Holi festival, also known as the festival of colors, is probably one of the happiest festivals in India. If you’re planning a trip to India and want to know which city is perfect for the festival, here is the list of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. Holi is one of the festivals which symbolizes happiness, togetherness, and vitality. It is enjoyed in every region in its traditional dance forms and modern-themed Holi parties.
This article seeks to provide the best location in India to celebrate the Holi festival in 2025. If you are planning to go to Mathura for a cultural Holi or want to have a beach Holi in Goa, here is the list for you. Therefore, it would not be wrong to say that we should explore the best places to celebrate the Holi festival in India.
Table of Contents
List of The Top Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India 2025
1. Mathura and Vrindavan – The Heart of Holi
Mathura and Vrindavan are the two famous destinations for Holi celebrations in India. These are the places believed to be infused with the divine presence of Lord Krishna, who celebrated Holi with Radha and the Gopis. The festival of Holi in Mathura begins a few days before the actual festival, as temples and roads become the center of colors and celebration. Vrindavan, where lord Krishna himself grew up, has an even more elaborate festival of Holi, and there are two special of it, the Phoolon Ki Holi and the Holi of the widows.
Why Celebrate Here?
- Mathura is Lord Krishna’s birthplace, making it most appropriate for Holi festival celebrations all over India.
- Stroll through the ages, immerse in the music and colors.
- The Holi festival is celebrated in each temple and has its own style.
Highlights of the Celebration:
Lathmar Holi: Women from Barsana and Nandgaon beat men with sticks being in Holi spirit.
Phoolon Ki Holi at Banke Bihari Temple – A mesmerizing celebration with flower petals.
Widows’ Holi at Gopinath Temple: A joyous occasion challenging the conventional norms.
When to Visit?: The celebrations commence a week before the day of Holi is celebrated. If you arrive early enough, you can participate in all the activities and feel the divine touch of the place.
Where to Stay in Mathura & Vrindavan?
Luxury: Nidhivan Sarovar Portico, Brijwasi Lands Inn
Mid-Range: The Radha Ashok, Clarks Inn
Budget: MVT Guesthouse, Hotel Basera
2. Jaipur, Rajasthan – The Royal Holi Celebration
Jaipur – The Pink City – is the royal and colorful approach to celebrating the Holi festival in India. The city hosts grand celebrations with cultural performances, elephant processions, and traditional Rajasthani folk music. While most cities celebrate Holi in their typical joyous fashion, the Jaipur festival has a royal hue and energy. This festival is lively and colorful, and Jaipur’s palaces and streets make it one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India.
Why Celebrate Here?
- Celebrate Holi like kings and queens- Royal styles.
- See the Elephant Festival, which takes place during the Holi festival.
- Performances include folk dances and songs and traditional Rajasthani meal.
Highlights of the Celebration:
- City Palace Holi – A grand royal Holi event with cultural performances.
- Elephant Festival – Decorated elephants, polo matches, and festive parades.
- Holi parties at Jaipur: Luxury resorts and clubs organize grand celebrations to welcome the colorful festival.
When to Visit?
To get a feel of the jovial atmosphere of Jaipur during the Holi celebrations, it is advisable to arrive a day before the Holi to attend the Elephant Festival and enjoy the pre-Festival atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Jaipur?
Luxury: Rambagh Palace, Taj Jai Mahal Palace
Mid-Range: Alsisar Haveli, Shahpura House
Budget: Zostel Jaipur, Moustache Hostel
3. Shantiniketan, West Bengal – A Cultural Holi Celebration
Shantiniketan, a small town situated in West Bengal, is famous for its aesthetic approach to festival celebrations, especially the Holi. Here, people do not celebrate color fights on Holi but celebrate Basanta Utsav, which Nobel Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore introduced. Students of Visva-Bharati University wear traditional yellow outfits, sing folk songs, and dance to herald the arrival of spring. The colors, melodies, and poems surrounding trounce signify Shantiniketan as one of India’s best places to celebrate Holi. Holi in Shantiniketan is, without any doubt, the most vibrant and artsy way to enjoy the festival in India.
Why Celebrate Here?
Celebrate Holi in the way Rabindranath Tagore envisaged it was to be celebrated.
Watch dancing and singing performances done by the university groups.
It combines art, tradition, and celebration.
Highlights of the Celebration:
- Basanta Utsav at Visva-Bharati University – A mesmerizing festival of colors and music.
- Lively folk dances and enchanting Rabindra Sangeet make the environment magical.
- Instead of synthetic powder, organic colors and petals of flowers would be used.
When to Visit?
One should ideally reach a day before Holi to experience the cultural performances better and witness the peaceful yet vibrant ambiance of Shantiniketan.
Where to Stay in Shantiniketan?
Luxury: The Kharimati Resort, Country Roads Resort
Mid-Range: Mark & Meadows, Camellia Hotel
Budget: Shantiniketan Tourist Lodge, Lipika Lodge
4. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – A Spiritual Holi by the Ganges
Varanasi is the spiritual capital of India, where Holi is celebrated purely culturally and religiously. The city’s cultures are represented by the ghats that light up, temples, and crowded and small lanes that reflect the festive environment. Holi in Varanasi is a festivity of faith, colors, and joy, which makes Varanasi the best place to celebrate Holi in India for those who want to experience something new. Thus, the festival begins with the sacred Ganga Aarti, followed by colors, music, and bhang-based dishes.
Why Celebrate Here?
See a spiritual Holi festival on the Ganges River.
Attending a traditional yet active celebration.
If you want to watch amazing evening aartis or hear live devotional songs.
Highlights of the Celebration:
- Holi on the Ghats: Local people and travelers enjoy the Holi with colors beside the Ganga river.
- Bhang Thandai & Street Food: Try festive treats like gujiya and lassi.
- Temple Celebrations: Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Sankat Mochan Temple host special events.
When to Visit?
To join the rituals of burning Holika and embodying the sanctity of this city, it is appropriate to arrive a day in advance.
Where to Stay in Varanasi?
Luxury: BrijRama Palace, Taj Nadesar Palace
Mid-Range: Hotel Ganges Grand, Suryauday Haveli
Budget: Zostel Varanasi, Moustache Hostel
5. Udaipur, Rajasthan – A Royal Holi by the Lakes
Udaipur, the City of Lakes, offers one of the most regal Holi celebrations in India. Being blessed with fascinating palaces, beautiful lakes, and royal history, Udaipur has become a dream Holi destination. The Mewar royal family grandly welcomes the Holi in 2025 with the Holika Dahan at the City Palace. The city’s luxury hotels and resorts arrange the Holi parties as cultural and stylish events. So, for those who wish to celebrate the festival with more pomp and style, Udaipur is the place where Holi turns into a royal event. If one plans to experience a royal and culturally vibrant Holi, then there is no better place to celebrate Holi in India than in Udaipur.
Why Celebrate Here?
- Enjoy a royal Holi to be heralded by the Mewar family.
- Witness traditional rituals at the majestic City Palace.
- The Holi festival will be organized with cultural troupes to provide that sophisticated feel.
Highlights of the Celebration:
- Holika Dahan at City Palace – A large-scale procession of elephants, horses, and several folk art troupes.
- Colorful Celebrations at Jagmandir Island – A luxurious Holi party with organic colors and music.
- Boat Rides on Lake Pichola – Go on a Holi Boat ride and enjoy Lake Pichola’s pleasant beauty.
When to Visit?
To keep with the royal tradition or to feel the festive atmosphere, try to arrive during Holika Dahan.
Where to Stay in Udaipur?
Luxury: The Oberoi Udaivilas, Taj Lake Palace
Mid-Range: Trident Udaipur, Jagat Niwas Palace
Budget: Zostel Udaipur, Moustache Hostel
6. Hampi, Karnataka – A Unique Holi Amidst Ancient Ruins
Holi festival is one of the most famous festivals in India, and Hampi, which is in Karnataka and is a World Heritage site, offers an opportunity to celebrate Holi uniquely. Unlike many other cities in South India, Holi is not celebrated vividly, but in Hampi, the entire surroundings bust with colors, music, and dance. There are even areas of long abandoned ruins of temples to offer a backdrop for such auspicious occasions. People throng Virupaksha Temple and the banks of the Tungabhadra River and celebrate Holi in a restricted and traditional way. Hampi is one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India since the town offers different history and festivities for travelers.
Why Celebrate Here?
- Enjoy the colors of Holi while dancing around Archeological structures.
- Have a cooler yet active style of partying at the same level as those on crowded dance floors.
- Attend the traditional dance shows, which include drumming and folk dancing.
Highlights of the Celebration:
Colorful Celebrations at Virupaksha Temple – Locals and travelers gather to play Holi with vibrant colors.
Folk music and Dance: Loud drums are playing on the streets.
Tungabhadra River Holi Celebration – One of the most beautiful places to spend Holi is sitting on the river’s side.
When to Visit?
As Holi in Hampi is generally celebrated for just one day, plan your trip according to the festival to enjoy it to the fullest.
Where to Stay in Hampi?
Luxury: Evolve Back Hampi, Heritage Resort Hampi
Mid-Range: Clarks Inn Hampi, Kishkinda Heritage Resort
Budget: Mowgli Guesthouse, Goan Corner
7. Goa – A Beachside Holi Party Like No Other
Goa is famous for its delicious cuisine, night bazaar, and beautiful beaches, and it extends an entirely different carnival-like atmosphere to celebrate the Holi festival in India. Contrary to Holi being mainly a temple festival in North India, it seems to be enjoyed in Goa more as large-scale parties on the beaches and wonderful sessions of music fests and get-togethers. People take to clubs, resorts, and open and green areas, enjoying their Holi festivity in a tropical manner. Goa is color, music, and lots of fun, and thus, Goa is billed as the best place to celebrate Holi in India for the party lovers.
Why Celebrate Here?
- Experience Holi on a beach with live music and DJs.
- Get a blend of cultural Holi and Western-styled parties.
- Go to Shigmo Festival – A Vibrantly Colored Traditional Goan Festival Similar to Holi.
Highlights of the Celebration:
Holi Beach Festival at Baga and Anjuna- A sea of people, Thumping music & colors add to the wild appeal.
Shigmo Festival Processions: These colorful Goan folk dances and street processions display the Goan cultural traditions.
Lightning Holi in Resorts – Star-studded events with fresh refills, rain showers, and dance and live performances.
When to Visit?
If you arrive a few days ahead of time, you will be able to enjoy the Shigmo parades and experience the liveliness of Goa during the Holi festival.
Where to Stay in Goa?
Luxury: Taj Exotica Resort, W Goa
Mid-Range: The Park Calangute, Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort
Budget: Pappi Chulo Hostel, Dreams Hostel
8. Pushkar, Rajasthan – The Wild and Spiritual Holi
The town of Pushkar in Rajasthan is especially famous for its colorful but pious Holi celebration. Every part of the town is painted to resemble a carnival, and thousands of people, including locals and tourists, participate in the Holi festival in India. The celebration’s main focus is at the main square of Pushkar, and the locals and tourists dance to the loud DJ music, step into colorful water, and enjoy the show. Thus, while Holi in many other cities and towns of India is overcrowded and noisy, Pushkar offers fun, colors, and spiritualties of Holi. Therefore, Pushkar is one of the top places to celebrate Holi in India, where tradition meets extravaganza.
Why Celebrate Here?
- Enjoy the festival of colors in a religious city.
- Experience the fun Holi parties in Pushkar on the hired rooftops.
- Engage in religious practices and follow it up with the wildest festivities.
Highlights of the Celebration:
Holi at the Main Square – A colorful event of dance and songs with people throwing colors at each other.
Drum Circles and Folk Music – Traditional and modern beats – make electricity pass through our hearts and bodies.
Rooftop Holi Celebrations: Several Hotels and hostels arrange special Holi parties on the terrace with a view.
When to Visit?
To experience the main Holi celebrations and understand the essence of Pushkar, it is better to arrive in the town during the morning of the holiday.
Where to Stay in Pushkar?
Luxury: Ananta Spa & Resorts, Pushkar Bagh Resort
Mid-Range: Inn Seventh Heaven, Pushkar Heritage
Budget: Zostel Pushkar – The Madpackers Hostel
9. Delhi – The Ultimate Holi Party Destination
Delhi, the capital of India, is one of the best places in the country where we may celebrate the Holi festival like nothing else. The city hosts everything from massive music festivals to traditional temple celebrations. Some lives live up to expectations regardless of cultural Holi at temples, Delhi Holi parties, rain dances, and DJs. Streets, parks, and clubs become places for coloring and joy; thus, it would be the best option for celebrating Holi in India for those individuals who prefer various celebrations. In Delhi, Holi is celebrated as a tradition, a party event, and with the marketing of festive food, so it is ranked as one of the best places to celebrate the Holi in India.
Why Celebrate Here?
- Celebrate Holi glory through festivals featuring renowned DJs.
- Celebrate Holi in temples for spiritual Holi.
- Have foods representing Navratri, like gujiya, bhang thandai, and chaat.
Highlights of the Celebration:
- Holi Moo Festival: Delhi’s biggest Holi music festival features live performances and organic colors.
- Balam Pichkari Holi Party – A vibrant party with rain showers, DJs, and unlimited colors.
- Traditional Holi at ISKCON Temple – A spiritual experience with devotional songs and flower Holi.
When to Visit?
To get the best of both worlds, it is advisable to timetable Delhi’s primary Holi festivity and then plan your visit.
Where to Stay in Delhi?
Luxury: The Leela Palace, The Oberoi
Mid-Range: The Lalit, ITC Maurya
Budget: Zostel Delhi, Moustache Hostel
10. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab – A Warrior’s Holi Celebration
Anandpur Sahib, a town in Punjab, is quite different when it comes to celebrating the festival of colors, Holi, in India. This contrasts dousing colored powder as the Sikh community here celebrates Hola Mohalla in the direction of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The major attractions of this festival are Sikh, martial arts, horse riding, wrestling, and full-attack demonstrations. It is one of the Legendary heroes, chivalry, honor, and, of course, a religious feast. Decorated with devotion, traditional song and dance, and ritualistic processions, Anandpur Sahib provides people with an authentic cultural experience in celebrating what could be considered one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India.
Why Celebrate Here?
Watch a colorful Holi that has special ties to the Sikh religion.
Watch Hola Mohalla – a three-day spectacle that involves martial arts and colorful processions.
Savour-free langars that offer authentic Punjabi cuisines.
Highlights of the Celebration:
- Swords Fighting and Sword Performance – Learn and feel the Sikh warrior culture.
- Gatka Performances: Sikh warriors showcase their sword-fighting skills.
- Kirtans and Religious Processions: It is customary to hear devotional songs and Hymns on the go.
When to Visit?
Come and witness this sight, which demonstrates both spirituality and martial arts, during the Hola Mohalla celebrations.
Where to Stay in Anandpur Sahib?
Luxury: Anand at the Satluj Resort, The Kikar Lodge
Mid-Range: Hotel Holy City Paradise, Virasat Haveli
Budget: Gurudwara Sarai ( Cheap and shelter for the pilgrims)
Final Words
Holi is one of India’s happy and playful festivals that is quite popular for its colors and music. Are you fond of a Holi celebration in Mathura and Vrindaban Royal Holi in Rajasthan or a beach Holi in Goa? Well, do not be surprised; there is the best place to celebrate Holi in India for everyone. Every place brings a different touch and cultural aspect to make the Holi celebration memorable.
It’s necessary for tourists interested in celebrating the Holi festival 2025 to plan their trip in advance. Whether it is religious fairs or festive parties, these places balloon with the prospects of a splendid and euphoric Holi. Thus, keep your luggage ready, put on the vibrant colors, and get ready to feel the essence of the Holi celebration in India!
Frequently Asked Questions About Holi, India
Ans. Certain places are Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Jaipur, Udaipur, Delhi, Hampi, and Shantiniketan.
Ans. Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, hosts grand Holi celebrations with colors, music, and cultural events.
Ans. Barsana celebrates Lathmar Holi, and the women folk particularly tease the men folk with sticks, singing folk songs.
Ans. Flower Holi is celebrated at Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, and regular Holi colors are followed.
Ans. Yes, Jaipur and Udaipur organized the royal celebration of Holi with music, dance, and folk arts.
Ans. Udaipur’s City Palace Holi is a royal Holi with a touch of luxury, where there will be a bonfire session, folk dance, and color.
