Holi-the festival of colours, joy, and togetherness one of India’s most vibrant celebrations!
Whether you’re drenched in Gulal (coloured powder), dancing to dhol beats, or savouring delicious Gujiyas, Holi is an experience like no other. But where should you celebrate to get the most out of this festival? We’ve rounded up the top places in India that are famous for their unique and grand Holi celebrations-along with how to get there conveniently by bus!
Top Places to Celebrate Holi in India:
1. Mathura & Vrindavan – The Birthplace of Holi Magic!
✨ Famous for: Lathmar Holi, Phoolon Ki Holi (Flower Holi), and week-long celebrations!
If you want to experience Holi in its purest and grandest form, head straight to Mathura and Vrindavan. The celebrations start weeks in advance, with the Lathmar Holi in Barsana (where women playfully hit men with sticks) and Phoolon Ki Holi at Banke Bihari Temple (where only flowers are used instead of colours). On the main day, temples like Dwarkadheesh in Mathura and Banke Bihari in Vrindavan become a riot of colours, music, and spirituality.
🚌 How to reach by bus?
Buses to Mathura are available from Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, and other major cities. The Mathura Bus Stand is well-connected, and you can take a local auto or cab to Vrindavan (around 10 km away).
2. Barsana & Nandgaon – Playful & Unique Lathmar Holi
✨ Famous for: Lathmar Holi-where women chase men with sticks!
Barsana, the birthplace of Radha, hosts one of the quirkiest and most exciting Holi celebrations in India. The Lathmar Holi celebrated a few days before Holi, sees women from Barsana playfully beating men from Nandgaon with sticks while they try to shield themselves. The event is followed by a colourful riot in Radha Rani Temple! This makes Barsana one of the top places to celebrate Holi in India.
🚌 How to reach by bus?
Barsana is well-connected by buses from Mathura, Agra, and Delhi. The nearest major bus stop is Mathura, from where you can take a local taxi to Barsana (approx. 50 km away).
Book buses for your Holi travel on Paytm and save lots.
3. Jaipur – A Royal Holi Celebration!
✨ Famous for: Holi with elephants, Rajasthani folk music, and royal vibes
If you want to mix traditional Holi celebrations with a royal touch, Jaipur is the place to be! The Elephant Festival, where elephants are decorated with vibrant colours, takes place just before Holi. On Holi day, the city erupts in colours with cultural programs, folk dances, and music. Amer Fort and City Palace host special celebrations, making Jaipur a must-visit for an unforgettable Holi experience and one of the top places to celebrate Holi in India.
🚌 How to reach by bus?
Jaipur has excellent bus connectivity from Delhi, Agra, Udaipur, and Ahmedabad. The Sindhi Camp Bus Stand is the main hub for all interstate buses.
4. Udaipur – A Royal Holika Dahan by the Lake
✨ Famous for: Mewar Royal Holi with traditional bonfire and grandeur
Want to witness Holi celebrations with a regal twist? Head to Udaipur! The Mewar Royal Family hosts an extravagant Holika Dahan (bonfire night) at City Palace, where people gather to witness a grand procession of royally decorated horses and elephants. The next day, the city indulges in a colourful Holi celebration at the lakeside ghats, which is why Udaipur is know as one of the popular places to celebrate Holi in India.
🚌 How to reach by bus?
Udaipur has frequent bus services from Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. The Udaipur City Bus Stand is centrally located for easy access to all attractions.
5. Hampi – A South Indian Twist to Holi!
✨ Famous for: Holi with a mix of colours, temples, and hippie culture
Unlike North India, Holi isn’t as widely celebrated in the South-except in Hampi! This UNESCO Heritage town hosts a unique Holi experience where people gather near the ancient temples, dance to drum beats and enjoy a colourful and fun-filled day amidst stunning ruins.
🚌 How to reach by bus?
Hampi is well-connected by bus from Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Goa. The nearest major bus station is Hospet, which is around 13 km from Hampi-from there, local autos and taxis can take you to the main town.
6. Shantiniketan – Holi with a Cultural & Artistic Touch
✨ Famous for: Basanta Utsav-Rabindranath Tagore’s version of Holi
In West Bengal, Holi is celebrated as Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival) at Shantiniketan, founded by Rabindranath Tagore. The celebration is all about music, dance, poetry, and colours. Students of Visva-Bharati University dress in yellow, sing Tagore’s songs, and welcome spring gracefully and artistically.
🚌 How to reach by bus?
Shantiniketan is around 160 km from Kolkata, and you can take a bus to Bolpur (the nearest town), which has frequent bus services from Kolkata and other nearby cities. From Bolpur, local transport takes you to Shantiniketan.
7. Pushkar – Holi with a Hippie Vibe!
✨ Famous for: Wild celebrations with colours, music, and foreign travellers
Pushkar is known for its energetic Holi celebrations, attracting travellers from around the world. This make Pushkar one of the famous places to celebrate Holi in India. The Brahma Temple Ghat turns into a massive dance floor, with DJs, drummers, and an electrifying crowd throwing colours at each other. It’s a high-energy Holi party unlike anywhere else!
🚌 How to reach by bus?
Buses to Ajmer (nearest major city) are available from Jaipur, Delhi, and Udaipur. From Ajmer, Pushkar is just 30 minutes away by taxi or local bus.
Get Ready for the Most Colorful Ride of Your Life!
No matter where you celebrate, Holi in India is an unforgettable experience! Whether you want a traditional, royal, cultural, or wild Holi, there’s a place for everyone. And with convenient bus travel options, reaching your dream Holi destination is just a ride away!
So, where are you heading this Holi? Let the colours and celebrations begin! 🌸🎉
