TTU: Planning your vacations around long weekends is a smart way to maximize your time off while exploring some of the best destinations India has to offer. In 2025, you have numerous opportunities to enjoy extended breaks. This guide will help you plan your holidays effectively by highlighting the long weekends, the best places to visit, how to reach them, and the top activities to enjoy. Let’s dive into the ultimate list of long weekends in 2025!
List of Long Weekends in 2025
Here is the ultimate list of long weekends in 2025, categorized month by month. Plan your year wisely to make the most of these opportunities.
Long Weekends in January
- January 11 (Saturday) – January 12 (Sunday) – January 13 (Monday, take a day off) – January 14 (Tuesday, Pongal and Makar Sankranti)
Destinations: Jaipur, Auli, Rann of Kutch
How to Reach:
- Jaipur: Easily accessible by air, train, and road from major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
- Auli: Take a train to Haridwar or Dehradun, then a road journey via Joshimath.
- Rann of Kutch: Fly to Bhuj Airport, then take a cab to Dhordo (the gateway to Rann).
Best Things to Do:
- Jaipur: Explore the grandeur of Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal. Shop for traditional handicrafts in Johari Bazaar.
- Auli: Enjoy skiing on snow-covered slopes, visit Auli Lake, and take a cable car ride for panoramic views.
- Rann of Kutch: Witness the Rann Utsav, enjoy camel rides on the white salt desert, and explore local crafts and cuisines.
Long Weekends in February
- February 14 (Friday, take a day off) – February 15 (Saturday) – February 16 (Sunday)
Destinations: Udaipur, Hampi, Varkala
How to Reach:
- Udaipur: Direct flights or trains from major cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
- Hampi: Fly to Hubli or Belgaum and take a cab; trains are also available.
- Varkala: Nearest airport is Trivandrum; take a cab or train to Varkala.
Best Things to Do:
- Udaipur: Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, visit City Palace, and enjoy cultural performances at Bagore Ki Haveli.
- Hampi: Explore the ruins of Vijayanagara Empire, hike up Matanga Hill, and enjoy coracle rides.
- Varkala: Relax on the beaches, visit the Janardana Swamy Temple, and indulge in Ayurvedic massages.
Long Weekends in March
Long Weekend 1: March 13 (Thursday, Holika Dahana) – March 14 (Friday, Holi) – March 15 (Saturday) – March 16 (Sunday)
Destinations: Mathura-Vrindavan, Rishikesh, Munnar
How to Reach:
- Mathura-Vrindavan: Well-connected by train and road from Delhi.
- Rishikesh: Drive from Delhi or Dehradun.
- Munnar: Fly to Cochin and take a road journey to Munnar.
Best Things to Do:
- Mathura-Vrindavan: Celebrate Holi with vibrant colors and music, visit Krishna Janmabhoomi.
- Rishikesh: Experience river rafting, visit the Beatles Ashram, and attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.
- Munnar: Explore tea gardens, Eravikulam National Park, and Anamudi Peak.
Long Weekend 2: March 28 (Friday, take a day off) – March 29 (Saturday) – March 30 (Sunday) – March 31 (Monday, Eid-Ul-Fitr)
Destinations: Lucknow, Jodhpur, Pondicherry
How to Reach:
- Lucknow: Direct flights and trains from major cities.
- Jodhpur: Fly or take a train to Jodhpur.
- Pondicherry: Nearest airport is Chennai; take a road journey from there.
Best Things to Do:
- Lucknow: Relish Awadhi cuisine, visit Bara Imambara and Hazratganj Market.
- Jodhpur: Explore Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and shop for handicrafts.
- Pondicherry: Stroll along Promenade Beach, visit Auroville, and enjoy French cuisine.
Long Weekends in April
Long Weekend 1: April 10 (Thursday, Mahavir Jayanti) – April 11 (Friday, take a day off) – April 12 (Saturday) – April 13 (Sunday, Vaisakhi) – April 14 (Monday, Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti)
Destinations: Amritsar, Coorg, Shillong
How to Reach:
- Amritsar: Direct flights or trains from major cities.
- Coorg: Fly to Mangalore, then drive to Coorg.
- Shillong: Fly to Guwahati and take a cab.
Best Things to Do:
- Amritsar: Visit the Golden Temple, Wagah Border, and Jallianwala Bagh.
- Coorg: Enjoy coffee plantations, Abbey Falls, and Dubare Elephant Camp.
- Shillong: Explore Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, and the bustling Police Bazaar.
Long Weekend 2: April 18 (Friday, Good Friday) – April 19 (Saturday) – April 20 (Sunday)
Destinations: Ooty, Darjeeling, Rameswaram
How to Reach:
- Ooty: Via Coimbatore by flight and road.
- Darjeeling: Fly to Bagdogra and take a road journey.
- Rameswaram: Nearest airport is Madurai; take a train or cab.
Best Things to Do:
- Ooty: Ride the toy train, visit Botanical Gardens, and trek at Doddabetta Peak.
- Darjeeling: Visit Tiger Hill, tea estates, and enjoy the Darjeeling Ropeway.
- Rameswaram: Explore Ramanathaswamy Temple and Dhanushkodi Beach.
Long Weekends in May
- May 10 (Saturday) – May 11 (Sunday) – May 12 (Monday, Buddha Purnima)
Destinations: Dharamshala, Mahabalipuram, Ladakh
How to Reach:
- Dharamshala: By road from Chandigarh or Amritsar.
- Mahabalipuram: By road from Chennai.
- Ladakh: Fly to Leh.
Best Things to Do:
- Dharamshala: Visit Dalai Lama Temple, Bhagsunath Waterfall, and Triund Trek.
- Mahabalipuram: Explore ancient rock-cut temples and beaches.
- Ladakh: Visit Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and monasteries.
Long Weekends in August
- August 15 (Friday, Independence Day) – August 16 (Saturday) – August 17 (Sunday)
Destinations: Srinagar, Agra, Lonavala
How to Reach:
- Srinagar: By air or road from Jammu.
- Agra: By train or road from Delhi.
- Lonavala: By road from Mumbai or Pune.
Best Things to Do:
- Srinagar: Shikara rides on Dal Lake, Mughal gardens, and houseboats.
- Agra: Visit the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri.
- Lonavala: Trek to forts, explore caves, and enjoy monsoon views.
Long Weekends in September
- Friday, September 5 – Sunday, September 7
- Friday, September 5 – Id-e-Milad, Onam
- Saturday, September 6
- Sunday, September 7
- Saturday, September 13 – Monday, September 15
- Saturday, September 13
- Sunday, September 14
- Monday, September 15 – Take a day off
Suggested Destinations:
- Coorg: Famous for coffee plantations and lush greenery.
- How to Reach: Nearest airport is Mangalore, followed by a road trip.
- Best Things to Do: Trekking, coffee tours, and exploring Abbey Falls.
- Jodhpur: Known for its iconic forts and cultural richness.
- How to Reach: Direct flights and trains from major cities.
- Best Things to Do: Visit Mehrangarh Fort, shop at local bazaars, and enjoy Rajasthani cuisine.
Long Weekends in October
Long Weekend 1: October 1 (Wednesday, Maha Navami) – October 2 (Thursday, Gandhi Jayanti) – October 3 (Friday, take a day off) – October 4 (Saturday) – October 5 (Sunday)
Destinations: Rishikesh, Kolkata, Mysore
How to Reach:
- Rishikesh: Drive from Delhi.
- Kolkata: Direct flights and trains.
- Mysore: Fly to Bangalore and take a cab.
Best Things to Do:
- Rishikesh: River rafting, yoga retreats, and Ganga Aarti.
- Kolkata: Durga Puja celebrations, Victoria Memorial
Long Weekends in November
- November 8 (Saturday) – November 9 (Sunday) – November 10 (Monday, Diwali)
Destinations: Varanasi, Jaisalmer, Kovalam
How to Reach:
- Varanasi: Direct flights or trains from major cities.
- Jaisalmer: Fly to Jodhpur, then take a cab or train.
- Kovalam: Nearest airport is Trivandrum, then a short cab ride.
Best Things to Do:
- Varanasi: Witness the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, explore Sarnath, and indulge in local street food.
- Jaisalmer: Explore the Jaisalmer Fort, enjoy a desert safari, and experience a night in the Thar Desert.
- Kovalam: Relax at the beaches, visit the lighthouse, and indulge in Ayurvedic therapies.
Long Weekends in December
- December 25 (Thursday, Christmas) – December 26 (Friday, take a day off) – December 27 (Saturday) – December 28 (Sunday)
Destinations: Goa, Shimla, Andaman Islands
How to Reach:
- Goa: Direct flights or trains from major cities.
- Shimla: Fly to Chandigarh and take a road journey.
- Andaman Islands: Direct flights to Port Blair from cities like Chennai or Kolkata.
Best Things to Do:
- Goa: Attend Christmas and New Year’s parties, explore beaches, and visit churches.
- Shimla: Enjoy snowfall, visit the Mall Road, and trek to Kufri.
- Andaman Islands: Scuba diving, visiting Radhanagar Beach, and exploring Ross Island.
Conclusion
Planning your trips around these long weekends in 2025 can maximize your travel time without burning too many leaves. From cultural hubs to serene beaches, India offers something for everyone. Pack your bags and make the most of these extended breaks!
FAQs | Long Weekends in India
Q: How many long weekends are there in 2025?
A: There are around 13 long weekends in 2025, depending on where you’re located and the holidays observed in your state.
Q: Which are the best destinations for long weekends in India?
A: Some top destinations include Goa, Shimla, Coorg, Varanasi, and the Andaman Islands.
Q: How can I plan trips around long weekends?
A: Choose destinations based on travel time and interest, book your tickets early, and use this guide to help plan your itinerary.
