Get ready for Holi 2024, the festival of colors, which is all set to paint the towns in vibrant hues this weekend. Holi, celebrated across India during the Phalguna month (usually February or March), falls on March 25 this year, with Holika Dahan being observed a day earlier on March 24.
For those seeking traditional Holi experiences or planning a weekend getaway, India offers some spectacular destinations. With March 25 falling on a Monday, and March 23 and 24 already being weekends, it's the perfect opportunity for a long weekend trip. Whether you plan to take off on March 23 or extend your weekend until March 26, the options are aplenty.
According to data shared by ixigo, a popular Indian online travel portal, the top domestic destinations booked for the Holi long weekend include Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Goa, Kolkata, Pune, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Udaipur, Varanasi, and Jaipur.
But it's not just domestic destinations that are popular this Holi. Travelers are also excited to explore international destinations during this festive long weekend. Places like Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, Colombo, and Bali are witnessing a surge in bookings from March 23 to March 29.
However, travelers should note that there has been a considerable increase in domestic airfares, with a 30% uptick on popular routes. Aloke Bajpai, Chairman, Managing Director, and Group CEO of ixigo, mentioned, "We have seen a 46% YoY increase in flight searches for Holi travel this year."
This spike in airfares is evident across various routes. For instance, on the New Delhi-Bengaluru route, the flight cost has increased by 21%, from ₹5,510 last Holi to ₹6,697 this year. Similarly, on the Bengaluru-Mumbai route, there has been a whopping 61% increase in flight costs.
Travelers flying from Mumbai to Goa can expect to pay 43% more for their flight tickets this year, while those traveling from Delhi to Patna will see a 46% increase in airfare. Routes like Pune-New Delhi, Bengaluru-New Delhi, and Mumbai-Jaipur have also witnessed significant price hikes ranging from 33% to 42%.
Despite the rise in costs, communities across India are gearing up for grand Holi celebrations filled with music, dance, and a spirit of togetherness. Holi 2024 promises to be a joyous occasion, where people come together to celebrate unity, renewal, and the vibrant colors of life.