Agoda Reports Rising Holi Travel Interest in India - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Digital travel platform Agoda has analysed accommodation search data for domestic travel during the recent Holi week, revealing a noticeable increase in travel interest compared with the previous year. Destinations such as Jaipur, Udaipur and Vrindavan recorded particularly strong growth, reflecting the appeal of locations where traditions, rituals and community celebrations shape the festival experience.

Alongside temple towns and historic cities, travellers showed growing interest in destinations that allow them to take part in vibrant festivities and shared cultural moments during Holi.

Heritage cities and pilgrimage towns attract travellers

Jaipur, Rajasthan’s “Pink City”, known for its palace-hosted Holi celebrations and the landmark Amer Fort, recorded a 282 percent increase in accommodation searches compared with the same holiday period last year.

Udaipur registered a 233 percent rise in travel interest as visitors looked to experience lakeside celebrations along Lake Pichola, where heritage hotels and boutique properties host curated Holi events.

The pilgrimage town of Pushkar saw a 195 percent increase in searches. Travellers are drawn to its colourful street gatherings and community celebrations around Pushkar Lake and its 52 bathing ghats.

Temple celebrations and cultural festivals drive travel

In northern India, Vrindavan recorded a 126 percent rise in travel interest. Visitors are attracted by Holi celebrations held in temple courtyards, where flower-throwing ceremonies, bhajans and traditional rituals create an immersive spiritual atmosphere.

Nearby Mathura, regarded as the birthplace of Krishna, recorded a 109 percent increase in searches as travellers sought to witness the festival through temple rituals and lively street celebrations.

Further south, Hampi saw a 128 percent rise in accommodation searches. The UNESCO-listed ruins and open temple squares become vibrant gathering points during Holi, appealing particularly to travellers interested in culture and history.

In eastern India, Shantiniketan recorded a 43 percent increase in travel interest. The town is known for its Basanta Utsav, a distinctive cultural interpretation of Holi centred on music, dance and art. Across these destinations, travel interest increased collectively by 211 percent.

International travellers also driving demand

International demand is contributing to the trend. Udaipur recorded a 459 percent increase in accommodation searches from across Asia compared with the previous year, while Jaipur saw more than 191 percent growth in international travel interest.

The rise in searches was led primarily by travellers from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan and South Korea.

Gaurav Malik said: “Holi has evolved into a key travel moment for both domestic and international visitors. India's cultural festivities continue to strengthen the country's global appeal, drawing travellers to plan their trips around distinctive local experiences. The increasing travel interest in temple towns and heritage cities reflects how cultural calendars are influencing travel decisions. At Agoda, we aim to simplify holiday planning by bringing together a diverse mix of stays, flights, and experiences, helping travellers make the most of their time during special occasions like Holi.”

Growing demand for integrated travel planning

As festivals such as Holi increasingly shape travel behaviour, Agoda offers travellers access to a wide range of accommodation options across different price levels and property types, alongside flights and bookable activities.

With more than six million holiday properties, over 130,000 flight routes and more than 300,000 activities available through the platform, travellers can organise complete trips in one place and plan their journeys around major cultural events.

Image Credit: © AA