With Holi occurring on a Friday this year, Indian travelers are taking advantage of the extended weekend by combining lively domestic festivities with brief international escapes. Booking.com, a leading digital travel company, has noted a notable increase in interest for various destinations, from Vrindavan to Tokyo.

Domestic Getaways: Merging Tradition with Travel

From rich cultural experiences to beautiful retreats, Indian travelers are exploring diverse options this Holi. Udaipur, Mumbai, and Rishikesh emerge as the top three domestic destinations searched during this festive time. Cities famous for their vibrant Holi traditions, such as Vrindavan, Mathura, Pushkar, Jaipur, Shantiniketan, and Hampi, show significant search interest. These regional festivities provide a range of experiences that attract travelers nationwide. Furthermore, the calm allure of coastal towns and hill stations like Puducherry, Lonavala, and Ooty also draws visitors, highlighting the appeal of domestic travel.

Top 10 Most Searched Domestic Destinations:

1. Udaipur
2. Mumbai
3. Rishikesh
4. Jaipur
5. New Delhi
6. Varanasi
7. Vrindavan
8. Puducherry
9. Puri
10. Lonavala

Going Beyond Borders: Luxury and Beaches

In addition to local trips, the long weekend serves as an ideal opportunity for quick international excursions. This Holi, Indian travelers are also looking beyond national borders, exploring varied destinations ranging from urban hotspots to tranquil retreats. Locations with streamlined visa processes are gaining increased interest and rank highly among the top 10 searched places for holiday celebrations. Dubai stands out as the favorite short-haul destination, followed by Singapore and Bangkok. Beach locales like Phuket and Abu Dhabi are also becoming popular, attracting travelers hunting for thrills and luxury. Mecca, Kuala Lumpur, London, Tokyo, and Paris complete the top ten, merging iconic city adventures and spiritual quests.

Top 10 Most Searched International Destinations:

1. Dubai
2. Singapore
3. Bangkok
4. Mecca
5. Phuket
6. Abu Dhabi
7. Kuala Lumpur
8. London
9. Tokyo
10. Paris

Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com remarked: “Indian travelers are maximizing the extended weekend with varied domestic and international travel plans, from cultural events in Vrindavan and Mathura to leisure stays in Dubai and Tokyo. Booking.com remains dedicated to providing a seamless travel experience during this festive period, offering a wide range of accommodations, flights, attractions, and rental cars — all available on a single platform.”