With busy work schedules and limited leave days, long weekends have become the most practical way for Indians to plan short holidays. The 2026 calendar offers several extended breaks spread across the year, giving travellers many chances to plan quick getaways without taking too many days off. From festivals to national holidays, these long weekends can easily be turned into relaxing trips, family holidays or adventure breaks.
Here is a month-wise look at the long weekends in 2026 and travel ideas to help you plan ahead.
January (Two long weekends)
January 2026 brings two long weekends, making it a perfect month to kickstart the year with travel.
The first long weekend begins with New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1. By taking Friday, January 2 off, you get a four-day break till Sunday, January 4. Later in the month, Vasant Panchmi on Friday, January 23, combined with Republic Day on Monday, January 26, creates another extended break from Friday to Monday.
Where to go in India: January is ideal for cultural and desert destinations. Jaipur comes alive during the Kite Festival, Jaipur Literature Festival and markets like Johri Bazaar are perfect for shopping. The Rann of Kutch hosts the colourful Rann Utsav, while Mount Abu offers a quiet hill escape.
Where to go abroad: Hong Kong hosts lively Chinese New Year celebrations around this time. Wildlife lovers can also plan a safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
March (Three-day long weekend)
March has a three-day long weekend with Eid-Ul-Fitr falling on Friday, March 20, followed by Saturday and Sunday.
Where to go in India: Dalhousie is a good choice for those who enjoy colonial architecture and peaceful walks. For a beach and water adventure, Lakshadweep offers snorkelling in clear blue waters.
Where to go abroad: Japan’s cherry blossom season begins in March, attracting travellers from across the world. Vietnam, especially Ho Chi Minh City, is another popular option for nightlife and street food.
April (Three-day break)
Good Friday on April 3, followed by Easter on Sunday, April 5, offers a three-day break.
Where to go in India: Mussoorie is ideal for mall road walks and outdoor activities. Srinagar’s Tulip Festival is held around this time, showcasing Asia’s largest tulip garden. Beach lovers can head to Kovalam to try surfing.
Where to go abroad: Cappadocia’s hot air balloon rides are a major attraction in April. Sri Lanka’s coastal town of Galle is perfect for slow travel and heritage walks.
May (One of the longest breaks)
May 2026 offers a longer stretch around Buddha Purnima and Eid ul-Zuha. With Buddha Purnima on Friday, May 1, and Eid ul-Zuha on Tuesday, May 26, taking Monday, May 25 off can give travellers an extended break.
Where to go in India: Spiti Valley is ideal for stargazing under clear skies. Gangtok offers blooming rhododendrons, while Rishikesh is popular for white-water rafting before the monsoon sets in.
Where to go abroad: Bali remains a favourite for beach clubs and sunsets. Bhutan’s Paro offers a calm mountain retreat for those seeking peace.
August (Three-day weekend)
Raksha Bandhan on Friday, August 28, creates a three-day weekend.
Where to go in India: Udaipur offers relaxed boat rides on Lake Pichola and walks around Fateh Sagar. Nature lovers can explore the bioluminescent forests of Chorla Ghats in Goa.
Where to go abroad: The Amalfi Coast is ideal for food and scenic drives, while Ibiza attracts travellers looking for vibrant nightlife.
September (Two long weekends)
September offers two extended breaks with Janmashtami on Friday, September 4, and Ganesh Chaturthi on Monday, September 14.
Where to go in India: Puri is a good choice for a spiritual break combined with beach walks. Chikmagalur’s coffee estates and Kodaikanal’s misty valleys are perfect for nature lovers.
Where to go abroad: Abu Dhabi’s souqs are great for shopping, while Oman’s natural pools offer unique outdoor experiences.
October (Packed with holidays)
October brings one of the busiest holiday periods. Gandhi Jayanti on Friday, October 2, and Dussehra on Tuesday, October 20, allow travellers to plan longer trips by taking minimal leave.
Where to go in India: Wildlife safaris in Kaziranga and Manas National Parks are popular in October. Munnar’s tea gardens, Araku Valley’s misty views and Hampi’s historic ruins are best explored in pleasant weather.
Where to go abroad: Singapore hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix in October. New York’s autumn season and China’s Mid-Autumn Festival are also major draws.
November (Diwali break)
Diwali falls on Monday, November 9, creating a three-day weekend.
Where to go in India: Rajasthan’s forts look stunning in winter light. Munnar’s tea estates and Gulmarg’s early snowfall attract travellers, while Kolkata’s old neighbourhoods offer a festive charm.
Where to go abroad: Kyoto’s autumn colours, Vienna’s early Christmas markets, Istanbul’s waterfront and Bali’s beaches are popular November choices.
December (Three-day leave)
Christmas on Friday, December 25, gives a relaxed three-day break till Sunday, December 27.
Where to go in India: Goa remains a top choice for year-end celebrations. Wayanad, Shillong and Varkala are ideal for those seeking quieter holidays.
Where to go abroad: London turns festive during Christmas, Switzerland’s markets attract winter lovers, and the Maldives offers a warm beach escape.
