Holi, the festival of colors, is one of India’s most vibrant and joyous celebrations. Rooted in Hindu mythology and the arrival of spring, it is a time when people come together to smear each other with bright gulal, dance to folk music, and share sweets. While Holi is celebrated across the entire country, certain destinations transform the festival into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Whether you seek spiritual depth, royal grandeur, or pure street-level madness, India has a Holi for every kind of traveler. Here are the most famous places in India to celebrate Holi in all its glory.

Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh — The Spiritual Heart of Holi

When it comes to Holi, no destination on earth rivals Mathura and Vrindavan. These twin sacred cities in Uttar Pradesh are the birthplace and childhood home of Lord Krishna, and the celebration here lasts not just one day but an entire week. The festivities begin with Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Nandgaon, where women playfully beat men with sticks while men shield themselves a ritual rooted in the legend of Krishna and Radha.

Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari Temple is the epicenter of devotion and color, where priests shower devotees with flowers and gulal in a breathtaking ritual known as Phoolon Wali Holi (Holi with Flowers). The atmosphere here is electric, deeply spiritual, and utterly overwhelming in the best possible way. The streets overflow with sadhus, pilgrims, tourists, and locals all united by color and devotion.

Best for: Spiritual seekers, cultural enthusiasts, and photographers. When to visit: 7–10 days before the main Holi date.

Jaipur, Rajasthan — Royal Holi in the Pink City

The Pink City adds a royal touch to the festival of colors. Jaipur’s Holi celebrations are famous for their majestic setting imagine playing Holi in the courtyards of heritage havelis and palaces, with elephants dressed in colorful attire parading through the streets. The city hosts the iconic Elephant Festival on the eve of Holi, a grand spectacle that has attracted visitors from around the world.

Many of Jaipur’s heritage hotels organize exclusive rooftop Holi parties complete with traditional Rajasthani music, thandai (a spiced drink sometimes laced with bhang), and organic colors. The blend of regal Rajputana culture and the festival’s uninhibited spirit makes Jaipur one of India’s most photogenic Holi destinations.

Best for: Luxury travelers, history lovers, and those looking for an Instagram-worthy celebration. When to visit: On the main day of Holi (Dhulandi).

Pushkar, Rajasthan — A Global Carnival of Colors

Pushkar is where India’s Holi meets the world. This small, sacred town on the banks of the Pushkar Lake draws thousands of international backpackers and tourists every year, turning the festival into a multicultural celebration unlike any other. The open ghats, sandy alleys, and rooftops of Pushkar become a canvas of color, music, and laughter.

The vibe in Pushkar is relaxed yet electrifying. Local guesthouses and cafés host Holi parties, DJs spin a mix of Bollywood and electronic music, and the atmosphere is welcoming to solo travelers and foreign visitors. Despite its laid-back feel, Pushkar does not compromise on tradition the temples here observe religious rituals with the same reverence as anywhere else in Rajasthan.

Best for: Backpackers, solo travelers, and international tourists. When to visit: Two to three days around the main Holi date.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh — Holi on the Holy Ghats

Varanasi, India’s oldest living city, adds a mystical dimension to Holi. Here, the celebration unfolds on the ancient ghats of the Ganges, where ash-smeared Aghori sadhus, pilgrims, and locals participate in a unique version of the festival. The Masan Holi (Holi of the cremation grounds) is a rare and haunting spectacle where devotees play Holi with ash near the burning ghats of Manikarnika a tradition linked to Lord Shiva.

Apart from this extraordinary ritual, Varanasi’s lanes, temples, and riverbanks come alive with colour and music. Boat rides on the Ganges during Holi offer a surreal vantage point to witness the chaos of the festival against the backdrop of ancient ghats and temple spires.

Best for: Adventurous souls, spiritual travelers, and those seeking an offbeat experience. When to visit: Starting from the eve of Holi.

Delhi — Holi in the Heart of the Capital

India’s capital city offers Holi celebrations that are as diverse as its population. From large-scale public events in parks and maidans to private colony celebrations and rooftop parties, Delhi has something for everyone. The famous Holi Moo Festival and Wicked Holi events attract thousands of young revelers with live music, DJs, and organic colors.

Delhi’s melting pot of cultures means you can experience Punjabi-style Holi in one neighborhood and Braj-style Holi in another. The city’s food scene also comes alive with special Holi menus featuring gujiya (sweet dumplings), thandai, and dahi bhalle.

Best for: Young travelers, party-goers, and food lovers. When to visit: On the main day and the evening before (Holika Dahan).

Hampi, Karnataka — Hippie Island Holi

The ancient ruins of Hampi in Karnataka have long been a magnet for backpackers and free spirits, and Holi here is no exception. Celebrated on the rocky, river-laced landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, Holi in Hampi has a bohemian quality that sets it apart from traditional celebrations. Travelers from across the globe gather here, making it an international cultural exchange wrapped in color.

The laid-back guesthouses on Virupapura Gaddi (Hippie Island) host communal Holi parties by the Tungabhadra River. The contrast of the festival’s vivid colors against Hampi’s ancient stone temples and boulder-strewn terrain makes for unforgettable photographs and memories.

Best for: Backpackers, artists, and budget travelers. When to visit: On the main day of Holi.

Mumbai — Holi by the Sea

Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, brings its trademark energy and scale to Holi. Massive organized events, colony celebrations, and Bollywood-style parties make Mumbai’s Holi a flamboyant affair. Juhu Beach is one of the most popular spots where locals and visitors alike celebrate by the sea, and the city’s cosmopolitan nature ensures a festive atmosphere across every neighborhood.

Housing societies and resident welfare associations organize well-managed Holi events with DJ nights, thandai bars, and organic color stations. Mumbai also has a strong tradition of Rang Panchami, a second round of Holi celebrated five days after the main festival, which is observed with equal enthusiasm in the Maharashtrian community.

Best for: City travelers, Bollywood enthusiasts, and families. When to visit: On the main day and during Rang Panchami.

Essential Tips Before You Go

Before packing your bags for a Holi celebration in India, there are a few things to keep in mind. Always use organic, skin-safe colors and carry a change of clothes. Wear old clothes you don’t mind ruining. Apply coconut oil on your skin and hair before stepping out to make the color easier to remove. Stay mindful of personal boundaries and respectful of local customs, especially at sacred sites. Carry a waterproof cover for your phone and camera, and keep valuables secured.