Holi is one of the most joyful and colourful festivals in India. It celebrates love, unity, forgiveness, and the arrival of spring. Every year, millions of people come together to play with colours, dance to music, and enjoy festive food. In 2026, Holi will once again bring India to life with unforgettable celebrations.
While Holi is celebrated across the country, each region has its own way of honouring the festival. Some places focus on deep traditions and religious rituals, while others turn Holi into a high-energy celebration filled with music and parties. Choosing the right destination can completely change your experience.
This blog covers the best places to celebrate Holi in 2026, along with how to reach each destination, what to expect, where to stay, and essential travel tips. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, this guide will help you plan a smooth and memorable Holi trip.
Places Where You Can Celebrate Holi This Year
Mathura and Vrindavan
Mathura and Vrindavan are considered the heart of Holi celebrations in India. These towns are closely associated with Lord Krishna, and Holi here is celebrated with deep devotion and emotion.
Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan lasts for several days, sometimes even more than a week. The atmosphere is spiritual, energetic, and filled with music, chanting, and colours.
What Makes Holi Special Here
You can witness famous events such as Lathmar Holi in Barsana, Phoolon Ki Holi, where flowers are used instead of colours, and grand temple celebrations at Banke Bihari Temple. These events follow age-old traditions that cannot be seen anywhere else.
How to Reach Mathura and Vrindavan
- By Air: The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, which is around 150 kilometres away.
- By Train: Mathura Junction is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and Mumbai.
- By Road: Mathura and Vrindavan are easily accessible by road from Delhi via the Yamuna Expressway.
Travel Tips
- Travellers should arrive at least four to five days before the main Holi day.
- Hotels get fully booked quickly, so early booking is essential.
- Wearing old clothes and keeping personal belongings secure is highly recommended.
Pushkar
Pushkar is one of the most popular Holi destinations among backpackers and international travellers. The town becomes a giant open celebration where locals and visitors come together without any barriers.
Holi in Pushkar is loud, energetic, and free-spirited. Music plays in every street, and people dance while throwing colours in the air.
What to Expect in Pushkar
The entire town celebrates Holi together, especially around the main square and temple areas. The celebration is intense but friendly, and the vibe is welcoming.
How to Reach Pushkar
- By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, located about 150 kilometres away.
- By Train: Ajmer Junction is the closest railway station, around 15 kilometres from Pushkar.
- By Road: Pushkar is well connected by road from Jaipur, Ajmer, and Delhi.
Travel Tips
- Travellers should keep their phones and valuables safe, as the streets can get extremely crowded.
- Booking accommodation at least one month in advance is strongly advised.
Udaipur
Udaipur offers one of the most beautiful Holi celebrations in India. The city is known for its lakes, palaces, and calm atmosphere.
Holi begins with a royal Holika Dahan ceremony at the City Palace, followed by cultural performances and processions.
Why Udaipur Stands Out
The celebrations are elegant and less chaotic. The setting of lakes and palaces adds a magical charm to the festival.
How to Reach Udaipur
- By Air: Maharana Pratap Airport connects Udaipur with major Indian cities.
- By Train: Udaipur City Railway Station is connected to Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur.
- By Road: Udaipur has good road connectivity with Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Travel Tips
- Udaipur is perfect for couples and luxury travellers.
- Staying near Lake Pichola provides easy access to major celebrations.
Hampi
Hampi offers a calm and peaceful Holi experience. It is surrounded by ancient ruins and natural landscapes, which makes it perfect for travellers who prefer slow travel.
Holi celebrations in Hampi are smaller and community-based. Travellers, locals, and backpackers celebrate together in a relaxed environment.
How to Reach Hampi
- By Air: The nearest airport is Hubli Airport, around 160 kilometres away.
- By Train: Hospet Junction is the nearest railway station, about 13 kilometres from Hampi.
- By Road: Hampi is accessible by road from Bangalore, Goa, and Hyderabad.
Travel Tips
- Carry enough cash, as ATMs can be limited.
- Respect local traditions and avoid loud or disruptive behaviour near heritage sites.
Jaipur
Jaipur brings a more organised and culturally rich Holi experience. The city combines traditional celebrations with modern comfort makes it a popular choice for families and first-time travellers.
Holi celebrations in Jaipur often take place in heritage hotels and palace courtyards. These celebrations include folk music, traditional dance performances, and authentic Rajasthani food.
Why Jaipur is Perfect for Holi
The city is relatively safer and cleaner during Holi compared to smaller towns. Many luxury hotels organise private Holi events with organic colours, music, and controlled crowds.
How to Reach Jaipur
- By Air: Jaipur International Airport is well connected to major Indian cities and some international destinations.
- By Train: Jaipur Junction has excellent rail connectivity with Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and other cities.
- By Road: Jaipur is connected to Delhi by a smooth six-hour drive via NH48.
Travel Tips
- Joining hotel-organised Holi celebrations is safer and more comfortable.
- Light cotton clothes, sunglasses, and sunscreen are useful during daytime celebrations.
Delhi
Delhi celebrates Holi in a modern and high-energy way. The city is known for its ticketed Holi parties, music festivals, and DJ events. These celebrations often include organic colours, rain dance setups, live performances, and food stalls.
Why Choose Delhi for Holi
Delhi is a good option for travellers who want a short trip and prefer organised celebrations. The city offers a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets.
How to Reach Delhi
- By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport is one of the busiest airports in India and connects Delhi globally.
- By Train: Delhi has multiple major railway stations, including New Delhi Railway Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin.
- By Road: Delhi is connected to all nearby states by excellent highways.
Safety Tips
- It is best to attend private or ticketed Holi events.
- Travellers should avoid unknown street celebrations.
- Hire a car for a safer, hassle-free journey if you are visiting different places for a celebration.
Anandpur Sahib
In Anandpur Sahib, Holi is celebrated as Hola Mohalla. This Sikh festival focuses on bravery, discipline, and martial arts rather than colours. The event includes mock battles, horse riding, and traditional performances. This is unlike our common Holi celebration, where we come together to celebrate the day with colours; instead, it is celebrated in a full carnival mode, with multiple traditional events taking place.
How to Reach Anandpur Sahib
- By Air: The nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport, around 100 kilometres away.
- By Train: Anandpur Sahib Railway Station is connected to major cities in Punjab.
- By Road: The town is well connected by road from Chandigarh and other nearby cities.
Travel Tips
- Dress modestly and respect religious customs.
- This destination is perfect for cultural and history-focused travellers.
What to Pack for Holi 2026
Travellers should carry the following essentials for their celebration:
- Old clothes
- Comfortable footwear
- Sunglasses
- Moisturiser or oil for skin protection
- Reusable water bottles
- Wet wipes
- A small backpack with zip closures is helpful for keeping belongings safe.
Holi 2026 is the perfect opportunity to experience India at its most vibrant and welcoming. Whether you choose the spiritual streets of Vrindavan, the royal palaces of Jaipur, or the energetic parties of Delhi, each destination offers a unique way to celebrate the festival.
With proper planning, early bookings, and respectful travel habits, Holi can become one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
