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
- Lonavala, Munnar, Cherrapunji and some more best places to visit in the monsoon in India.
- Coorg and Western Ghats
- Family visits and staycations
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
- Add one or two days of leave for a five- to six-day holiday.
- Plan to visit these top destinations for a memorable Diwali vacation.
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
- Hill stations and winter destinations. Explore these top 10 snowfall places in India for a snowy gateway.
- Goa and beach festivals
- International travel

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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
We’re thrilled to assist you in planning your next getaway. Expect to hear from us shortly, and get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime!.
See Our Explorers Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions
October and November offer the highest number of extended breaks due to festivals and favourable weather.
Yes. Several long weekends fall on Fridays or Mondays, creating three-day breaks without leave.
Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai have many destinations within driving distance.
It’s best to plan at least 4–6 weeks in advance, especially for popular long holidays.