The extended Holi weekend in March 2025 has led to a significant surge in travel demand across India, with both domestic and international destinations witnessing increased interest. This trend is supported by data from various sources, including government reports and industry analyses.​

Rise in Flight Bookings

According to the Ministry of Tourism’s Annual Report 2024-25, India recorded 9.66 million Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in 2024, contributing to Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) of ₹2,77,842 crore.

This upward trend is reflected in domestic travel as well, with the Holi festival acting as a catalyst for increased movement.

Travel platform ixigo has reported a 45-50% year-on-year increase in flight bookings for Holi 2025, driven by homebound travelers, leisure trips, and spiritual tourism. Cultural hotspots are witnessing a surge in demand, with flight bookings to Ayodhya skyrocketing by 50% year-on-year for Holi, while Varanasi and Amritsar have seen a 20-30% increase.

Bookings for flights to tier-2 and tier-3 cities have also surged, with Gorakhpur seeing the highest increase at 154%. ​

Short-Haul International Trips

Short-haul international trips are also in demand, with destinations like Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok experiencing significant increases in bookings.

Dubai has emerged as a favorite short-haul destination, followed by Singapore and Bangkok. Beach destinations like Phuket and Abu Dhabi are also gaining traction, attracting travelers seeking a mix of adventure and luxury.

Domestic and International Stay Preferences

MakeMyTrip has observed strong demand for premium accommodation, with an increase in bookings for properties priced above ₹4,500 per night. Indian travelers are increasingly seizing every opportunity for leisure travel, and the upcoming Holi long weekend provides the perfect occasion.

Among domestic destinations, cultural hubs such as Jaipur and Udaipur, temple towns like Varanasi and Madurai, and beach spots including Pondicherry and Alibaug are witnessing a steady rise in bookings. Drive-to locations such as Jim Corbett, Rishikesh, and Mussoorie are also in demand.

Search Trends for Accommodation

Agoda has reported a 25% rise in domestic accommodation searches and a 16% increase in international searches compared to the same period last year.

With the long weekend, travelers are eager to celebrate Holi in new and exciting ways. Dubai is the most-searched international destination, followed by Phuket, Bangkok, Singapore, and Bali.

In India, Goa tops the list, with Udaipur, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Vrindavan also seeing high interest. Vrindavan, known for its vibrant Holi celebrations, has seen growing popularity.

Government Initiatives and Tourism Growth

The Ministry of Tourism’s initiatives, such as the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme, aim to promote holistic development of tourism destinations, enhancing infrastructure and visitor experience.

These efforts align with the observed increase in travel during the Holi weekend, reflecting a growing trend of cultural exploration and global travel among Indian tourists.

The festival’s timing has created the perfect scenario for travelers to blend cultural celebration with exploration, highlighting how people are reimagining traditions and merging them with global adventures. ​

With airlines offering discounts and accommodation deals available across platforms, the extended Holi weekend is shaping up to be a busy period for the travel sector.

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