6 Holi Destinations and Must-Try Delicacies at These Destinations

Mathura and Vrindavan are said to be the birthplaces of Holi and naturally, no Holi festival travel is complete without mentioning them. While the Holi celebrations and colours in Mathura are famous worldwide, we truly want to draw your attention to the Vrindavan Holi sweets like Gujiya that add to the festivities and make the celebrations sweeter. You must also try Thandai - A Holi drink that is made with dry fruits, milk and sugar that makes the experience even more delightful.

Barsana is famous for the one-of-its-kind Barsana Lathmar Holi. Lathmar Holi is a tradition carried forward since the time of Lord Krishna and Radha wherein it's said that Lord Krishna, who was considered the son-in-law of Barsana, came into the town to spray colours on his beloved Radha but was met with Radha and her friends who playfully greeted them with sticks and drove them out. This unique tradition continues today and is a spectacle you must not miss. While you may visit for this traditional Holi celebration, you should stay for the Mathura Holi food, which is Kanji Vada – small moong dal soaked in spicy mustard water called Kanji. It is great for your stomach as it's full of probiotics and helps build immunity in winters. Another dish is Bhang Pakora – fritters made out of bhang seed powder and a specialty in North India.

Rajasthan is the ideal place to be if your idea of Holi festivities is to have a Royal Holi celebration. The Jaipur Holi festival and Udaipur Holi celebrations, although very distinct, promise a royal treatment. In Jaipur, you can visit the city palace on the night of Chhoti Holi to see the bonfire lit by the Royal family, followed by the celebration of colours the next day. In Udaipur, you can visit the Gangaur Ghat or Jagdish Chowk to celebrate Holi like locals or take part in luxurious Holi festivities hosted by hotels featuring folk music artists and delicious food. What adds to this lavish celebration is indulging in Rajasthani Holi delicacies such as Malpua - a famous Holi dessert and the famous Kachoris that you could never get enough of.

Pushkar Holi is a famous celebration known all over the world. Travellers across the borders travel especially to be here around the Holi celebrations to experience it for themselves. It is one of the most vibrant Holi party destinations because of the Holi music festival it hosts every year. It is also a hotspot for Holi street food like Gujiya, Thandai, Lassi, Malpua, and Jalebi. You can even munch on dry snacks like Namak pare and other Holi snacks and drinks from local stalls to get the full experience.

Holi is incomplete without Holi celebrations in Varanasi. The festival is a sight to behold at the Varanasi Holi Ghats where you can even spot Naga Sadhus playing Masaan Holi with human ashes. People from all over the world visit to witness this spectacle. However, what adds to this unique experience is the Holi food in Varanasi. We're all aware of the genius of Varanasi street food but during Holi it goes up a notch with Dahi Bhalle and Chaat, which you must top off with the intoxicating Bhaang drink for an authentic Holi food experience. You can even gorge up on regional Holi food specialities here.

If you are looking for a more modern celebration with good crowds, amazing music and atmosphere, Mumbai is the place to be. There are many Holi festival events hosted in Mumbai that you can get tickets for easily and watch notable DJs and artists perform live. You can even indulge in Holi food tours and load up on carbs with some lip-smacking Puranpoli served with a dollop of ghee to get into the festive spirit. For savoury lovers, Mumbai also has a lot of Holi street food options available to choose from.