Top 5 Most Colorful Places to Visit During Holi in India

T

Places to Visit During Holi

Holi, the festival of colors, is one of India’s most vibrant and joyous celebrations. It marks the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. During this festival, people come together to play with colors, indulge in festive treats, and enjoy traditional music and dance. If you’re looking to experience the magic of Holi, here are the top five most colorful places to visit during during Holi in India this festive season:

Also Read: Holi 2024: Date, History, Celebration

1. Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Experience the joyous chaos of “Lathmar Holi” and the serene beauty of “Phoolon ki Holi” in the birthplace of Lord Krishna, with a backdrop of ancient temples and vibrant culture.

Location: Mathura and Vrindavan, both located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, are considered the birthplace of Lord Krishna.

Holi Celebrations: The celebrations in Mathura during Holi and Vrindavan are legendary. The festivities start a week before the main day of Holi and culminate with the “Lathmar Holi,” where women playfully beat men with sticks.

Things to Do:

• Visit the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, known for its grand Holi celebrations.
• Experience the traditional “Phoolon ki Holi,” where flowers are used instead of colors.

Trip Duration: 2-3 days

Budget: Mid-range

Nearby Cities: Agra (56 km from Mathura), Delhi (145 km from Mathura)

How to Reach Mathura and Vrindavan

• By Air: The nearest airport is in Agra (Kheria Airport), approximately 60 km away.
• By Train: Mathura Junction is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
• By Bus: Mathura is well-connected by road, and you can easily find buses from nearby cities like Delhi and Agra. Indore to Mathura and Varanasi to Vrindavan are some of the most traveled routes to Mathura and Vrindavan.

2. Jaipur, Rajasthan

Dive into the royal celebrations of Holi with the “Elephant Festival” and the colorful streets of the Pink City, where every corner bursts with festive fervor and cultural richness. It is one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India.

Location: Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, is known for its rich history and vibrant culture.

Holi Celebrations: Jaipur celebrates Holi with great enthusiasm. The city comes alive with colors, music, and dance.

Things to Do:

• Attend the “Elephant Festival,” held a day before Holi, where beautifully decorated elephants participate in a procession.
• Visit the City Palace and witness the royal Holi celebrations.

Trip Duration: 2-3 days

Budget: Mid-range

Nearby Cities: Delhi (268 km from Jaipur), Agra (238 km from Jaipur)

How to Reach Jaipur

• By Air: Jaipur International Airport is well-connected to major cities across India.
• By Train: Jaipur Junction is a major railway station with trains from various cities.
• By Bus: Jaipur is well-connected by road, and you can find buses run by RSRTC from nearby cities like Delhi and Agra. Indore to Jaipur and Ahmedabad to Jaipur are some of the most traveled routes to Jaipur.

3. Hampi, Karnataka

Immerse yourself in a blend of ancient ruins and modern celebrations, as Hampi’s historic backdrop sets the stage for a unique and vibrant Holi experience. It is one of the best tourist places to visit during Holi.

Location: Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in the state of Karnataka.

Holi Celebrations: Hampi uniquely celebrates Holi, blending traditional customs with a modern twist. The ruins of Hampi provide a picturesque backdrop for the festivities.

Things to Do:

• Explore the ancient ruins of Hampi, including the Virupaksha Temple and the Hampi Bazaar.
• Participate in the local Holi celebrations and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Trip Duration: 2-3 days

Budget: Budget-friendly

Nearby Cities: Bangalore (353 km from Hampi), Hyderabad (376 km from Hampi)

How to Reach Hampi

• By Air: The nearest airport is in Hubli (Hubli Airport), approximately 143 km away.
• By Train: Hospet Junction is the nearest railway station, just 13 km from Hampi.
• By Bus: Hampi is well-connected by road, and you can find buses run by KSRTC from major cities in Karnataka. Bangalore to Hampi and Tumkur to Hampi are some of the most traveled routes to Hampi.

4. Shantiniketan, West Bengal

Celebrate Holi as “Basant Utsav” amidst the cultural hub of Shantiniketan, where Tagore’s legacy meets colorful processions, folk dances, and songs. It is one of the best places to visit during Holi.

Location: Shantiniketan is a town in West Bengal, known for its association with Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

Holi Celebrations: Shantiniketan celebrates Holi as “Basant Utsav,” which coincides with Tagore’s birthday. The festival is marked by colorful processions, folk dances, and songs.

Things to Do:

• Witness the cultural performances by students of Visva-Bharati University.
• Take part in the traditional songs and dances, known as “Rabindra Sangeet” and “Baul Gaan.”

Trip Duration: 1-2 days

Budget: Budget-friendly

Nearby Cities: Kolkata (166 km from Shantiniketan), Durgapur (80 km from Shantiniketan)

How to Reach Shantiniketan

• By Air: The nearest airport is in Kolkata (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport), approximately 163 km away.
• By Train: Bolpur Shantiniketan is the nearest railway station, well-connected to Kolkata and other major cities.
• By Bus: Shantiniketan is well-connected by road, and you can find buses from Kolkata and other nearby cities.

5. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab

Witness the grandeur of “Hola Mohalla,” where the martial spirit of Sikhism comes alive with Nihang displays, poetry, and music, amidst the historic gurudwaras of Anandpur Sahib.

Location: Anandpur Sahib is a holy city in Punjab, known for its historic gurudwaras.

Holi Celebrations: Anandpur Sahib celebrates Holi as “Hola Mohalla,” a festival started by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The festival is marked by martial arts displays, poetry recitals, and music performances.

Things to Do:

• Witness the grand procession of Nihangs (Sikh warriors) in traditional attire.
• Visit the historic gurudwaras in Anandpur Sahib and participate in the religious ceremonies.

Trip Duration: 2-3 days

Budget: Mid-range

Nearby Cities: Chandigarh (81 km from Anandpur Sahib), Amritsar (215 km from Anandpur Sahib)

How to Reach Anandpur Sahib

• By Air: The nearest airport is in Chandigarh (Chandigarh International Airport), approximately 85 km away.
• By Train: Anandpur Sahib has a railway station, but the nearest major station is in Chandigarh.
• By Bus: Anandpur Sahib is well-connected by road, and you can find buses from Chandigarh and other nearby cities.

Visiting these colorful destinations during Holi will give you a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant culture of India. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in traditional rituals or simply soak in the festive atmosphere, these places offer a truly unforgettable experience during the festival of colors.

Top 10 Places to Visit During Holi

• Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh: Experience the vibrant celebrations of Holi in the land of Lord Krishna, with traditional rituals and the famous “Lathmar Holi.”
• Jaipur, Rajasthan: Explore the colorful streets of Jaipur during Holi, with special events like the “Elephant Festival” and lively local celebrations.
• Hampi, Karnataka: Enjoy a unique Holi experience amidst the ancient ruins of Hampi, with colorful festivities blending history and culture.
• Shantiniketan, West Bengal: Celebrate Holi as “Basant Utsav” in the cultural town of Shantiniketan, with traditional dances, music, and vibrant processions.
• Anandpur Sahib, Punjab: Witness the grand “Hola Mohalla” celebrations, showcasing Sikh martial arts, music, and poetry against the backdrop of historic gurudwaras.
• Udaipur, Rajasthan: Experience the royal charm of Holi in Udaipur, with the grandeur of the City Palace and the lively streets filled with colors.
• Goa: Celebrate a unique blend of Holi and the Shigmo festival in Goa, with vibrant parades, traditional dances, and colorful processions.
• Delhi: Join the lively Holi celebrations in Delhi, with special events like the “Holi Cow Festival” and vibrant street parties across the city.
• Pushkar, Rajasthan: Experience Holi in the desert city of Pushkar, with traditional rituals, camel races, and lively music and dance performances.
• Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Witness the spiritual side of Holi in Varanasi, with special rituals along the ghats of the Ganges River and colorful processions through the city’s ancient streets.