With Holi falling on Friday this year, Indian travelers are the most use of extended weekends to rejuvenate and find new destinations.
Holi weekend is turning into a perfect opportunity for various travel experiences, from soaking in the spiritual vibes of Vrindavan to a desert escape in Dubai.
Santosh Kumar, the country manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com, said, “Indian passengers are maximizing the extended weekends with diverse domestic and international travel plans. From cultural ceremonies in Vrindavan and Mathura, they are combining Indian cultural immersion and contemporary gateways, until they go on holiday in Dubai and Tokyo. ,
According to the platform, the top 10 most discovered domestic destinations traveling between 13.03.2025 to 16.03.2025 by Indian travelers
● Udaipur
● Mumbai
● Rishikesh
● Jaipur
● New Delhi
● Varanasi
● Vrindavan
● Puducherry
● Puri
● Lonavala
While many energetic ceremonies are ready, the growing number of people is selecting peaceful options for Mark Holi. Karan Aggarwal, director of Cox and Kings, noted a growing trend among young professionals, families and groups of friends who want to swap the common Holi Udham to retreat a rejuvenator.
He says, “More people consciously select environmentally friendly ceremonies or are completely out of the celebration, which are inspired by concerns about water wastage and harmful synthetic colors,” they say.
He also says that another interesting trend, in places like Rishikesh and Kerala, are people choosing for wellness retreat, where they can relax over a long weekend rather than engaged in traditional ceremonies.
Travellak co-founder Karen Mulla reported a 25–30% increase in hotel booking for Holi this year, especially due to long weekends. Says Mulla, “the demand for premium and luxury stay is particularly high, with 30–40% increase in room rates for luxury properties and 15–20% for standard housing. It is powered by passengers looking for private villas, boutique hotels and resorts for more individual Holi celebrations. ,
Jatinder Paul Singh, co-founder and CEO of Vaikshan, says, “The long weekend is perfect for the discovery and discovery of new destinations. Many common high-energy ceremonies are choosing for a more comfortable Holi. Rishikesh offers a peaceful vibe with spiritual function, music and bonfire. Jaipur is ideal for those looking for a royal Holi experience in palaces and forts, while Pushkar attracts visitors with its vibrant celebration. Goa remains a favorite for its environment, beautiful beaches and vibrant ceremonies. ,
Holi is also a major time for long weekends and small road trips.
According to Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and COO, South Asia at the Radisson Hotel Group, “We are seeing the increase in demand for destinations like Udaipur, Goa, Nainet, Vrindavan and Pondicherry. With a significant increase in occupancy and average daily rates (ADR) in these areas, short road trips and migrations live after excessive demand, “they say.
