Holi being celebrated on a Friday of this year, Indian travelers take advantage of the long weekend by planning both national cultural escapades and rapid international escapes. According to a Booking.com report, there has been an increase in interest in destinations that extend from traditional Holi hols like Vrindavan and Mathura to global hot spots such as Dubai and Tokyo.
Domestic getaways: Mix tradition with travel
Many travelers choose to immerse themselves in Holi celebrations in culturally important places. Udaipur, Mumbai and Rishikesh are the three main most sought -after domestic destinations, while cities rich in festival like Vrindavan, Mathura, Pushkar, Jaipur, Shantiniketan and Hampi also attend a sharp increase in interest. From temple rituals to Mathura to royal processions in Rajasthan, travelers adopt regional traditions.
At the same time, serene escapes like Puducherry, Lonavala and Ooty attract those who seek to relax. The demand highlights a growing preference for a mixture of dynamic cultural experiences and peaceful pensions.
Top 10 most sought after domestic destinations (March 13-16, 2025):
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Udaipur
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Mumbai
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Rishikesh
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Jaipur
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New Delhi
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Varanasi
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Vrindavan
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Prudish
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Pure
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Lonavala
Beyond borders: from luxury to leisure
For many, the long weekend is also an opportunity for a rapid international trip. Short-haul destinations with easy access to visa see a peak of interest, with Dubai at the top of the list, followed by Singapore and Bangkok. Beach places like Phuket and Abu Dhabi also attract travelers looking for a mixture of relaxation and adventure.
Mecca, Kuala Lumpur, London, Tokyo and Paris complete the top 10, presenting a mixture of urban exploration, luxury and spiritual travel.
Top 10 most sought-after international destinations (March 13-16, 2025):
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Dubai
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Singapore
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Bangkok
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Mecca
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Phuket
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Abu Dhabi
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Kuala Lumpur
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London
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Tokyo
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Paris
Santosh Kumar, director of the country for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com, said: “Indian travelers maximize the prolonged weekend with various national and international travel plans. From cultural celebrations to Vrindavan and Mathura to leisure getaways in Dubai and Tokyo, the Indians mix cultural immersion and contemporary getaways. Booking.com remains determined to provide a seamless and harassing travel experience this festive period by offering a diverse range of accommodation, flights, attractions and rental cars – all reserved on a single platform. »»
