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!


L’Oréal Paris Celebrates 29 Years at Cannes with Star-Studded India Line-Up Featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt & Aditi Rao Hydari

L’Oréal Paris Celebrates 29 Years at Cannes with Star-Studded India Line-Up Featuring Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt & Aditi Rao Hydari

By Hariharan U

Published on May 10, 2026

L’Oréal Paris has marked its 29th consecutive year as the Official Beauty Partner of the Festival de Cannes, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to celebrating women in cinema, inclusivity, and empowerment on one of the world’s most prestigious cultural stages.

Held from 12 to 23 May 2026, this year’s edition continues to bring together global cinema, fashion, and beauty, with L’Oréal Paris highlighting its enduring philosophy of championing women’s self-worth through its iconic message, “Because You’re Worth It.”

A major highlight of this year’s participation is a powerful Indian representation led by L’Oréal Paris ambassadors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Alia Bhatt, and Aditi Rao Hydari, each bringing a distinct expression of confidence, individuality, and global cultural presence to the Cannes red carpet.

Alia Bhatt returns to Cannes for the second consecutive year as a global ambassador, reflecting on the experience as a celebration of sisterhood and women’s voices on an international platform. Aditi Rao Hydari’s presence this year further strengthens India’s creative visibility at the festival, symbolising elegance and self-expression beyond cinema.

Speaking on the occasion, Dario Zizzi, General Manager, L’Oréal Paris India, said the brand’s nearly three-decade journey at Cannes has been about amplifying voices and celebrating women who are reshaping culture and cinema on their own terms.

The 2026 edition also features the sixth L’Oréal Paris Lights on Women’s Worth Award, with actress and ambassador Gillian Anderson serving as juror, continuing the brand’s focus on recognising emerging female voices in filmmaking.

The global ambassador line-up this year includes names such as Jane Fonda, Eva Longoria, Andie MacDowell, Ariana Greenblatt, and others, further reinforcing L’Oréal Paris’ global creative network.

Alongside its Cannes presence, L’Oréal Paris has also partnered with Nykaa in India to bring exclusive red carpet beauty experiences closer to Indian consumers, extending the festival’s glamour beyond the French Riviera.

With its continued presence at Cannes, L’Oréal Paris once again positions beauty not just as aesthetics, but as a powerful expression of identity, ambition, and storytelling on a global stage.


WelcomHeritage Curates Mother’s Day Weekend Staycations Across North India

WelcomHeritage Curates Mother’s Day Weekend Staycations Across North India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2026

WelcomHeritage has introduced a curated collection of Mother’s Day weekend staycations across North India, bringing together heritage palaces, wellness resorts, wildlife retreats, and scenic hillside escapes. Designed as experience-led getaways, the stays reflect the growing preference for meaningful celebrations centred around quality time and memorable experiences.

The curated selection spans different travel styles, from peaceful mountain retreats and wellness-focused resorts to immersive outdoor stays. Moving beyond traditional hospitality experiences, the stays encourage families to slow down and spend meaningful time together in unique and character-filled destinations.

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In Himachal Pradesh, WelcomHeritage Natraj offers a calm mountain escape surrounded by nature, making it ideal for guests looking for a relaxed and peaceful retreat. Meanwhile, WelcomHeritage Santa Roza presents a boutique-style experience that combines scenic surroundings with a slower and more intimate atmosphere.

In Uttarakhand, WelcomHeritage Arka Resort & Spa focuses on wellness and rejuvenation, offering guests a refreshing break away from the fast pace of city life. For travellers interested in heritage experiences, WelcomHeritage Kasmanda Palace reflects the brand’s heritage charm through its historic architecture and panoramic valley views.

For guests seeking an outdoor and wildlife-inspired getaway, WelcomHeritage Mount Valley Resort offers a nature-led experience close to one of India’s most popular national parks, blending comfort with opportunities for wildlife exploration.

As staycations continue to gain popularity around occasions like Mother’s Day, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations that allow them to reconnect and unwind in settings that feel personal and immersive. Through these curated experiences, WelcomHeritage aims to offer celebrations that focus more on meaningful moments and less on scale.

For further information and reservations, guests can visit: WelcomHeritage Official Website


Chef Ashish Tiwari Launches “The Culinary Roots” Celebrating India’s Rich Food Heritage

Chef Ashish Tiwari Launches “The Culinary Roots” Celebrating India’s Rich Food Heritage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 9, 2026

Celebrated culinary expert Chef Ashish Tiwari has launched his much-awaited book “The Culinary Roots”, a unique blend of personal memoir, culinary anthropology, and regional Indian gastronomy. Published by Storymonk International Publishing, the book is now available on Amazon and other major platforms.

More than just a cookbook, “The Culinary Roots” takes readers through Chef Ashish’s inspiring journey from the lively streets of Old Delhi to globally recognised kitchens. The book reflects his growth as a chef while showcasing the discipline, resilience, and consistency that shaped his career over the years.

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The book is divided into three sections, each offering a different perspective on food and culture. The first section, The Journey, shares personal moments from Chef Ashish’s life, including his early struggles in kitchens and his rise to leadership roles across international culinary destinations.

The second section, Culinary Anthropology, dives deep into the roots and evolution of Indian cuisine. It explores how geography, migration, culture, and history have influenced the country’s diverse regional dishes and flavours over time.

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The final section brings together signature dishes and the stories connected to them, showing how food is closely tied to emotions, memories, and identity. Through these narratives, the book highlights the deeper meaning behind traditional Indian cooking.

Speaking about the launch, Chef Ashish Tiwari said,

“This book is my attempt to go beyond recipes and explore the ‘why’ behind Indian cuisine, why we cook the way we do, and how every dish carries a story of survival, adaptation, and celebration.”

One of the key highlights of the book is its focus on traditional cooking methods like dum and tadka, while also celebrating the cultural stories hidden within everyday meals. By combining professional culinary insights with storytelling, the book offers readers both knowledge and inspiration.

With “The Culinary Roots”, Chef Ashish Tiwari hopes to encourage aspiring chefs, food lovers, and readers to see Indian cuisine not just as food, but as a living history shaped by people, places, traditions, and time.

Availability:
“The Culinary Roots” is available for purchase on Amazon: Amazon India Listing

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