Holi 2026 getaways in India

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Holi in Braj – Mathura, Vrindavan & the Krishna heartland

Showing deals for:7 Mar - 9 Mar

Easy Holi weekend trips from major cities

Showing deals for:7 Mar - 9 Mar

Royal Holi in Rajasthan – Udaipur, Jaipur, Pushkar and more

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Offbeat & unique Holi experiences across India

Showing deals for:7 Mar - 9 Mar


Best Places to Go for Holi 2026

If you're deciding where to go for Holi in 2026, you're spoiled for choice. Here are some of the most popular places to experience this colourful, one-of-a-kind festival, including how to get there and some of the best places to stay for Holi 2026.

  • Mathura and Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh: Few places celebrate Holi quite like this. Festivities begin about a week before (around 25 February) and conclude with the lively Lathmar Holi (women playfully striking men with sticks) in Barsana and Nandgaon. If you're wondering where to stay for Holi 2026 in Mathura, consider booking somewhere near Vishram Ghat or the Dwarkadhish Temple corridor. Agra Airport is around 60 km away, and trains from Delhi take about 3–4 hours.
  • Jaipur, Rajasthan: Palace courtyards, folk music, and heritage events make this one of the most organised and atmospheric places to celebrate. The Old City and Rambagh Road are some of Jaipur's best places to stay for Holi 2026 thanks to their central location near the festivities. You can fly directly to Jaipur International Airport from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
  • Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: The Masane ki Holi at Manikarnika Ghat cannot be experienced anywhere else in India. Arrive early to claim your spot along the Ganges at dawn to enjoy a full day of vibrant celebrations on the ghats. Looking for the best places to stay for Holi 2026 in Varanasi? Assi Ghat and Godowlia Chowk are popular areas for accommodation. You can book flights into Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport from Delhi and Mumbai.

How to Plan a Holi Trip

Once you've chosen where to go for Holi 2026, you can book your getaway in a few easy clicks right here on Expedia. Simply enter your destination, select your dates—Holi will be celebrated around 3–4 March 2026—add the number of travellers, and hit search.

Within seconds, you'll see the available hotels with upfront prices—so what you see is what you pay. Use the filters to narrow down your options by budget, amenities, star rating, and neighbourhood. You can also use the map view to find places close to the main ghats.

Don't forget, you can often save more with Expedia's Holi holiday packages. Look out for the green savings label in the search results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Holi 2026 Getaways

When is Holi in 2026?

The main day of Holi in 2026 is Wednesday, 4 March, with Holika Dahan on the evening of 3 March. Many North Indian states observe Holi as a public holiday, so you could get a whole day off to spend celebrating with friends and family.

Where are the best places to celebrate Holi in India?

Some of the best cities to go for Holi 2026 include Mathura and Vrindavan—where festivities start 1–2 weeks before the festival. Other popular destinations include Jaipur, Varanasi, Delhi, Pushkar, and Rishikesh.

Is Holi safe for families and first-time visitors?

Yes, Holi is generally safe for families and first-timers, especially in organised settings. Cities like Jaipur often host celebrations in private venues such as heritage hotels and courtyards, where the experience is more intimate and controlled. Expect colour play and crowds from early morning.

When should I book my Holi trip?

It’s best to book your Holi 2026 trip as early as possible. Since Holi is a public holiday in many parts of India, destinations and hotels fill up quickly.

What kind of accommodation is best for Holi?

Heritage and palace hotels are some of the best choices for Holi 2026. They often host private, well-managed events popular with families and couples. On Expedia, you can use the “Traveller experience” filters to select hotels with tags like “Family friendly”, “Luxury”, or “Pet-friendly”.

What should I pack for a Holi getaway?

Pack white or light-coloured clothes you don’t mind staining, old footwear, wraparound sunglasses, and a waterproof phone case. Carry a spare outfit in a waterproof bag. Apply coconut or mustard oil before heading out—it makes colour removal easier. Eco-friendly gulal is widely available locally.

How can I celebrate Holi without feeling overwhelmed?

If you prefer a more relaxed Holi experience, book a 4-star or 5-star hotel that hosts private parties. Many hotels in Jaipur, Varanasi, and Agra offer ticketed Holi events where you can join the fun without heavy crowds.

Are vegetarian or special-diet options available during Holi?

Yes. Traditional Holi food is largely vegetarian, featuring dishes like gujiya, thandai, dahi vada, shakkar pare, and puran poli.

How should I handle photography and valuables during Holi?

Keep jewellery, excess cash, and important documents safely stored in your hotel room. Use a waterproof phone case to capture photos and protect your device from colours and water.

Are there luxury or romantic Holi experiences for couples?

Yes. You can search for luxury and romantic Holi stays using Expedia’s filters—choose “Luxury”, “Romantic”, or “Adults only” to find the perfect experience.

What are some popular Holi packages or guided experiences?

Expedia offers custom Holi packages—choose “Packages” in the search bar, then enter your travel details. Popular options include 3–5-day Mathura–Vrindavan itineraries covering Lathmar Holi, temple rituals, and Rangwali celebrations.

Can I bundle my hotel and flights on Expedia for Holi savings?

Yes, you can bundle your hotel and flight bookings for Holi 2026 on Expedia to enjoy exclusive member discounts and additional savings.