With Holi approaching, it’s not only gulal that is flying, but also travel searches. Data from digital travel platforms and hostel networks indicates a growing number of Indians—along with international tourists—planning trips to destinations where the festival is most immersive, rooted, and spectacular.
Royal Rajasthan: Jaipur, Udaipur, Pushkar
Agoda reports a significant increase in accommodation searches for Holi week in Rajasthan’s heritage cities. Jaipur experienced a staggering 282% rise in searches year-on-year, driven by the Pink City’s palace-led festivities and vibrant celebrations near Amer Fort.
Udaipur saw a 233% increase, attracting visitors to its lakeside celebrations around Lake Pichola and curated Holi events at heritage hotels. Pushkar recorded a 195% jump due to lively street gatherings and community celebrations around Pushkar Lake and its 52 ghats.
International interest is growing as well. According to Agoda, Udaipur witnessed a 459% increase in searches from Asia, while Jaipur saw over 191% growth, predominantly from travelers from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea.
Temple towns: Vrindavan, Mathura, Agra
Holi celebrations rooted in spirituality and tradition are now firmly on the travel map. Vrindavan saw a 126% increase in travel inquiries, with visitors eager for flower Holi ceremonies and temple festivities.
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Mathura experienced a 109% rise, attracting visitors to celebrations in Lord Krishna’s birthplace. Skyscanner reports that 51% of Indians wish to experience Lathmar Holi, traditionally celebrated in Barsana and nearby areas.
While many travelers head directly to the main events, Skyscanner suggests Agra as a practical base due to its closeness to Mathura and Barsana, along with better connectivity making it an ideal option for festival-centric getaways.
Cultural immersion: Varanasi and Shantiniketan
Travelers seeking a more profound experience are gravitating towards heritage cities. Varanasi has seen a 76% year-on-year surge in searches, thanks to its combination of color and ancient tradition during Holi.
Shantiniketan, famous for its Basanta Utsav celebrations derived from art and music, recorded a 43% increase in travel interest, as per Agoda. Kolkata remains a draw for those who appreciate Dol Jatra’s contemplative cultural approach to the festival.
Beyond the obvious: Hampi and the Himalayas
Unique and experiential locations are also on the rise. Hampi, renowned for its UNESCO-listed ruins and expansive temple squares, noted a 128% spike in searches, appealing to history and culture aficionados.
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The hostel network Zostel has observed a wider experiential trend, reporting a 34% year-on-year uptick in overall Holi bookings, alongside a remarkable 189% increase in international guest reservations.
In the Himalayas, Sangla enjoyed a 107% rise in bookings, while Kalpa recorded an 85% boost, reflecting a preference for intimate, community-oriented celebrations over larger city crowds. Meanwhile, Jaisalmer noted a 48% increase in overall guests.
Metro energy: Mumbai and key routes
Urban celebrations are still very much alive. Mumbai ranks high in Skyscanner searches, thanks to its beachside gatherings and lively parties, making it a festival hotspot.
Flight searches from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to major Holi destinations are also seeing robust interest, according to Skyscanner data, signifying strong domestic travel for the long weekend.
A festival driving travel decisions
Skyscanner highlights that 76% of Indian travelers have altered their travel plans to attend cultural or festival events, with more than eight in ten prioritizing destinations for cultural experiences. Holi is increasingly becoming the focal point of travel, whether it’s palace courtyards in Jaipur, temple squares in Vrindavan, Himalayan valleys in Sangla, or lakeside festivities in Udaipur.
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