary episode from Lord Krishna’s life.
Why Visit: Experience one of the most culturally unique Holi celebrations in India, filled with folk music and traditional dances.
Special Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot as the streets get crowded with enthusiastic participants.
Local Flavor: Try the delicious local sweets like pedas and jalebis that add to the festive spirit.

3. Jaipur – The Royal Holi

Highlights: Elephant Festival, royal processions, folk dances, traditional Rajasthani music, and grand palatial celebrations.
Why Visit: Celebrate Holi with a regal touch, surrounded by vibrant colors, majestic palaces, and the royal family’s participation.
Special Tip: Attend the Elephant Festival a day before Holi for a unique pre-Holi celebration with decorated elephants.
Cultural Experience: Explore Jaipur’s bustling markets, which are filled with colorful turbans, traditional attire, and Rajasthani handicrafts during Holi.

4. Delhi – The Colorful Chaos

Highlights: Holi Moo Festival with DJs, organic colors, rain dances, multicultural celebrations, and street parties.
Why Visit: Experience Holi in a cosmopolitan setting with both traditional community gatherings and vibrant modern events.
Special Tip: Book tickets early for organized Holi parties to enjoy safe and lively celebrations with a mix of local and international crowds.
Local Flavor: Savor Delhi’s street food during Holi, including chaat, dahi bhalla, and the traditional Holi drink, thandai.

5. Hampi – The Historic Holi

Highlights: Holi celebrations amidst ancient ruins with traditional drumming, dancing, and colorful powder fights.
Why Visit: A unique blend of history, culture, and festive spirit, set against the backdrop of UNESCO World Heritage ruins.
Special Tip: Wear comfortable footwear for exploring the rocky terrains while enjoying Holi festivities.
Cultural Insight: Engage with local performers showcasing traditional Karnataka folk dances and music.

6. Udaipur – The Royal Holika Dahan

Highlights: Grand Holika Dahan celebrations with royal processions, traditional rituals, and folk performances.
Why Visit: Experience Holi like royalty at the City Palace, accompanied by folk dances, music, and cultural activities.
Special Tip: Join the Mewar royal family’s Holika Dahan ceremony for an exclusive experience.
Local Delights: Enjoy Rajasthani delicacies like ghewar and dal baati churma during the festivities.

7. Shantiniketan (West Bengal) – Basanta Utsav

Highlights: Cultural performances, poetry recitals, Tagore’s influence, traditional dances, and colorful processions.
Why Visit: Celebrate Holi in an intellectual and artistic environment with a unique Bengali touch, inspired by Rabindranath Tagore.
Special Tip: Wear traditional attire to blend in with the local celebrations and enjoy the cultural programs organized by Visva-Bharati University.
Artistic Flair: Participate in workshops on Bengali crafts and witness the vibrant art exhibitions held during the festival.

8. Goa – The Beachside Holi

Highlights: Beach parties, music festivals, colorful processions, and a mix of traditional and contemporary Holi events.
Why Visit: Combine the fun of Holi with Goa’s vibrant nightlife, scenic beaches, and diverse cultural influences.
Special Tip: Join the Shigmo festival, Goa’s version of Holi, with parades, folk dances, and traditional performances.
Beach Vibes: Participate in eco-friendly beach Holi parties and enjoy water sports while celebrating.

9. Anandpur Sahib (Punjab) – The Warrior’s Holi

Highlights: Hola Mohalla with martial arts displays, mock battles, Sikh warrior traditions, and spiritual gatherings.
Why Visit: Experience a unique, adrenaline-pumping Holi celebration unlike anywhere else in India, focused on Sikh heritage and valor.
Special Tip: Engage with local traditions, attend kirtans, and watch Nihang warriors perform daring feats.
Community Spirit: Participate in the langar (community meal) to experience the warmth of Punjabi hospitality.

10. Pushkar – The Holi Festival with a Bohemian Vibe

Highlights: DJ parties, street celebrations, camel fair grounds, and a mix of local and international crowds.
Why Visit: Experience Holi in a laid-back, bohemian environment with vibrant energy, scenic landscapes, and cultural diversity.
Special Tip: Be mindful of the crowds and celebrate safely in organized spaces to avoid overcrowded areas.
Local Connection: Explore Pushkar Lake and its ghats for a serene post-Holi experience.

Travel Tips for Celebrating Holi in India 2025

Dress Comfortably: Wear old, light-colored clothes as they will get covered in colors. White enhances the vibrancy of Holi powders.
Use Organic Colors: Safer for skin and environmentally friendly. Avoid chemical-based powders.
Protect Your Belongings: Carry essentials in waterproof pouches to keep them safe from colors and water.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially if outdoors for long periods in the sun.
Respect Local Customs: Participate joyfully but be mindful of cultural sensitivities, especially during traditional rituals.
Skin & Hair Care: Apply coconut oil to your skin and hair before playing with colors to make cleanup easier.
Safety First: Avoid overly crowded places unless well-organized and secure.

Book Your Holi Tour with Us!

Experience the joy, colors, and cultural richness of the Top 10 Best Places for Holi in India with our specially curated tour packages. Whether you prefer traditional celebrations, royal festivities, or beachside parties, Experience My India offers customized tours to make your Holi 2025 unforgettable. Book now and immerse yourself in the most colorful festival of the year, creating memories that will last a lifetime!