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Long Weekends in 2024: A Guide to Planning Your Getaways
Are you ready for an exciting year of travel in 2024? Throughout the upcoming months, we have several long weekends that create perfect opportunities for travel enthusiasts to embark on memorable getaways in India. In this guide, we’ll explore these extended breaks, offering a roadmap for those eager to break away from their routines and immerse themselves in the rich landscapes and diverse cultures of India.
Whether you’re drawn to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas or the sun-soaked beaches along the southern coast, each long weekend presents a chance for new experiences and adventures. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, nature lover, or someone seeking spiritual serenity, this guide is here to be your reliable companion, offering insights, recommendations, and tips to help you make the most of these valuable breaks.
| Month | Holidays | Dates |
| January 2024 Long Weekends | New Year’s Day | Saturday, December 30
Sunday, December 31 Monday, January 1 |
| January 2024 Long Weekends | Lohri,
Makar Sankranti, Pongal |
Saturday, January 13
Sunday, January 14 Monday, January 15 |
| January 2024 Long Weekends | Republic Day | Friday, January 26
Saturday, January 27 Sunday, January 28 |
| March 2024 Long Weekends | Maha Shivratri,
Gudi Padwa |
Friday, March 8
Saturday, March 9 Sunday, March 10 |
| March 2024 Long Weekends | Holi | Saturday, March 23
Sunday, March 24 Monday, March 25 |
| March 2024 Long Weekends | Good Friday,
Easter |
Friday, March 29
Saturday, March 30 Sunday, March 31 |
| May 2024 Long Weekends | Buddha Purnima | Thursday, May 23
Friday, May 24 (Take a leave) Saturday, May 25 Sunday, May 26 |
| June 2024 Long Weekends | Bakri Eid | Friday, June 14 (Take a leave)
Saturday, June 15 Sunday, June 16 Monday, June 17 |
| August 2024 Long Weekends | Independence Day,
Raksha Bandhan |
Thursday, August 15
Friday, August 16 (Take a leave) Saturday, August 17 Sunday, August 18 Monday, August 19 |
| August 2024 Long Weekends | Janmashthami | Friday, August 23 (take a leave)
Saturday, August 24 Sunday, August 25 Monday, August 26 |
| September 2024 Long Weekends | Onam,
Ganesh Chaturthi |
Thursday, September 5
Friday, September 6: (take a leave) Saturday, September 7 Sunday, September 8 |
| September 2024 Long Weekends | Eid Milad Un Nabi | Saturday, September 14
Sunday, September 15 Monday, September 16 |
| October 2024 Long Weekends | Maha Navami,
Dussehra |
Friday, October 11
Saturday, October 12 Sunday, October 13 |
| Long weekends in November 2024 | Dhanteras, Diwali,
Bhai Dooj |
Tuesday, October 29
Wednesday, October 30, (Take a leave) Thursday, October 31 Friday, November 1 Saturday, November 2 Sunday, November 3 |
| Long weekends in November 2024 | Guru Nanak Jayanti | Friday, November 15
Saturday, November 16 Sunday, November 17 |
Long Weekends In 2024 (Month-wise)
For those looking to make the most of their time off in 2024, we’ve got you covered. Our detailed guide breaks down the long weekends month by month, so you can plan your vacations wisely. Explore the potential for extended breaks and uncover a year full of travel opportunities. Find out where your next adventure awaits, and don’t forget to check out the deals on Tripadvisor for perfect discounts on all your travel bookings.
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January 2024: Kickstart the Year with a Travel Bang
Long Weekends in January:
1) Monday, January 1: New Year’s Day
Optional — Tuesday, January 2 (Take the day off)
(Holidays On Saturday, December 30 and Sunday, December 31 2023)
2) Saturday, January 13: Lohri
Sunday, January 14
Monday, January 15: Makar Sankranti, Pongal
Optional — Tuesday, January 16 (Take the day off)
3) Friday, January 26: Republic Day
Saturday, January 27
Sunday, January 28
January is a great time to kickstart your travel plans for the year. The month offers multiple long weekends, making it an ideal time to explore destinations that might be on your bucket list.
Recommended Destinations:
Consider visiting Auli for snow sports, Jaipur for its rich heritage, or Goa for a sun-soaked beach retreat.
Tips:
- Plan and book in advance to secure the best deals on accommodations and transportation.
- Pack accordingly based on the weather conditions of your chosen destination.
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March 2024: Embrace the Colors of Holi and Beyond
Long Weekends in March:
1) Friday, March 8: Maha Shivratri
Saturday, March 9: Gudi Padwa
Sunday, March 10
2) Saturday, March 23
Sunday, March 24
Monday, March 25: Holi
Optional — Tuesday, March 26 (Take the day off)
3) Friday, March 29: Good Friday
Saturday, March 30
Sunday, March 31: Easter
March is the month of vibrant celebrations, with Holi and Easter bringing color and joy. The long weekends in March offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in these festivities.
Recommended Destinations:
Vrindavan-Mathura for Holi; Ooty for picturesque views; Ranthambore, Rajasthan, for wildlife spotting; Sikkim for a peaceful getaway; Mount Abu for a pilgrimage; and Hampi for its ruins and landscapes.
Tips:
- Respect local customs and traditions during festivals.
- Capture the essence of the celebrations through photography.
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May 2024: Buddha Purnima Serenity
Long Weekend in May:
1) Thursday, May 23: Buddha Purnima
Friday, May 24 (Take the day off)
Saturday, May 25
Sunday, May 26
May brings a sense of tranquility, making it an excellent time for a peaceful getaway. The long weekend around Buddha Purnima provides ample time to explore serene destinations.
Recommended Destinations:
Visit McLeod Ganj for its Tibetan influence, Rishikesh for a spiritual retreat, or Pondicherry for its unique blend of cultures.
Tips:
- Plan activities that align with the calm and reflective nature of Buddha Purnima.
- Engage in mindfulness practices to make the most of the serene atmosphere.
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June 2024: Celebrate Bakri Eid with a Getaway
Long Weekend in June:
1) Saturday, June 15
Sunday, June 16
Monday, June 17: Bakri Eid
Tuesday, June 18 (Take the day off)
June offers a unique combination of a long weekend and the celebration of Bakri Eid, providing an excellent opportunity for a cultural and festive experience.
Recommended Destinations:
Explore the cultural richness of Hyderabad, indulge in the beauty of Shimla, or experience the vibrant markets of Delhi.
Tips:
- Immerse yourself in local festivities and traditions during Bakri Eid.
- Try local delicacies to enhance your cultural experience.
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August 2024: Independence Day Extravaganza
Long Weekend in August:
1) Thursday, August 15: Independence Day and Parsi New Year
Friday, August 16 (Take the day off)
Saturday, August 17
Sunday, August 18
Monday, August 19: Raksha Bandhan (Restricted)
2) Saturday, August 24
Sunday, August 25
Monday, August 26: Janmashthami
Optional — Tuesday, August 27 (Take the day off)
August is a month of patriotic fervor with Independence Day, and the long weekends offer a chance for an extended celebration.
Recommended Destinations:
Head to Amritsar for a patriotic experience, explore the beauty of Manali or unwind in the backwaters of Kerala.
Tips:
- Attend local Independence Day celebrations for a true cultural experience.
- Be mindful of any travel restrictions during Raksha Bandhan.
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September 2024: Ganesh Chaturthi Extravaganza
Long Weekend in September:
1) Thursday, September 5: Onam (Restricted)
Friday, September 6 (Take the day off)
Saturday, September 7: Ganesh Chaturthi
Sunday, September 8
2) Saturday, September 14
Sunday, September 15
Monday, September 16: Eid Milad Un Nabi (Restricted)
September is a month of diverse celebrations, from Onam to Ganesh Chaturthi. The long weekends provide an opportunity to witness these cultural events.
Recommended Destinations:
Experience the grandeur of Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai, witness the Onam celebrations in Kerala, or explore the historic charm of Hampi.
Tips:
- Participate in local festivities and understand the significance of the celebrations.
- Explore regional cuisines and traditional practices during your visit.
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October 2024: Diwali Delights
Long Weekend in October:
1) Friday, October 11: Maha Navmi (Restricted)
Saturday, October 12: Dussehra
Sunday, October 13
October marks the festival of lights, Diwali. The long weekends offer a chance to witness the grandeur of Diwali celebrations across the country.
Recommended Destinations:
Visit Varanasi for a spiritual Diwali, explore the illuminated streets of Jaipur, or experience the cultural richness of Kolkata.
Tips:
- Be part of local Diwali events for an unforgettable experience.
- Respect noise and pollution restrictions during Diwali celebrations.
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November 2024: Guru Nanak Jayanti Bliss
Long Weekend in November:
1) Friday, November 1: Diwali
Saturday, November 2
Sunday, November 3: Bhai Dooj
Optional — November 4 (Take the day off)
2) Friday, November 15: Guru Nanak Jayanti (Restricted)
Saturday, November 16
Sunday, November 17
November brings a mix of Diwali celebrations and the serene observance of Guru Nanak Jayanti, offering a diverse cultural experience.
Recommended Destinations:
Explore the Golden Temple in Amritsar, witness the grandeur of Diwali in Varanasi, or seek tranquility in the hills of Darjeeling.
Tips:
- Visit historical and religious sites to immerse yourself in the cultural significance.
- Take part in local customs during Guru Nanak Jayanti celebrations.
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December 2024
Regrettably, December doesn’t offer any holidays for an extended weekend this year. Nevertheless, looking ahead to 2025, there are promising long weekends that will likely make up for it.
Conclusion
As 2024 unfolds with its plethora of long weekends, the key to a memorable travel experience lies in meticulous planning and a willingness to embrace the cultural diversity India has to offer. From the vibrant festivals of Holi and Diwali to the serene observance of Buddha Purnima and Guru Nanak Jayanti, each long weekend presents a unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of the country.
Remember to respect local customs, indulge in regional cuisines, and capture the moments that make each journey special. Whether you choose the snowy landscapes of Auli, the cultural heritage of Hampi, or the festive fervor of Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi, these long weekends are your ticket to creating lasting memories in the incredible land of India. Happy travels!
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