Vibing high on Holi energy – the festival of colors, I have discovered how fascinatingly and differently it unfolds in various regions in India. Each destination adds its own cultural layer to the celebration.
Let me give you a dope tip if you’re planning a Holi trip that goes beyond the ordinary. Four places where Holi takes on a unique identity.
Which Holi Experience Should You Choose?
- For music, dance & travelers
- For scenic and relaxed celebrations
- For cultural & spiritual depth
- For high-energy street celebrations
- : Pushkar
- : Hampi
- : Anandpur Sahib
- : Indore
Plan your Holi trip based on the experience you want or simply ask Triple Zero Sigma—and get ready for a festival you’ll never forget!
1. Holi in Pushkar, Rajasthan — A Backpacker’s Paradise
Pushkar is one of India’s most famous Holi destinations, especially among international travelers and backpackers. The town transforms into a massive open-air dance festival with electronic music, organic colors, and travelers from around the world.
Pushkar hosts one of India’s most famous Holi parties, popular among international travelers and backpackers. The town celebrates ‘Holika Dahan’ at the main square – men playing dandiya steps with latth (wooden logs). The main square then turns into a massive open-air dance festival with a lively mix of electronic music, which stops only because the sun has risen the next day.
The town full of locals and global travelers play with dry colors ‘gulal’ around the ghats and main square. Men playfully tear off each other’s clothes covering the upper torso. Never have I seen so many bare-chested men in my whole life as I did at Pushkar Holi 😉
As a solo woman traveler, I vouch for the safe feeling even when in the Pushkar Holi crowd. The locals closely monitor through cameras to police anyone misbehaving with women or international tourists.
What Makes Pushkar Holi Unique
- Global atmosphere: You’ll find travelers from dozens of countries celebrating together.
- Music-filled celebrations: DJ-based Holi events happen all around the town.
- Organic, safe colors are promoted by most hostels and cafés.
- Ghats & temples see traditional rituals early in the morning before the party vibe kicks in.
How to Reach Pushkar
- Nearest Airport: Jaipur (150 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Ajmer (15 km), then taxi/bus to Pushkar
- By Road: Well-connected via buses from Jaipur, Delhi & Udaipur
Pushkar is one of India’s most famous Holi destinations, especially among international travelers and backpackers. The town transforms into a massive open-air dance festival with electronic music, organic colors, and travelers from around the world.
Pushkar hosts one of India’s most famous Holi parties, popular among international travelers and backpackers. The town celebrates ‘Holika Dahan’ at the main square – men playing dandiya steps with latth (wooden logs). The main square then turns into a massive open-air dance festival with a lively mix of electronic music, which stops only because the sun has risen the next day.
The town full of locals and global travelers play with dry colors ‘gulal’ around the ghats and main square. Men playfully tear off each other’s clothes covering the upper torso. Never have I seen so many bare-chested men in my whole life as I did at Pushkar Holi 😉
As a solo woman traveler, I vouch for the safe feeling even when in the Pushkar Holi crowd. The locals closely monitor through cameras to police anyone misbehaving with women or international tourists.
- Global atmosphere: You’ll find travelers from dozens of countries celebrating together.
- Music-filled celebrations: DJ-based Holi events happen all around the town.
- Organic, safe colors are promoted by most hostels and cafés.
- Ghats & temples see traditional rituals early in the morning before the party vibe kicks in.
- Nearest Airport: Jaipur (150 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Ajmer (15 km), then taxi/bus to Pushkar
- By Road: Well-connected via buses from Jaipur, Delhi & Udaipur
2. Holi in Hampi, Karnataka — Among Ruins & Riverbanks
Hampi is a rare South Indian destination with vibrant Holi celebrations. Witness Kamana Habba, the famed festival of Virupaksha Temple, a mesmerizing spectacle that brings the city alive. The bonfire is lit up the night before – not of Holika but of Kamdev (quite a story there).
On the Holi day, global travelers gather around Hampi Bazaar to witness a colorful carnival, dancing to drums and enjoying the spectacular ruins as a backdrop. Do not forget to take the traditional dip in the Tungabhadra River to wash off the colors.
I would recommend spending a day or two more to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient ruins where sunrises & sunsets sit dramatically against rocky landscapes. Fond of cliff-jumping – the Hippie Island at Hampi offers this and more. Get yourself on Coracle rides and wallow in the laidback vibe.
What Makes Hampi Holi Unique
- Rare South Indian Holi hotspot: One of the few places in the south with large-scale Holi events.
- Backpacker crowd: Similar to Pushkar but more laid-back.
- Celebration in the Hampi Bazaar area with drumming, dancing, and colors.
- Temple traditions: Locals start the day by praying at the Virupaksha Temple.
How to Reach Hampi
- Nearest Airport: Vidyanagar (40 km), Hubli (145 km), or Bengaluru (350 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Hospet Junction (13 km)
- By Road: Accessible via buses from Bengaluru, Goa, and Hubli
Hampi is a rare South Indian destination with vibrant Holi celebrations. Witness Kamana Habba, the famed festival of Virupaksha Temple, a mesmerizing spectacle that brings the city alive. The bonfire is lit up the night before – not of Holika but of Kamdev (quite a story there).
On the Holi day, global travelers gather around Hampi Bazaar to witness a colorful carnival, dancing to drums and enjoying the spectacular ruins as a backdrop. Do not forget to take the traditional dip in the Tungabhadra River to wash off the colors.
I would recommend spending a day or two more to explore this UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient ruins where sunrises & sunsets sit dramatically against rocky landscapes. Fond of cliff-jumping – the Hippie Island at Hampi offers this and more. Get yourself on Coracle rides and wallow in the laidback vibe.
- Rare South Indian Holi hotspot: One of the few places in the south with large-scale Holi events.
- Backpacker crowd: Similar to Pushkar but more laid-back.
- Celebration in the Hampi Bazaar area with drumming, dancing, and colors.
- Temple traditions: Locals start the day by praying at the Virupaksha Temple.
- Nearest Airport: Vidyanagar (40 km), Hubli (145 km), or Bengaluru (350 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Hospet Junction (13 km)
- By Road: Accessible via buses from Bengaluru, Goa, and Hubli
3. Hola Mohalla in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab — Not Holi, But Much More
Anandpur Sahib does not celebrate Holi the typical way. Instead, it hosts Hola Mohalla, a grand Sikh festival that usually falls a day after Holi. It’s a spectacular display of Gatka martial arts, warrior spirit, horse stunts and massive community gatherings.
It is quite a walk from the parking lot to the Gurudwara which you do not realize.
Custom made tractor-homes with all modern amenities, mammoth size tires, flashiest music systems and gaudy decorations adorning the tractors in which the villagers assemble from all over Punjab. The ancient and new weapons-full-market and open-jeep processions of heavy-turbaned, armed Sikhs is an awestruck sight.
Navigating through the crowd to get to the Gurudwara premises will be worth it when you get a ferocious show of the Gatka Martial Arts. The gathering moves to a stadium or open space finally and you must find a high place to perch on to watch the horse stunts.
What Makes Hola Mohalla Unique
- Gatka martial arts demonstrations by Nihang warriors
- Stunning horse-riding stunts, sword battles, archery & mock battles
- Community (Langar) meals served to thousands
- Processions by Nihang Singh warriors dressed in traditional blue attire
- No color play—the focus is on physical strength, discipline, and Sikh heritage
How to Reach Anandpur Sahib
- Nearest Airport: Chandigarh (85 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Anandpur Sahib station
- By Road: Buses from Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Delhi
Anandpur Sahib does not celebrate Holi the typical way. Instead, it hosts Hola Mohalla, a grand Sikh festival that usually falls a day after Holi. It’s a spectacular display of Gatka martial arts, warrior spirit, horse stunts and massive community gatherings.
It is quite a walk from the parking lot to the Gurudwara which you do not realize.
Custom made tractor-homes with all modern amenities, mammoth size tires, flashiest music systems and gaudy decorations adorning the tractors in which the villagers assemble from all over Punjab. The ancient and new weapons-full-market and open-jeep processions of heavy-turbaned, armed Sikhs is an awestruck sight.
Navigating through the crowd to get to the Gurudwara premises will be worth it when you get a ferocious show of the Gatka Martial Arts. The gathering moves to a stadium or open space finally and you must find a high place to perch on to watch the horse stunts.
- Gatka martial arts demonstrations by Nihang warriors
- Stunning horse-riding stunts, sword battles, archery & mock battles
- Community (Langar) meals served to thousands
- Processions by Nihang Singh warriors dressed in traditional blue attire
- No color play—the focus is on physical strength, discipline, and Sikh heritage
- Nearest Airport: Chandigarh (85 km)
- Nearest Railway Station: Anandpur Sahib station
- By Road: Buses from Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Delhi
4. Rangpanchami in Indore, Madhya Pradesh — A Burst of Color in the Streets
Indore is known for celebrating Rangpanchami, which comes five days after Holi. The city hosts one of India’s largest and most energetic and iconic Ger procession—a thrilling street parade with colors, music and thousands of participants
What Makes Indore Holi (Rangpanchami) Unique
- The famous “Ger” procession: A massive street parade with DJs, dance troupes, and color cannons.
- Government-supported event: Ensures safety and organization.
- Clouds of herbal gulal fill the air as thousands join the street festival.
- Perfect blend of tradition & modern celebration.
How to Reach Indore
- Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport (inside Indore city)
- Nearest Railway Stations: Indore Junction, Laxmibai Nagar
- By Road: Excellent road network connecting to Ujjain, Bhopal & Mumbai
Indore is known for celebrating Rangpanchami, which comes five days after Holi. The city hosts one of India’s largest and most energetic and iconic Ger procession—a thrilling street parade with colors, music and thousands of participants
- The famous “Ger” procession: A massive street parade with DJs, dance troupes, and color cannons.
- Government-supported event: Ensures safety and organization.
- Clouds of herbal gulal fill the air as thousands join the street festival.
- Perfect blend of tradition & modern celebration.
- Nearest Airport: Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport (inside Indore city)
- Nearest Railway Stations: Indore Junction, Laxmibai Nagar
- By Road: Excellent road network connecting to Ujjain, Bhopal & Mumbai