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Holi in India
The Festival of Colours

5 Days / 4 Nights
Delhi → Mathura → Vrindavan → Agra
Group / Private
4.8/5 Rating

Trip Overview

The Holi in India — Festival of Colours Experience is the ultimate cultural immersion into one of the world's most vibrant and joyous celebrations. This specially curated 5-day tour takes you to the heartland of Holi — Mathura, Vrindavan, and Barsana — the birthplace of Lord Krishna, where Holi is celebrated with unmatched passion and grandeur.

Begin your journey in Delhi, India's dynamic capital, before travelling to Mathura and Vrindavan to witness the legendary Holi celebrations that last for over a week. Experience the famous Lathmar Holi in Barsana, the spectacular Flower Holi at Banke Bihari Temple, and the electrifying Holika Dahan bonfire ceremony. Continue to Agra to visit the iconic Taj Mahal before returning to Delhi.

This carefully planned tour includes expert local guides, comfortable hotel stays, air-conditioned private transport, Holi celebration kits with organic colours, and all monument entrance fees. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, photographer, or simply seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this tour promises unforgettable memories drenched in colour, music, and joy.

Duration

5 Days / 4 Nights

Destinations

Delhi, Mathura, Vrindavan, Agra

Hotels

3-Star / 4-Star

Meals

Breakfast + Holi Feast

Transport

Private AC Vehicle

Guide

English Speaking

Highlights of the Tour

Play with vibrant organic colours (gulal) in the streets of Mathura & Vrindavan — the birthplace of Lord Krishna
Witness the legendary Lathmar Holi in Barsana — where women playfully chase men with sticks in a centuries-old tradition
Experience the mesmerising Holika Dahan bonfire ceremony — a sacred ritual symbolising the triumph of good over evil
Visit the spectacular Flower Holi at Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan — thousands of flower petals showered on devotees
Enjoy traditional Holi sweets & festive cuisine — gujiya, thandai, malpua, and a grand Holi feast
Dance to the beats of dhol drums & Bollywood music during vibrant street celebrations
Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal at sunrise — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World
Explore ancient Krishna temples in Mathura & Vrindavan — including Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi & Prem Mandir
Receive a complimentary Holi celebration kit with organic colours, water guns (pichkari), and traditional white kurta
Capture stunning photographs of India's most photogenic festival — a paradise for photographers and content creators

Tour: Detail Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrival in Delhi — Welcome & Orientation

Welcome to India! Upon arrival at Delhi International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After freshening up, enjoy a brief orientation about the Holi festival and the exciting days ahead. In the evening, explore the vibrant streets of Old Delhi.

  • Airport pick-up and transfer to hotel in a private AC vehicle
  • Holi orientation session — learn about the history, traditions, and dos & don'ts of Holi celebrations
  • Receive your complimentary Holi celebration kit — organic colours, pichkari (water gun), and traditional white kurta
  • Evening visit to Chandni Chowk — explore the bustling markets and sample street food
  • Optional: Visit India Gate & Connaught Place for a leisurely evening stroll
Overnight stay in Delhi.
Traditional Holi Items and Colours
DAY 2

Delhi to Mathura — Lathmar Holi & Holika Dahan

After breakfast, drive to Mathura (approx. 3.5 hours via Yamuna Expressway). The birthplace of Lord Krishna comes alive during Holi with week-long celebrations. Today, witness the famous Lathmar Holi in nearby Barsana and the sacred Holika Dahan bonfire ceremony.

  • Drive to Barsana to witness the legendary Lathmar Holi — women from Barsana playfully hit men from Nandgaon with sticks while everyone is drenched in colours
  • Visit Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple — the birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura
  • Explore the colourful Holi bazaars of Mathura — buy traditional gulal, pichkaris, and festive decorations
  • Evening: Witness the sacred Holika Dahan bonfire ceremony — a massive community bonfire symbolising the victory of good over evil
  • Enjoy traditional Holi sweets — gujiya, malpua, and thandai (a festive milk drink with almonds & saffron)
Overnight stay in Mathura.
Lathmar Holi Barsana
DAY 3

Holi Day — The Grand Celebration in Vrindavan

Today is the main Holi Day! Get ready for the most colourful and exhilarating day of your life. Head to Vrindavan to experience Holi at its most authentic — from the famous Flower Holi at Banke Bihari Temple to the electrifying street celebrations with music, dance, and colours.

  • Early morning visit to Banke Bihari Temple for the spectacular Phoolon Wali Holi (Flower Holi) — thousands of flower petals showered on devotees in a breathtaking display
  • Join the grand street celebrations in Vrindavan — play with organic colours, dance to dhol beats, and celebrate with locals
  • Visit Prem Mandir — a stunning white marble temple dedicated to Radha-Krishna, beautifully illuminated during Holi
  • Enjoy a traditional Holi feast lunch with authentic North Indian cuisine and festive specialities
  • Afternoon: Witness Holi celebrations at the Mathura Ghats — coloured water and powder filling the air along the Yamuna River
  • Evening: Bollywood music & dance party — celebrate with fellow travellers and locals
Overnight stay in Mathura.
Flower Holi at Banke Bihari Temple
DAY 4

Mathura to Agra — Taj Mahal & Agra Fort

After a leisurely breakfast and time to recover from the colourful celebrations, drive to Agra (approx. 1.5 hours). The city of the Taj Mahal awaits you with its magnificent Mughal architecture and rich history.

  • Visit the world-famous Taj Mahal — the symbol of eternal love, built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal
  • Explore Agra Fort — a massive red sandstone fortress with beautiful palaces, halls & gardens inside
  • Visit Mehtab Bagh for a stunning sunset view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River
  • Optional: Visit a marble inlay workshop to see artisans create beautiful pietra dura work — the same technique used in the Taj Mahal
  • Evening free for shopping at Agra's local markets — famous for marble souvenirs, leather goods, and Petha sweets
Overnight stay in Agra.
Taj Mahal Sunrise Agra
DAY 5

Agra to Delhi — Departure

After a leisurely breakfast, check out from the hotel. Depending on your departure time, you may have free time for last-minute shopping or an optional sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. Drive back to Delhi for your onward journey.

  • Optional: Sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal — experience the monument in the golden morning light (additional ticket required)
  • Drive back to Delhi (approx. 4 hours via Yamuna Expressway) or transfer to Agra Airport/Railway Station
  • Drop-off at Delhi Airport / Railway Station / Hotel as per your travel plans
  • Tour ends with wonderful memories of the most colourful festival on Earth!
Tour ends. We hope you had an amazing Holi experience!
Holi Music and Dance Celebration

Inclusion & Exclusion

What's Included

10 Items
  • 4 Nights accommodation in 3-Star / 4-Star hotels (Delhi, Mathura, Agra)
  • Daily breakfast at the hotel + traditional Holi feast lunch on Day 3
  • All transfers & sightseeing by private air-conditioned vehicle (Sedan / SUV / Tempo Traveller)
  • English-speaking professional tour guide throughout the trip
  • Complimentary Holi celebration kit — organic colours, pichkari (water gun), and traditional white kurta
  • All monument entrance fees as per itinerary (Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, temples)
  • Guided Holi celebration experiences in Mathura, Vrindavan & Barsana
  • Complimentary bottled water during sightseeing
  • All applicable taxes (GST)
  • 24/7 on-trip support & assistance + Airport pick-up and drop-off

What's Not Included

8 Items
  • Airfare / Train fare to and from Delhi
  • Lunch and Dinner (except Holi feast on Day 3 — other meals can be arranged at additional cost)
  • Additional Holi colours or water guns beyond the complimentary kit
  • Camera fees at monuments (where applicable)
  • Personal expenses — laundry, phone calls, tips, shopping
  • Travel insurance
  • Any services not mentioned in the inclusion list
  • Festival / Peak season surcharges (if applicable)
GUEST REVIEWS

What Our Holi Travellers Say

"Celebrating Holi in Vrindavan was the most incredible experience of my life! The colours, the music, the energy — it was absolutely magical. Our guide took us to the best spots and made sure we were safe while having the time of our lives. The Flower Holi at Banke Bihari Temple was breathtaking!"
J

James & Sophie Williams

United Kingdom
"As a photographer, Holi in India was a dream come true. Every moment was a perfect shot — the vibrant colours against ancient temples, the joyful faces, the dancing crowds. The Lathmar Holi in Barsana was unlike anything I've ever seen. This tour was perfectly organised and I felt completely looked after."
A

Anna Müller

Germany
"We booked this Holi tour for our family and it exceeded all expectations. The kids absolutely loved playing with colours and water guns! The organic colours provided were gentle on the skin. The Holika Dahan bonfire was a powerful cultural experience. Highly recommend for families!"
R

Raj & Priya Patel

United States
FREQUENTLY ASKED

FAQ — Holi in India Tour

When is Holi celebrated in India?
Holi is celebrated in March every year, on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna. The exact date changes each year based on the lunar calendar. In 2026, Holi falls on Tuesday, 3rd March. However, celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan begin a week before the main Holi day, so the festivities span over 7-10 days.
Is it safe to celebrate Holi as a foreign tourist?
Absolutely! Holi is a joyous and welcoming festival. With our guided tour, you'll be accompanied by experienced local guides who ensure your safety at all times. We provide organic, skin-safe colours and advise on protective measures. We recommend wearing old white clothes, applying coconut oil on skin and hair before playing, and keeping valuables in waterproof bags.
What should I wear during Holi celebrations?
We recommend wearing old white clothes — white is the traditional colour worn during Holi as it beautifully shows the vibrant colours. We provide a complimentary white kurta (traditional Indian tunic) as part of your Holi kit. Wear comfortable shoes that you don't mind getting coloured. Avoid wearing expensive or delicate fabrics.
Are the colours used during Holi safe for skin?
We provide 100% organic and herbal colours made from natural ingredients like turmeric, neem, beetroot, and flower extracts. These are completely safe for skin and hair. We recommend applying coconut oil or moisturiser on exposed skin and hair before playing to make colour removal easier. We also advise wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes.
What is Lathmar Holi and where does it happen?
Lathmar Holi is a unique Holi tradition celebrated in Barsana (near Mathura), the village of Radha. According to legend, Lord Krishna visited Barsana to play Holi with Radha, and the women of Barsana chased him away with sticks (lathis). This tradition continues today — women playfully hit men with sticks while men protect themselves with shields. It's a spectacular and colourful event that takes place about a week before the main Holi day.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes! We specialise in customised tours. You can extend the tour to include Jaipur's Elephant Holi, Udaipur's Royal Holi, or Varanasi's spiritual Holi. You can also upgrade hotels, add extra destinations, or modify the daily schedule. Just fill out the enquiry form with your preferences and we'll create a tailor-made itinerary for you.
Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Holi is a family-friendly festival and children love it! We provide child-friendly organic colours and smaller water guns for kids. Our guides are experienced in making the tour enjoyable and safe for children of all ages. We can also arrange child seats, special meal requirements, and a more relaxed pace upon request.
What is the cancellation policy?
We offer flexible cancellation: Full refund if cancelled 30+ days before departure. 50% refund if cancelled 15-29 days before. No refund for cancellations within 14 days of departure. Please note that Holi tours are in high demand and availability is limited, so we recommend booking early. We also recommend purchasing travel insurance for added protection.

Ready to Experience Holi in India?

Book your Holi Festival of Colours Experience today and create memories that last a lifetime. Limited spots available — contact us for the best prices and personalised itineraries.

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