Few experiences in the world match Holi, India’s festival of colours. Strangers become friends, streets turn pink, green and yellow, and music plays everywhere. For many of our foreign guests, a Holi festival tour in India is the highlight of their whole trip. Here is how to enjoy it safely and where to go, with tips from 25 years of driving guests through Holi.
What Is Holi?
Holi celebrates the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. On the evening before, people light Holika Dahan bonfires. The next morning everyone goes out to throw coloured powder and water, say “Happy Holi!”, and share sweets like gujiya. In the land of Krishna around Mathura and Vrindavan, Holi is celebrated for a whole week.
When Is Holi 2027?
Holi follows the lunar calendar and falls on the full moon of Phalguna, in late February or March. In 2027 the main day of colours is expected around 22 March, with the bonfires the evening before. In Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana the celebrations start about a week earlier. March is also a lovely time to travel in North India, with warm days before the summer heat.
Best Places to Celebrate Holi
Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana
The most famous and traditional Holi in India. In Barsana, women playfully chase men with sticks in Lathmar Holi; in Vrindavan, the Banke Bihari Temple fills with flower petals and colour. It is spectacular, but very crowded, so go with a local who knows the timings. Our Mathura and Vrindavan guide covers the area.
Jaipur
The Pink City celebrates with colour in the streets and in hotels, many of which hold their own Holi parties. This is a great option for families who want a more relaxed celebration.
Pushkar
Pushkar’s main square becomes one big party with music and dancing, very popular with backpackers and younger travelers. It is lively and loud. Add it to a Jaipur to Pushkar trip.
Delhi and Agra
Residential neighbourhoods celebrate in the morning. If you are on the Golden Triangle over Holi, your hotel is often the easiest place to join in.
Holi Safety Tips for Foreigners
- Celebrate in the morning: the fun is best from about 9 AM to 1 PM. Things can get rowdy in the afternoon.
- Stay with your group or your driver, especially in crowds.
- Protect your eyes and mouth: sunglasses help, and keep your mouth closed when colour is thrown.
- Women travelers: celebrate with a group or at your hotel rather than alone in crowded streets. Our solo female travel guide has more tips.
- Bhang: some sweets and drinks contain cannabis. Ask before you eat or drink anything offered on the street.
- Plan sightseeing around Holi: most shops and many sights are closed or quiet on Holi morning.
What to Wear and Pack
- Old white clothes you can throw away; white shows the colours beautifully in photos.
- Coconut oil on your skin and hair before you go out, so the colour washes off easily.
- A waterproof phone pouch and a cheap pair of sunglasses.
- Closed shoes and a small towel. Leave jewellery and valuables at the hotel.
Ajay’s Insider Insight
"Book early. Holi is a peak travel time and good hotels in Jaipur, Agra and Vrindavan fill up. We plan Holi tours months ahead, and on the day your driver will take you where the celebration is friendly and get you back to the hotel to clean up."
Planning a Holi Tour with a Private Driver
The easiest way to enjoy Holi is to build it into a Golden Triangle tour in March:
- Delhi: arrive a few days before Holi, with airport pickup by your driver.
- Mathura and Vrindavan: spend a day of the Krishna celebrations on the way to Agra.
- Agra: see the Taj Mahal the day before or after the main Holi day.
- Jaipur or Pushkar: celebrate the main day of colours, then relax at your hotel.
Send us your dates and we will build your Holi tour around the festival calendar. Start with our Mathura Vrindavan Tour, or request a custom Holi itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Holi in 2027?
Holi follows the Hindu lunar calendar and falls on the full moon of the month of Phalguna. In 2027 the main day of colours is expected around 22 March, with Holika Dahan bonfires the evening before. Confirm the exact date closer to your trip.
Is Holi safe for foreign tourists?
Yes, if you plan well. Celebrate in the morning, stay with your group or driver, use natural colours, protect your eyes and phone, and avoid very crowded places in the afternoon when some people have been drinking bhang.
Where is the best place to celebrate Holi in India?
For tradition, Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana in the land of Krishna have the most famous celebrations, starting about a week before Holi. Jaipur and Pushkar in Rajasthan are also popular with foreign travelers.
Can I combine Holi with a Golden Triangle tour?
Yes. Mathura and Vrindavan are on the road between Delhi and Agra, so a March Golden Triangle tour can easily include a day of Holi celebrations.
Are monuments open on Holi day?
Major monuments usually open later or are quieter on the morning of Holi because most people are celebrating. Plan sightseeing for the day before or after.
