Long Weekends In 2026

India’s 2026 calendar is packed with long weekends and holidays, making travel easier without requiring many days of leave. With smart planning, even a single holiday can turn into the perfect escape. 

This guide covers month-wise long weekends, festival breaks, and weekend days in India that can be extended for travel. You’ll also find destination ideas and city-wise getaway options to help you plan every upcoming long weekend better. 

2026 Long Weekend Calendar Overview

 

Month

Holiday

Date

Day

January

New Year

Jan 1

Thursday

January

Basant Panchami

Jan 23

Friday

January

Republic Day

Jan 26

Monday

March

Holi

Mar 4

Wednesday

March

Ram Navami

Mar 26

Thursday

April

Good Friday

Apr 3

Friday

May

Labour Day / Buddha Purnima

May 1

Friday

July

Rath Yatra

Jul 16

Thursday

August

Independence Day

Aug 15

Saturday

August

Raksha Bandhan

Aug 28

Friday

September

Ganesh Chaturthi

Sep 14

Monday

October

Gandhi Jayanti

Oct 2

Friday

October

Dussehra

Oct 20

Tuesday

November

Diwali Period

Nov 6–10

Fri–Tue

November

Chhath Puja

Nov 13

Friday

December

Christmas

Dec 25

Friday


Long Weekends and Long Holidays in 2026: Key Travel Opportunities

January: New Year and Republic Day Breaks

Dates to note

  • January 1, Thursday (New Year)
  • January 23, Friday (Basant Panchami)
  • January 26, Monday (Republic Day)

How to plan

  • Take January 2 off for a four-day New Year break.
  • Combine Basant Panchami with Republic Day for uninterrupted family time.

Travel ideas

  • Jaipur, Udaipur, Mussoorie, Goa, Coorg
  • Short hill trips or cultural city breaks
  • Republic Day events in Delhi

     

March: Holi and Ram Navami

Dates to note

  • March 4, Wednesday (Holi)
  • March 26, Thursday (Ram Navami)

How to plan

  • Take one or two weekdays off to create a three to five-day break.

Travel ideas

  • Mathura–Vrindavan for Holi
  • Pushkar, Jaipur, Kochi, Mysore
  • Quiet retreats for crowd-free travel
  • Ayodhya, Srinagar (Tulip Festival), Ladakh

     

April: Good Friday and Easter

Dates to note

  • April 3, Friday (Good Friday)

How to plan

  • Add April 2 or April 6 for a longer coastal or leisure break.

Travel ideas

  • Goa, Kerala, Pondicherry
  • Backwaters and slow travel stays

     

May: Labour Day and Buddha Purnima

Dates to note

  • May 1, Friday (Labour Day / Buddha Purnima)

How to plan

  • Take one adjoining weekday off for a longer retreat.

Travel ideas

  • Manali, Shimla, Nainital, Ooty, Coorg
  • Bodh Gaya for Buddha Purnima

     

July–August: Monsoon Long Weekends

Dates to note

  • July 16, Thursday (Rath Yatra)
  • August 15, Saturday (Independence Day)
  • August 28, Friday (Raksha Bandhan)

How to plan

  • Combine Raksha Bandhan with a four-day weekday leave. 

Travel ideas

September: Ganesh Chaturthi

A single holiday creates scope for a compact long weekend.

Dates to note

  • September 14, Monday (Ganesh Chaturthi)

Travel ideas

  • Mumbai for Ganesh celebrations
  • Short city breaks

     

October: Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra

Dates to note

  • October 2, Friday (Gandhi Jayanti)
  • October 20, Tuesday (Dussehra)

How to plan

  • Take October 19 off for a four-day festive break.

Travel ideas

  • Rajasthan, Himachal, Uttarakhand
  • Wildlife sanctuaries and heritage destinations
  • Rishikesh and Varanasi

     

November: Diwali and Chhath Puja

Dates to note

  • November 6–10, Friday to Tuesday (Diwali period)
  • November 13, Friday (Chhath Puja)

How to plan

Travel ideas

  • Hometown visits
  • Luxury resorts
  • Jim Corbett safaris
  • Bihar for Chhath Puja

     

December: Christmas and Year-End Break

Dates to note

  • December 25, Friday (Christmas)

How to plan

  • Add December 24 or December 28 to extend into 2027.

Travel ideas

Plan My Trip!


Weekend Getaways if You Work in Delhi NCR

Neemrana–Alwar, Rajasthan

Located 120–130 km from Delhi, this belt is a simple 2.5–3 hour drive via NH48. It suits heritage-focused trips with minimal travel fatigue.

Highlights include Neemrana Fort Palace, Alwar City Palace, Siliserh Lake, and light wildlife experiences near Sariska. 

Lansdowne & Kotdwar, Uttarakhand

At 250–270 km from Delhi, these hill towns take about 5.5–6 hours by road. They work well for quite two-day breaks. Pine forests, silent cantonment roads, Bhulla Tal, and forest trails define the experience. Clear winter views and low crowds suit reflective travel and work-from-villa stays.

Kasauli & Solan Hills, Himachal Pradesh

Around 290–300 km from Delhi, this region is reachable in 5.5–6 hours via Chandigarh. April and May offer mild weather, forest walks, the Gilbert Trail, and orchard visits. The area suits families looking for relaxed, long holidays without steep terrain.

Mukteshwar & Pangot, Uttarakhand

Located 340–360 km away, this destination is suitable for a leisurely weekend in India. Spring brings rhododendron blooms, Himalayan views, birdwatching trails, and quiet village life.

Barog–Chail Belt, Himachal Pradesh

About 280–300 km from Delhi, this belt is ideal for long-weekend escapes during the monsoon. Mist-covered forests, heritage railway views, and low tourist traffic define the stay.

Weekend Getaways if You Work in Mumbai

Pawna Lake

Pawna Lake is a popular two-day escape for nature and adventure. It is known for lakefront camping, hillside views, and outdoor activities.

  • Best time: January to May, October to December
  • Attractions: Lohagad, Tikona, Tung, Visapur forts
  • Activities: Camping, barbecue, games, water activities
  • Ideal duration: 2 days

Kolad

Kolad is located along the Kundalika River and is known for adventure sports and its greenery. It balances high-energy activities with quiet riverside stays.

  • Key highlight: White water rafting
  • Activities: Rafting, ziplining, kayaking, and waterfall rappelling
  • Ideal for: Adventure trips and nature breaks

Lonavala

Lonavala is one of the most-visited hill stations near Mumbai, with easy road access and a range of attractions.

  • Highlights: Karla and Bhaja caves, forts, waterfalls
  • Nearby spots: Pawna Lake, Rajmachi, Duke’s Nose
  • Best for: Relaxed hill breaks and family trips

Kundalika

Best known for river rafting, the Kundalika is suitable during the monsoon-long holidays.

  • Best time: June to September
  • Activities: Rafting, riverside camping
  • Ideal duration: 2 days

Kamshet

Kamshet is known for paragliding and open landscapes.

  • Activities: Paragliding, trekking, cave visits
  • Nearby attractions: Pawna Lake, Tikona Fort
  • Best for: Adventure-focused weekend trips

Weekend Getaways if You Work in Bangalore

Nandi Hills

Nandi Hills is ideal for a quick weekend getaway from Bangalore. It is known for its sunrises, historic ruins, and tranquil surroundings.

  • Places to visit: Tipu’s Drop, Tipu Sultan’s Fort, Brahmashram
  • Things to do: Sunrise views, cycling, short walks
  • Best time: September to February
  • Ideal duration: 1 day (open 6 AM–6 PM)

Kanakpura

Kanakpura is well-suited for budget-friendly, activity-based trips.

  • Places to visit: Kabbaladurga, Bananthimari Betta
  • Things to do: Trekking, canoeing, swimming
  • Best time: October to April
  • Ideal duration: 1–2 days

Coorg

Coorg is one of the most popular long weekend destinations from Bangalore.

  • Places to visit: Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Raja’s Seat
  • Things to do: Coffee plantation visits, light trekking, waterfall swims
  • Best time: October to April
  • Ideal duration: 2–3 days

Ramanagara

Ramanagara is suited for camping and outdoor stays close to the city.

  • Places to visit: Ramadevara Betta Hills, Savandurga
  • Things to do: Trekking, birdwatching, camping
  • Best time: March to May
  • Ideal duration: 1–2 days

Dandeli

Dandeli is best for wildlife and water-based activities during longer breaks.

  • Places to visit: Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, River Kali
  • Things to do: River rafting, kayaking, nature walks
  • Best time: October to February
  • Ideal duration: 2–3 days

Weekend Getaways if You Work in Hyderabad

Warangal

Warangal is a heritage-rich city shaped by the Kakatiya dynasty. It is ideal for history-focused weekend trips.

  • Attractions: Bhadrakali Temple, Warangal Fort, Thousand Pillar Temple
  • Activities: Temple visits, architecture walks, boating at Pakhal Lake
  • Best time: October to March

Bidar

Bidar is known for forts, tombs, and medieval architecture from multiple dynasties.

  • Attractions: Bidar Fort, Rangin Mahal, Bahamani Tombs, Mohammad Gawan Madrasa
  • Activities: Fort exploration, handicraft shopping, nature walks
  • Best time: October to March

Nagarjunasagar

Nagarjunasagar is centred around a large dam and ancient Buddhist sites.

  • Attractions: Nagarjunasagar Dam, Nagarjunakonda island museum
  • Activities: Boating, scenic viewpoints, monsoon visits
  • Best time: August to February

Mahabubnagar

Mahabubnagar offers temples, reservoirs, and forest landscapes for relaxed travel

  • Attractions: Umamaheshwaram, Alampur temples, Mallelatheertham waterfall
  • Activities: Reservoir visits, temple tours, picnics
  • Best time: December to February

Karimnagar 

Karimnagar is known for pilgrimage sites and historical forts.

  • Attractions: Elgandal Fort, Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple, Lower Manair Dam
  • Activities: Temple visits, handicraft shopping, short excursions
  • Best time: October to March

Weekend Getaways if You Work in Chennai

Mahabalipuram 

Mahabalipuram is ideal for a quick coastal break with history and sea views.

  • Highlights: Shore Temple, Pancha Rathas, rock-cut monuments
  • Best for: One-day trips and relaxed weekends

Yercaud 

Yercaud is a quiet hill station set in the Shevaroy Hills, known for greenery and calm surroundings.

  • Places to visit: Yercaud Lake, Pagoda Point, Kiliyur Waterfalls
  • Things to do: Sightseeing, light trekking, camping
  • Best time: October to June

Yelagiri 

Yelagiri is a compact hill destination suited for short, activity-focused breaks.

  • Places to visit: Punganur Lake, Swamimalai Hill
  • Things to do: Trekking, nature walks, sightseeing
  • Best time: Throughout the year

Ooty

Ooty is one of the most popular long holiday destinations from Chennai.

  • Places to visit: Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake, Doddabetta Peak
  • Experiences: Toy Train ride, tea estates, local markets
  • Best time: October to June
  • Ideal duration: 3–5 days

Kodaikanal

Kodaikanal offers forests, waterfalls, and cool weather, suitable for couples and families.

  • Places to visit: Kodaikanal Lake, waterfalls, viewpoints
  • Best for: Relaxed hill stays and nature-focused trips
  • Best time: October to April

Pondicherry

Pondicherry blends beaches, French architecture, and spiritual spaces.

  • Places to visit: Rock Beach, Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram
  • Things to do: Café hopping, beach walks, yoga
  • Ideal duration: 2 days

Make Your Weekends Memorable in 2026 With Wandertrust

WanderTrust helps you turn long weekends and long holidays in 2026 into well-planned, stress-free travel experiences. Whether it’s an upcoming long weekend or a planned break, we design trips that fit your time, mood, and travel style.

We help travellers explore destinations without the pressure of planning. You can either travel without knowing the destination until just before departure or choose a fully personalised itinerary planned in advance.

WanderTrust began with surprise travel experiences in which the destination remained hidden until the last moment. Today, we also design pre-planned customised trips for both domestic and international travel. This allows travellers to choose between spontaneity and control, depending on how they want to use their weekend days in India.

What We Offer

  • Surprise trips for travellers who enjoy uncertainty
  • Customised trips planned around your preferences
  • Domestic and international itineraries
  • Short breaks designed around the long weekend calendar

How It Works

  • Share your travel preferences
  • We plan the itinerary
  • You travel and unwind

Plan My Trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month for long holidays in 2026?

October and November offer the highest number of extended breaks due to festivals and favourable weather.

Can I plan trips without taking leave?

Yes. Several long weekends fall on Fridays or Mondays, creating three-day breaks without leave.

Which cities offer the best weekend getaways?

Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai have many destinations within driving distance.

How early should I plan for long weekend travel?

It’s best to plan at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially for popular long holidays.

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