Work, Chill, Repeat: Your Guide to Long Weekends of 2024 in India
Happy New Year to all the fellow wanderers. Are you starting to feel the travel itch yet? Not to worry, you’re not the only one. The calendar Gods have answered your prayers and have showered upon their blessings in the form of a buffet full of long weekends of 2024 in India. Better than cheese, right? So get ready to swap those spreadsheets for sunrises and trade those Monday blues for some vacation hues. If you’re confused about what to do and where to go, you’re at the right place. Whether you’re an adventure junkie or a culture vulture, we’ve got you covered.
A Complete list of Long Weekends in 2024
- January 13-15. 13th January(Sat) is Lohri & 15th January(Mon) is Pongal
- January 26-28. 26th January(Fri) is Republic Day
- March 8-10. 8th March(Fri) is Maha Shivratri
- March 23-25. 25th March(Mon) is Holi
- March 29-31. 29th March(Fri) is Good Friday
- May 23-26. 23rd May(Thurs) is Buddha Purnima
- June 15-17. 17th June(Mon) is Eid al-Adha
- August 15-19. 15th August(Thurs) is Independence Day & 19th August(Mon) is Raksha Bandhan
- August 24-26. 26th August(Mon) is Janamashtami
- September 5-8. 5th September(Thurs) is Onam & 7th September(Sat) is Ganesh Chaturthi
- September 14-16. 16th September(Mon) is Eid-e-Milad
- October 11-13. 11th October(Fri) is Maha Navami
- November 1-3. 1st November(Fri) is Diwali
- November 15-17. 15th November(Fri) is Guru Nanak Jayanti
An idyllic road curving through the green foothills.
Thrilling January
Long Weekends in January-
- January 13-15
- January 26-28
Jan 13 to 15
The 2024 long weekend list starts with the vibrant harvest festivals of Lohri and Makar Sankranti.
Punjab: If you want to experience Lohri in all its glory, pack your bags and head to the land of 5 rivers. No matter what part of the state you make a stop at, you'll be greeted with unmatched enthusiasm. The streets turn colourful with decorations, and you can enjoy the bonfires and the dhol along with the gud and gajak. The gurudwaras host numerous feasts and activities for all.
How to Reach-
Road: All cities are well connected via roads and you can take a bus from Delhi, Himachal or Uttarakhand.
Air: Main airports are located in Amritsar, Ludhiana and Chandigarh.
Rail: Most of the trains entering Punjab, pass through the railhead at Delhi.
Gujarat: The state is hosting a week-long international kite festival from 8th- 14th Jan in Ahmedabad and regions of Vadodara, Rajkot, Vadnagar, Somnath, Rajkot and Dhordo, with over 125 participants from 68 countries. Though access to actual kite flying areas is restricted, visitors can attend the event for free, indulge in the magic of kite flying, and savour the local delicacies.
How to Reach
Road: Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad are well connected to Ahmedabad via road.
Air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad is just 11 km from the city centre.
Rail: All the major trains provide services to and from Ahmedabad Junction Railway Station.
A vibrant kite flowing in the high sky amidst the Kite Festival in Ahmedabad.
Jan 26 to 28
Rann of Kutch: The Rann Utsav is a delightful festival being held in the spectacular white salt deserts of Kutch in Gujarat from Nov 2023 to Feb 2024. You can immerse yourself in local Gujarati culture while enjoying adventurous activities like golf cart rides, ATV excursions, camel rides and paramotoring. There are also opportunities to participate in yoga and meditation and appreciate folk music and dance performances unique to the Kutch region.
How to Reach
Road: You can use the road network from Bhuj, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Baroda, Ahmedabad, Surat and Mumbai to reach Rann Ustav
Air: One-hour ride from Bhuj Airport
Rail: Two-hour ride from Bhuj Railway Station
Beads and tassels bedeck a camel against the gleaming white sands at Rann Utsav.
March Madness
Long Weekends in March-
- March 8-10
- March 23-25
- March 29-31
March 8 to 10
Rishikesh: The raw spirituality of Maha Shivratri at Rishikesh will leave you amazed. You can enjoy the magnificent aartis on the banks of the Ganga River and take part in the grand temple processions. The city also offers excellent meditation and yoga retreats. P.S.- Don’t forget to try the lip-smacking aloo puri and piping hot samosas in Rishikesh.
How to Reach
Road: You can take buses from major cities to reach Rishikesh.
Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport located at a distance of 20 km.
Rail: You can take a cab from Rishikesh Railway Station.
March 23 to 25
While the playful spirit of colours engulfs the whole country during Holi, if you want to witness some unique celebrations, we recommend the below places.
Pushkar: Pushkar’s holi celebrations are renowned throughout the country. With locals and international tourists coming together to celebrate this festival against the backdrop of Pushkar Lake, this is one experience you shouldn’t miss. The food and bhaang mania will keep your spirits high for days to come.
How to Reach
Road: You can get buses from major cities like Ajmer, Jaipur, Delhi, and others.
Air: Jaipur Airport is the nearest, located at a distance of 130 km from Pushkar.
Rail: The nearest railway station is in Ajmer, located at a distance of 14 km.
Jodhpur: The blue city turns into a kaleidoscope of colours as the city celebrates this festival with utmost fervour. With dhols, EDM and non-stop Bollywood music for 2 days, you will experience Holi 2024 like never before. You can even enjoy the special celebrations with your squad at Zostel Pushkar.
How to Reach
Road: Buses are available from major cities in the country like Delhi, Jaipur, and others.
Air: Jodhpur Airport is located at a distance of 3 km from the main city.
Rail: Jodhpur Railway Station has good connectivity with major parts of the country.
Goa: Referred as Shigmo, Holi in Goa is a celebration of culture, community and tradition. The festival is celebrated over a span of 14 days and is the perfect blend of food, music and colour. There are band performances, grand parades and skits to depict the historical significance of this festival. There are various beach-side holi parties too.
How to Reach
Road: Buses from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore and other cities ply to and from Goa.
Air: Goa International Airport is located at a distance of 30 km from Panjim.
Rail: Goa has 6 railway stations. You can take a cab or public transport from here to travel anywhere in the city.
Sangla: Although this small village in Himachal is known for its serene lifestyle, the place comes alive with energy during Holi. You can dance along the vibrations and rhythm of drums and trumpets along with a sea of gulal. The local wine- Phasur is a hit among the locals and tourists alike.
How to Reach
Road: Regular buses ply from Delhi, Punjab and Haryana.
Air: Jubbarhatti Airport in Shimla is the nearest, located at a distance of 238 km.
Rail: Nearest railway station is in Kalka, located at a distance of 288 km.
The air in Sangla alive with the Holi celebrations.
March 29 to 31
Pondicherry: If you wish to enjoy Easter and Good Friday 2024 in true spirits then you should be heading to Pondicherry for this long weekend. The week-long celebrations start with palm Sunday and there are daily morning and midnight masses at the city’s majestic churches. The city also offers a quiet escape with its beautiful and serene beaches and is every food-lovers’ paradise. And if you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay during the Easter weekend, our newly opened Zostel Pondicherry (Auroville Road) is here.
How to Reach
Road: Pondicherry is connected to cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Bangalore and other major cities.
Air: Puducherry Airport operates flights to and from major cities in India.
Rail: Villupuram Railway Junction connects Pondicherry to other cities.
Time for May-cations
Long Weekend in May- May 23-26
May 23 to 26
Ladakh: If you have always wanted to explore the beauty of Pangong lake or take that road-trip to conquer the challenging yet breathtaking roads of Ladakh, this is your cue. Trek through the picturesque valleys of Lamayuru adorned with wildflowers. May is the perfect time to visit Dras, a small town in Ladakh and the coldest inhabited hill-station in the world and you can camp under the star-studded skies. You can also put the Zanskar rafting expedition in your itinerary.
How to Reach
Road: There are two road routes to Leh Ladakh - one through Manali in Himachal Pradesh and the other through Srinagar.
Air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport of Leh is at a distance of 4 km from the city centre.
Rail: The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi located at a distance of 650 km. One can take a bus or taxi from there.
Bikers tracing a route through Ladakh's beautiful mountain passage.
Ooty: This town is your perfect weekend getaway for all things calm and pretty. Every nook and corner offer insta-worthy spots. You can visit the botanical garden or enjoy the Kalhatty waterfalls. You can trek your way the Dodabetta Peak and capture the breathtaking view of the city. You can also take a leisurely stroll around the Ooty Lake and indulge in some shopping as well. Plan it well to utilise this long holiday in 2024.
How to Reach
Road: Bus services are available from Coimbatore, Tirippur and other cities.
Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport located at a distance of 94 km.
Rail: Coimbatore and Tiruppur are the nearest stations. From there you can connect to Mettupalayam and a toy train to Ooty.
The June Jubilees
Long Weekend in June- June 15-17
June 15 to 17
Bir: Escape the June heat and take flight in Bir Billing and soar above the valleys, basking in gorgeous panoramic views. The place allows you to feel the wind in your hair, and conquer your fear of heights in the most epic way. Paragliding, Hand Gliding and trekking are just a few of the activities that you can take up in Bir. You can take a cab from the nearest airport and railway station. However it’s preferable to take a direct bus from Delhi or Chandigarh to reach Bir.
How to Reach
Road: Regular bus services ply to and from the city. n
Air: Gaggal Airport in Kangra is the nearest airport, located at a distance of 67 km from Bir.
Rail: The nearest major railway station is Pathankot. You can take a toy train from Pathankot to Ahju railway station which is 3 km form Bir.
A soaring paraglider's silhouette against the Sun in Bir.
August Adventures
Long Weekends in August-
- August 15-19
- August 24-26
August 15 to 19
Udaipur: The city of lakes is among the most beautiful places in the country and attracts tourists all year around. Exploring the city palace, taking a boat ride in Lake Pichola, attending an evening of cultural extravaganza in Bagore ki Haveli are just some of the fun things you can do in the city. A visit to Monsoon Palace, located high on Aravalli Hills is a must. The city view from the top is unparalleled. You can book a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the palace or can do so with your own vehicle too. It’s the perfect plan for the long weekend in August 2024.
How to Reach
Road: Udaipur is well connected to all major cities in the country through roads.
Air: The Maharana Pratap Airport is located 24 km from the city centre.
Rail: One can take a cab or auto from the Udaipur Railway Station to go anywhere in the city.
August 24 to 26
Meghalaya: With cascading waterfalls and verdant rainforests, Meghalaya will make you forget the scorching plains. You can take a walk over the double-decker living root bridges in Nongriat while the Umshiang River flows beneath it. Nohkalikai Falls and Elephant Falls are a must-visit if you need the most scenic background in your photographs. With Zostel Shillong, you can make your stay in Meghalaya even more memorable in this captivating state.
How to Reach
Road: Meghalaya is well connected to major cities through roads.
Air: Shillong Airport is located at a distance of 30 km from the city centre.
Rail: Meghalaya doesn’t have a railway station so you’ll have to take a train to Guwahati which is located at a distance of 97 km from Shillong.
Hanging amidst the mossy cascade is the double decker living root bridge in Meghalaya.
Sweet September Getaways
Long Weekends in September-
- September 5-8
- September 14-16
Sept 5 to 8
Alappuzha: If you’ve always wanted to witness the boat races during Onam, then this is your chance to plan that trip. Alappuzha hosts the best snake boat races during Onam and attracts a huge crowd. The city is infested with festive spirits during this town, and every house is decorated with beautiful pookalams. You can feast on the traditional delicacies and engage with the locals to make the best of your trip.
How to Reach
Road: The railway station is located at a distance of 4 km from city centre.
Air: Cochin International Airport is located at a distance of 82 km.
Rail: Bus services from major cities of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are available.
Sept 14 to 16
Srinagar: September marking the onset of Autumn, makes Srinagar the ideal weekend getaway place. The scenic beauty of chinar trees against the lofty hills coupled with pleasant weather, what else does one need? You can book a shikara ride on the Dal Lake during the sunrise and witness the perfect sunset while taking a stroll in the Mughal Garden.
How to Reach
Road: City is well connected with Delhi, Chandigarh, Leh, and Jammu.
Air: Sheikh ul Alam International Airport in Srinagar is located at a distance of 15 km from the city centre.
Rail: Srinagar railway station is well connected to all major cities in India.
Shikaras gliding across the calm and quiet waters of Dal Lake.
Offbeat October
Long Weekend in October- October 11-13
Oct 11 to 13
Kolkata: The city turns into a carnival during Durga Puja and one should definitely experience the fun and frolics. The streets are filled with people chanting Bengali songs and hymns. You will find puchka sellers at almost every street corner along with the jhaalmuri and bhel sellers. The Pandals are beautifully decorated with a variety of food for everyone and it’s a great time to do some pandal hopping with your friends.
How to Reach
Road: Direct buses to Kolkata are available from all major cities in India.
Air: You can take a cab/rickshaw from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport to anywhere in the city.
Rail: Kolkata Railway Station is connected to all major stations in India. There are other railway stations as well in the city.
The effigy of Goddess Durga presides over the crowd gathered for rituals in Kolkata.
November Shenanigans
Long Weekends in November-
- November 1-3
- November 15-17
Nov 1 to 3
Panchgani: Known for its natural beauty, this hill-station in Maharashtra has something for everyone. You can try your hands at paragliding or go for the jeep safari tour. If you want to enjoy the pretty views, you can plan an outing to Table Land or go boating in Venna Lake. You can treat your eyes to the beautiful views of Krishna Valley at the Sydney Point too. Zostel Plus Panchgani offers a comfortable stay to make your visit here comfortable.
How to Reach
Road: Direct buses are available from Pune and Mumbai.
Air: Pune Airport is the nearest one, located at a distance of 110 km.
Rail: Nearest Railway station is Wathar, located at a distance of 49 km.
Nov 15 to 17
Hampi: The city of historical ruins, Hampi offers you an ethereal weekend escape. Start your trip with a heritage walk across the city and dive into its rich history. Vijay Vittala Temple, Virupaksha Temple are a must-visit. Trek to the top of Matanga Hill to catch the perfect sunrise and sunset view. Your trip will be incomplete without trying out bouldering as Hampi is known as the bouldering capital of India.
How to Reach
Road: Taking a bus from Bangalore/Mumbai/Pune is the most convenient option.
Air: Hubballi is the nearest airport, located at a distance of 170 km.
Rail: Hospet Junction is the nearest railway station, located at a distance of 13 km.
A tourist sitting atop the boulder-strewn hills in Hampi.
So once you’ve stopped daydreaming about that beachside shack in Goa or the snowy slopes of Srinagar for long holidays in 2024, snap out of your reverie - it’s time to act! Choose your own adventure - starry skies or majestic forts, savouring coastal delicacies or hill station teas. Just one last piece of advice before your bags are packed - make sure your heart has enough room for the delightful memories you’ll make, until we meet for the next adventure!
Writer, Tanya Tyagi.