Holi long weekend: Where is India headed?
Mar 19, 2025, 05:18 IST
This year, Holi brings an exciting surprise for travel enthusiasts a long weekend. The festival of colours is falling on a Friday, after all.
No surprises here, Indian travellers are keen on utilising this extended weekend for mini vacations.
Holi Long Weekend: Where is India Headed? Travel Trends, Economic Boost & Popular Destinations
As India gears up to celebrate Holi 2024, the festival of colors, a long weekend has emerged, prompting millions to pack their bags and head for vacations, family reunions, and cultural festivities. With Holi falling on March 25 (Monday) and many offices granting a holiday, the March 23-25 period is proving to be a golden opportunity for domestic tourism, hospitality, and travel-related businesses.
This extended break is set to boost travel, tourism, and retail industries while also raising concerns over crowd management, flight congestion, and high hotel tariffs. Let’s take a look at where India is headed during this Holi long weekend and the key trends shaping holiday plans.
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1. Domestic Travel Surge: Tourists Flock to Hill Stations & Beach Destinations
Holi has always been a time for cultural and social gatherings, but this year, with the long weekend providing an extended break, leisure travel has surged. Many urban dwellers are taking a break from city life to explore India's top destinations.
Most Popular Destinations for the Holi Weekend
According to travel booking platforms like MakeMyTrip, Yatra, and Goibibo, the following destinations have seen a massive spike in bookings:
a) Hill Stations Witness High Demand
Shimla, Manali, and Mussoorie in the north are seeing a significant rise in tourist bookings as travelers seek a quick getaway to the mountains.
Ooty, Coorg, and Munnar in the south are also experiencing a surge, with many opting for scenic retreats.
Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Meghalaya have seen increased travel bookings from the eastern states.
b) Beaches Beckon Travelers
Goa, Gokarna, and Kerala’s Kovalam have emerged as the top choices for beach lovers.
Lakshadweep, after PM Modi’s visit and increased tourism promotion, has seen an unprecedented surge in bookings.
Puducherry and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are also attracting travelers seeking a tropical escape.
c) Cultural Hotspots for Holi Celebrations
Mathura & Vrindavan remain the most sought-after destinations for a traditional Holi celebration with ‘Lathmar Holi’ and flower Holi at Banke Bihari temple.
Pushkar (Rajasthan), Barsana (UP), and Banaras (Varanasi) are witnessing an influx of both domestic and international tourists eager to experience Holi in its most vibrant form.
Travel industry experts estimate that over 5 million Indians will embark on trips this weekend, boosting the local economies of these destinations.
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2. Hospitality & Airfare Prices Skyrocket
With demand soaring, hotels and airlines have hiked prices significantly.
a) Hotels & Resorts Are Running at Full Capacity
Hotel chains like Taj, Oberoi, ITC, and Marriott report an 85-95% occupancy rate in major tourist hubs.
Boutique hotels, homestays, and Airbnb rentals are witnessing a surge in demand, particularly in offbeat destinations.
Prices for luxury hotels have increased by 30-40%, while budget accommodations have seen a 15-20% price hike compared to regular weekends.
b) Airfare Sees a Significant Jump
Domestic flights between major cities and tourist hotspots have seen a 30-50% surge in prices.
Routes like Delhi-Goa, Mumbai-Kochi, and Bangalore-Shimla have reported record-high ticket rates, with last-minute fares being exorbitant.
Train bookings under IRCTC are fully reserved for sleeper and AC coaches, with waitlists running in the hundreds.
Aviation and railway sectors are capitalizing on this holiday rush, while many travelers are opting for road trips to save costs.
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3. The Rise of Road Trips & Local Travel
Not everyone is taking a flight or train this Holi. Road trips and self-drive getaways are becoming a preferred option for families and groups of friends.
Why Road Trips Are Gaining Popularity:
Flexibility & Cost Savings: Travelers can avoid inflated airfares and enjoy a scenic journey at their own pace.
Short-Distance Travel: Destinations within 300-500 km from metro cities are seeing an uptick in bookings.
Car Rentals & Bike Rentals in Demand: Services like Zoomcar, Revv, and Royal Enfield rentals have reported a 40% increase in bookings.
Popular road trip routes include:
Delhi to Rishikesh/Mussoorie
Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar/Lonavala
Bangalore to Coorg/Ooty
Chennai to Puducherry/Kodaikanal
With the expansion of expressways and improved road infrastructure, self-drive tourism is witnessing a boom, further boosting roadside businesses, dhabas, and petrol stations.
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4. Economic Boost: How This Long Weekend Benefits India
The Holi long weekend is not just about travel—it is driving major economic activity across multiple sectors.
Industries Benefiting from the Holiday Surge:
1. Travel & Tourism: Estimated to generate ₹5,000 crore ($600 million) in revenue over three days.
2. Hospitality & Food: Hotels, restaurants, and cafes expect a 25-30% rise in sales.
3. Retail & Shopping: Shopping malls and local markets see higher footfall as people buy festive outfits, sweets, and gifts.
4. Event & Party Industry: Holi parties, concerts, and club events are sold out, boosting nightlife businesses.
This spending spree is set to provide a strong Q1 boost for India’s economy, making this Holi weekend one of the most financially impactful of the year.
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5. Safety Concerns & Crowd Management
With millions on the move, authorities are preparing for traffic congestion, crowd control, and law enforcement during the festive weekend.
Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore airports have advised passengers to arrive 3-4 hours early due to congestion.
Police and traffic authorities in major cities are deploying extra personnel to manage the holiday rush.
State tourism boards are ensuring visitor safety at tourist hotspots to prevent overcrowding and mishaps.
The government is also promoting safe and responsible travel, urging people to celebrate Holi responsibly while ensuring smooth public transport operations.
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Conclusion: A Long Weekend That Defines India's Travel Trends
The Holi 2024 long weekend has become more than just a festival—it is a travel phenomenon showcasing India’s evolving tourism industry and consumer behavior. With higher spending, increased domestic tourism, and booming hospitality, the long weekend is significantly contributing to India's economy while setting new benchmarks in holiday travel.
As millions of Indians head to their favorite destinations, one thing is clear: sustainability, smart travel choices, and experiential holidays are becoming the new normal in India’s tourism landscape. Whether it’s road trips, budget-friendly stays, or celebrating Holi in cultural hubs, India is making the most of this colorful long weekend!