As Holi approaches, it’s not just gulal that’s flying; travel searches are on the rise too. Data from digital travel platforms and hostel networks indicate that more Indians—and international visitors—are planning their trips to destinations where the festival is deeply immersive and vibrant.
Royal Rajasthan: Jaipur, Udaipur, Pushkar
According to Agoda, accommodation searches for the Holi week have notably increased in Rajasthan’s heritage cities. Jaipur saw a remarkable 282% surge in year-on-year searches. The city’s palace-inspired festivities and celebrations around Amer Fort contribute to its enduring allure.
Udaipur experienced a 233% jump, attracting travellers to lakeside festivities around Lake Pichola and heritage hotels hosting special Holi events. Pushkar witnessed a 195% rise, fueled by its vibrant street gatherings and community-led celebrations along Pushkar Lake and its 52 ghats.
There’s also a growing international interest. Agoda’s data shows that Udaipur had a whopping 459% increase in searches from Asia, while Jaipur experienced over 191% growth, primarily driven by travellers from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea.
Temple towns: Vrindavan, Mathura, Agra
Cultural and spiritually rooted Holi celebrations are firmly on the travel radar. Vrindavan noted a 126% increase in travel interest, as visitors are eager to partake in flower Holi ceremonies and temple festivities.
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Mathura saw a 109% rise, drawing visitors to the celebrations in Lord Krishna’s birthplace. Insights from Skyscanner’s Cultural Tourism indicate that 51% of Indians wish to experience Lathmar Holi, celebrated traditionally in Barsana and its nearby areas.
While many travel directly to the main events, Skyscanner suggests Agra as a convenient base. Its proximity to Mathura and Barsana, combined with better connectivity, makes it an appealing choice for festival-based getaways.
Cultural immersion: Varanasi and Shantiniketan
For those seeking depth rather than spectacle, heritage cities are becoming increasingly popular. Varanasi has reported a 76% year-on-year increase in searches, affirming its status as a city where Holi merges vibrant colors with age-old customs.
Shantiniketan, famed for Basanta Utsav celebrations enriched in art and music, noted a 43% rise in travel interest according to Agoda. Kolkata continues to appeal to those who favor Dol Jatra’s reflective and cultural interpretation of the festival.
Beyond the obvious: Hampi and the Himalayas
Unconventional and experiential locations are also gaining traction. Hampi, known for its UNESCO-listed ruins and open temple spaces, experienced a 128% rise in searches, captivating culture and history enthusiasts.
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Hostel network Zostel reveals a broader experiential trend, showing a 34% year-on-year increase in Holi bookings, with a striking 189% rise in international guest reservations.
In the Himalayas, bookings in Sangla increased by 107%, while Kalpa saw an 85% rise, reflecting a preference for intimate, community-driven celebrations as opposed to bustling urban crowds. Meanwhile, Jaisalmer experienced a 48% increase in overall guests.
Metro energy: Mumbai and key routes
Urban festivities are still very much alive. Mumbai is prominently featured in Skyscanner searches, with beachside events and high-energy parties making it a festival hotspot.
Flight searches from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to major Holi destinations are demonstrating strong interest, according to Skyscanner data, indicating robust domestic travel around the long weekend.
A festival driving travel decisions
Skyscanner has noted that 76% of Indian travelers have adjusted their travel plans specifically to attend cultural or festival events, with over 80% prioritizing destinations based on cultural experiences. Holi is increasingly becoming the reason for the trip itself, whether it’s the palace courtyards in Jaipur, temple squares in Vrindavan, Himalayan valleys in Sangla, or lakeside festivities in Udaipur.
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