The name of Holi is enough to make everyone smile, whether it’s children or adults! This gorgeous festival of colours fills the heart with joy and soothes the soul too. Holi is celebrated with such great zeal that you won’t ever get tired of this festival, and to top that off, the sweets! Everything about this festival is truly magical, and to be experienced fully, so are you planning to celebrate Holi somewhere else to make it more special? There are so many places where the best Holi celebrations in India happen, and you shouldn’t miss out on them.
We know you won’t want to miss out on the magical experience. So, we have curated a list of the best places to visit during Holi that you can visit to get the best of the festival! If you do visit these places, the fervour with which the locals celebrate Holi will make you fall in love with the festival. To get the best experience, book ARN Holidays’ tour packages.
Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India
1. Mathura and Vrindavan
Why are Mathura and Vrindavan the best places to visit during Holi?
Where can you expect one of the best Holi celebrations in India other than the birthplace of Shri Krishna? Mathura and Vrindavan are two such places where the Holi is celebrated with full devotion and traditions. Once you’re in Mathura to celebrate Holi, you’ll forget everything else. The same is true with Vrindavan. The air is filled with colours and bhajans, you’ll enjoy every second of the time you spend here celebrating Holi.
Things to do
- Join the processions and sing Bhajans.
- Experience the beautiful Phoolon ki Holi in Vrindavan.
- Visit the beautiful temples where the Holi rituals are performed.
2. Barsana
Why should you visit Barsana for the Holi celebration?
If you aren’t going to Barsana to celebrate Holi, you’ll be missing out on all the excitement! Barsana is the best place to visit during Holi, and you’ll know why. It’s due to the Lathmar Holi; yes, the colours are substituted with Lathis. This Holi celebration is special in all of India. So, if you’re in Barsana for the Holi festival, don’t miss this.
Things to do
- Experience the fun of Lathmar Holi. This amazing tradition will be a part of your amazing memories.
- Attend traditional dance and music performances.
- Celebrate at Sankirtan Mandals.
- Enjoy Holi in the vibrant streets.
3. Pushkar
Why is Pushkar one of the best places to celebrate Holi?
This stunning town of Rajasthan should definitely be on the list of best places to celebrate Holi. Do you want to know why? Well, because the spiritual ambience, forts and the town people make this place magical! If you’re planning a trip during Holi, don’t miss out on Pushkar because we promise you’ll have the best Holi experience of your life here! The colours, traditional dances, and food bring people together for an unforgettable Holi celebration! Not only is Pushkar popular among devotees, but it is also one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan for travellers.
Things to do
- Attend the camel cart procession
- Dance to the music and sing along the Bhajans.
- Relish the mouth-watering local food amid the Holi celebrations.
4. Varanasi
Why is Varanasi the best place to celebrate Holi?
When it comes to the best Holi celebration in India, you simply can’t afford to miss Varanasi. One of the most sacred cities of India, enjoying the festival of Holi is the dream of many. The warm people, the good vibes, and the incredible stories all attract people from all over the nation! The Ghats of Banaras are crowded with people trying to colour each other, it’s truly a sight to witness. Also, the night before Holi is to be enjoyed greatly. Walk around the streets of Varanasi and witness Holika Dahan. The blazing bonfires in the streets will pull you in. You’re going to love your holi-day experience in Varanasi!
Things to do
- Visit the beautiful Ghats. And why not celebrate Holi by the sacred Ganga river?
- Celebrate Holi with the locals. The warmth of their hospitality will add to your Holi celebrations!
- Try the delicious gujiyas and other sweets from famous sweet shops in the city.
5. Kumaon, Uttarakhand
Why should you be a part of Kumaon’s Holi Celebration?
Picture a nice scenery of misty hills, a gentle breeze and birds chirping in between the Holi festivities! It actually sounds amazing, doesn’t it? The Kumaon district of Uttarakhand is perhaps the best place to be in on Holi. The Kumaon district celebrates Holi in a special way; it’s called Khadi Holi. In this holi celebration, the people wear traditional clothes and march in groups singing and dancing. And the best part about this festival is that it’s almost a week long! Uttarakhand, being one of the best tourist places in India, really offers a lot to travellers with its unique culture.
Things to do
- Witness Holika Dahan with the stunning mountains as a backdrop.
- Taste the local cuisine and take part in Holi celebrations. It will make your Holi more amazing!
- Visit the beautiful spots and gaze at the beauty of the mountains. You’ll find the colours in the air mesmerizing.
6. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Why is Udaipur the best place for Holi celebrations?
The Royal City of Lakes witnesses the best Holi celebration like no other! The royal touch to the Holi festivities will amaze you, and you’ll enjoy every bit of the festival. The palaces of royalty and forts in Udaipur are filled with people who join hands to celebrate Holi grandly. Do you want to celebrate Holi in Udaipur? You definitely should! This state will charm you with its beauty as it’s one of the best places to visit in India with friends, too! Celebrating Holi with friends is another level of happiness; the colourful Rajasthan during this festival will leave you in awe.
Things to do
- Experience the Mewar Holi celebrations. The royal celebration of Holi will leave you in awe.
- Enjoy the lakeside Holi parties. This is going to be an experience to cherish forever.
- Witness the Holika Dahan in a royal way.
7. Hampi, Karnataka
Why is Hampi the best place to celebrate Holi in the South?
We know that Holi is a festival celebrated grandly in the northern part of India. But if you wish to travel and witness the Holi celebration in the South, don’t miss out on Hampi, one of the best places to visit during Holi. You will see a large number of spiritual activities taking place during this day. What could be better than a Holi celebration with hints of spirituality? Towards the day, the different colours in the air paint a different world for visitors to enjoy. You’ll cherish every second of your Holi celebration in Hampi!
Things to do
- Visit Virupaksha Temple for a courtyard Holi celebration.
- Also, visit the riverside locations of Tungabhadra during the celebrations!
Best 5 Tips to Celebrate Holi in India
1. Wear Old Clothes
Since you already know that Holi consists of colours and water and celebrating Holi can be quite messy, and you would not want your pretty clothes to spoil, it is always advisable to dress in clothes that are old and colourful.
2. Protect Your Skin and Hair
Your skin is sensitive to colours, and they can bring about allergies. To prevent this from occurring, always apply moisturizer and sunblock along with chemical-free colours! And don’t forget to oil your hair as well.
3. Stay Hydrated
Holi is usually played outside and can be a long day of exhausting fun and enjoyment. Being out in the sun, dancing and running around can dehydrate you. So, to avoid that from occurring, you must drink lots of water all day.
4. Celebrate with Local Traditions
Holi is meant to be enjoyed with joy and customs. Every place has its own customs and methods of celebration. If you are visiting another state, ensure you are involved in the wonderful local customs so that you get the most out of this festival!
5. Don’t Forget Your Camera
To capture the colours of Holi, you need a camera. During this festival, everything comes alive and you should get it captured in your camera. This will keep the amazing festival memories forever a part of your life!
Conclusion
Holi is supposed to be celebrated with joy and a happy heart. So, in 2025, if you want to celebrate Holi differently, be a part of the best Holi celebration in India! Get your clothes out, pack your bag and make a trip to some of the best places to celebrate Holi! With ARN Holidays, you’ll have no other worries. You can make a smooth trip to any part of India, and you’ll cherish every place.
FAQs
1. Is Holi celebrated the same way in every part of India?
No, every part of India is unique, so the way each part celebrates Holi is different too! For example, in Mathura and Vrindavan, you will experience this beautiful festival with Phoolon ki Holi. And in Barsana, the complete opposite, the tradition of Lathmar Holi will intrigue you completely!
2. What are the safety tips to follow during Holi celebrations?
We know that while Holi is an exciting festival, one needs to keep the following tips in mind:
- Don’t use harsh colours; only play Holi with skin-friendly organic colours!
- You should protect your hair and eyes from the colours.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Be wary of your surroundings if you are a part of large crowds!
3. How should I prepare for Holi celebrations?
Be well-prepared to celebrate Holi. There are a few essentials to carry: Sunscreen, old clothes, scarves and sunglasses, phone’s waterproof cases, and comfortable shoes!
4. Is Holi celebrated differently in South India?
Yes, the whole of India witnesses different types of Holi Celebrations. While Holi is celebrated across North India, South India also experiences various rituals on Holi days. Holi in Kerala is referred to as Manjul Kuli, and Hampi in Karnataka is the best place to visit during Holi days for some lively celebrations!
