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Holi is knocking at the door and people are ready with their plans and bookings to set off for their Holi destinations. While Vrindavan, Mathura, and Pushkar might make for the best Holi destinations, there are other places that are great for a last-minute plan, especially if you are in one of the metropolises. For instance, Udaipur in Rajasthan would be a great destination to enjoy Holi for residents of Delhi. The city is known for its grand celebrations, vibrant atmosphere, majestic palaces, lakes, and colourful streets providing the perfect backdrop for the festivities. Similarly, residents of Bangalore can head up to Coorg for a peaceful Holi amidst the serene hills and coffee plantations. Check out the places you can head out for a last-minute Holi holiday from the major metropolises, namely, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata.
Agra is a city known for some of the world's most spectacular architectural landmarks, such as the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Besides the Taj Mahal, the city is also home to other architectural marvels like Agra Fort, tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah and Fatehpur Sikri.
If you are a food lover, try the delicious Mughlai cuisine and taste dishes like Mutton Biryani, Tandoori Chicken and Petha (a sweet made from ash gourd).
When it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of options ranging from luxury hotels like The Oberoi Amarvilas (INR 35,900 per night) and ITC Mughal (INR 10,471 per night) to budget accommodations like Bedweiser Backpackers Hostel Agra (INR 670 per night).
Air: You can fly to Agra from Delhi airport at Agra Airport, also known as Kheria Airforce Base.
Rail: The cheapest option, taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes, is travelling by train. You can find a train from New Delhi to Agra Cantt every hour.
Road: It takes about 2.5 hours by road to reach Agra from Delhi. You can take the Yamuna Expressway or NH2 via Mathura.
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan in India, is famously known as the "Pink City." It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historic forts and bazaars. Jaipur is also renowned for its magnificent palaces, which include the Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort and City Palace. It offers a vibrant blend of history, culture and tradition, making it a must-visit destination.
Food to Try: At Jaipur, you can experience the authentic flavours of Rajasthan with its famous dishes like Dal Baati Churma, Laal Maas (spicy red meat curry) and Ghewar (a sweet dessert).
Places to Stay: You can opt for heritage hotels like Taj Rambagh Palace (INR 22,600 per night) and Jaipur Marriott Hotel (INR 10,200 per night) or budget-friendly options like Hotel Pearl Palace (INR 2000 per night) and Zostel Jaipur (INR 900 per night).
Air: You can book a flight for Jaipur International Airport which takes about 1 hour.
Rail: You can book a ticket for Jaipur Junction. It is the cheapest option, taking about 4 hours and 23 minutes.
Road: It takes about 6 hours to reach Jaipur from Delhi taking the most popular route via the National Highway 48.
Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a spiritual hub renowned for its yoga and meditation centres. It provides opportunities for adventure sports such as river rafting, bungee jumping, and trekking. As the "Yoga Capital of the World," it is a popular tourist destination. Rishikesh is famous for its ashrams, temples, and yoga.
Food to Try: At Rishikesh, you can indulge in delicious vegetarian cuisine, including popular dishes like Aloo Puri, Chole Bhature, and Lassi - a refreshing yoghurt-based drink.
Places to Stay: There are several lodging options available in Rishikesh, ranging from luxurious riverside resorts such as Aloha On The Ganges (INR 15,500 per night) and The Glasshouse on the Ganges (INR 13,400 per night) to budget-friendly accommodations like Skyard Rishikesh and Zostel Plus Rishikesh, costing INR 2,000 per night.
Air: Rishikesh doesn't have a public airport, but the nearest one is Dehradun's Jolly Grant airport, about 35 kilometers from Rishikesh.
Rail: There are about six trains that run between the two cities daily, and the trip takes about six to seven hours. You can take trains from New Delhi to Muzaffarnagar, which takes about 2 hours and 3 minutes, or from Muzaffarnagar to Rishikesh.
Road: There are about 23 direct buses that run from Delhi to Rishikesh every day, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the trip takes about 4 hours and 5 minutes.
Amritsar is known for its famous religious site, the Golden Temple. Considered to be the holiest shrine in Sikhism, it is renowned for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere. The city also holds a tragic history of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which provides a glimpse into the past. Amritsar celebrates Holi, the festival of colours, by offering flowers at the temple two days before the event.
Food to Try: Indulge in mouth-watering Punjabi cuisine, including delicacies such as Amritsari Kulcha, Sarson da Saag with Makki di Roti and Jalebi with Rabri.
Places to Stay: You can stay at hotels like Hyatt Amritsar (INR 8,300 per night) and Taj Swarna (INR 15,300 per night) or opt for budget-friendly accommodations like Fortune Inn Heritage Walk (INR 5,000 per night) and Hotel Syal Inn Amritsar (INR 988 per night).
Air: The fastest travel choice taking 1 hour and 6 minutes. You can book flights to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport.
Rail: There are many trains that run from New Delhi to Amritsar Central Railway Station taking 6 hours and 15 minutes.
Road: The two cities are well connected by road and it takes 7 hours to reach the destination.
Lonavala and Khandala are beautiful hill stations famous for their green landscapes, misty hills, and tranquil lakes. Some popular attractions in these locations include Bhushi Dam, Tiger's Leap, and Karla Caves. During the Holi festival, you can join in the celebrations at local neighbourhoods or resorts where Holi parties are organised for a certain fee.
Food to Try: Enjoy local street food such as Vada Pav, Bhel Puri and Misal Pav, along with traditional Maharashtrian dishes like Poha and Sabudana Khichdi.
Places to Stay: Options include luxury resorts like Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa (INR 25,200 per night) and budget-friendly accommodations like Hotel Neeta's Inn (INR 4,000 per night) and Zostel Plus Lonavala (INR 2,000).
Air: You can fly to Lonavala from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), which is about 90 km away. The estimated travel time by plane is 55 minutes.
Rail: It takes 3 hours to reach Lonavala from CST Station or Dadar Station in Mumbai.
Road: You can reach Lonavala from Mumbai Road by taking the Mumbai–Pune Expressway.
Mahabaleshwar is a picturesque hill station famous for its stunning viewpoints, verdant forests, and strawberry farms. Some must-visit attractions in the city include Arthur's Seat, Lingmala Waterfall, and Pratapgarh Fort. The city also hosts numerous Holi parties that you can attend.
Food to Try: You must try fresh strawberries and savour Maharashtrian cuisine, featuring dishes like Pithla Bhakri, Vangi Batata Bhaji and Puran Poli.
Places to Stay: You can choose from luxury resorts like Evershine Resort (INR 17,000 per night) and budget accommodations like Hotel Dreamland (INR 5,040 per night) and Zostel Plus Panchgani (INR 2,200 per night).
Air: Mahabaleshwar doesn’t have an airport of its own and hence you need to take flight tickets to Pune as the airport is only 120 km from the city.
Rail: The nearest railway station to Mahabaleshwar hill station is at Wathar.
Road: You can reach Mahabaleshwar from Mumbai by road on Route 1 (NH 48), which is the shortest route at about 270 km and takes about 5 hours and 15 minutes.
Nashik is a vibrant city renowned for its religious significance, wine tourism, and ancient temples. The key attractions in the city include Sula Vineyards, Trimbakeshwar Temple and Pandavleni Caves.
Food to Try: Experience traditional Maharashtrian cuisine while sampling local wines, such as Misal Pav, Sabudana Khichdi and Thalipeeth.
Places to Stay: You can choose from vineyard resorts like Beyond by Sula (INR 7,839 per night) or budget accommodations such as Hotel Seven Heaven (INR 2,935 per night) and Zostel Nashik (INR 1,800 per night).
Air: You can fly from Mumbai to Nashik Airport (IZK) in Ozar, which is about 20 kilometers from the city center, on regular flights.
Rail: Mumbai has many trains that go to Nashik, including the fastest train, the NZM Rajdhani, which takes about 2 hours and 17 minutes.
Road: The shortest and fastest route from Mumbai to Nashik is via NH160, which is about 170 km long and takes about 3.5 hours.
Pune, popularly known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is famous for its rich history, lively nightlife and prestigious educational institutions. The city was once the hub of power for the Maratha Empire and boasts numerous buildings that are a testament to its glorious past. Aga Khan Palace, built in 1892, is one such building that now stands as a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi. Some of the must-visit attractions in Pune are Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace and Sinhagad Fort.
Food to Try: At Pune, you can discover a diverse culinary scene, including Maharashtrian street food like Pithla Bhakri, Mastani (a thick milkshake) and Bedekar Misal.
Places to Stay: There are a variety of accommodation options in Pune, ranging from luxury hotels such as Conrad Pune (INR 14,500 per night) and JW Marriott Hotel Pune (INR 17,700 per night) to more budget-friendly options like Hotel Sapna (INR 2,060) and Zostel Pune (INR 1,790 per night).
Air: You can easily fly from Mumbai (BOM) to Pune (PNQ) which has several flights taking about 45 minutes.
Rail: There are number of trains running between these stations. Average time to travel will be around 3 hours.
Road: To reach Pune from Mumbai by road, you can take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, which is about 148 kilometers long and takes 2–3 hours to drive.
Mysore is famously known as the "City of Palaces" due to its magnificent palaces, lively festivals, and cultural heritage. The city is also renowned for producing sandalwood and rosewood artefacts, stone sculptures, incense sticks, ivory inlay work, and silk sarees. Some must-visit attractions in Mysore include the majestic Mysore Palace, the scenic Chamundi Hill and the beautiful Brindavan Gardens.
Food to Try: Enjoy traditional Karnataka cuisine, with delicious dishes like Mysore Masala Dosa, Mysore Pak (a sweet dessert) and Ragi Mudde.
Places to Stay: Options include heritage hotels like Lalitha Mahal Palace (INR 5,000 per night) and budget accommodations like Hotel Aditya (INR 1,800 per night) and Zostel Mysore (INR 1,600 per night).
Rail: It is easy to travel from Bangalore to Mysore by a trail. It takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes and the trains are in frequent intervals.
Road: Travelling in a bus or a car is one of the easy ways to reach Mysore from Bangalore. The total journey between Bangalore and Mysore takes around 1 hour 45 minutes in a bus. The bus ticket price for the journey is approximately INR 300.
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a rural district in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. It is well-known for its coffee plantations, colonial architecture, and beautiful greenery. The district has been given the nickname "the Scotland of India". Visitors can explore attractions such as Abbey Falls, Namdroling Monastery and Raja's Seat.
Food to Try: Explore the unique cuisine of Coorg, including dishes such as Pandi Curry (pork curry), Kadambuttu (steamed rice dumplings) and Coorg-style Chicken.
Places to Stay: Options range from luxury resorts like The Tamara Coorg (INR 20,500 per night) and Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa (INR 23,180) to budget-friendly accommodations like Hotel Coorg International (INR 4,000 per night) and Zostel Coorg (INR 1,300 per night).
Air: The nearest airport to Coorg is Mandakalli International Airport (MYQ), which is about 132 km from the city center.
Rail: When traveling from Bangalore to Coorg by train, it is best to take a train to Mysore Junction.
Road: Bangalore to Coorg distance by road is just 250 kms which you can go either by private car or by bus.
Hampi is located on the south bank of the Tungabhadra River, near Hosapete. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stunning ruins, ancient temples, and impressive architectural wonders. Some must-see attractions include the Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple and Hampi Bazaar.
Foods to Try: At Hampi, you can experience the authentic flavours of Karnataka cuisine, which includes delicious dishes such as Bisibele Bath, Ragi Mudde and Mysore Pak.
Places to Stay: Options include heritage hotels like Evolve Back Kamalapura Palace (INR 31,000 per night) and budget accommodations like Hotel Mayura Bhuvaneshwari (INR 2,700 per night) and Zostel Hampi (INR 1,426).
Air: The fastest way to reach from Bangalore to Hampi is flight to Hubballi Airport, then cab to Hampi and takes 5 hours and 38 minutes.
Rail: There are no direct trains from Bangalore to Hampi, but there are trains from Bangalore to Hospet, the closest railway station to Hampi.
Road: The cheapest way to reach from Bangalore to Hampi is bus to Hampi and takes 6 hours 30 minutes.
Gokarna is a coastal town that serves as a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus and Shaivites. It is also a favourite spot for domestic tourists and foreigners seeking spirituality and beach vacations. The town boasts pristine beaches, sacred temples, and a relaxed atmosphere. Some popular beaches in the area are Om Beach, Kudle Beach and Half Moon Beach.
Food to Try: When visiting Gokarna, you can savour a variety of seafood dishes such as Grilled Fish, Prawn Curry, and Squid Fry, as well as traditional South Indian delicacies like Masala Dosa and Idli.
Places to Stay: Options range from beach resorts like SwaSwara Wellness Retreat (INR 16,300 per night) and budget accommodations like Zostel Gokarna (INR 2,238 per night) and HosteLife Gokarna (INR 2,240 per night).
Air: The closest airport to Gokarna is Dabolim Airport in Goa, which is 140 kilometres away.
Rail: The nearest railway station is at Ankola, about 20 km from Gokarna. There are only 2 weekly trains plying between these two destinations and the fastest train is Bengaluru Express (16514).
Road: The distance between Bangalore to Gokarna is nearly 490 KM and takes about 9.5 hours to travel.
Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station once a summer resort for the affluent British Raj. It is famous for its tea plantations, stunning views of the Himalayas, and the 'Toy Train' ride, a narrow-gauge railway completed in 1881. There are numerous attractions in Darjeeling, such as Tiger Hill, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and Batasia Loop.
Food to Try: While visiting Darjeeling, make sure to try their famous Darjeeling tea and indulge in delicious Tibetan and Nepali cuisine, including dishes like Momos, Thukpa and Sael Roti.
Places to Stay: Options range from heritage hotels like Windamere Hotel (INR 8,400 per night) and budget accommodations like Dekeling Hotel (INR 2,352 per night) and Solo Stays (INR 1,456 per night).
Air: The fastest way to reach from Kolkata to Darjeeling is flight to Bagdogra Airport, then cab to Darjeeling and takes 4 hours and 45 minutes.
Rail: Apart from Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Station (88 K.M. from New Jalpaiguri Railway Station) the two closest railway stations are Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri. These railway stations have direct railway connections with Kolkata, Delhi, Guwahati, and other major cities of India.
Road: The major access to Darjeeling by road is via Siliguri, 77 km (via NH 55), which is connected to all the major cities of India.
The Sundarbans is a vast mangrove forest located in the Bay of Bengal, covering an area of 10,000 square kilometres of land and water. It is the world's largest mangrove forest and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area is renowned for its extraordinary ecosystem, which supports diverse wildlife, including the famous Royal Bengal Tigers.
Food to Try: Explore the Bengali cuisine of Sunderbans, featuring dishes such as Machher Jhol (fish curry), Prawn Malai Curry, and Chingri Bhapa (steamed prawns).
Places to Stay: Accommodations include eco-friendly resorts like Sunderban Tiger Camp (INR 16,700 per night) and budget-friendly options like Sunderbans Jungle Camp (INR 3,887 per night) and Zostel Sundarbans (INR 3,000 per night).
Air: The nearest airport to the Sundarbans National Park from Kolkata is Netaji Subhash International Airport at Dumdum, which is about 112 kilometers away.
Rail: There is no direct connection from Kolkata to Sundarbans National Park, but you can take the 34794 train to Baruipur Jn, then take the travel to Sundarbans National Park.
Road: You can reach the Sundarbans from Kolkata by road through Godkhali, the starting point of the Sundarbans safari, which is about 83 kilometers away.
Located in the Bolpur subdivision of the Birbhum district, Shantiniketan is a cultural hub and home to Visva Bharati University, founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The name Shantiniketan translates to "the abode of peace". This place is well-known for its artistic heritage, serene ambience and the annual Poush Mela.
Food to Try: At Shantiniketan, you can enjoy traditional Bengali sweets such as Rosogolla, Sandesh and Mishti Doi, along with regional delicacies like Luchi with Alur Dom and Macher Paturi.
Places to Stay: Options include heritage properties like Rangamati Garden Resort (INR 1,400 per night) and budget accommodations like Hotel Royal Bengal (INR 1,371 per night) and Mrinalini Resort (INR 1,414 per night).
Air: Shantiniketan doesn't have an airport of its own, but you can fly into Dum Dum Airport in Kolkata (CCU), which is about 213 kilometers away.
Rail: There are 31 weekly trains and 18 daily trains that run from Kolkata to Bolpur Shantiniketan, covering the shortest distance of about 146 km.
Road: The distance between Kolkata and Shantiniketan is approximately 180 km, and the journey takes around 4 hours by car.
Murshidabad, in West Bengal, India, is a historic city on the Bhagirathi River's eastern bank. The British defeated Siraj-ud-Daula in the Battle of Plassey in 1757, bringing the nation under colonial rule. Murshidabad is known for its Nawabi architecture, ancient monuments, and cultural heritage. Some highlights include the Hazarduari Palace, Katra Mosque, and Nashipur Rajbari.
Food to Try: When in Murshidabad, savour the flavours of Mughlai cuisines, such as Biryani, Kebabs and Mutton Rezala, and indulge in Bengali sweets like Cham Cham and Langcha.
Places to Stay: Options range from heritage hotels like The Rajbari Bawali (INR 7,500 per night) and budget accommodations like Hotel Samrat (INR 1,703 per night) and Hotel New Heaven (INR 800 per night).
Rail: Murshidabad and Berhampore Court railway station are connected by trains to Howrah, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmadabad and several other Indian cities.
Road: Mushidabad/Berhampore is well connected by road. State-run buses from Kolkata, Burdwan, Rampurhat, Suri, Bolpur, Malda, Krishnagar and Durgapur run regularly to Murshidabad.
