Thandai, Gulal & Madness! These 5 Places Are the Best for a Holi Getaway in 2025

Thandai, Gulal & Madness! These 5 Places Are the Best for a Holi Getaway in 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 14, 2025

Holi isn't just a festival—it's a full-blown, color-soaked, dance-like-nobody's-watching, Thandai-fueled celebration that takes over cities, villages, and even mountain hideaways across India. Whether you're in for wild street parties, sacred temple rituals, or a chill Holi retreat in the hills, there's a perfect spot waiting for you. From Jaipur's royal Holi to the psytrance vibes of the Himalayas, these five destinations guarantee an experience you'll be talking about till next Holi (or longer). But here's the deal—these places fill up fast! So, if you don't want to end up watching Holi reels from your couch, now's the time to plan your trip.

1. Zostel Pushkar – The Ultimate Backpacker Holi Party

Two days of non-stop music, color fights, and celebration

Pushkar is one of India's most electrifying Holi destinations, where travelers and locals gather in the main square for two days of non-stop celebration. Expect DJ-led parties, color-throwing madness, and an incredible international backpacker vibe. If you're looking for a wild and unforgettable Holi, this is the place to be.

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Book your stay at Zostel Pushkar

2. Moustache Varanasi – Holi on the Ghats of the Ganges

A traditional and spiritual Holi experience

Varanasi's Holi is a mix of ancient traditions and high-energy celebrations. People play with colors along the ghats of the Ganges, while temples host special Holi rituals and a grand evening Aarti. The narrow lanes of Varanasi become a colorful maze of celebration, making it one of the most unique Holi experiences in India.

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Book your stay at Moustache Varanasi

3. The Hosteller Jaipur – Royal Holi in the Pink City

Experience the grandeur of Holi with a cultural twist

Jaipur offers a heritage-rich Holi celebration, where historic palaces and forts serve as the backdrop for traditional music, folk performances, and royal celebrations. The City Palace hosts an exclusive Holi event, making it a great spot for those who want to combine culture with festivity.

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Book your stay at The Hosteller Jaipur

4. Zostel Rishikesh – A Riverside Escape for a Peaceful Holi

Celebrate with organic colors, Ganga Aarti, and adventure

If you want a Holi experience that's both peaceful and festive, Rishikesh is the perfect destination. Many hostels and ashrams organize organic Holi celebrations, followed by yoga sessions, bonfires, and live music by the river. It's a great mix of colorful celebrations and relaxation.

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Book your stay at Zostel Rishikesh

5. Travel in Heaven, Kasol – Celebrate Holi in the Heart of the Hills

A laid-back yet vibrant Holi in the Parvati Valley

For those who want a laid-back yet vibrant Holi, Kasol is the perfect destination. Tucked in the Parvati Valley, this backpacker paradise offers organic Holi celebrations, live music sessions, and cozy bonfires under the starlit sky. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush greenery, it's an ideal spot for travelers looking to mix festival fun with relaxation. Many hostels, including Travel in Heaven, organize community Holi events, making it a colorful and unforgettable experience in the mountains.

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Book your stay at Travel in Heaven, Kasol

So grab your white kurta, sunglasses (trust us, you'll need them), and your best festive spirit—because Holi 2025 is about to be a riot of colors, beats, adventure, and friendships you didn't see coming!


India International Travel Mart Returns to Pune & Hyderabad in 2025

India International Travel Mart Returns to Pune & Hyderabad in 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 30, 2025

The India International Travel Mart (IITM), one of the country’s longest-running and most trusted travel trade exhibitions, is set to return to Pune and Hyderabad in 2025.

  • IITM Pune will take place from 27–29 November 2025 at Expo Centre, Deccan College, Yerawada.

  • IITM Hyderabad will be held from 4–6 December 2025 at Hall No. 2, HITEX Exhibition Centre, Kondapur Post.

Now in its 26th successful year, IITM has established itself as India’s biggest travel event, connecting national and international tourism boards, travel operators, hospitality brands, technology providers, and other stakeholders from the tourism ecosystem.

Why IITM Matters

IITM is more than an exhibition, it’s a dynamic B2B platform designed for networking, destination promotion, and business development. With over 200 editions hosted across India, the event has become a trusted launchpad for new travel products, services, and partnerships.

The 2025 editions will feature dedicated pavilions for domestic and international destinations, luxury travel, experiential tourism, travel technology, and sustainable tourism solutions. Attendees can look forward to workshops, buyer-seller meets, and curated showcases designed to strengthen business networks and drive collaborations.

Organisers Speak

Commenting on the upcoming editions, Mr. Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, said:

“India International Travel Mart has become a landmark event in India’s tourism calendar. It plays a vital role in driving growth by fostering direct engagement between destinations, travel brands, and buyers.”

Mr. Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, added:

“With Pune and Hyderabad being among India’s fastest-growing tourism markets, hosting IITM in these cities allows us to bring together key stakeholders, promote destinations, and create stronger networks for the industry.”

Spotlight on Pune & Hyderabad

Both host cities represent high-potential travel markets:

  • Pune is a thriving hub for education, IT, automotive, and manufacturing, with strong leisure and MICE travel demand driven by its young professional base and proximity to the Western Ghats.

  • Hyderabad, also known as “Cyberabad,” is a leading IT, biotech, and pharma hub, with a growing middle-class population and strong infrastructure, making it a significant market for business and leisure tourism.

Focus for IITM 2025

This year’s editions will place special emphasis on:

  • Sustainable Tourism – showcasing eco-friendly travel solutions and responsible hospitality initiatives.

  • Emerging Travel Technologies – including AI-driven planning tools, VR travel experiences, contactless systems, and blockchain-based security.

  • Business Networking – creating opportunities for exhibitors to connect with buyers, partners, and investors through curated B2B meetings.

As India’s outbound travel market continues to boom, expected to surpass USD 44 billion by 2032, IITM stands as a strategic gateway for industry players to connect, collaborate, and capitalize on new opportunities.


Lemon Tree Hotels Signs Lemon Tree Resort in Pench, Maharashtra

Lemon Tree Hotels Signs Lemon Tree Resort in Pench, Maharashtra

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 29, 2025

Lemon Tree Hotels has announced the signing of Lemon Tree Resort, Pench, Maharashtra, its newest getaway in the heart of India.

Nestled amidst the scenic forests of Pench, which spans across Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the upcoming resort will feature 60 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, spa, swimming pool, banquet spaces, and more.

Pench National Park, famously known as the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, leopards, sloth bears, and countless other wildlife species. This makes it an ideal destination for both nature lovers and adventure seekers.

This signing further strengthens Lemon Tree Hotels’ footprint in Maharashtra, where it currently operates 14 hotels with six more in the pipeline. The expansion also reflects the brand’s commitment to growing its presence across India’s key leisure, wildlife, and experiential destinations.


Hotels across Vietnam roll out festive experiences for National Day holiday

Hotels across Vietnam roll out festive experiences for National Day holiday

By Hariharan U

Published on August 29, 2025

 Hotels and resorts across Vietnam are gearing up for the National Day holiday with a vibrant mix of dining events, wellness packages, and family activities that celebrate the country’s culture and spirit of togetherness.

Waving the Vietnamese Flag High at Alma Resort Cam Ranh

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 Alma Resort Cam Ranh is pulling out all the stops with family-friendly festivities inspired by Vietnam’s flag. Activities include festive décor, DIY flag crafts, face painting, and a playful “Capture the Flag” challenge. Young guests can also enjoy kite making, tree planting, and plenty of fun with wood carving, yoga, tug of war, and even meet-and-greet moments with a Minion and a clown.

On September 2, Alma Garden will serve a lavish breakfast buffet with a “Special Vietnamese Delights” counter, followed by an evening spread titled “A Culinary Journey Across Three Regions”, featuring half a grilled lobster per adult, unlimited beverages, and a live performance by a traditional band. Meanwhile, Alma Food Court will spotlight Vietnamese coffee tasting, alongside local favourites such as grilled chicken with bamboo-tube rice and beef stew with rice noodles.

Wellness and Family Time at Azerai Resorts

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 Azerai Resorts is celebrating with special offers designed for relaxation and family bonding. At Azerai Ke Ga Bay, guests can enjoy a “Buy 60, Get 90 Minutes” massage promotion and complimentary yoga sessions by the beach. Further north, Azerai La Residence, Hue is offering a “Family Time” package with a one-night stay, daily breakfast, a poolside BBQ dinner, and discounts on spa and dining. For a deeper escape, the “Hue Heritage and Nature Escape” two-night package combines time at the resort with a guided trip to Bach Ma National Park and explorations of Hue’s cultural landmarks.

Premium BBQ Buffet at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

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In the capital, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is marking the holiday with an exclusive BBQ Buffet Dinner at Spice Garden on September 2. From 6pm to 10pm, diners can savour fresh seafood, Hanoi specialties, and premium BBQ across five live stations. Children under 6 dine free, while those aged 6–11 enjoy a 50% discount. The refurbished Spice Garden, relaunched in 2023, blends cozy luxury with authentic Vietnamese charm, making it an ideal setting for festive dining.

Fiery Festivities at The Anam Cam Ranh

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 The Anam Cam Ranh is setting the stage for a lively Independence Day celebration with a Vietnamese buffet, fireshow, fireworks, and live traditional music on September 2. Hosted at Lang Viet Restaurant and Bar, with optional drinks packages for unlimited juices or free-flow draught beer. The highlight? Fresh mango juice made from Khanh Hoa’s famed mangos, adding a local touch to the beachfront feast.

From beachfront resorts to heritage city hotels, Vietnam’s hospitality scene is uniting to honour National Day with celebrations that bring together food, culture, and family fun.

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