Top 10 Holi Travel Destinations to Explore in 2026

Winter is slowly fading away and we are beginning to embrace the colourful season of spring. Indians have a unique way of celebrating this spring season with colours, snacks and tasty sweets: called Holi. While some of the people are busy shopping for Holi celebrations, many are looking to explore the best Holi travel destinations.

Holi 2026 is the best time to travel and explore travel destinations in India with your family and friends. Imagine celebrating Holi in places which have started this very festival. Imagine celebrating Holi in a place that has deep cultural ties and relation with this age old Hindu festival.

In this blog we will explain the top 10 Holi travel destinations for passengers along with special tips for your travel. So pack your bags as we head on towards a colorful journey in 2026.

Holi Travel Destinations for 2026

Passengers looking to explore the Holi travel destinations in 2026 can choose from a carefully curated list made specially for you. Let’s explore:

1. Holi in Mathura

The festival of Holi is deeply linked with Lord Krishna and what better place to celebrate it than the birthplace of the lord, Mathura. Holi in Mathura doesn’t start from the day of Holi, but 40 days before this final day starting as early as Vasant Panchami. Yes, Holi hype in Mathura is real.

Holi in Mathura revolves around two main temples: Krishna Janmabhoomi Festival and Dwarkadhish Temple. The celebration begins in the temple courtyard from the morning with Bhajans, colours and Gulaal. A grand procession is also taken out from the Vishram Ghat to the Holi Gate. Mathura Junction Railway Station (MTJ) is the nearest Railway station from this destination.

2. Vrindavan Holi

Vrindindavan is the place where Lord Krishna celebrated most of his childhood. If there is any place that celebrates the festival in its true fervour, it is Vrindavan Holi. Travelers get to visit the Phoolon wali Holi (Holi of Flowers) in the Banke Bihari temple of this city. For about 15-20 minutes, priests shower the visitors with flower petals instead of the traditional colours used in this festival. There is no visual spectacle that can match this. 

Vrindavan is a city that has preserved the divine love of Radha and Krishna in its culture and traditions. Holi is an important event for this city and you will understand this only when you visit Vrindavan Holi. 

Another heart moving event that takes place for Holi in this city is the Widow’s Holi. People also call Vrindavan the “City of Widows” because a large number of widows reside in the city. Widows remain in this city because of social ostracization, family abandonment and also because dying in the city of Lord Krishna grants liberation according to Hindu spiritual beliefs. Widows are expected to wear White coloured clothes and are expected to stay away from festivals and celebrations, especially Holi.  

However in 2013, Sulabh International started to challenge this age old practise of treating widows in such a harsh manner. As a result of this Widow’s Holi is celebrated in the Gopinath temple and Pagal Baba Ashram. There is something emotional about Holi colours being thrown and played by White clad Widows. The colours are more prominent on their clothes and even more prominent is the smile on their faces.

Passengers can reach Vrindavan from the Vrindavan Junction (BDB). However, this is a very small station and most passengers prefer the Mathura Junction Railway Station to reach Vrindavan. 

3. Lathmar Holi at Barsana

Holi at Barasana is famous for its unique Lathmar Holi event. In this Holi celebration, women take long bamboo sticks called Lath and playfully  strike it over men, who defend these blows with a shield over their heads. Women with their long veil over their head soaked in colours hitting men who are equally drenched in colours.

This tradition is rooted too in the legends of Lord Krishna. Barasan is the home of Radha Mata. It is said that on one of Lord Krishna’s visits to Barsana, the ladies of Barsana chased him with Laths. As a response Lathmar Holi came into practice where ladies of Barsana used Laths against the men of Nandgaon (Lord Krishna’s village). On the next day, the ritual is repeated and the debt is paid back as the ladies of Nandgaon now hit men of Barsana.

Visitors are advised to observe this event from a distance and vicinity to these festivities can be dangerous. Barsana is a small town and owing to the huge tourist footfall in Holi, vehicle entry is restricted near the temple premises.

Travelers can reach Barsana from Kosi Kalan Railway Station (KSV) or the Mathura Junction Railway Station.

Braj Holi Calendar 2026

All the above-mentioned locations, i.e., Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana come under the Braj region. It is a region that is very dear to Lord Krishna and Hoi festivities in this region is not a one day affair but a multi-day event. Here is the complete Braj Hoili Calendar 2026:

4. Varanasi Holi

Varanasi, a city dedicated to Lord Mahadeva has its own way of celebrating Holi. Holi in Varanasi is not a one day affair but a 6 day long festival called the Rangbhari Ekadashi. This is celebrated to mark the arrival of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati in Kashi after their marriage.

The most striking feature of Varanasi Holi is the Masaan Holi (Masaan = Cremation ground). It will be celebrated on March 3 at the Manikarnika and Harishchandra Ghats. During this festival, devotees and Aghori Sadhus play Holi with Bhasma (Ashes) from the cremation pyres. However, this event is not meant for devotees but for Lord Mahadeva himself. Authorities advise visitors to maintain respectful distance from the event.

Holi is celebrated with songs, Gulaal and colours at the Ghat. An important feature of Varanasi Holi is Thandai  which can be legally bought in Government-sanctioned shops. Travellers are advised to maintain discretion while consuming Thandai as these drinks can be very potent. 

Passengers can reach Varanasi from Varanasi Junction (BSB), Banaras Railway Station (BSBS) or Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction (DDU).

5. Pushkar Holi

Pushkar Holi is another interesting destination to spend your holidays. It is a city dedicated to Lord Brahma and the Brahma Temple of this city is very famous. The major centre of this city is Pushkar Lake. Legends say that Lord Brahma’s lotus fell on earth. The place at which the lotus fell transformed into a lake, called the Pushkar Lake.

Holi travel enthusiasts can enjoy this city for its massive open-air DJ party. The party is held in the town’s main square where everyone unites to celebrate Holi on the beats of EDM (Electronic Dance Music) and Rajashtani folk songs. 

Holi festivities begin on the eve of Holika Dahan. Huge bonfires are lit up on Vraha Ghat and Jaiput Ghat. After this devotees take a holy bath in the Pushkar Lake. Pushkar Holi is characterised by its Kapda Faad Holi, where participants playfully tear each other’s clothes to signify the dissolution of boundaries.

Travellers can reach Pushkar via the nearby Ajmer Junction Railway Station (AII).

6. Jaipur Holi

Jaipur is among the Holi travel destinations that has its own unique flavour. It provides royal vibes and also an opportunity to play flower Holi with elephants. Yes, no kidding here.

Jaipur has had a long history of celebrating Holi with elephants known as Jaipur Elephant festival. However, authorities discontinued the festival after protests by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). However passengers can still visit the Eleday Elephant Park to celebrate Eleholi. Eleholi is an event when visitors can bathe, colour and hug the elephants and play Holi with them in a non-invasive manner.

Holi is celebrated here by royals and commoners alike. Locals dance to Ghoomar and Kalbelia dance forms and consume the traditional delicacy called Ghewar.

Passengers can reach Jaipur from the nearest Jaipur Railway Station (JP).

7. Udaipur Holi

Udaipur Holi is as royal as Holi can get. The festivities kick off with the Holika Dehan ceremony where the Maharana of Mewar presides himself. The Maharana arrives in a huge procession through the Manek Chowk. The royal family lights the bonfire across Lake Pichola, creating a mystically beautiful view from a distance.

On the day of Holi, colours illuminate Udaipur’s ghats and forts, bringing the city to life. Folk dance like Gair is performed in the royal courtyards while big hotels throw lavish parties with great food and music.

Udaipur Railway Station (UDZ) is the nearest railway station to join the Udaipur Holi festivities. 

8. Shantiniketan Holi

Passengers who don’t like the loudness and energy of Holi should try the Shantinketan way of celebrating Holi. Instead of relying on loud music and flashy events, it tries to calm the festival with cultural events.

Holi is called Basanta Utsav in Bengal. Students and teachers celebrate it by gathering in the mango grove dressed in yellow. They perform dances and sing the Rabindra Sangeet to mark the arrival of Spring month. Shantiniketan is a part of Bolpur town of Birbhum district. Passengers can reach here via the Bolpur Shantiniketan Railway Station (BHP).

9. Holi at Anandpur Sahib

Holi at other places means colours and enjoyments, but Holi at Anandpur Sahib means display of traditional Sikh martial arts and discipline. Anandpur Sahib celebrates a 3 day Holi festival called Hola Mohalla. The tenth Guru of Sikhism Guru Gobind Singh started this way of celebrating Holi in 1701.

Nihang Sikhs characterised by their Blue robes and weapons are the main highlights of this Holla Mohalla festival. They perform the Gatka, cavalry games with one of the events including a Sikh warrior standing on two horses simultaneously. Volunteers organise massive langars that serve food to thousands of visitors.

Travellers can reach this location through the Anandpur Sahib Railway Station (ANSB).

10. Hampi Holi

If you want to experience Holi infused with the flavours of South India, Hampi is the perfect destination. Hampi is the ancient capital of the legendary Vijayanagar Kingdom. The two main hotspots of Holi at Hampi include the Virupaksha Temple and the Hampi Bazaar.

On the day of Holi a decorated chariot begins its journey from the Virupaksha temple. Devotees gather around it with the sounds of drums and the dance of Dollu Kunitha, a traditional Karnataka folk dance. As the heat intensifies, visitors move towards the Tungabhadra river to wash away the colours and the Gulaal. 

This ancient city can be reached with the nearest Hospet Junction Railway Station (HPT).

Things You Should Carry on Your Holi Trip

Passengers planning a Holi trip should prepare well. Holi celebrations involve colours and gulal, so travellers must clean them off properly afterward. Here are some of the items you should always have with yourself if you are going on a trip:

Clothing Essentials

• Old clothes for Holi celebration
• Light and loose cotton clothes
• Extra Set of clothes
• Comfortable Footwears
• Towel and Handkerchiefs

Skin and Hair Care 

• Moisturiser
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm
• Wet Wipes
• Head Scarf or Bandana

Eye and Face Safety

• Sunglasses or eye protective gear
• Face Masks

Gadgets Protection

• Water proof Phone bags
• Zip lock bags for Wallets, Tickets, etc
• Small bag for essentials

Hygiene Essentials

• Hand Wash
• Hand Sanitizers
• Water Bottle

Bonus Tips

• Use organic colours only
• Keep your valuables away while playing Holi
• Wear Old clothes instead of new
• Protect your Phone or DSLR cameras when shooting in Holi

Why Train Journeys Are the Best for Holi Travel

Passengers can go on Holi travel destinations by a number of travel mediums. However, train travel still remains the most preferred travel method for passengers. Here’s why:

• Indian Railways offers extensive coverage across the country. It connects almost every city and town, making rail travel accessible to millions. The railway infrastructure supports mass travel efficiently.
• Trains are affordable. They carry minimum charges even and especially on long train routes.
• Railways are comfortable for long journeys. There are multiple coaches in a train such as AC, Sleeper, Chair Car and even Second Sitting. Passengers can choose the seat according to their desired level of comfort.
• Indian Railways are safe and reliable during the peak festive season like Holi. Unlike other modes of travel that charge extra for crowded seasons, Indian Railways launches several special trains for the comfort of the passengers.

Smart Travel Tips for a Safe Holi Experience

Holi also brings the intense desire to travel to one’s hometowns. That is why travel is tricky during these times. However, there is nothing that cannot be tackled with propeller and efficient planning. Here are some of the tips and techniques that will make you train travel comfortable:

• Book your tickets early. There is no substitute for booking tickets early. This is the safest method to book Confirmed train tickets with the Indian Railways.
• Check train seat availabilitybefore booking the tickets
• Use trains between stations feature to check the number of trains available between you location and your choice among the best Holi travel destinations.
• To check the detailed timings of the train, use Train Schedule services.
• Track your train live with the help of live train running status service. This service also provides the platform on which your train will halt.
• Pre-order your food on the train. Yes, you can order delicious, restaurant-quality food on the train, and it will arrive directly at your seat.

How to Order Food in Train for Holi Travel Destinations

You can order food in train during Holi using RailMitra website or the train app, available on both Android and iOS. Just follow these simple and easy steps:

1. 1. Go to RailMitra.com or install the Application.
   2. Select Food in Train option.
   3. You can order by two methods: PNR Method or Train No./Name method.
      1. PNR Method: Enter 10-digit PNR Number and click on Order Now.
      2. Train No./Name method: Enter Train No./Name, Boarding Date and click on Order Now. Enter the Boarding Station.
   4. Select the Station where you want to receive your train food order.
   5. Select the Restaurant of your choice, Choose your favorite meals and add them to the Cart. 
   6. Click on View Cart and Proceed.
   7. Enter Customer Details and Select a Payment option.
   8. Apply Coupon Codes.
   9. Hit Place Order.

Your train food order would be delivered at your seat.

Conclusion

Exploring the Holi travel destinations will open your eyes to so many versions of this festival in the country. From the divine celebration of Radha-Krishna in the Braj Region of Mathura Vrindavan and Barsana to the Bhasma Holi of Varanasi, DJ parties at Pushkar to Elephant theme Jaipur festivities, Martial art infused Holla Mohalla to the peace of Shantiniketan and Hampi, each region has their own twist and blend to this festival of colours. Sometimes, India’s diversity really stuns us all, isn’t it?

Holi isn’t meant to be spent at home only. You should use this time to explore new experiences. While there are multiple methods to navigate these destinations, train travel stool remains unchallenged in comfort, reliability and affordability.

RailMitra ensures that you not only travel these journeys with complete information but also with a tasty meal by your side. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head towards the Holi travel destination of your choice,  now! Happy Holi.