45 Most Colorful Cities Around The World You'll Want To Visit

26. Pattadakal, India: Red Sandstone, Temple Gold, and Festival Glow

While most flock to Rajasthan or Varanasi for color, Karnataka’s Pattadakal offers a subtler, sacred vibrancy. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this temple town is painted in warm red sandstone, golden light, and the vivid fabrics of pilgrims who gather here. The juxtaposition of Dravidian and Nagara architecture gives each structure a distinct silhouette, while local festivals splash the dusty town in turmeric, vermilion, and flower garlands. There’s no Instagram trap here—just deep, grounded beauty where color is devotion, history, and rhythm all at once. It's proof that sacred places can also be sensorial feasts.