For Indian travellers, festivals are the centrepiece of curated getaways today, where the journey feels as celebratory as the occasion itself. According to Skyscanner’s Cultural Tourism Report, culture plays a major role in shaping travel choices, with over 8 in 10 Indian travellers prioritising destinations for their cultural experiences. Within this trend, Holi is a defining cultural moment, and this shift is reinforced by the fact that 76% of Indian travellers say they have changed travel plans specifically to attend cultural or festival events.
With the festival around the corner, here are the destinations Indians are searching for, whether that means jumping into the heart of the celebrations or soaking up Holi in cities buzzing with culture, colour, and energy.
Agra
If witnessing iconic Holi traditions is on your list, Agra makes for the most practical base. Close to Mathura and Barsana, home to the Lathmar Holi celebrations, the city lets you experience the festival’s energy while still retreating to a well-connected hub. That connectivity also means more flexibility on flights, widening your search using ‘Nearby Airports’ lets you compare fares across the closest departure and arrival points, helping you land better deals. Add sunrise views of the World Heritage Sites just minutes away, and it’s the perfect blend of colour and culture.
Varanasi
If Holi is about colour, culture, and connection, few places wear it as naturally as Varanasi. As one of India’s most storied cultural cities and featured among the top trending destinations in Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 Report, it continues to draw travellers looking to experience festivals with a deeper sense of tradition and cultural immersion. Skyscanner data shows searches to Varanasi have risen by 76% year-on-year for travel in 2025, a sign that travellers are choosing destinations that blend cultural significance with accessible flight routes.
Jaipur
Jaipur adds a royal flavour to Holi weekends with its palace-like feels, courtyard celebrations, and heritage events that feel both festive and elegant. Rajasthan, featured in the cultural tourism report as one of India’s emerging culture capitals, makes Jaipur a strong choice for travellers who want their Holi celebrations steeped in architecture, tradition, and colour. And with prices often shifting around festival periods, setting up a Skyscanner Price Alert can help; it keeps an eye on fares and notifies you when prices change, making it easier to book when the timing feels right.
Mumbai
Mumbai, the home to iconic celebrations, brings Bollywood energy to Holi with high-octane parties, colour-soaked streets, and beachside celebrations. Head to Juhu Beach or Chowpatty for classic Mumbai vibes, or dive into the city’s legendary Bollywood-style Holi parties with DJs and rain dances. Adding to its appeal, Mumbai also features on Skyscanner’s Top 10 Cheapest Destinations list for 2026, with Thursdays tending to offer the lowest fares in March, making it a festive favourite that’s big on energy yet easier on the wallet. Don’t miss the puran poli, thandai, and jalebis from famous street stalls.
Kolkata
In Kolkata, Holi comes with a cultural twist. The city celebrates Dol Jatra, the last festival of the Bengali Year, where colours meet music, poetry, and slow, soulful festivities. Think morning walks through neighbourhood celebrations, Rabindra Sangeet in the background, and streets washed in soft hues of spring. It’s the kind of Holi that feels reflective, artistic, and deeply local, perfect for travellers who want their long weekend to be rich in culture, not just colour.
Whether you’re chasing iconic celebrations, immersing yourself in heritage cities with deep festival roots, or planning a culturally rich escape shaped around the season’s energy, Holi is emerging as a meaningful travel moment with something for every kind of traveller.
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