Holi 2026: Jaipur, Udaipur lead travel surge as searches jump up to 282%

Jaipur and Udaipur lead Holi 2026 travel trends as accommodation searches jump up to 282%, with temple towns and heritage cities witnessing a festive tourism surge across India.

• Holi travel searches surge, led by Rajasthan's heritage cities
• Jaipur, Udaipur, and Pushkar see record growth in interest
• International travellers boost festival tourism in India

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As Holi draws closer, travel plans across India are taking on a vibrant hue. Instead of quick weekend getaways, many travellers this year are choosing destinations where the festival is woven deeply into the local culture. Fresh data released by digital travel platform Agoda shows a sharp spike in accommodation searches for Holi week, with heritage cities and temple towns leading the trend.

From royal palace courtyards in Rajasthan to temple squares in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka, Holi in 2026 is shaping up to be as much about immersive cultural experiences as it is about colour play.

Rajasthan leads Holi travel surge

Rajasthan has emerged as the clear frontrunner this festive season, with multiple cities reporting substantial year-on-year growth in travel interest.

Jaipur: Palace-led celebrations draw crowds

The Pink City, Jaipur, recorded a staggering 282 per cent increase in accommodation searches compared to the Holi period last year. Known for its grand palace-hosted celebrations and royal-style festivities, Jaipur offers visitors the chance to experience Holi amid historic architecture and regal settings.

Landmarks such as Amer Fort add to the appeal, giving travellers a backdrop of sandstone ramparts and sweeping views as festivities unfold across the city. For many, it is the blend of heritage, pageantry and community celebrations that makes Jaipur a top Holi destination.

Udaipur: Lakeside festivities on the rise

Close behind is Udaipur, which saw a 233 per cent rise in travel interest. Set against the serene waters of Lake Pichola, Udaipur’s Holi celebrations combine royal traditions with curated events hosted by heritage hotels and boutique properties.

Interestingly, Udaipur also witnessed a 459 per cent surge in searches from international markets across Asia, signalling its growing appeal as a global Holi hotspot.

Pushkar: Community celebrations by the ghats

The pilgrimage town of Pushkar registered a 195 per cent increase in searches. Holi here unfolds along the banks of Pushkar Lake and around its 52 bathing ghats, where locals and visitors come together for spirited street celebrations. The town’s intimate scale and spiritual atmosphere make it particularly attractive to travellers seeking culturally rooted festivities rather than large commercial events.

Image: Canva

Temple towns witness festive momentum

While Rajasthan dominates the charts, temple towns in Uttar Pradesh are also drawing strong interest.

Vrindavan: Flower Holi and bhajans

Vrindavan saw a 126 per cent increase in travel interest. Famous for its flower Holi ceremonies held in temple courtyards, Vrindavan offers an immersive spiritual experience marked by bhajans, rituals and vibrant colour showers.

Mathura: Holi at Lord Krishna’s birthplace

Nearby Mathura recorded a 109 per cent rise in searches. As the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura hosts some of India’s most iconic Holi scenes, where temple rituals spill into lively street processions. For many travellers, witnessing Holi here is less about spectacle and more about participating in centuries-old traditions.

Southern and eastern India join the Holi travel wave

The Holi travel surge is not limited to North India.

Hampi: Heritage ruins turn festive

In Karnataka, Hampi registered a 128 per cent increase in searches. The town’s UNESCO-listed ruins and expansive temple squares transform into vibrant gathering spaces during Holi, appealing to culture enthusiasts and history lovers who want a unique setting for the festival.

Shantiniketan: A cultural interpretation of Holi

In West Bengal, Shantiniketan saw a 43 per cent rise in interest. Known for Basanta Utsav, a celebration inspired by the traditions of Rabindranath Tagore, Shantiniketan’s Holi is marked by music, dance and artistic performances rather than high-energy colour play. The emphasis on culture and creativity gives it a distinctive character that continues to attract travellers.

Collectively, these key destinations reported an average 211 per cent rise in travel interest compared to last year’s Holi period.

International travellers join the colour trail

Agoda’s data also highlights a significant jump in interest from overseas travellers. Searches from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and South Korea have contributed to the spike, with Udaipur and Jaipur leading international growth.

Jaipur recorded over 191 per cent growth in travel interest from international markets, reinforcing Rajasthan’s growing reputation as a global festival destination.

According to Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, Holi has evolved into a major travel moment. He noted that India’s cultural festivals are strengthening the country’s global tourism appeal, with travellers increasingly planning holidays around authentic local celebrations rather than conventional sightseeing itineraries.

Image: AFP

More than colour, a cultural journey

What stands out in 2026 is the intent behind travel. Visitors are not just chasing vibrant photos or social media moments. They are seeking front-row access to palace courtyards, lakeside promenades, temple rituals and centuries-old squares where Holi unfolds as a shared community experience.

From the regal celebrations of Jaipur and Udaipur to the spiritual fervour of Vrindavan and Mathura, and from the heritage landscapes of Hampi to the artistic charm of Shantiniketan, Holi travel this year reflects a growing appetite for meaningful, culturally immersive journeys.

If current trends are any indication, India’s festival calendar is no longer just a cultural highlight — it is fast becoming a powerful driver of domestic and international tourism.