Mathura and Vrindavan are spiritual towns that turn into a riot of colours and energy during Holi. Known as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, this region hosts one of the most vibrant and chaotic celebrations in India. The Holi in Mathura & Vrindavan is a spectacle, filled with colour, devotion, flower showers, music, and unmatched energy. However, it also comes with its fair share of safety concerns, especially for solo women travellers.

I was aware that Holi in Mathura might not be entirely safe for obvious reasons, but I wasn’t prepared for the magnitude of concern that surrounded it. As soon as I posted about my travel plans on Instagram, I was flooded with messages and calls from friends and followers, warning me about the risks. Many shared personal or secondhand accounts of how women were groped or harassed amidst the crowds.

Still, I decided to go and celebrate the ‘Phoolon Wali Holi’ in Vrindavan, an event where priests shower flower petals in a beautiful spiritual setting. I’ll admit that I was nervous. But to my surprise, I had a pretty good experience. I didn’t face any major issues, though I took some precautions, the biggest being that I disguised myself as a boy, a choice I wasn’t exactly proud of. But it felt like a way to reduce unnecessary attention, and in a place like this, you sometimes do what you must.

Now, I’m not saying you have to dress as a man to stay safe. That choice is entirely up to you. But there are definitely other, more empowering and effective ways to enjoy the festival safely. If you’re planning to attend the Holi celebration in Vrindavan and Mathura, especially as a solo female traveller, these practical safety tips for solo female travellers will help you feel confident, secure, and fully in the moment.

From choosing what to wear to knowing the best time to visit Mathura for Holi, this guide is for every woman wondering how to enjoy Holi as a woman in Mathura, safely and joyfully.

How to Travel during Holi in Mathura & Vrindavan?

This is a question which is a major concern for females. So here is my take on it.

Let me break it down for you based on my own experience, when I travelled both a week before Holi and on the day of Holi (Choti Holi and Holika Dahan). This will help you plan better depending on your comfort level and expectations.– 

One Week Before Holi – The Better Option

A week before Holi is undoubtedly the best time to visit Mathura for Holi, especially if you’re a woman traveling solo or in a small group. I visited the region with my brother and we had complete flexibility because we were on a bike. This made it super easy to explore Vrindavan, Mathura, Nandgaon, and attend Phoolon Vali Holi, which is a peaceful, flower-filled celebration inside temples.

Travel Tip:

If you’re coming from a different state or city, the easiest route is to fly or train into Delhi, and then rent a bike or car for a road trip to Mathura-Vrindavan. The roads are narrow, and during Holi week, even more crowded, so bikes are your best bet.

Travelling on Holi (The Actual Day)

I’ve also visited Vrindavan on the actual day of Holi, and let me tell you – it’s wild. I reached on Choti Holi, and walking around was manageable if you’re alert and aware of your surroundings. Streets are chaotic but navigable on foot. You can also take autos, or pre-book cabs through Ola/Uber, although availability gets tricky the closer it gets to the event.

Safety Tip:

We stayed at a hotel near the main celebration street and mostly walked to the celebration spots. While the crowds were manageable during the day, by late evening, the streets grew rowdy and uncomfortable. Avoid deserted streets and always stay close to trusted people or groups.

Disguise Hacks – If You’re Going Solo and Want to Blend In

Yes, I did it. I disguised myself as a boy, and I have no shame in admitting it because it helped me feel safe, blend into the crowd, and enjoy the festival freely.

Here are a few tricks and tools I used that helped me move around without attracting attention:

Bandana + Mask + Cap

I tied up my hair, covered my head with a bandana, my face with a scarf, and topped it off with a cap. From a distance, it’s hard to tell you’re a woman. Bonus: It protects your hair from harsh Holi colours.

Chest Binder

To flatten the chest area, I wore a chest binder, which I bought online for ₹300. It was safe and breathable. Note: Do not use bandages, as they can harm your tissue and breathing.

Oversized T-Shirts

Baggy T-shirts helped mask my body shape and prevented clothes from clinging to my body when drenched in water or colour.

Holi Safety Tips – Street-Smart Self-Defence

Denim Pants Under Loose Pyjamas

This was one of my best hacks! I wore jeans inside loose pyjamas and kept all my cash and phone in the jeans pockets. With thefts common during Holi, this made sure my essentials were safe, and no one would dare reach into my pyjamas.

Selfie Stick Weapon Mode

Yes, it sounds funny, but walking around with a selfie stick (minus the phone) gave me a sense of power and space. People were instantly more cautious. I felt like a badass Holi warrior, ready to strike if needed.

Pepper Spray

This is a must. Easy to use and super effective, pepper spray can disable an attacker with temporary blindness and coughing. It gave me peace of mind even though I didn’t need to use it.

Confidence

Honestly, the most powerful tool is your attitude. Once I got used to my surroundings, I removed my disguise, and yes, I still received a few uncomfortable stares. But maintaining eye contact, standing tall, and walking confidently made a big difference. Don’t look scared. Look fierce.

Things to Know Before Holi in Mathura & Vrindavan

• The week before Holi is safer and far more enjoyable for women
• Stay close to the main temples and celebrations to avoid deserted areas
• Avoid late evenings or poorly-lit streets
• Carry just the essentials and use inner pockets, and leave valuables behind
• Use eco-friendly, herbal colours to protect your skin and the environment
• Respect the locals’ faith, it’s a spiritual event, not just a colour party

What Women Should Wear During Holi in Mathura & Vrindavan

• Loose, full-sleeved t-shirts or kurti tops
• Dark jeans or tights underneath pyjamas
• Comfortable shoes, you can trash
• Scarf, bandana, cap for your head and face
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from colour powder
• Avoid white clothes if you’re concerned about transparency when wet

Holi is one of the most incredible festivals, and Mathura-Vrindavan is its heart. Every colour thrown, every flower showered, and every drum beat in the temple adds to a memory you’ll never forget. But yes, it’s also an experience that demands caution, especially for women travelling alone.

To every woman out there: you shouldn’t have to change yourself to feel safe, but if disguising, planning ahead, or carrying pepper spray helps you own your space, then do it unapologetically. We don’t need to stop going places because of a few rowdy men. Instead, we need to stand by one another, be smart, and celebrate like the queens we are.

So go, celebrate, dance, smear some colour, and if someone dares to bother you, well, let’s just say your selfie stick and pepper spray know what to do.