Holi 2026 Travel Guide: Best Places to Celebrate Holi in India

• Lathmar Holi (Feb 25-26, 2026): In the villages of Barsana and Nandgaon, women playfully "beat" men with sticks (lathis) while men defend themselves with shields. It’s a reenactment of ancient legends and a sight to behold.

• Widows' Holi: A powerful and moving tradition where women who were once socially excluded from festivals now celebrate with colors at the Gopinath Temple.

2. The Royal Experience: Udaipur and Jaipur

For those who want vibrancy without the "chaotic" crowds of the streets, Rajasthan offers a regal alternative.

Udaipur: The Royal Bonfire

On the evening of March 3, 2026, the Mewar Royal Family hosts a magnificent Holika Dahan ceremony at the City Palace. Imagine a palace lit by firelight, royal drums, and a procession of decorated horses.

• Best for: Luxury travelers and families.

Jaipur: The Pink City in Full Color

Jaipur’s Holi is a mix of heritage and community. While the famous Elephant Festival has been scaled back for animal welfare, the city still hosts massive cultural events at the Govind Dev Ji Temple.

• Must-Do: Join a "Holi Event" at a heritage haveli for a mix of traditional folk music (Ghoomar) and safe, organic color play.

3. Pushkar — Youthful, Backpacker & Party Holi

Best For: Party lovers, Gen Z travelers, backpackers, international youth

Pushkar is widely known as the party capital of Holi in India, attracting young travelers from across the world. The town transforms into a giant open-air festival filled with DJ music, dance, street colors, rooftop parties, and social energy.

What Makes Pushkar Holi Unique

• Street DJ Holi Parties: Loud music, dancing crowds, and colorful street celebrations

• Hostel & Rooftop Events: Backpacker hostels organize exclusive Holi parties

• International Crowd: A vibrant mix of Indian and foreign travelers

• Carefree & Fun Vibe: One of the most youthful and energetic Holi destinations

Why Pushkar Will Trend in Holi 2026

• Highly popular on Instagram Reels, YouTube vlogs, and travel influencers

• One of the most searched Holi party destinations among young travelers

• Budget-friendly travel with great café culture

Pro Tip: Stay near Pushkar Lake or main market for easy access to celebrations.

4. Delhi — Event-Based & Premium Holi Experiences

Best For: EDM Holi, resort Holi, curated festival events, corporate crowds

Delhi offers modern, ticketed, and high-energy Holi celebrations perfect for travelers who prefer organized events over street chaos.

Popular Holi Experiences in Delhi

• EDM Holi Festivals: Live DJs, celebrity performances, and massive color parties

• Luxury Resort Holi: Pool parties, brunch Holi, and family-friendly events

• Cultural & Community Holi: Parks, societies, and heritage venues host festive programs

• Safe & Controlled Events: Ideal for tourists, families, and corporate groups

Why Delhi is a Smart Holi Travel Choice

• Excellent connectivity (airport, metro, trains)

• Wide range of budget to luxury accommodation

• Easy access to nearby Holi hotspots — Mathura, Vrindavan, Agra

Tip: Buy verified event passes only to avoid scams.

5. Shantiniketan — Artistic & Cultural Holi (West Bengal)

Best For: Peaceful travelers, art lovers, cultural explorers

In Shantiniketan, Holi is celebrated as Basanta Utsav, a festival introduced by Rabindranath Tagore. This celebration focuses on music, poetry, dance, and harmony, rather than loud colors and crowds.

What Makes Basanta Utsav Special

• Students perform Rabindra Sangeet & classical dance

• Yellow-themed celebration symbolizing spring and renewal

• Organic colors and flower petals

• A graceful, respectful, and artistic atmosphere

Why Shantiniketan Is Ideal for Holi 2026

• Perfect for travelers who want a calm, cultural, and meaningful Holi

• Excellent for photography, storytelling, and slow travel

• Less commercial and deeply authentic

Best For: Couples, solo travelers, senior tourists, and cultural enthusiasts.

6. Udaipur — Romantic & Royal Holi

Best For: Couples, luxury travelers, honeymooners

Udaipur, the City of Lakes, hosts one of India’s most romantic and royal Holi celebrations. The festival here often begins with grand palace rituals and continues with exclusive resort parties and cultural programs.

Top Holi Experiences in Udaipur

• Royal Holika Dahan at City Palace

• Traditional palace courtyard Holi

• Luxury resort Holi brunch & color celebrations

• Cultural dance and folk music evenings

Why Couples Love Udaipur for Holi

• Romantic lake views and heritage stays

• Perfect blend of festival + honeymoon-style vacation

• Safe, premium, and visually stunning

Bonus: Combine Holi with visits to Lake Pichola, Sajjangarh Palace, and Jag Mandir.

7. Mumbai — Bollywood, Celebrity & High-Energy Holi

Best For: Party lovers, influencers, Bollywood fans

Mumbai offers a glamorous, star-studded, and high-energy Holi experience. Many celebrity-hosted Holi parties, music festivals, and luxury club events take place across the city.

What to Expect

• Bollywood DJ Holi parties

• Celebrity appearances and influencer events

• Luxury hotel & beachside Holi celebrations

• Fashionable crowds and premium party scenes

Why Mumbai Holi is Trending

• Strong social media influence and viral party content

• Best for travelers who love music, glamour, and nightlife

• Great food, nightlife, and coastal travel add extra value

Tip: Book high-rated events and avoid unauthorized street parties.

8. Hampi — Bohemian & International Holi

Best For: Photography lovers, foreign travelers, boho explorers

Hampi offers one of the most visually stunning and bohemian Holi experiences, set among ancient ruins, boulder landscapes, and riverside temples.

Why Hampi is Unique

• Holi celebrated with travelers from around the world

• Stunning photography backdrops

• Mix of spiritual, backpacker, and artistic vibes

• Peaceful yet colorful celebrations

Perfect For

• Travel vloggers & photographers

• International tourists

• Offbeat culture seekers

Added Bonus: Explore UNESCO heritage ruins along with Holi celebrations.

9. Anandpur Sahib — Hola Mohalla (Punjab)

Best For: Sikh cultural travelers, history lovers, spiritual tourists

Hola Mohalla is a powerful Sikh warrior festival celebrated around Holi, founded by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Unlike color-focused Holi, this festival highlights bravery, martial arts, and community strength.

Key Festival Experiences

• Nihang warrior demonstrations

• Gatka (Sikh martial arts) performances

• Horse riding displays & mock battles

• Grand religious processions

• Langar (community meals) for thousands

Why Hola Mohalla Is Special

• Deep spiritual and historical significance

• Unique cultural experience beyond color celebrations

• Perfect for travelers seeking heritage, faith, and meaningful festivals

10. Shangla (Sangla) Holi — The Hidden Himalayan Holi Experience

Why Shangla Holi Is One of India’s Most Unique Holi Festivals

Shangla Holi (commonly called Sangla Holi) takes place in Sangla Valley, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh — one of the most scenic and culturally rich Himalayan regions.

Unlike commercial Holi celebrations, Shangla Holi is part of the ancient Faguli (Fagli) Festival, a centuries-old tribal and spiritual celebration deeply connected to Kinnauri heritage, folk rituals, and nature worship .

This festival is becoming one of the fastest-growing offbeat Holi travel trends for 2026.

Shangla Holi 2026 Date & Festival Timeline

Shangla Holi is celebrated in March as part of the multi-day Faguli Festival.
In 2026, festivities are expected between:

• March 3–15, 2026 (Exact village-wise dates vary)

Unlike mainstream Holi, celebrations here are slow-paced, ritualistic, and culturally immersive.

What Makes Shangla Holi Different From Other Holi Celebrations?

This makes Shangla Holi perfect for travelers seeking an offbeat, authentic, and soulful Holi experience.

Key Experiences During Shangla Holi

Faguli Festival Rituals

• Village processions

• Masked dance performances

• Traditional drumming & folk music

Cultural Performances

• Kinnauri dance

• Mythological storytelling

• Community feasts

Organic Color Holi

• Natural herbal colors

• Community-based color celebrations

Scenic Himalayan Exploration

• Sangla village

• Chitkul (Last Indian village)

• Baspa Valley

• Kalpa & Kinnaur landscapes

Shangla Holi Tour Package 2026 — What Travelers Can Expect

The Shangla Holi Tour Package 2026 is expected to be one of the top-selling offbeat Holi travel packages.

Typical Package Inclusions

• Transport from Shimla / Chandigarh

• Hotel or homestay accommodation

• Cultural festival access

• Guided village & valley tours

• Local folk event participation

• Meals featuring Kinnauri cuisine

• Photography & storytelling experiences

Suggested Shangla Holi Tour Package 2026 Itinerary (5–7 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Shimla → Transfer to Sangla

Day 2: Explore Sangla Valley & Baspa River

Day 3: Attend Faguli Festival Rituals

Day 4: Shangla Holi Color Celebration

Day 5: Visit Chitkul & Local Villages

Day 6: Optional Kalpa Excursion

Day 7: Return to Shimla / Chandigarh

Estimated Cost: Shangla Holi Tour Package 2026

Value Advantage:
Shangla Holi packages are less crowded, more cultural, and more scenic than mainstream Holi trips.

Who Should Choose Shangla Holi?

✔ Travelers seeking offbeat destinations
✔ Photographers & vloggers
✔ Couples & slow-travel lovers
✔ Culture & heritage explorers
✔ Foreign tourists seeking authentic Indian festivals
✔ People avoiding chaotic commercial Holi

Best Holi Travel Itineraries for 2026

3-Day Short Trip

Delhi → Vrindavan → Agra

5-Day Cultural Holi Trip

Mathura → Jaipur → Pushkar

7-Day Premium Holi Tour

Delhi → Udaipur → Jaipur → Jodhpur

Offbeat Holi Trip

Shimla → Shangla Holi Tour Package 2026 → Chitkul

Estimated Holi Travel Budget 2026

Safety & Travel Tips for Holi Travelers

• Use organic colors

• Protect eyes & electronics

• Respect local traditions

• Avoid overcrowded areas

• Pre-book hotels early

• Carry emergency contacts

Why Holi 2026 Will Be the Biggest Travel Festival Yet

Holi 2026 will be more than a festival — it will be a travel movement.
From royal Jaipur to spiritual Mathura to the hidden cultural magic of Shangla Holi, travelers now have diverse choices based on experience, authenticity, budget, and crowd preference.

The Shangla Holi Tour Package 2026 stands out as one of the most promising offbeat trips trends, perfect for travelers who want culture, peace, photography, and Himalayan beauty combined with Holi celebrations.