Holi is not just a festival of colours; it is a celebration of togetherness, laughter, and shared memories. While many choose to celebrate close to home, some look for a setting that adds something extra to the experience. This year, instead of settling for the usual, families and travellers can explore destinations that combine festive cheer with scenic views, cultural richness, and relaxed comfort.

At Ramada by Wyndham Kasauli Sanawar, Holi unfolds against sweeping valley views and crisp mountain air. Away from the rush of nearby cities, this hillside retreat offers a calm yet cheerful setting to celebrate with organic colours, festive music, and traditional delicacies. Guests can step out to enjoy panoramic views at Manki Point or take refreshing walks along Gilbert Nature Trail and Lover’s Lane. As the day winds down, a spa session or a relaxed evening by the outdoor pool completes a celebration that blends mountain calm with festive joy.

In Rajasthan, Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa, Udaipur brings a royal touch to Holi. Set in the City of Lakes, the resort reflects the grandeur the region is known for. Guests can explore the iconic City Palace and soak in Udaipur’s cultural vibrance before returning to the comfort of palatial halls and modern luxury. The celebration here feels rich and immersive, combining tradition, colour, and indulgence in one memorable stay.

Further north, Ramada Encore by Wyndham Rajbagh Srinagar offers a unique Holi by the banks of the Jhelum River. Surrounded by Kashmir’s natural beauty, the hotel provides a peaceful yet festive atmosphere. A morning shikara ride on Dal Lake, with spring hues reflecting on the water, sets the tone for the day. Walks through the Mughal Gardens add to the charm, while a festive feast and warm hospitality at the hotel make the celebration feel complete and comforting.

For those drawn to the Queen of Hills, Ramada by Wyndham Mussoorie Mall Road offers a refreshing mountain Holi. Close to the lively Mall Road and the peaceful Shedup Choephelling Temple, the hotel allows guests to balance celebration with quiet moments. Playing with organic colours against a valley backdrop, enjoying festive treats over breakfast, or strolling through Company Garden makes for a Holi that feels joyful yet soothing in the cool Himalayan breeze.

In Rajasthan’s wilderness, Astroport Sariska Treetop by Eight Continents presents a concept-driven escape near the Sariska Tiger Reserve. Here, Holi begins amid nature’s earthy tones and mindful celebrations with organic colours. As night falls, the focus shifts from gulal to galaxies with guided stargazing sessions. It is a setting where the festival becomes more than a daytime celebration, extending into a magical evening under the stars.

In the heart of the Blue City, Stamps by Eight Continents – Jodhpur offers a heritage-inspired Holi experience. Located close to the city’s well-known landmarks and cultural spots, the hotel serves as a welcoming base for families who want to explore Jodhpur’s festive spirit. With 21 elegantly designed rooms and suites that reflect Rajasthani charm along with modern comforts, guests can celebrate the day’s colours and return to a peaceful, well-appointed space in the evening.

Holi is a time when families come together to celebrate joy and colour. Choosing the right destination can make those moments even more special. Whether it is a hillside retreat, a royal palace stay, a riverside escape, or a nature-inspired getaway, these properties offer a thoughtful mix of comfort, culture, and celebration.

This Holi 2026, let the festival be about more than just colours. Travel somewhere new, pause from routine, and create memories that stay long after the colours fade.

In a focused step towards strengthening climate awareness in the city, the Rotary Club of Madras partnered with the Institute for Climate and Environment as community collaborators for Sustainability Carnival and Primathon 2026. Held on February 14 and 15 at Primrose School, Chennai, the two-day initiative was curated by ICE, with Rotary extending its support to widen participation and deepen community engagement.

The programme opened with a symbolic tree plantation under ICE’s ROOTS (Restoring Our Original Tree Systems) initiative. President Rtn. Nikhil Raj, along with key Rotary members, planted a Manoranjitham sapling on campus, marking the beginning of a larger ecological restoration goal. Through ROOTS, ICE plans to plant one million native trees over the next three years to rebuild local ecosystems and enhance environmental resilience. The initiative received financial backing from Rtn. Fharzana Siraj, B&G Solar Pvt Ltd, and Kaleesuwari Foundations.

On February 15, the Primathon saw students, parents and educators participate in a 1.5-kilometre run symbolising the 1.5°C global warming threshold outlined in the Paris Agreement. Flagged off by Rtn. Sesha Sai, District Chairman, participants wore eco-friendly T-shirts to reinforce everyday sustainability. A yoga session inspired by Triguna Theory encouraged mindful living as a foundation for environmental responsibility. The event concluded with a Climate Action Pledge, with attendees committing to sustainable practices and receiving Certificates of Climate Action from ICE.

The Association of Hospitality Professionals (AHP) is set to introduce AHP Aatithya Mandapam, powered by Hotremai, during the Hospitality Challenges - AAHAR Edition 2026, scheduled from March 10 to 14 at Hall No. 1, Bharat Mandapam. Designed as a focused pavilion, the platform will spotlight professionals from Housekeeping, Front Office, Food & Beverage Service and Sales, offering them structured national-level recognition.

Across five days, over 400 hospitality professionals will compete in 15 skill categories, assessed by a 70-member industry jury. The event is also expected to host more than 200 senior leaders, including CEOs, Vice Presidents and General Managers from leading hospitality organisations. Competition segments range from Art of Bed Making and Stain Removal Challenge to Situation Handling in Front Office, Sales Pitch contests, Art of Table Setup, Towel and Napkin Folding, and The Fragrance – a flower arrangement showcase.

Beyond competitions, the pavilion will feature masterclasses and panel discussions covering hospitality trends, artificial intelligence in operations, inclusivity, hotel sales strategies and guest experience management.

Commenting on the initiative, Devipshita Gautam, Founder and Chairperson of AHP, said, “AHP Aatithya Mandapam, powered by Hotremai, has been planned to provide structured recognition to professionals working in Housekeeping, Front Office, Food & Beverage and Sales. These national-level competitions are designed to promote skill enhancement, industry benchmarking and professional engagement at a wider level.”

Through this initiative, AHP continues its efforts to strengthen professional standards and encourage organised skill development across India’s hospitality sector