Best Places To Celebrate Holi In Unique Ways!

India is a land of colours, and rightly so! One of the most celebrated festivals across India, Holi, is the highlight of the entire year to see India in its true colours. Due to regional and cultural variations, Holi isn’t celebrated in just one way. Across India, you’ll find that Holi has its own unique taste in different regions. From Rajasthan’s party-styled Holi to North India’s more traditional style and if after reading about the celebrations at these places, your travel soul wishes to travel to them and celebrate the festival in these unique ways; then you must check out the plethora of packages at WanderOn. 

Here Are The Top Places You Must Celebrate Holi At

1. Pushkar, Rajasthan

One of the best places to celebrate Holi in India, Pushkar hosts India’s craziest Holi parties. We recommend this location to those who want to celebrate the traditional holiday with a modern twist. Pushkar also hosts Holi Festivals, which are world-renowned, owing to which tourists from around the world especially go to Pushkar to play Holi. Besides that, you will find almost all the locals on the streets playing, dancing, and singing! There is no alcohol served here, although you will find government-approved Bhang shops all over the city. 

Events To Attend In Pushkar

1. Holi Party By Voyagers Beat on- 6 March
2. Holi Party Pushkar at Satyam Palace Resort- 6 March
3. Pushkar Music Festival- 7 March
4. PMF 2023 Pushkar at Pushkar Lake- 8 March

Travel Options for reaching Pushkar

By Air: The nearest airport to Pushkar is the Jaipur Airport which is 140 Kilometres away from the city. 

By Train: You can easily reach Ajmer station by train and then take a cab/ taxi for a 30-minute drive to reach Pushkar. 

By Bus: One can easily reach Pushkar by taking a bus from Delhi to Ajmer and then further taking a bus to Pushkar. 

2. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Udaipur, also known as the City of Lakes, is one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. The vibrant festival of colours is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Udaipur, where people gather in large numbers to smear each other with vibrant colours and indulge in traditional delicacies. Some of the best places to celebrate Holi in Udaipur include City Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, and Gangaur Ghat, where one can witness the traditional Rajasthani folk dances and music performances. Moreover, the city’s stunning palaces and forts provide the perfect backdrop for capturing memorable moments during the festival. Overall, Holi celebrations in Udaipur are a treat for the senses, and one can immerse in the festive spirit of India’s colourful culture.

Events To Attend In Udaipur

1. Rang De Udaipur at Swarnagarh Resort and Spa- 8 March
2. TLC Rang Raas at The Lotus County- 7 March

Travel Options for reaching Udaipur 

By Air: The nearest airport to Udaipur is the Maharana Pratap Airport  which is 20 Kilometres away from the city. 

By Train: Udaipur has its own railway station, which has a diverse rail network which connects to major cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Indore, Mumbai, and Kota. 

By Bus: One can easily reach Udaipur by taking a bus from major cities like Delhi, Jaipur,Indore, Kota, Ahmedabad and other major cities too.

3. Sangla, Himachal Pradesh

Sangla, located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, is a serene and picturesque destination that offers a unique way to celebrate Holi. The festival of colours is celebrated in a distinctive manner in Sangla, where people come together to celebrate in a traditional manner that is rooted in the local culture.

Sangla is one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India, as it offers a unique opportunity to experience the festival in a Himalayan setting. The snow-capped mountains, lush green forests, and tranquil rivers provide the perfect backdrop for a colourful and joyful celebration. The town is home to several temples and shrines, where devotees gather to perform puja and offer prayers to the gods.

The Holi celebrations in Sangla typically last for two days and begin with Holika Dahan, where a bonfire is lit to symbolise the victory of good over evil. The second day is the main day of Holi, where people smear each other with vibrant colours and exchange sweets and delicacies. The locals also indulge in traditional dances and music, such as the Kinnauri Nati are made from flowers and herbs that are found in the surrounding hills. This not only adds to the beauty of the festival but also ensures that the use of synthetic colours does not harm the environment. In fact, the use of natural colours is promoted by the locals, and visitors are encouraged to use them instead of synthetic ones. 

We highly recommend this location for those who are looking for unique experiences in the mountains. 

Events to attend in Sangla

1. Sangla Ke Rang near Sangla Bus Stop- 6 March

Travel Options for reaching Sangla

By Air: The nearest airport to Sangla is the Jubbarhatti Airport which is 194 Kilometres away from the city. 

By Train: The nearest railway station to Sangla is Shimla Railway Station which is 194 Kilometres away from the town. 

By Bus: Sangla has a well-set up network of roads, and one can easily reach the city by bus. 

4. Anandpur Sahib, Punjab

One of India’s most unique festivals -Hola Mohalla- and also an essential cultural element in Sikhism. Hola Mohalla is a masculine version of Holi that showcases mock battles and valour. With the atmosphere echoing with poetry and music, much battles and bright colours are essential aspects of this kind of Holi. We highly recommend celebrating holi here once in a life to experience a different side of the crazy holi we are all familiar with. Don’t forget to take part in Bhangra sessions and Langar!

Events to attend in Anandpur Sahib

1. Hola Mohalla Festival- 9 March to 11 March

Travel Options for reaching Anandpur Sahib

By Air: Anandpur Sahib has two airports near it, the closest one being the Chandigarh Airport which is 89 kms away from the city. The other airport near the city is in Ludhiana which is located at a distance of 98 kilometers. 

By Train: Anandpur Sahib has one railway station in the Rupnagar district, the railway station is a small one which consists of only one platform. 

By Bus: Anandpur Sahib has a well connected road network which has buses coming in and out from all the major cities like Delhi, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Chandigarh among others. 

5. Mathura

Known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna and one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India, Mathura is the place to be in if you’re someone looking to celebrate Holi in one of the unique ways. The festival of colours is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm in Mathura, where locals and tourists alike participate in the unparalleled celebrations. The entire city comes alive with vibrant colours, music, and dance performances, making it a popular destination for people to celebrate Holi. What becomes the centre of attention in Mathura during Holi is the Lathmar Holi, which is celebrated in the nearby town of Barsana. This unique celebration includes women hit men with sticks in a playful manner while the men try to protect themselves. The Holi celebration in Mathura is a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone looking for a place to celebrate Holi in India.

Travel Options for reaching Mathura 

By Air: Mathura doesn’t have an airport of its own, but has two major airports near it. The nearest airport is 59 kilometres away, while the other major airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is 157 kilometres away. 

By Train: Mathura has its own railway station, the Mathura Junction railway station which has movement of trains from all major cities. 

By Bus: One can easily reach Mathura by bus as the city has a well-set-up road network. The closest major city to Mathura is Delhi which is just 1 hour 35 minutes away by bus. 

6. Vrindavan

The list of best places to celebrate Holi in India is incomplete without including Vrindavan.  The places is renowned for its association with Lord Krishna and Radha, owing to which Holi is celebrated with top-notch thrill and excitement, which leads tourists from all over the world come to Vrindavan to participate in the colourful and lively Holi celebrations. Holi celebrations in the town are not your ordinary celebrations; they are a week-long fiesta which begins with ‘Lathmar Holi’. 

One of the most famous places during the Holi time is the Banke Bihari Temple which is decorated with vibrant colours, and the devotees engage in a lively and fun-filled celebration, smearing colours on each other’s faces and dancing to traditional music. Another addition in the most popular places to celebrate Holi in Vrindavan is the Radha Raman temple, in which priests shower flowers over the devotees. 

The Holi celebrations in Vrindavan are a sight to behold. If you’re looking for the best places to celebrate Holi in India in 2023, Vrindavan should definitely be on your list.

Travel Options for reaching Vrindavan

By Air: Vrindavan doesn’t have an airport of its own, however, travellers can take a flight to the Agra Airport from major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi and Mumbai. 

By Train: Vrindavan does have a railway station but, not all trains stop at that station. Therefore one can take a train to Mathura railway station which is just 14 kilometres away. 

By Bus: Direct buses don’t arrive in Vrindavan, but one can take a direct bus from major cities to Mathura, the closest city to Vrindavan located at a distance of 10 kilometres. 

7. Jaipur

Jaipur is one of the most popular destinations to celebrate the festival of Holi in India. The city’s colorful heritage, vibrant culture, and royal palaces offer a stunning backdrop, perfect for all your Insta worthy pictures. 

The Pink City has a plethora of  venues to celebrate Holi most of which includes forts, palaces, and the divine temples. The  City palace hosts a grand Holi celebration every year that includes cultural performances, music, and authentic Rajasthani cuisine. 

The markets of Jaipur, such as Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, and Nehru Bazaar, are also all colourful during the festival, with vendors selling traditional sweets, colours, and other Holi essentials.

Jaipur is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for places to celebrate Holi in India in 2023. With its unique cultural heritage and grandeur, Jaipur offers an once in a lifetime experience for the people taking part in the celebrations. The city’s lively and colourful atmosphere, combined with the hospitality of the locals, make it the perfect destination for anyone looking to experience the joy and excitement of Holi.

Events to attend in Jaipur

1. Mohey Rang De at Jai Club on 8 March
2. Holified at Mirza Ismail Road on 8 March
3. IMF Holi Carnival at Samurai Peacock Gardens on 8 March

Travel Options for reaching Jaipur

By Air: Travelling to Jaipur by air is one of the most convenient ways, one can take a direct flight from major cities to reach the Jaipur airport, which is located just 10 kilometres away from the city centre. 

By Train: Jaipur junction has a well-established railway network with trains coming in and going out from and to major cities. 

By Bus: Possessing a good network of roads, one can easily take a direct bus to Jaipur. There are a plethora of private and state operated buses travelling to Jaipur. 

8. Barsana 

Barsana, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, is renowned for its unique and vibrant Holi celebrations. It is considered to be one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India and has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The town is known for its Lathmar Holi, where women beat men with sticks to celebrate the divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha.

During the Lathmar Holi festival, the men from the neighboring village of Nandgaon visit Barsana, and the women of Barsana greet them with sticks. The men are dressed as Gops, and the women as Gopis, and they playfully hit each other with sticks. The celebration is not only unique but also steeped in history and culture, making it an unforgettable experience.

Barsana is also famous for its colorful Holi procession, where the locals dress in traditional clothes and carry idols of Radha and Krishna. They sing and dance to the tunes of traditional songs while throwing colors at each other. The celebration in Barsana is not limited to just one day; it lasts for a week, and every day has a different significance.

Apart from Lathmar Holi and the colorful procession, Barsana also has other cultural and religious events during Holi. One such event is the Dauji Mela, where people gather to celebrate the divine bond between Lord Balarama and Lord Krishna.

Overall, Barsana offers a unique and authentic Holi experience, making it one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India in 2023.

Travel Options for reaching Barsana

By Air: The Agra airport, located at a distance of 100 kilometres from Barsana is the closest airport to the city. However, people usually prefer to arrive at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi ( 150 kilometres from Agra) and then take a taxi/cab to reach Barsana. 

By Train: The nearest railway station to Barsana is the Mathura railway station located 45 kilometres away from the city centre. After arriving at the Mathura railway station, one can take a taxi or cab to reach Barsana. 

By Bus: There are many buses going from major Indian cities to Barsana. The tourism department has many buses running from Barsana to major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Agra and Mathura. 

9. Purulia

A small town in West Bengal, Purulia, over the years has gaining popularity as one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. Purulia is known for its unique Holi celebration called the Basanta Utsav.  This unique celebration observes dancers and people from all walks of life grooving to the beats of dhol all around the town. 

During the festival, people smear each other with colours and water while dancing to the beats. The visitors can also observe the traditional Chau dance, when taking part in the festivities. 

The place is one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India because of its unique and vibrant celebration, which offers visitors a chance to experience the local culture and traditions. If you are planning to celebrate Holi in 2023, make sure to add Purulia to your list of must-visit places in India.

Travel Options for reaching Purulia 

By Air: The closest airport to Purulia is the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport which is located at a distance of approximately 250 kilometres from Purulia. 

By Train: Purulia has a railway station however the trains operating there only come from Kolkata, which is at a distance of 322 kilometres from Purulia. One will have to reach Kolkata railway station and then take a train to Purulia. 

By Bus: One will have to take a bus from either Kolkata or Dhanbad to reach Purulia. 

10. Delhi

Delhi, the capital city of India, is one of the best places to celebrate Holi in India. It is a vibrant and lively city known for its grand Holi celebrations. The festival of colours is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm throughout the city, making it one of the top places to celebrate Holi in India in 2023. Delhi is known for its iconic Holi parties and events, which are attended by locals and tourists alike. 

Delhi people celebrate Holi by applying colours on one another and grooving to the beats of dhol, making it one of the most fun-filled and lively places to celebrate Holi in India. Overall, Delhi is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the joy and spirit of Holi celebrations in India.

Events to attend in Delhi

1. Rang Rasiya at FNP Estates on 5 March
2. Holi Bash 2.0 at Sid’s BnB on 7 March
3. Holi Hai | The Land Of Colours at The Park Hotel on 8 March

Travel Options for reaching Delhi

By Air: Delhi has its own airport, the Indira Gandhi International Airport which has flights operating from all the major cities and countries. 

By Train: Delhi has two five major railway stations; the New Delhi Railway station, The Old Delhi Railway Station, Anand Vihar Terminal Delhi Sarai Rohilla Railway Station and the Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, which has trains coming to and from all major Indian cities. 

By Bus: Delhi has a well-established road network with buses coming to and from all major cities. Delhi has three major bus terminals, the Kashmiri Gate ISBT, the Sarai Kale Khan Bus terminal and the Anand Vihar Bus Terminal. 

India is abode to a plethora of places to celebrate Holi, and we hope that our list of places helps you in making the decision to choose the perfect place for celebrating the festival of colours. 

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