Best Places to Visit in Holi

Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, India

Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors or the Festival of Love, is a famous Hindu festival celebrated in India and other parts of the world. It usually falls in late February or early March, marking the arrival of spring and the end of winter.

The festival is a time for people to come together and celebrate the triumph of good over evil, and to forgive and forget past grievances. It is a joyous occasion filled with music, dance, and color.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Holi is the use of brightly colored powders and water, which people throw at each other during the festivities. This tradition symbolizes the breaking down of social barriers and the coming together of people from all walks of life.

In addition to playing with colors, Holi is also a time for feasting and celebration. Traditional foods like gujiya (sweet dumplings), mathri (savory crackers), and thandai (a sweet milk-based drink) are often prepared and shared with friends and family.

Holi is also a time for religious rituals and prayer. Many people attend special puja ceremonies at temples, where they offer prayers and seek blessings from the gods.

Overall, Holi is a vibrant and colorful festival that brings people together in a spirit of joy and camaraderie. It is a time to forget past differences and celebrate life's and love's beauty.

Here are some of the top places to celebrate Holi in India:

Benke Bihari temple in Vrindavan.

Mathura and Vrindavan - are two holy cities in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, and are famous for their grand and colorful Holi celebrations. Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and Vrindavan is where he spent most of his childhood.

During Holi, Mathura and Vrindavan come alive with colorful processions, music, and dance. The celebrations start with the Lathmar Holi in Barsana, a few days before the main festival, and continue for about a week.

On the day of the main Holi festival, people gather in the streets and throw colored powder and water at each other, sing Holi songs, and dance to the beat of drums. The atmosphere is electric, with people of all ages, castes, and religions coming together to celebrate the festival of colors.

In Mathura, the Holi celebrations take place at the Dwarkadheesh temple, where people come to play Holi with Lord Krishna's idol. In Vrindavan, the Holi celebrations take place at the Banke Bihari temple, where people play Holi with the temple priests and the deity.

Apart from the temple celebrations, there are several other events and activities that take place during Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan, such as the Phoolon wali Holi, where flowers are used instead of colors, and the Widow's Holi, where widows from the nearby ashrams come together to celebrate the festival.

The Holi celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan attract thousands of tourists and locals every year, making it one of the most popular Holi destinations in India. It is an experience that is not to be missed, as it offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and traditions of India and is a true celebration of love, unity, and brotherhood.

Here are the ways to reach Mathura and Vrindavan to Celebrate Holi

Mathura and Vrindavan are located in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India and are easily accessible by air, rail, and road.

By air:

The nearest airport to Mathura and Vrindavan is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, which is well-connected to major cities in India and around the world. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mathura or Vrindavan.

By rail:

Mathura is a major railway junction and is well-connected to cities like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. You can take a train from any of these cities to Mathura and then hire a taxi or take a local bus or auto-rickshaw to Vrindavan.

By road:

Mathura and Vrindavan are well-connected by road to major cities in North India. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Delhi, Agra, or Jaipur to reach Mathura or Vrindavan.

Once you reach Mathura or Vrindavan, you can easily explore the town and take part in the Holi celebrations. The Holi festivities in Mathura and Vrindavan usually start a week before the actual festival and include traditional rituals and colorful processions, so it is advisable to plan your trip accordingly.

How much budget do you need to Celebrate Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan?

The budget required to celebrate Holi in Mathura and Vrindavan can vary depending on your travel preferences and the duration of your trip. Here is an approximate budget breakdown for a 3-day trip to Mathura and Vrindavan during Holi:

Accommodation:

The cost of accommodation in Mathura and Vrindavan can vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose. Budget hotels and guesthouses can cost around INR 500-1000 per night, while mid-range and luxury hotels can cost upwards of INR 2000-3000 per night. A 3-night stay can cost around INR 1500-9000.

Transportation:

The cost of transportation depends on your mode of travel. Taking a bus or train can be relatively inexpensive, with a one-way ticket from Delhi to Mathura costing around INR 200-300. Hiring a taxi or private car can cost more, with a one-way trip costing around INR 2500-3000.

Food and Drinks:

The cost of food and drinks can vary depending on where and what you eat. Traditional street food and local delicacies can cost as low as INR 50-100 per meal, while restaurants and cafes can cost around INR 200-500 per meal. During Holi, special sweets and drinks are also sold, such as gujiyas and thandai.

Entry Fees:

There may be some entry fees to visit temples and participate in Holi events, such as the Lathmar Holi in Barsana. The entry fees can range from INR 50-200 per person.

Overall, a 3-day trip to Mathura and Vrindavan during Holi can cost around INR 10,000-15,000 per person, excluding the cost of shopping and any other additional expenses. It is recommended to plan and book your trip in advance to get the best deals on accommodation and transportation.

Barsana

Barsana -  Barsana Holi, also known as Lathmar Holi, is a unique and popular Holi celebration that takes place in the small town of Barsana in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is celebrated on the day of Lathmar Ekadashi, which is usually a few days before the main Holi festival.

During the Barsana Holi, women dressed in traditional attire gather in the Radha Rani Temple, armed with lathis (bamboo sticks), to playfully hit men who come to the temple from the neighboring town of Nandgaon. The men come dressed in colorful clothes, and they try to shield themselves with shields as they are hit by the women with lathis. The men, in turn, throw colors at the women and try to capture the temple.

The Lathmar Holi celebration is based on a mythological story, according to which Lord Krishna visited the town of Barsana to play Holi with his beloved Radha and her friends. The women of Barsana did not like the men from Nandgaon playing Holi with them, and they chased the men away with lathis.

The Barsana Holi celebrations last for two days, with the first day being celebrated in Barsana and the second day in Nandgaon. The celebrations are accompanied by music, dance, and traditional Holi delicacies like gujiya, mathri, and thandai.

The Barsana Holi is a unique and lively celebration that attracts thousands of tourists and locals every year. It is a fun and colorful way to experience the rich culture and traditions of India and is definitely worth witnessing at least once in a lifetime.

Here are the ways to reach Barsana to celebrate Holi:

By air:

The nearest airport to Barsana is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, which is located about 150 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Barsana.

By rail:

The nearest railway station to Barsana is the Mathura Junction, which is well-connected to cities like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. From Mathura Junction, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus or auto-rickshaw to Barsana.

By road:

Barsana is well-connected by road to major cities in North India. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Delhi, Agra, or Jaipur to reach Barsana. The town is located about 45 km from Mathura and takes about an hour and a half to reach by road.

Once you reach Barsana, you can witness the unique Lathmar Holi celebration where women playfully beat men with sticks. It is advisable to plan your trip in advance as the Holi celebrations in Barsana can get crowded and it is important to ensure safety during the festival.

How much budget do you need to Celebrate Holi in Barsana?

The budget required to celebrate Holi in Barsana can vary depending on your travel preferences and the duration of your trip. Here is an approximate budget breakdown for a 2-day trip to Barsana during Holi:

Accommodation:

The cost of accommodation in Barsana can vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose. Budget hotels and guesthouses can cost around INR 500-1000 per night, while mid-range and luxury hotels can cost upwards of INR 2000-3000 per night. A 2-night stay can cost around INR 1000-6000.

Transportation:

The cost of transportation depends on your mode of travel. Taking a bus or train can be relatively inexpensive, with a one-way ticket from Delhi to Mathura costing around INR 200-300. Hiring a taxi or private car can cost more, with a one-way trip costing around INR 2000-3000.

Food and Drinks:

The cost of food and drinks can vary depending on where and what you eat. During Holi, special sweets and drinks are sold, such as gujiyas and thandai. Traditional street food and local delicacies can cost as low as INR 50-100 per meal, while restaurants and cafes can cost around INR 200-500 per meal.

Entry Fees:

There may be some entry fees to participate in the Lathmar Holi celebration in Barsana. The entry fees can range from INR 50-200 per person.

Overall, a 2-day trip to Barsana during Holi can cost around INR 5000-10,000 per person, excluding the cost of shopping and any other additional expenses. It is recommended to plan and book your trip in advance to get the best deals on accommodation and transportation, and to ensure safety during the festival.

Pushkar, Rajasthan, India

Jaipur - the capital city of Rajasthan in India, is known for its vibrant culture, heritage, and festivities. The city comes alive during Holi, with its streets and markets filled with people in colorful clothes and playing with vibrant colors.

The Holi celebrations in Jaipur start with Holika Dahan, which is the night before the main festival. People light bonfires to symbolize the victory of good over evil and pray for their well-being and happiness. The next day, the main Holi festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The Holi celebrations in Jaipur are unique in many ways, as they incorporate the city's rich culture and traditions. People play with traditional colors made from natural ingredients like flowers and herbs, and they wear colorful clothes, including the famous Rajasthani turban.

The Holi celebrations in Jaipur also include various cultural events and activities like folk music and dance performances, traditional food and sweets, and street plays. The traditional dance forms of Rajasthan like Ghoomar, Kalbelia, and Chari are performed by women, adding to the colorful and lively atmosphere.

One of the unique features of the Jaipur Holi is the Elephant festival, which takes place a day before Holi. During this festival, elephants are decorated with bright colors, jewelry, and paint, and a procession is taken out with them on the streets.

Another popular activity during Holi in Jaipur is the playing of Gulal Gotas, where people climb on each other's shoulders to reach the top and break a pot of colored water hung high up in the air.

The Holi celebrations in Jaipur are a visual treat, with its rich cultural heritage, vibrant colors, and festive atmosphere. It is a perfect time to experience the city's unique culture and traditions and to soak in the spirit of unity, love, and joy that the festival brings with it.

Here are the ways to reach Jaipur to celebrate Holi:

By air:

The Jaipur International Airport is well-connected to major cities in India and also has direct international flights. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach your accommodation in Jaipur.

By rail:

Jaipur Junction is a major railway station in Rajasthan and is well-connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus or auto-rickshaw to reach your accommodation in Jaipur.

By road:

Jaipur is well-connected by road to major cities in North India. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from cities like Delhi, Agra, or Jodhpur to reach Jaipur. The city is located about 270 km from Delhi and takes around 5-6 hours to reach by road.

Once you reach Jaipur, you can witness the lively and colorful Holi celebrations that take place in the city. It is advisable to plan your trip in advance and book your accommodation and transport to avoid any last-minute hassle during the festival.

Budget do you need to Celebrate Holi in Jaipur

The budget required to celebrate Holi in Jaipur can vary depending on your travel preferences and the duration of your trip. Here is an approximate budget breakdown for a 2-day trip to Jaipur during Holi:

Accommodation:

The cost of accommodation in Jaipur can vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose. Budget hotels and guesthouses can cost around INR 500-1000 per night, while mid-range and luxury hotels can cost upwards of INR 2000-3000 per night. A 2-night stay can cost around INR 1000-6000.

Transportation:

The cost of transportation depends on your mode of travel. Hiring a taxi or private car can cost more, with a one-way trip costing around INR 1000-3000. You can also use local buses or auto-rickshaws to travel around the city.

Food and Drinks:

The cost of food and drinks can vary depending on where and what you eat. During Holi, special sweets and drinks are sold, such as gujiyas and thandai. Traditional street food and local delicacies can cost as low as INR 50-100 per meal, while restaurants and cafes can cost around INR 200-500 per meal.

Entry Fees:

There may be some entry fees to participate in the Holi celebrations in Jaipur. The entry fees can range from INR 100-500 per person.

Overall, a 2-day trip to Jaipur during Holi can cost around INR 5000-10,000 per person, excluding the cost of shopping and any other additional expenses. It is recommended to plan and book your trip in advance to get the best deals on accommodation and transportation, and to ensure safety during the festival.

Udaipur - a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning palaces, and beautiful lakes. The city also celebrates Holi with great fervor, and the celebrations are unique in many ways.

The Holi celebrations in Udaipur start with Holika Dahan, where people light bonfires and offer prayers for the well-being of their loved ones. The next day, the main Holi festival is celebrated with vibrant colors, music, and dance.

One of the unique features of Holi in Udaipur is the Rajasthani folk music and dance performances. Traditional dance forms like Ghoomar, Kalbelia, and Chari are performed by women, while men dance to the beat of the dhol and the nagada.

The Holi celebrations in Udaipur also include a grand procession, where people dressed in colorful clothes and carrying colorful flags and banners move through the streets. The procession is accompanied by musicians playing traditional instruments, and people dancing to the music.

Another unique aspect of Holi in Udaipur is the playing of Gair, a traditional dance form performed by men. The dancers wear colorful clothes and dance to the beat of the dhol and the manjeera.

In addition to these cultural activities, Udaipur is also known for its delicious traditional sweets like ghujia, malpua, and laddoos, which are an essential part of the Holi celebrations.

The Holi celebrations in Udaipur are a perfect blend of the city's rich culture and traditions and the festive spirit of the festival of colors. The vibrant colors, lively music, and delicious food make it an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists. Udaipur is well-connected to various parts of India by air, rail, and road. 

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Here are the different ways to reach Udaipur for celebrating Holi:

1. By Air: Udaipur has its airport, Maharana Pratap Airport, which is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. From the airport, you can take a taxi or hire a car to reach your destination.
   
   
2. By Rail: Udaipur has a railway station, Udaipur City Railway Station, which is connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad. You can take a train to Udaipur and then take a taxi or hire a car to reach your destination.
   
   
3. By Road: Udaipur is well-connected to major cities in Rajasthan and other neighboring states by road. You can take a bus from nearby cities like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Ahmedabad. You can also hire a taxi or self-drive to reach Udaipur.

Once you reach Udaipur, you can explore the city's rich culture and heritage and take part in the colorful Holi celebrations. Udaipur is a beautiful city with stunning palaces, lakes, and gardens, and the festive atmosphere during Holi makes it a perfect time to visit.

How much budget do you need to Celebrate Holi in Udaipur?

The budget for celebrating Holi in Udaipur varies depending on your preferences and requirements. Here are some of the expenses to consider when planning your budget:

Accommodation: 

Udaipur has a range of accommodation options from budget to luxury hotels. The cost of accommodation during Holi may be higher due to the peak season.

Travel: 

The cost of travel to Udaipur depends on your mode of transportation. If you are traveling by air, train, or bus, the cost will vary accordingly. If you plan to hire a taxi or self-drive, it will add to your expenses.

Food and Drinks: 

During Holi, Udaipur is known for its delicious traditional sweets and savory dishes. The cost of food and drinks depends on your preferences and where you choose to eat.

Entry Fees: 

Some of the Holi events in Udaipur may have entry fees, so you should factor that into your budget.

Miscellaneous Expenses: 

There may be other miscellaneous expenses like buying traditional clothes, colors, and accessories for Holi.

Overall, you can expect to spend anywhere between INR 5,000 to INR 20,000 per person for celebrating Holi in Udaipur, depending on your preferences and requirements. However, this is just an estimate, and the actual cost may vary depending on several factors.

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Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Shantiniketan - located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, is famous for its unique and vibrant Holi celebration, known as Basanta Utsav or Dol Utsav. The festival is celebrated in March every year, usually on the day of Holi, and is a grand celebration of spring, color, and music.

Basanta Utsav in Shantiniketan is celebrated in a unique and artistic way. The students of Visva-Bharati University, founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, organize the festival. The students dress up in colorful traditional attire and perform songs, dances, and skits. They also decorate the campus with flowers and colorful artwork.

One of the unique features of Basanta Utsav is the use of natural colors made from flowers and plants instead of synthetic ones. This makes the celebration eco-friendly and sustainable. The air is filled with the fragrance of flowers and the sounds of music, creating a festive and joyous atmosphere.

Apart from the cultural performances, Basanta Utsav also offers a variety of activities, such as a game of Holi with natural colors, kite flying, and food stalls serving traditional Bengali delicacies.

To reach Shantiniketan, you can take a train or bus from Kolkata or other major cities in West Bengal. The festival attracts a large number of visitors, so it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance. The cost of accommodation and travel during the festival may be higher than usual due to the peak season.

In conclusion, Basanta Utsav in Shantiniketan is a unique and artistic way to celebrate Holi, offering a colorful and joyful experience that celebrates nature, culture, and community. Shantiniketan is well-connected to major cities in West Bengal and other parts of India. 

Here are some ways to reach Shantiniketan to celebrate Holi:

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Shantiniketan is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, which is about 163 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Shantiniketan.
   
   
2. By Train: Shantiniketan has its own railway station, called Bolpur-Shantiniketan Railway Station. It is well-connected to Kolkata and other major cities in West Bengal. You can take a train from Howrah or Sealdah railway station in Kolkata to reach Shantiniketan.
   
   
3. By Bus: Shantiniketan is connected by road to major cities in West Bengal. You can take a bus from Kolkata, Durgapur, Asansol, or other nearby cities to reach Shantiniketan. There are both government and private buses available.

Once you reach Shantiniketan, you can easily explore the town on foot, bicycle, or by hiring a local taxi. The Basanta Utsav or Dol Utsav celebration usually takes place on the day of Holi, which falls in March every year. It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance as the festival attracts a large number of visitors.

In conclusion, reaching Shantiniketan for Holi celebration is easy, and you can choose the mode of transportation that suits you the best, depending on your location and budget.

How much budget do you need to Celebrate Holi in Shantiniketan?

The cost of celebrating Holi in Shantiniketan can vary depending on your travel preferences, accommodation choices, and activities you plan to do. Here is an approximate budget breakdown to celebrate Holi in Shantiniketan:

Travel: 

The cost of travel will depend on the mode of transportation you choose. If you are traveling from Kolkata, the cost of a train ticket can range from Rs. 100 to Rs. 1000, depending on the type of train and class of travel. If you prefer to travel by bus, the cost can range from Rs. 200 to Rs. 1000.

Accommodation: 

The cost of accommodation can vary depending on your preferences. You can find budget guesthouses and homestays that can cost between Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000 per night. Luxury hotels and resorts can cost between Rs. 3000 to Rs. 8000 per night.

Food: 

Shantiniketan has many restaurants and food stalls that serve traditional Bengali cuisine. The cost of food can range from Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 per meal, depending on where you eat.

Activities: 

The main attraction of Holi in Shantiniketan is the Basanta Utsav celebration, which is free for all visitors. However, if you want to do activities like kite flying or participate in a game of Holi, there may be some additional charges.

Based on the above estimates, a budget traveler can expect to spend around Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3000 per day, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around Rs. 5000 to Rs. 7000 per day. If you prefer luxury accommodation and activities, your budget can be higher. It is advisable to plan your budget in advance and book your accommodation and travel tickets well in advance to avoid any last-minute surge pricing.

Anandpur Sahib - located in the state of Punjab, is known for its grand celebration of Holi, also known as Hola Mohalla. It is an annual festival that is celebrated a day after Holi and attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over the world.

The festival was started by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, in the late 17th century as a way to showcase the martial arts skills of the Sikh community. Today, the festival has evolved into a grand celebration that includes military-style processions, mock battles, and other cultural activities.

During the Hola Mohalla festival, Anandpur Sahib comes alive with vibrant colors, music, and a festive atmosphere. The celebrations start with a morning procession, which is led by the Nihang Sikhs, dressed in their traditional blue attire and armed with weapons. The procession also includes floats and displays that showcase the martial arts and cultural heritage of the Sikh community.

After the procession, mock battles take place, which includes sword-fighting, horse-riding, and other military-style activities. These battles are performed by the Nihang Sikhs and are a highlight of the festival.

Apart from the martial arts displays, the festival also includes cultural programs, including folk music and dance performances. The festival also offers an opportunity to sample traditional Punjabi food and sweets, including pakoras, lassi, and jalebis.

To reach Anandpur Sahib for Hola Mohalla, you can take a train or bus to Anandpur Sahib, which is well-connected to major cities in Punjab and other parts of India. The festival usually takes place in March every year, and it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, as the festival attracts a large number of visitors.

In conclusion, the Hola Mohalla festival in Anandpur Sahib is a unique and colorful celebration of Sikh culture and heritage, which is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Punjab during the festival season.

Anandpur Sahib is well-connected by road, rail, and air, and you can choose the mode of transportation based on your convenience and budget.

1. By Air: The nearest airport to Anandpur Sahib is the Chandigarh International Airport, which is located at a distance of around 80 km from Anandpur Sahib. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Anandpur Sahib.
   
   
2. By Train: Anandpur Sahib has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in Punjab and other parts of India. Some of the popular trains that run to Anandpur Sahib include the Himalayan Queen and the Amritsar-New Delhi Shatabdi Express.
   
   
3. By Road: Anandpur Sahib is well-connected by road, and you can take a bus or hire a taxi from major cities in Punjab and neighboring states. The city is located on National Highway 5, which connects it to cities like Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Amritsar.

During the Hola Mohalla festival, special trains and buses are run to Anandpur Sahib to cater to a large number of visitors. It is advisable to book your transportation in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Once you reach Anandpur Sahib, you can easily explore the city and its attractions on foot, as most of the festival activities take place in and around the town center. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as you may have to walk long distances during the festival.

The cost of celebrating Holi in Anandpur Sahib can vary depending on several factors such as travel expenses, accommodation, food, and other activities.

Here is an estimated breakdown of the budget for celebrating Holi in Anandpur Sahib:

Travel expenses: 

The cost of travel will depend on your location, mode of transportation, and time of travel. If you are traveling from a nearby city, the cost of transportation can be relatively low, but if you are coming from a distant city or state, the cost can be higher. As a rough estimate, you can expect to spend between INR 1000 to INR 5000 per person for travel.

Accommodation: 

Anandpur Sahib has several options for accommodation, including guesthouses, hotels, and homestays. The cost of accommodation will depend on the type of lodging you choose and the duration of your stay. During the Hola Mohalla festival, the prices of hotels and guesthouses can increase significantly, so it's advisable to book your accommodation well in advance. As a rough estimate, you can expect to spend between INR 1000 to INR 5000 per person per day for accommodation.

Food: 

Anandpur Sahib is known for its delicious Punjabi cuisine, and you can find several food stalls and restaurants serving traditional dishes during the Hola Mohalla festival. The cost of food will depend on your food choices and the number of meals you have in a day. As a rough estimate, you can expect to spend between INR 500 to INR 1500 per person per day for food.

Other expenses: 

Other expenses can include festival merchandise, souvenirs, and other activities such as sightseeing and adventure sports. The cost of these activities can vary depending on the type of activity and the operator. As a rough estimate, you can expect to spend between INR 500 to INR 2000 per person for other expenses.

Overall, the cost of celebrating Holi in Anandpur Sahib can range from INR 3000 to INR 10,000 per person per day, depending on the factors mentioned above. It is advisable to plan your trip in advance and book your travel and accommodation to get the best deals and avoid any last-minute price hikes.