Holi Festival In Udaipur: A Guide For Solo Female Travellers

Holi in India is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that every adventurous traveller should experience.

It’s a day full of colour, chaos and a lot of joy. However, if you are a solo female traveller, I’m sure you’ve heard some not-so-nice stories about what it’s like to experience Holi as a woman.

And, as a result, it’s not uncommon to feel unsure about where and how to celebrate safely.

After 2 separate solo trips to India and effectively scouting out the best and most appropriate city for me, I chose to celebrate Holi in Udaipur, and I’m so glad I did.

While cities like Pushkar and Varanasi are known for wild and overwhelming Holi celebrations (and unfortunate reports of groping and sexual assault), Udaipur offered a much more welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

I spent two days based in a local hostel I already knew and loved (from my first solo trip to India), celebrated with new friends and danced through the colourful streets of the Old Town, all while having a safe and enjoyable time.

That said, there were still a few lessons learned (like why you should never drink the bhang lassi and when to head back before things get too rowdy).

So if you’re wondering “where is the best place to celebrate Holi Festival in India?”… Let me put you on to Udaipur.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what the Holi Festival in Udaipur is really like, from where to stay and what to expect, to safety tips and packing advice specifically for solo female travellers.

Let’s make your Holi experience unforgettable… for all the right reasons.

A large crowd celebrates Holi outdoors, throwing colorful powders in the air. Many people have vibrant colors on their faces and clothes. Historic buildings and decorations are visible in the background under a bright blue sky.

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My India Travel Essentials

These are the tools, apps and websites that I used during my time in India and I cannot recommend them enough!

✈️Flights: I always search for the cheapest flights using Skyscanner. You’re guaranteed to find the best prices here.
🚌 Transport: For overnight buses and trains make sure to check out the 12go Asia website or more options check out RedBus (overnight buses) and IRCTC website (trains).
🛏️Accommodation: Make sure to check out different sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com to book your accommodation! If you’re on a budget, then make sure to check out Hostelworld.
🎟️Activities: I always book my tours through Get Your Guide and Viator so make sure to check them out as I’m sure they’ll have the perfect tour for you.
🦋Insurance: Make sure you’re covered against any incidents during your trip. I’ve used SafetyWing multiple times for standard travel and World Nomads for adventure travel/activities. I can’t recommend them enough!
📱Download an eSIM: Avoid roaming fees, and have peace of mind that you have internet access when WiFi isn’t available…I recommended downloading SIMs from either Airalo or Sim Local.

Please note, the below is based on my own experience in Udaipur, and I cannot guarantee that you will have the same, although I am hopeful you will!

Holi in Festival Udaipur: What Makes It Special

Udaipur is one of my favourite cities in India, and it’s absolutely worth visiting whether you are planning to celebrate Holi Festival or not.

Out of all the cities I have visited in Rajasthan, and the rest of my stint in North India, I found Udaipur to be the most calm and least chaotic and like I mentioned earlier in this post, I loved it so much I came back twice (once to explore, and once to celebrate Holi Festival a year later).

What sets Udaipur apart from everywhere else I have visited in North India is its laid-back energy and stunning lakeside setting that offer a little slice of serenity in the city.

Whilst I absolutely LOVED cities like Pushkar and Varanasi, I’d been warned by a lot of people not to celebrate Holi in these places (I’d also been strictly warned against celebrating in Mathura as well, and although I’d never visited Mathura before, I’m always inclined to take a local’s advice).

Cities like Pushkar, Varanasi and Mathura have extremely bad reputations for women’s safety during Holi Festival, and there are always reports of groping and sexual assault/harassment.

Two cows with colorful powder on their bodies, likely from a festival like Holi, are resting near an old stone structure; one is sitting on the ground and the other is standing. Dry leaves and litter are scattered around.

Whilst I felt safe in both Pushkar and Varanasi when I visited outside of the festival season, I really did not want to take a risk.

When it came to Udaipur, I’d heard much better stories, and also felt it in my gut when I visited there myself – I just knew this would be the right place for me to celebrate.

Udaipur offers a much more contained and respectful celebration. And whilst it’s not without fault, there is a pleasant atmosphere in the city.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s still busy and fairly chaotic, but not in a stressful or overwhelming way.

Locals are welcoming, and many hostels (including the one I stayed at) organise their own Holi events that ease you into the festivities.

The celebrations typically start in the morning and spill out into the Old Town, particularly around Gangaur Ghat.

There’s very loud music (I hope you like hardcore techno), colour, dancing, waterfights and a whole lot of fun!

It really did feel like a comfortable place to get involved in the action and meet other travellers… as long as you’re mindful about timing (but there is more on that later).

If it’s your first time experiencing Holi in India and you want to enjoy it and feel less worried about potential safety concerns, Udaipur is an excellent choice… in fact, I’d argue it’s the best city in Rajasthan to celebrate Holi as a solo female traveller.

A group of people celebrates Holi, covered in colorful powder. A woman in sunglasses smiles and sticks out her tongue, taking a selfie amid the crowd. Bright colors are splattered on their faces, hair, and clothes.

A group of people covered in colorful powders celebrate Holi on a busy street, smiling and raising their hands in joy. Bright colors cover their faces and clothes, and shop signs in Hindi are visible in the background.

Where To Stay During Holi Festival In Udaipur: Choosing The Right Base

Where you choose to stay in Udaipur during Holi can completely shape your experience (especially as a solo female traveller).

Picking the right location and accommodation is an absolute MUST as it will give you both access to the fun and also a safe place to retreat when the crowds get a bit much.

I stayed at Dreamyard Hostel, which is super close to Lal Gangaur Ghat in the Old City (AKA a prime location to base yourself in Udaipur).

I’d actually stayed there the year before, so I knew I was going to have an incredible experience.

It’s not just my favourite hostel in India, but it’s actually one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in (and I’ve been travelling for over 11 years)… so I hope that says a lot!

A smiling woman in sunglasses, covered in colorful powder, raises her arms at a lively outdoor Holi celebration with others who are also dressed in white and covered in colors under a shaded canopy.

Aside from the Holi celebrations, it’s a super socialable hostel that hosts community events, sunset chai sessions on the rooftop, and hostel group tours, so it’s genuinely one of the best places to meet other social travellers. The staff are top-notch guys, too!

If you’re planning your own trip (and can’t or don’t want to stay at Dreamyard), then I’d highly recommend booking a hostel or guesthouse that’s close to Gangaur Ghat.

It puts you within walking distance of most celebrations. The further you stay from this area, the less connected you are to the celebrations and the harder it’ll be to find your way back after the festivities begin.

Whether it’s Dreamyard or another well-rated hostel, look for places that:

Organise Holi events or outings
Have communal areas to meet other travellers
They are located in or near the Old City
Offer private rooms if you want a quieter recovery zone afterwards

I booked this tour through my hostel, Dreamyard Udaipur and I can really recommend staying here.

Book Your Stay

People relax at outdoor tables on a rooftop café at sunset, colorful prayer flags overhead, enjoying stunning views of the city and mountains—a perfect spot to pause during a 2-Week North India Itinerary.

Book a stay at Dreamyard Hostel

🛏️Hostels get booked out way in advance during Holi Season. Make sure you don’t miss out on a bed at Dreamyard Hostel and book your stay ASAP.

Check Them Out

A large group of people, covered in colorful powder, pose and smile for a photo in front of Dreamyard Hostel during the Holi festival. They wear white clothes splashed with vibrant colors, celebrating joyfully outdoors.

A group of people smiling and covered in colorful powders celebrate Holi outdoors. One person in front holds a phone for a group selfie. Shops and a "Bike on Rent" sign are visible, capturing the vibrant spirit as many ask: Is India Safe For Solo Female Travellers?.

The Night Before Holi Festival: Holika Dahan in Udaipur

Holi officially kicks off the night before with Holika Dahan, which is a traditional fire ceremony that symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

In Udaipur, this takes place in various neighbourhoods, but one of the most well-known locations is at Manek Chowk by the City Palace.

You’ll also find smaller celebrations taking place at Jagdish Chowk, which is super close to Dreamyard Hostel.

If you’re staying in the Old City, your hostel will likely organise a group walk to one of the nearby ceremonies.

Whilst it’s a good opportunity to see another side of Holi again, it doesn’t come without risk.

For my Holi celebrations, I actually arrived in Udaipur the morning of, and missed the Holika Dahan celebrations.

However, some of the other guests in my hostel had informed me that people were letting off fireworks in the streets, so this is something very important to be mindful of if you do go out to celebrate.

A large crowd celebrates Holi outdoors, with people covered in colorful powders, raising their hands joyfully. Bright buildings and signs surround the festive, lively scene under a clear blue sky.

What to Expect on the Day: My Experience

During my Holi Festival Celebrations, the party started on the rooftop at Dreamyard Hostel at around 11 am.

Everyone was covering each other in paint, having a few drinks and dancing to some Bollywood music before we all headed out together in a big group.

The main parties in the area were taking place at Jagdish Chowk and Gangaur Ghat, so we headed to Jagdish Chowk first. Along the way got covered in paint and splashed with buckets of water by other festival goers in the street.

💡NOTE: You will get approached by strangers to cover your face with paint whilst they say “happy Holi”. This is usually done in a respectful way, but if you’re not comfortable with it, don’t be afraid to make it known.

We then stood in the square at Jagdish Chowk to dance along to the very loud techno music before worming our way through the crowds to see what was happening at Gangaur Ghat, where there was an even bigger party.

A large crowd celebrates Holi outdoors, covered in colorful powders. People raise their hands in joy. Historic buildings and banners are visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

What I loved about Dreamyard and the group I was with is that we all made sure we tried to stick together as much as we could. Given it was sometimes difficult once we got mixed into the crowd, but I was never completely on my own and always with at least 2 people from the hostel.

We stayed out for about an hour before heading out to the hostel for a quick break, and then headed back out again early/mid-afternoon.

This is when I noticed a slight vibe shift (and apparently it’s quite common). Once alcohol and bhang lassi (a cannabis-infused drink) enter the mix, some people get rowdy.

I, and some of the other girls I was with, kept getting hassled for photos, and I did get my bum touched (the guy who did it got a good telling off). It was shortly after that that we decided to call it a day and head back to the hostel for good to continue the fun.

💡My Takeaway: Enjoy the morning and early afternoon, then get out while it’s still good. Head back to your hostel and chill with your new friends on the rooftop. You’ll still have fun without risk of tainting the experience.

A smiling woman with sunglasses and others around her, all covered in colorful powder, celebrate in a crowded street during Holi festival. In the background, a large, lively crowd enjoys the festivities.

Six men sit on steps, all covered in colorful Holi powders, smiling and posing for the camera in front of a closed shop shutter. One man flashes a peace sign, and bright colors decorate the ground around them.

How to Stay Safe During Holi Festival: Tips for Solo Female Travellers

Holi in Udaipur feels like one of the safest places to celebrate as a solo female traveller, but that doesn’t mean you should drop your guard. A little preparation can go a long way in making sure your day stays fun and issue-free.

Here are my essential safety tips:

1. Celebrate With a Group

Don’t go out alone, even in Udaipur. Stick with your hostel group or find a crew to head out with. Most hostels organise group outings, and being with others gives you support if anything gets uncomfortable.

2. Know When to Leave

The energy starts off super fun, but can shift in the afternoon as more people start drinking or consuming bhang lassi. I personally left around 2/3 PM, and I’m glad I did. If things feel like they’re getting too rowdy, make sure to trust your instincts and head back.

A large crowd celebrates Holi, covered in colorful powders, in a lively street scene near temples. People smile and cheer under vibrant decorations. Such festive scenes spark curiosity: Is India safe for solo female travellers?.

A lively crowd celebrates Holi, covered in vibrant colored powders, in front of closed shop shutters on a busy street. People are smiling, talking, and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

3. Avoid Bhang Lassi

Bhang is a very potent cannabis-infused drink, and whilst a lot of people do it during this festival as part of the “tradition”, it’s not the kind of thing you want to try for the first time in a chaotic festival setting, especially solo.

You really don’t know the dose or how your body will react.

I actually tried Bhang Lassi during my visit to Varanasi the year before, and it was one of the most unenjoyable experiences of my life, and I vowed never to touch it again.

Some of the other guests at my hostel actually went out to get some Bhang during the Holi Festival celebrations, despite my warning them against it.

One of the girls came back to the rooftop to say that she wished she had listened to me, and I had to hold her hand through it (I am glad I was there, though, because I knew exactly what she was going through).

A large group of people, covered in colorful powders, celebrate the Holi Festival in Udaipur outdoors near a building labeled "Amma Heritage Haveli." Some are taking selfies, and everyone appears joyful and festive.

4. Leave Valuables Behind

Take only the essentials. Use a waterproof pouch for your phone and money, and don’t even think about bringing expensive jewellery, cameras, or passports into the crowd.

Some of the others I was with did bring their expensive cameras out, but had created a covering for them, and I saw another lady in the crowd with a proper waterproof housing for her Sony camera.

If you do want to take the risk and take your camera out for some epic photos, make sure you come prepared with something like this!

A group of people covered in colorful powder smile and pose for a selfie during a Holi celebration, with a metal shutter behind them and colored powder scattered on the ground.

5. Oil Your Skin and Hair

Before heading out, apply a thin layer of coconut or olive oil to your skin and hair. It helps create a barrier so the colour doesn’t stain as much, and trust me, it makes showering afterwards 100x easier (although I did still have paint stains for days after).

6. Dress Wisely

Wear cheap white clothes you don’t mind destroying. Long sleeves and leggings can help protect your skin and help to make you feel more covered in the crowd.

7. Beware Of Your Personal Space & Trust Your Gut

If someone makes you uncomfortable, move away, tell someone, or leave. Most people are lovely, but it only takes one moment to ruin your day.

Some men do take advantage of the crowd, and groping can happen, often because they feel like they can get away with it, because they have more anonymity among the crowd.

If someone touches you inappropriately, don’t second-guess yourself. Make a fuss, leave immediately, and return to your hostel because your safety is paramount.

A group of people covered in vibrant colored powders are gathered outdoors, smiling and celebrating during the Holi festival. The scene is lively, with everyone enjoying the festive atmosphere in front of a white building.

A crowd of people, faces and clothes covered in colorful powders, celebrates Holi at a temple. Bright colors fill the scene, with temples, flags, and balloons visible in the background under a clear blue sky.

What to Pack And Wear For Holi Festival In Udaipur

What you wear (and what you don’t bring) can make or break your Holi experience. Here’s my suggested Holi Festival packing list:

Clothing Tips

Wear white: It shows off the colours best, but don’t wear anything you care about, as your clothes will get absolutely destroyed.
Cover up: Long sleeves and leggings or trousers are your best bet. They protect your skin from the harsher powders and help you feel less exposed in a crowd.
Bring a change of clothes: You’ll want to shower and change the moment you get back. Most hostels have shared bathrooms and rooftops for drying.

Body Prep

Oil up: Coconut or olive oil on your skin and in your hair creates a barrier that makes washing off the colours a lot easier.
Skip makeup and jewellery: No one’s going to look good during Holi, and anything shiny or valuable is just asking to be ruined or lost.

A joyful woman in white clothes, covered in colorful powder, waves her hand while celebrating the Holi Festival in Udaipur with a crowd on a lively street. People around her are also smeared with vibrant colors.

What to Bring

Waterproof phone pouch: This is an absolute must. Between water fights and colour, your phone might not survive without protection.
Cash (small notes): Some street vendors sell snacks or water.
Earplugs (optional): Some of the music setups are LOUD, and if you’re sensitive to sound, it’s worth having a pair handy.

What to Leave Behind

Passport
Credit/debit cards
Expensive electronics
Anything you’d be upset to lose or break

A woman with curly hair and sunglasses smiles and takes a selfie during the Holi Festival in Udaipur, covered in vibrant powder. People in the background also celebrate, with color on their clothes and faces, in an outdoor urban setting.

FAQ’s On Holi Festival In Udaipur

Is Udaipur safe during Holi?

Generally, yes. Udaipur is one of the safer places to experience Holi in Rajasthan, especially compared to cities like Pushkar, Varanasi, and Mathura.

What are the best Udaipur Holi safety tips?

As I mentioned earlier in this post, the big ones are: celebrate with a group, avoid bhang lassi (trust me on this one), leave your valuables behind, and know when to call it a day.

Where Is Best to celebrate Holi in Udaipur?

The main action happens in the Old City. Jagdish Chowk and Gangaur Ghat are the two most popular (and chaotic) celebration spots.

What’s the best hostel in Udaipur for Holi?

Dreamyard Hostel Dreamyard Hostel is my favourite for a reason. It’s social, well-located (right by Gangaur Ghat), and organises its own Holi events so you have a built-in group to celebrate with. Rooms book up quickly for the Holi season, so make sure to book your bed as soon as possible.

A group of people covered in colorful powder smile and pose for a selfie during a Holi celebration, sitting on steps in front of a closed shop shutter. The atmosphere is joyful and festive.

Final Thoughts: Is Holi Festival In Udaipur Worth It?

If you’re wondering whether Holi in Udaipur is worth the hype, especially as a solo female traveller in India, my answer is a big, fat yes.

No, it’s not perfect, and the afternoon crowds can get rowdy, and groping is still a risk (as frustrating as that is).

But with the right planning, a good group (and hostel), and knowing when to call it a day, Holi Festival in Udaipur can be one of the most memorable travel moments of your life (it certainly was for me).

If it’s your first Holi in India and you’re looking for a balance of fun and culture, Udaipur really is the best city in Rajasthan to experience it.

Just make sure to remain vigilant, oil up your skin (in the least creepy-sounding way as possible) and have all the fun!

If you have any more questions about Holi Festival, safety or backpacking in India, please do not hesitate to reach out.

And, if you need more solo travel support. Make sure to check out my solo female travel hub for lots of tips, tricks and advice.