From the flower-laden Phoolon ki Holi in Vrindavan to the royal celebrations of Rajasthan, Holi is a festival best experienced where tradition meets color—so be sure to pack light, comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting drenched in vibrant hues! Take a scenic train ride to India’s most iconic Holi destinations and immerse yourself in the festivities—join the playful Lathmar Holi in Barsana, where women playfully chase men with sticks, or dance in a riot of colors at Mathura’s grand Holi procession. Witness the cultural grandeur of Shantiniketan, where Holi is celebrated as Basanta Utsav with music, dance, and poetry, or head to Rishikesh, where you can play Holi by the Ganges and wash off the colors in its sacred waters. Experience the rustic charm of Hampi, where revelers take to the ancient ruins for a vibrant yet intimate celebration. And if you’re looking for a modern, high-energy twist, Mumbai’s beach parties and music festivals bring a contemporary edge to this age-old festival. Let the journey be as unforgettable as the festival itself, with redRail by redBus making it easier than ever to reach these incredible Holi hotspots and celebrate like a true local!
Mathura and Vrindavan: The Divine Playground
In the sacred towns of Mathura and Vrindavan, where every stone echoes with tales of Lord Krishna’s playful spirit, Holi transcends mere celebration to become a divine spectacle. The ancient Banke Bihari Temple becomes a celestial stage where priests, dressed in pristine white, shower devotees with a rainbow cascade of colours and fragrant flower petals during the enchanting Phoolon Ki Holi—a unique celebration where flower petals replace traditional gulal, creating a mesmerizing floral storm. The air fills with devotional songs and the sweet scent of blooms as pilgrims and locals alike dance through narrow, centuries-old lanes. For an entire week, these twin cities pulse with energy, their streets alive with processions where traditional dhol drums set the rhythm for spontaneous dance performances, creating an atmosphere where devotion and jubilation become one. Travelers can access these towns via Mathura Junction Railway Station, a major hub in Uttar Pradesh, or the smaller Vrindavan Railway Station, located approximately 5.3 km from the heart of Vrindavan.
Jaipur and Udaipur: A Royal Rendition
Rajasthan’s princely cities transform Holi into a majestic affair that befits their royal heritage. In Jaipur, the Pink City, the eve of Holi witnesses the grand Elephant Festival, where gentle giants become moving works of art, adorned with intricate painted patterns and jewellery that gleam in the setting sun. Folk artists in vibrant Rajasthani attire perform traditional dances, their ghungroos (ankle bells) creating melodious rhythms that echo through the city’s historic streets. In Udaipur, the City of Lakes, the celebration reaches its pinnacle at the magnificent City Palace. Here, the Mewar royal family maintains centuries-old traditions with the Holika Dahan ceremony. As night falls, the palace grounds illuminate with a massive bonfire that reflects in Lake Pichola’s waters, while court musicians fill the air with classical compositions. The next day’s celebrations feature a spectacular display of traditional performances against the backdrop of the palace’s intricate architecture, creating a scene straight out of a royal chronicle. Visitors can reach Jaipur via the Jaipur Junction Railway Station, a major railhead in the city, and Udaipur through the Udaipur City Railway Station, conveniently located near the city center.
Kumaon and Rishikesh: Where Music Meets Spirituality
The mountainous region of Kumaon gives Holi a melodious twist, transforming the festival into a sophisticated musical gathering. During ‘Baithaki Holi,’ accomplished musicians sit in ornate courtyards, their classical ragas floating through the crisp mountain air. The ‘Khari Holi’ sees performers standing in groups, their harmonious songs echoing off ancient stone walls, while ‘Mahila Holi’ celebrates the musical traditions of the region’s women. In Rishikesh, where the sacred Ganges flows swift and clear, Holi becomes a spiritual awakening. International travellers join local devotees in a unique celebration where organic colours fly against the backdrop of the Himalayas. The ghats come alive with music and color, as participants pause between playing to take purifying dips in the river’s crystal waters, creating a beautiful blend of festivity and sacred ritual. Access to Kumaon is facilitated through the Kathgodam Railway Station, the nearest railhead, while Rishikesh is served by the Rishikesh Railway Station, connecting travellers to the heart of the city.
Shantiniketan: An Artistic Tribute to Spring
In Shantiniketan, Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of artistic celebration comes alive during ‘Basanta Utsav,’ a Holi celebration unlike any other. Here, Holi is not just about throwing colors but a graceful expression of art, music, and poetry. The festivities begin with students and teachers singing Rabindra Sangeet in unison, their voices carrying the essence of spring. Instead of the usual riot of colors, dry abir in soft shades of yellow, orange, and red is gently smeared on one another, reflecting the elegance of the occasion. The celebration is immersive, with poetry recitations, folk performances, and open-air dance dramas capturing the spirit of the season. As the day progresses, students present choreographed dances that seem to bring Tagore’s poems to life, while visitors from around the world join in this sophisticated celebration that elevates Holi to an art form. Travelers can reach Shantiniketan via the Bolpur Shantiniketan Railway Station, situated approximately 2 km from the Visva-Bharati University campus.
Hampi: Colors Amidst the Cosmos of Stone
Among the surreal boulder-strewn landscape of Hampi, Holi takes on an otherworldly quality. The 15th-century ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage site provide a dramatic backdrop as revelers gather in the shadow of ancient temples. The festivities begin with the Holika Dahan, where a ceremonial bonfire is lit, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. As the flames rise against the backdrop of centuries-old architecture, locals and travelers come together to offer prayers and celebrate the festival’s spiritual essence. The following day, Dhulandi unfolds in full vibrancy, as people drench each other in bright hues of gulal, transforming the ancient ruins into a canvas of colors. Traditional drums echo off weathered stone structures, their rhythms unchanged since the days of the Vijayanagara Empire. Local families and travelers share colors and stories, dancing amid the ruins while the warm Karnataka sun turns the morning mist into a golden haze, creating a celebration that bridges centuries. Hampi is accessible via the Hospet Junction Railway Station, located approximately 13 km from the historic site.
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mumbai’s Holi celebrations mirror the city’s vibrant diversity, with each neighbourhood offering its own unique experience. Bandra’s upscale gatherings sparkle with celebrity appearances and live music, while Marine Drive’s beachside festivities create magical moments against the Arabian Sea’s backdrop. At Gorai Beach, lively pool parties blend seaside charm with festive energy. Adventure seekers head to Khopoli for nature-immersed camping celebrations, while Thane’s neon-themed events give a modern twist to tradition. Together, these varied celebrations showcase Mumbai’s ability to embrace both heritage and innovation. Key railway stations serving these areas include Bandra Terminus, Mumbai Central, Borivali Station (for Gorai Beach), Khopoli Railway Station, and Thane Railway Station, ensuring convenient access to the city’s diverse Holi festivities.
As these celebrations unfold across India’s vast landscape, they paint a masterpiece of cultural expression that transcends regional boundaries. From the sacred ghats of Vrindavan to the majestic palaces of Rajasthan, from Bengal’s poetic revelry to Karnataka’s historic ruins, each celebration adds its own vibrant hue to India’s festival canvas.
While patterns of powder may fade and melodies may drift into memory, the journey itself—whether through bustling railway stations or scenic countryside vistas—becomes an integral part of the experience. Unfortunately, people often are unable to travel for Holi because of waitlisted train tickets. With “Seat Guarantee” feature, redRail relieves passenger anxiety around the possibility of train tickets not getting confirmed in time for Holi celebrations. By opting for this feature on waitlisted trains, travellers will get a confirmed train ticket or a 3x refund which can be availed immediately to book alternate trains or buses to celebrate the festival. After all, when enjoying Holi, it is important to focus on the celebration of life, and not on the logistics of travel!
