Are you ready to make the most of your holidays in 2026? With a host of long weekends lined up, the year offers countless opportunities to explore new destinations, unwind in scenic escapes, or dive into festive celebrations. Whether you love mountain retreats, sun-soaked beaches, cultural trails, or international adventures, there’s a long weekend waiting for you. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you plan unforgettable mini-getaways, complete with suggested destinations both in India and abroad.
January: Fresh Beginnings & Republic Day Breaks
Kick off the year with a rejuvenating start! January’s crisp winter mornings and scenic escapes are perfect for new year reflections or Republic Day celebrations. Ever wondered what a snowy sunrise in Mussoorie feels like with hot chai in hand?
Long weekends:
Thursday, January 1: New Year’s Day (take Friday, Jan 2 off)
Friday, January 23: Vasant Panchmi
Monday, January 26: Republic Day
Domestic: Mussoorie, Nainital, Shimla, Rishikesh, Goa
International: Dubai, Singapore, Sri Lanka
March: Colours of Celebration & Heritage Trails
As winter fades, March comes alive with festivals like Holi and regional celebrations. It’s the perfect time for cultural immersion or quiet beach escapes. Imagine joining Holi festivities in Varanasi or strolling through heritage temples in Hampi.
Long weekends:
Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22: Eid-Ul-Fitr
Late March: Ram Navami & Mahavir Jayanti
Domestic: Varanasi, Hampi, Khajuraho, Puducherry, Gokarna
International: Thailand (Chiang Mai), Bali, Vietnam (Hoi An)
April: Coastal Calm & Good Friday Refresh
April’s long weekends invite you to unwind by the water before summer peaks. Picture yourself gliding along Kerala backwaters or catching sunset views in Goa.
Long weekends:
Friday, April 3 – Sunday, April 5: Good Friday & Easter
Domestic: Kerala backwaters, Goa, Pondicherry, Andaman Islands
International: Maldives, Mauritius, Dubai
May: Labour Day & Hill Escapes
May is ideal for hill retreats before monsoon sets in. The cool mountain air of Ooty or Shimla makes for refreshing escapes. Perfect for road trips and nature walks.
Long weekends:
Friday, May 1 – Sunday, May 3: Labour Day & Buddha Purnima
Domestic: Ooty, Shimla, Manali, Coorg, Darjeeling
International: Nepal (Pokhara), Bhutan (Thimphu & Paro), Switzerland
June: Monsoon Moods & Quiet Retreats
Embrace the charm of monsoon in June. The lush greenery of Cherrapunji or Mahabaleshwar makes for serene escapes. Fancy a quiet weekend surrounded by mist and rain?
Long weekends:
Friday, June 26: Muharram
Domestic: Munnar, Cherrapunji, Mahabaleshwar, Western Ghats
International: Bali (rainy-season serenity), Sri Lanka (hill country)
July: Festive Rains & Tea-Garden Escapes
July’s vibrant rains and festivals create magical landscapes. A cup of tea in Coorg’s plantations with misty hills around sounds like heaven, doesn’t it?
Long weekends:
July 16–19: Rath Yatra & extended leave
Domestic: Munnar, Coorg, Wayanad, Lonavala & Khandala
International: Scotland (Edinburgh & Highlands), New Zealand (South Island)
August: Overlaps & Midweek Magic
August is a mix of monsoon freshness and cultural festivities. Perfect for exploring forts, palaces, and green hills. How about a heritage tour in Jaipur or a serene escape to Mussoorie?
Long weekends:
Friday, August 28 – Sunday, August 30: Raksha Bandhan
Domestic: Jaipur, Udaipur, Mussoorie, Rishikesh
International: Japan (summer festivals), Bali, Switzerland
September: Post-Monsoon Renewal
September brings post-monsoon freshness, ideal for beach getaways, wildlife escapes, or trekking. Picture yourself exploring Goa’s rejuvenated coastlines or spotting wildlife in Jim Corbett.
Long weekends:
Friday, September 4 – Sunday, September 6: Janmashtami
Saturday, September 12 – Monday, September 14: Ganesh Chaturthi
Domestic: Goa, Eastern Ghats, Coorg, Jim Corbett
International: Europe (Italy, France), Bhutan
October: Peaks of the Travel Year
October is perfect for travel in India with pleasant weather. Himalayan treks, Rajasthan forts, and cultural getaways are at their best. Don’t miss the vibrant Dussehra celebrations!
Long weekends:
Friday, October 2 – Sunday, October 4: Gandhi Jayanti
Saturday, October 17 – Tuesday, October 20: Dussehra
Domestic: Leh-Ladakh, Rajasthan (Jaipur, Jaisalmer), Himachal Pradesh
International: Switzerland, Austria, Greece
November: Heritage Runs & Early Winters
November’s mild weather makes it perfect for desert tours, heritage circuits, and low-altitude Himalayan escapes. Fancy a Diwali getaway amidst Rajasthan’s royal forts?
Long weekends:
Saturday, November 7 – Monday, November 9: Diwali
Domestic: Rajasthan, Rann of Kutch, Shimla, Mussoorie
International: Dubai, Spain, Morocco
December: Spontaneity & Year-End Escapes
December is all about festive cheer and winter escapes. Whether it’s snow-clad hills or tropical beaches, the year ends with memorable trips. Imagine Christmas markets in London or a warm beach retreat in Goa.
Long weekends:
Friday, December 25 – Sunday, December 27: Christmas
Domestic: Goa, Wayanad, Manali, Auli
International: London (Christmas markets), Switzerland, Dubai
2026 is a golden year for travellers looking to make the most of long weekends. With a little planning and timely bookings, you can explore India’s hidden gems, experience vibrant festivals, or take international escapes. So why wait? Start marking your calendar and turn every long weekend into an unforgettable mini getaway!
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