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!


5 Best Sites Offering Festive Flight Deals This Season

5 Best Sites Offering Festive Flight Deals This Season

By Hariharan U

Published on December 3, 2025

Festive travel in India often comes with excitement and rising airfares. With families planning reunions, quick getaways and year-end breaks, booking flights can get expensive as the season gets closer. Thankfully, several travel platforms are offering attractive festive deals, cashback options and flash discounts to make the journey easier on your budget.

Whether you’re travelling home for Diwali, planning a winter break or exploring new destinations, the right booking platform can help you find pocket-friendly fares. Here are five trusted websites offering some of the best festive flight deals this year.

1. Wego
Wego is known for its simple interface and real-time fare comparisons across airlines and travel portals. This festive season, it’s rolling out app-only offers, special discounts and fare alerts to help you catch the lowest prices. For domestic and international trips, Wego ensures you never miss a good deal.

2. MakeMyTrip
MakeMyTrip’s festive offers are popular among Indian travellers, featuring cashback on select credit cards, wallet discounts and coupon codes. Their seasonal “Festive Sale” usually includes flash deals and savings on round-trip bookings, helping you book smarter during peak travel time.

3. Skyscanner
Skyscanner helps you track price drops and find the cheapest days to travel with its smart algorithms. This season, the platform is highlighting budget airline offers and multi-city flight options — ideal for travellers planning long festive breaks or visiting multiple destinations.

4. Cleartrip
Cleartrip is offering attractive festive-season savings through its partnerships with major banks like HDFC, ICICI and Axis. With extra discounts on select card payments and the Cleartrip Rewards program that lets you earn and redeem points, it makes festive travel more affordable.

5. Ixigo
Ixigo continues to gain popularity for its AI-powered fare alerts and Ixigo Money cashback. This festive season, it’s offering limited-time deals on domestic routes and bonus rewards for app bookings, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travellers.

With these platforms stepping up with smart tools and festive offers, planning your holiday travel becomes easier, faster and more affordable.


A Sustainable Christmas Shines at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach

A Sustainable Christmas Shines at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 3, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach marked the beginning of the festive season with the unveiling and lighting of its Sustainable Christmas Tree, a thoughtful tribute to Andhra Pradesh’s cultural heritage and the hotel’s commitment to conscious hospitality. The ceremony welcomed guests, dignitaries and members of the media, creating a warm start to a joyful and meaningful Christmas season.

This year’s Christmas tree stands out for its sustainable design. Every element has been selected to honour local artisans, represent regional traditions and promote eco-friendly living. The installation blends culture, craftsmanship and responsibility, reflecting the hotel’s dedication to mindful celebrations.

Speaking about the initiative, Ms Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “Our Sustainable Christmas Tree is not just a festive centrepiece, it is a meaningful tribute to Andhra Pradesh’s artisans, a celebration of conscious craftsmanship, and a reflection of our commitment to honouring local traditions in a responsible way. At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we take pride in championing initiatives that celebrate our community while promoting mindful hospitality.”

The tree features responsibly sourced Araku bamboo that represents purity and green living, handwoven Mangalagiri sarees that bring colour and elegance, and traditional toys from Ettikoppaka and Kondapalli that celebrate the state’s artistic heritage. Together, these elements highlight the region’s rich culture while supporting local craftspeople.

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach looks forward to welcoming guests throughout the season to enjoy Christmas celebrations that are joyful, conscious and deeply connected to the community.


Swasthya Retreat at The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal Unveiled

Swasthya Retreat at The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal Unveiled

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 3, 2025

The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal has introduced its newest wellness experience, Swasthya Retreat, with an exclusive preview event hosted at The LaLiT Ashok Bengaluru. The gathering brought together wellness advocates, travel industry guests, and media friends for an early look at a programme that aims to redefine India’s holistic wellness landscape.

Located between the peaceful Nombili River and the Arabian Sea, The LaLiT Bekal is known as one of India’s most serene hideaways. With the arrival of Swasthya Retreat, the resort adds a new dimension to its offerings, where luxury blends with purpose to create a personalised journey of balance, healing, and renewal.

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Inspired by the Sanskrit concept of “Swasthya,” meaning a natural state of well-being, the retreat focuses on harmony between the body, mind, and spirit. Created in collaboration with Spiceology, it features six signature programmes: Panchakarma Detox, Pain & Joint Care, Weight Management, Anti-Ageing & Rejuvenation, Geriatric Care, and De-Stress & Burnout Recovery.

Each retreat is designed by experienced Ayurvedic physicians and yoga practitioners. Guests experience personalised therapies, sattvik cuisine, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle guidance. The programme also supports long-term well-being through pre-arrival consultations and post-retreat follow-ups to help guests continue their wellness journey even after their stay.

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The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal offers a setting where nature and comfort flow together. Spread across lush green landscapes, the resort features 38 luxury suites with private jacuzzis and lagoon views, along with a 20,000 sq. ft. Ayurvedic Spa that houses 11 treatment rooms. Days unfold in a calming rhythm of sunrise yoga, Ayurvedic rituals, fresh local meals, and quiet moments by the backwaters.

Swasthya Retreat is also a reflection of The LaLiT’s commitment to conscious living. The programme emphasises sustainability, inclusivity, and a deep respect for local culture, with initiatives such as farm-to-table ingredients, zero-waste kitchens, and support for regional craftsmanship.

Set across 26 acres of greenery, The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal continues to celebrate India’s heritage, art, and holistic living. With its Kerala-inspired architecture and its strong connection to the land and community, the resort brings together mindful luxury and meaningful experiences.

For reservations and enquiries, visit www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-bekal or email - resvbekal@thelalit.com spiceology.bekal@thelalit.com

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