Holi & Heritage: Celebrate This Year in the Most Underrated Cities

Penned by Prakriti Parul

The sky bursts into shades of pink, blue, and yellow as the echoes of laughter and music fill the air. Streets become playgrounds, and every corner of India comes alive with colors, traditions, and timeless stories. Holi is more than just a festival—it is a cultural phenomenon that has been celebrated for centuries, deeply rooted in mythology and history. But imagine taking part in this festival of colors against the backdrop of India’s most iconic heritage sites—playing Holi like a king in the courtyards of Jaipur’s palaces, dancing with colors along the sacred ghats of Varanasi, or experiencing the playful spirit of Lord Krishna in Mathura.

Holi is a gateway into India’s soul, where history and mythology merge seamlessly with modern-day revelry. For travelers seeking a journey that intertwines celebration with exploration, here’s how you can experience the festival of colors while immersing yourself in India’s rich heritage.

Bundi, Rajasthan – A Step Back in Time

Often overshadowed by Jaipur and Udaipur, Bundi is a hidden gem for travellers looking for a quieter yet deeply cultural Holi experience. The town, with its blue-painted houses, narrow alleyways, and the imposing Bundi Palace, provides an enchanting backdrop for Holi.

Here, Holi begins with a grand procession through the town, led by local musicians and folk dancers, as people gather at the palace for traditional Holika Dahan. Unlike the chaotic celebrations of larger cities, Bundi’s Holi is intimate, allowing travelers to interact with locals, witness age-old rituals, and explore architectural wonders like Taragarh Fort and Raniji ki Baori, a stunning stepwell from the 17th century.

Orchha, Madhya Pradesh – A Spiritual & Regal Affair

Nestled on the banks of the Betwa River, Orchha is a town frozen in time. It was once the capital of the Bundela kings, and its grand palaces, cenotaphs, and temples make it a breathtaking place to celebrate Holi.

The town’s main celebration takes place at the Ram Raja Temple, the only temple in India where Lord Rama is worshipped as a king. The festival here is deeply devotional, with processions, folk performances, and temple ceremonies blending spirituality with festivity. After the colors settle, visitors can explore the magnificent Jahangir Mahal, enjoy sunset views from the Chhatris (cenotaphs), or take a peaceful boat ride along the Betwa.

Mandu, Madhya Pradesh – Colors Amongst Ruins

Mandu, an ancient fortress city with Persian and Afghan influences, provides an offbeat yet mesmerizing Holi experience. The festival here is celebrated within the historical ruins, adding a surreal touch to the festivities.

Travelers can play Holi in the backdrop of Jahaz Mahal, a palace floating between two lakes, and later explore Rani Roopmati’s Pavilion or the grand Hindola Mahal. The intimate setting, combined with the haunting beauty of Mandu’s ruins, makes it one of the most atmospheric places to celebrate Holi away from the usual crowds.

Kumbhalgarh, Rajasthan – A Fortified Holi

Kumbhalgarh, the birthplace of Maharana Pratap, is famous for its massive fort, which boasts the second-longest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. The fort hosts a royal-style Holi celebration, complete with traditional folk dances, drum performances, and grand feasts.

After enjoying the festival, travelers can explore the fort’s hidden tunnels, grand gates, and the mesmerizing view of the Aravalli hills. The combination of history, royal festivities, and breathtaking landscapes makes Kumbhalgarh a truly underrated Holi destination.

Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh – A Riverside Holi with a Royal Touch

Situated along the sacred Narmada River, Maheshwar is a town of spiritual and historical significance. Famous for its Ahilya Fort and ghats, it offers a peaceful yet culturally rich Holi experience.

Celebrations here take place at Ahilya Bai Holkar’s palace, where visitors can witness traditional Holi rituals and folk performances. The real charm of Maheshwar lies in its post-Holi serenity—boating along the Narmada at sunset, walking through handloom workshops producing famous Maheshwari sarees, and exploring the intricate carvings of the temples along the ghats.

Anandpur Sahib, Punjab – Warrior Holi at Hola Mohalla

For those seeking an alternative to the typical color-splashing Holi, Anandpur Sahib’s Hola Mohalla offers a completely different experience. Unlike the playful nature, Hola Mohalla is a festival of strength, martial arts, and Sikh warrior traditions.

Celebrated a day after Holi, the festival showcases breathtaking displays of horseback stunts, sword fights, and mock battles performed by Nihang Sikhs. Instead of gulal, the air is filled with the sound of war cries, prayers, and the thunder of hooves. Travelers can immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere, participate in langars (community meals), and visit the Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, one of the holiest Sikh shrines.

Barsana & Nandgaon, Uttar Pradesh – The Playful Raas of Radha and Krishna

While Mathura and Vrindavan are famous Holi destinations, the villages of Barsana and Nandgaon offer a more immersive and mythical celebration. According to legend, this is where Krishna playfully teased Radha and her friends, leading to the unique tradition of Lathmar Holi, where women chase men with sticks.

The celebrations last nearly a week, starting with Phoolon Ki Holi (a flower-based Holi) at the Banke Bihari Temple and culminating in the grand event at Barsana’s Radha Rani Temple. Travellers looking for a traditional experience deeply rooted in folklore should not miss these two villages.

Purulia, West Bengal – A Tribal Holi with Folk Arts

Holi in Purulia is an entirely different experience, blending tribal traditions, ancient folk arts, and nature. The Basanta Utsav (Spring Festival) in Purulia is accompanied by performances of Chhau dance, Baul music, Darbari Jhumur, and other rare art forms, making it one of the most culturally rich celebrations in India.

Unlike the chaotic urban festivities, Purulia’s celebrations are set in a rural landscape, where travelers can dance alongside local artists, witness age-old traditions, and experience Holi in its most earthy and untouched form. The nearby Ajodhya Hills offer a perfect retreat for those looking to combine celebration with adventure.

Modhera, Gujarat – Amidst Sun Temple’s Grandeur

The Modhera Sun Temple, built in the 11th century, is a stunning backdrop for a serene celebration. While Gujarat is better known for festivals like Navratri, Holi here is an elegant affair, marked by temple rituals, folk performances, and community gatherings.

Visiting the Sun Temple after Holi allows travellers to explore its mesmerizing carvings, the sacred Surya Kund, and the intricate stepwell architecture. A short drive away, Patan’s Rani ki Vav, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a fascinating glimpse into Gujarat’s architectural heritage.

A Celebration Beyond Colors

India’s Holi celebrations are as diverse as its heritage. From the regal festivities of Bundi and Orchha to the warrior spirit of Hola Mohalla and the tribal rhythms of Purulia, each destination offers a unique way to experience Holi beyond the usual.

For travellers who seek more than just colors, these underrated destinations provide a deeper connection to India’s history, culture, and traditions. This Holi, go beyond the ordinary. Immerse yourself in the festival where history whispers through forts, spirituality flows along rivers, and age-old traditions come alive in the streets.