Taking advantage of long weekends is one of the best ways to recharge and explore India’s diverse landscapes without needing to take extended leave. With a mix of national holidays, religious celebrations, and regional observances, India offers several long weekends each year. Whether you’re looking to travel, spend time with family, or simply relax, knowing the India long weekends ahead can help you plan your year better.
We’ll explore India long weekends for 2024, 2025, and 2026, covering the key dates and the best ways to make the most of them.
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What are Long Weekends?
A long weekend typically occurs when a public holiday either falls on a Friday or Monday, creating a three-day break, or when taking a day off adjacent to a holiday can extend your weekend. Long weekends are popular in India because they provide an opportunity for short vacations, family gatherings, or simply a break from the hectic work schedule.
List of India Long Weekends in 2024, 2025, and 2026
Here is a detailed list of India long weekends for 2024, 2025, and 2026, including extra days off you can consider to maximize your time.
India Long Weekends in 2024
| Date | Day(s) | Holiday | Extra Leave Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13/01/2024 – 15/01/2024 | Saturday – Monday | Makar Sankranti / Pongal | None |
| 26/01/2024 – 28/01/2024 | Friday – Sunday | Republic Day | None |
| 23/03/2024 – 25/03/2024 | Saturday – Monday | Holi | Take Monday off |
| 29/03/2024 – 31/03/2024 | Friday – Sunday | Good Friday | None |
| 15/08/2024 – 18/08/2024 | Thursday – Sunday | Independence Day + Janmashtami | Take Friday off |
| 02/10/2024 – 06/10/2024 | Wednesday – Sunday | Gandhi Jayanti + Dussehra | Take Thursday, Friday off |
| 08/11/2024 – 10/11/2024 | Friday – Sunday | Diwali/Deepavali | None |
| 25/12/2024 – 29/12/2024 | Wednesday – Sunday | Christmas | Take Thursday, Friday off |
India Long Weekends in 2025
| Date | Day(s) | Holiday | Extra Leave Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11/01/2025 – 14/01/2025 | Saturday – Tuesday | Makar Sankranti / Pongal | Take Monday off |
| 26/01/2025 – 28/01/2025 | Sunday – Tuesday | Republic Day | Take Monday off |
| 14/03/2025 – 17/03/2025 | Friday – Monday | Holi | Take Monday off |
| 18/04/2025 – 20/04/2025 | Friday – Sunday | Good Friday | None |
| 15/08/2025 – 17/08/2025 | Friday – Sunday | Independence Day | None |
| 02/10/2025 – 05/10/2025 | Thursday – Sunday | Gandhi Jayanti + Dussehra | Take Friday off |
| 21/10/2025 – 23/10/2025 | Tuesday – Thursday | Diwali | Take Friday off |
| 25/12/2025 – 28/12/2025 | Thursday – Sunday | Christmas | Take Friday off |
India Long Weekends in 2026
| Date | Day(s) | Holiday | Extra Leave Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24/01/2026 – 26/01/2026 | Saturday – Monday | Republic Day | None |
| 14/03/2026 – 17/03/2026 | Saturday – Monday | Holi | Take Monday off |
| 10/04/2026 – 12/04/2026 | Friday – Sunday | Good Friday | None |
| 02/10/2026 – 04/10/2026 | Friday – Sunday | Gandhi Jayanti | None |
| 08/11/2026 – 10/11/2026 | Saturday – Monday | Diwali/Deepavali | Take Monday off |
| 25/12/2026 – 27/12/2026 | Friday – Sunday | Christmas | None |
Why Plan Around India Long Weekends?
Long weekends are perfect for maximizing vacation time without using too many leave days. By strategically planning, you can take advantage of the India long weekends for mini vacations, road trips, or even staycations. These short breaks are essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and reducing stress.
Here’s why planning your year around India long weekends is important:
- Boost Productivity: Taking breaks helps improve focus and productivity when you return to work.
- Affordable Travel: Planning trips around long weekends means you can travel during off-peak times, saving on travel costs.
- Family Time: Long weekends offer the perfect opportunity to reconnect with family and enjoy quality time together.
Popular Destinations for India Long Weekends
India’s diverse geography provides plenty of travel options for every type of traveler. Here are some suggestions to make the most of your India long weekends:
- Hill Stations: Escape the summer heat by visiting popular hill stations like Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie, or Munnar.
- Beach Getaways: Goa, Andaman Islands, and Pondicherry offer sun-soaked beaches perfect for a relaxing long weekend.
- Cultural Destinations: Visit cities rich in history like Jaipur, Udaipur, Varanasi, or Hampi to explore India’s cultural heritage.
- Adventure Hotspots: For thrill-seekers, places like Leh-Ladakh, Rishikesh, and Jim Corbett National Park offer adventure-filled weekends.
Tips for Planning Long Weekend Trips
- Book Early: Long weekends are popular, so book flights, trains, and accommodation well in advance to avoid price hikes.
- Offbeat Destinations: To avoid crowds, opt for lesser-known destinations. Places like Gokarna, Spiti Valley, or Coorg can offer peace and serenity during a long weekend.
- Plan for Road Trips: For those who prefer driving, road trips to nearby destinations can be a great way to spend a long weekend.
- Smart Packing: Since long weekends are short trips, pack only the essentials. Travel light to make the most of your time.
Public Holidays and Long Weekends by Region
India’s long weekends vary slightly depending on the region, as some states observe additional public holidays. Here’s a breakdown of how different regions in India can utilize long weekends:
- North India: Make the most of your long weekends by visiting the Himalayas or exploring historical sites like Agra, Jaipur, and Amritsar.
- South India: Use the long weekends to explore beaches in Goa or Kerala, or visit cultural destinations like Hampi or Mysore.
- East India: Head to Darjeeling, Sikkim, or Odisha for unique landscapes and cultural experiences.
- West India: Explore the deserts of Rajasthan, or visit bustling cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
Maximize Your Leave Around Long Weekends
A strategic approach to planning your time off can help you stretch your vacation time. For example, by taking just one or two extra leave days adjacent to a long weekend, you can extend your holiday into a 4- or 5-day trip. This is especially useful when planning longer vacations to destinations that require more travel time, such as Ladakh or the Andaman Islands.
Make the Most of India Long Weekends in 2024, 2025, and 2026
India long weekends offer an excellent opportunity to take breaks, travel, and relax without needing to dip too much into your leave balance. Whether it’s exploring new destinations, reconnecting with family, or simply taking a break from work, long weekends are the perfect chance to unwind and recharge.
Start planning your year now, and make the most of the India long weekends ahead. With the right planning, you can enjoy several mini-vacations throughout 2024, 2025, and 2026!
FAQs About India Long Weekends
How many long weekends are there in India in 2024?
India has around 10-12 long weekends in 2024. With strategic planning, these weekends can be perfect for mini-vacations or extended family gatherings.
What are the best destinations to visit during long weekends in India?
Popular destinations include hill stations like Manali, beach getaways like Goa, and cultural cities like Jaipur and Udaipur.
How can I maximize my vacation time during long weekends?
Plan early, combine public holidays with personal leave, and choose destinations that offer easy travel options.
Do long weekends differ across states in India?
Yes, long weekends can vary depending on state-specific holidays. Make sure to check the public holiday calendar for your state to plan better.
How many long weekends are there in India in 2025?
In 2025, India offers approximately 9-11 long weekends, depending on state holidays and how you choose to plan your leave around public holidays like Republic Day, Holi, and Diwali.
How many long weekends are there in India in 2026?
There are approximately 8-10 long weekends in 2026, depending on how you plan your leave around public holidays.