Where to go for Holi

Phoolon Wali Holi showers the courtyard with petals instead of powder on Rangbharni Ekadashi.

Widows play Holi with gulal and flowers here in a calm, moving reform tradition.

The main Yamuna ghat anchors Rangwali Holi play at the edge of the old town lanes.

Reliable full service hotel on the edge of the old town for Holi week temple days.

Old city Krishna temple whose carved courtyard hosts Holi darshans and Holika Dahan rites.

Krishna birthplace complex runs special Holi programmes through festival week.

Main Yamuna ghat for the Holi procession, aarti and Holika Dahan gatherings.

Huranga the day after Holi drenches and teases in ritual play in the Balarama temple courtyard.

Hilltop Radha temple hosts Laddu Holi, the invitation that opens the Lathmar sequence.

Lane of colours below the temple where the singing exchange and lathi play unfold.

Most comfortable stay near Barsana, used by groups for Lathmar week.

Hill temple where the return Lathmar and the two village samaj singing are centred.

Village lanes play their own colour Holi on Rangwali day, after the famous Lathmar day has passed.

Village lanes play a local colour Holi on 4 March after the famous Lathmar day passes.

Beloved Krishna temple plays devotional flower and colour Holi in the palace complex.

Best visited the day before or after Holi, away from the colour day crowds and closures.

Heritage haveli in Bani Park with courtyard and pool, well placed for old city Holi.

Old city bazaar lanes for gujiya, thandai stalls and morning colour play.

Manek Chowk hosts the royal procession, Gair dance and lighting of the Holika pyre.

Jagdish Chowk below the temple fills with drumming and colour on Rangwali morning.

Sunset boat rides the day before or after Holi give the week its calm palace and water bookend.

Heritage haveli in Lal Ghat with lake views and a rooftop for festival mornings.

Large ticketed Holi editions play here with stages, supplied colours and security.

Old Delhi wholesale colour markets and intense street Holi, best with a local guide.

Design hotel by Connaught Place that runs its own Holi programming most years.

Sweet houses and chaat streets for gujiya, dahi bhalla and thandai in Holi week.

Rangbhari Ekadashi palanquin procession brings Shiva and Parvati home through gulal lanes.

Cremation ground where Masan Holi is played with pyre ash by ascetics and devotees.

Southern ghat base for a calmer Holi week, with dawn boats and old city access.

Evening Ganga aarti gives the Holi week crowds a still, spectacular counterpoint.

Takht where the Khalsa was created in 1699, centre of Hola Mohalla processions.

Stadium ground for gatka, mock battles, weapon displays and equestrian feats.

Museum of Sikh history that makes Hola Mohalla and the Khalsa story legible first.

Site of London Ki Holi, billed as the city's biggest Holi field, on a March weekend near Holi.

East London canalside venue that has hosted a ticketed Holi colour party on a March weekend.

Rang Barse family festival site near Southall, usually on a weekend after Holi.

Efficient central base by Tower Hill station, with the Central line from nearby Bank out to Hainault.

Parade end point where Phagwah colour play concentrates in Richmond Hill.

Open air yard hosting Holi in the City colour parties on March Saturdays.

Community Holi programme of Kathak, tabla and Phagwah folk music in March.

Indo-Caribbean bakeries and roti shops line the Phagwah parade route in Little Guyana.

Rajasthani style temple hosting the Festival of Colors with hourly countdown throws.

Full service Provo base a short drive from the temple festival grounds.

Valley trail walk pairs with the temple weekend between festival sessions.