Plan your getaways on these long weekends of 2024
As we bid farewell to 2023, we eagerly open our calendars in search of long weekends in 2024. But if you’re someone with a constant buzz of notifications on the phone and work commitments, don’t worry we’ve got you covered. Well, buckle up and plan your short getaways every month with this list of long weekends in 2024.
Although 2024 itself starts with a long weekend, which we’re pretty sure that you’ve enjoyed, we’ve curated a collection of dates and places to visit in the long weekends of 2024.
January
Treating us with the new year long weekend, January still has two more long weekends in the bag that lets you explore diverse cultures and landscapes. Here are the best places to visit in the long weekends of January.
Makar Sankranti/Pongal Long Weekend – 13th January to 15th January
Ahmedabad
The festival Makar Sankranti is synonymous with the city of Ahmedabad. With many long weekends in 2024, kick your vacation journey by exploring this vibrant city where skies are filled with kites during the International Kite Festival. Each year, tourists flock to witness the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad where around 42 countries participate. Ahmedabad also has a lip-smacking cuisine that simply cannot be missed.
How to reach Ahmedabad
Well connected through the Vande Bharat Express train from Mumbai and other cities, this is the perfect long weekend getaway from Mumbai. The city’s airport, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is connected to major cities and countries.
Hampi
Transport yourself in time by visiting this historic city in Karnataka. One of the best ways to spend your long weekends in 2024 is by delving in and learning about the city of our country. During the three days of Pongal, Hampi hosts many grand cultural and heritage tours that let you completely immerse in their culture. This long weekend getaway promises not only a rendezvous with the past but also an indulgent treat for your taste buds with many culinary delights.
How to reach Hampi
To reach Hampi by train, one can take a train to the nearest railway station, Hospet Junction. Alternatively, for air travel, the nearest airport is Hubli Airport, approximately 144 kilometres away.
Republic Day Long Weekend – 26th January to 28th January
Delhi
During the Republic Day Long Weekend, the capital city is adorned with tricolour and the energy is filled with patriotism. Nothing can be better than spending your long weekend in 2024 by witnessing the Delhi Republic Day parade held on the Kartavya Path every 26th January. Apart from this, Delhi also boasts many historical landmarks such the Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Lotus Temple. With bustling markets such as Connaught Palace and Sarojini Nagar, there are a handful of places to visit during the long weekend getaway.
How to reach Delhi
Delhi is connected through an extensive rail network and stations like Hazrat Nizamuddin. Alternatively, access Delhi by air through the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Wagah Border in Amritsar
The winter months of January are known to be the best time to visit Amritsar. Although there are many places to visit in Amritsar like the holy Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh, there’s another must visit place in Amritsar. A short drive from Amritsar leads to the Wagah Border, where one can witness the Attari-Wagah border ceremony that has been held since 1959. Visiting Amritsar and the Wagah Border during your long weekend in 2024 is an immersive and enlightening experience.
How to reach Amritsar
To reach Amritsar, you can take a train to Amritsar Junction, a major railway station connecting the entire Punjab. Alternatively, Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport is the nearest airport.
Incase you’re hungry for more exploration during the long weekends of January checkout our list of 10 best places to visit in India in January 2024.
March
Located right in the onset of the summer, the month of March is filled with divine festivities. Not only offering an off-season to visit many popular destinations, March offers three long weekends! Here are a few places to visit in the long weekends in India.
Maha Shivratri Long Weekend – 8th March to 10th March
Rishikesh
Located in Uttarakhand, Haridwar and Rishikesh are two sister cities that are the perfect places to visit during the long weekend. In Haridwar, the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri stands as a sacred ritual, enhancing the spiritual ambiance on the banks of the Ganges. The holy Triveni Ghat in Rishikesh becomes an important destination for spiritual contemplation. Apart from this, Rishikesh also offers adventurous sports like river rafting. With many other holy temples shared between the two cities, your Maha Shivratri Long Weekend is filled with holiness.
How to reach Rishikesh
Haridwar and Rishikesh are easily accessible by train with their own railway stations. Alternatively, it is close to Chandigarh and Dehradun which have their own airports.
Holi Long Weekend – 23rd March to 25th March
Mathura
The birthplace of Lord Krishna, why won’t Mathura be famous for the festival that has its roots there? During the Holi long weekend, Mathura is completely drenched in a rainbow of colours while offering many drinks and savouries to accompany you. Mathura’s unique Lathmar Holi, celebrated in the neighbouring town of Barsana, is a timeless and joyous sight to watch out for. Make sure to add Mathura in the list of places to visit in the long weekends of 2024.
How to reach Mathura
To reach Mathura, one can board a train to Mathura Junction station that is well connected to major cities. Alternatively, for air travel, the nearest airport is Agra Airport.
Udaipur
Known as the ‘City of Lakes’, celebrating holi in Udaipur is an experience of its own. While visiting Udaipur during the long weekend in March, visitors can immerse themselves in the town that is painted in vivid colours. Udaipur also offers many historical monuments such as the City Palace and Jag Mandir that should be added to the list of places to visit in Udaipur. While in Udaipur, make sure to indulge in the Rajasthani cuisine and cultural performances.
How to reach Udaipur
Udaipur offers convenient access through railways by the Udaipur City Railway Station. This route also runs various premier luxurious trains such as the Maharaja Express. Reach Udaipur effortlessly by air through Maharana Pratap Airport, well-connected to major cities.
Good Friday Long Weekend – 29th March to 31st March
Ooty
Despite being considered as a winter destination, one can escape the heat and visit Ooty during their long weekends in 2024. What makes Ooty the perfect long weekend getaway is its colonial era charm, meticulously Botanical gardens and the Ooty lake. For those wanting an adventurous experience, the Doddabetta Peak is the perfect place to visit in Ooty that is situated at a staggering height of 2,623 metres. Ooty is the perfect place to visit in the long weekends of 2024, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
For more information, read our Ooty and Coonoor guide blog.
How to reach Ooty
To reach Ooty by train, one can board a train to Mettupalayam, the nearest railway station. For air travel, Coimbatore International Airport is the closest.
May
Summer is here! May is known as the holiday season in the entire country with the schools closing and if you’re one of them who’s working too hard, you too deserve a vacation. Summer allows one to visit many popular and offbeat destinations where you can explore and relax at the same time. Here are some of the best places to visit in the long weekend of May.
Buddha Purnima Long Weekend – 23rd May to 26th May
Munnar
Visiting Munnar during the months of May is an offbeat experience that one can explore. May is the time when Munnar’s climate is the warmest, although it is colder than most parts of the country. Visiting Munnar during the long weekend in May lets one adorn the vibrant landscape filled with iconic tea estates. Some of the best places to visit in Munnar include Mattupetty Dam and the scenic Anamudi Peak. In the serene location amidst the Western Ghats, Munnar emerges as a serene haven.
How to reach Munnar
To reach Munnar by train, the nearest major railway station is Aluva, approximately 110 kilometers away. Alternatively, Cochin International Airport, about 110 kilometers from Munnar.
Goa
No holiday list is complete without the mention of Goa! With a perfect long weekend around the corner, one might as well take a vacation from their Whatsapp groups to the summer capital of India, Goa. There are many places to visit in Goa like the Calangute Beach, Baga Beach as well as timeless eateries that makes Goa a perfect vacation destination during the long weekends of 2024.
How to reach Goa
To reach Goa by train, you can board trains from major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore to the two main railway stations, Madgaon and Thivim. Alternatively, Goa is well-connected by air, with Dabolim Airport.
While you’ve planned out your Goa’s itinerary, we’ve made it easier for you by picking out some villas in Goa.
June
If you’ve missed out on the long weekends during the first half of 2024, June has got you covered with a short long weekend getaway during the festive period of Bakri Eid. Here are some of the best places to visit in the long weekend of June.
Bakri Eid Long Weekend- 15th June to 17th June
Kolkata
Celebrating Bakri Eid in Kolkata is a different kind of experience in itself. Spending your long weekend of 2024 in Kolkata involves indulging in various delicacies like Shahi Tukda, Biryani, Kebabs and much more. The long weekends surrounding Bakri Eid offer an ideal opportunity to explore Kolkata’s rich heritage, from the iconic Victoria Memorial to the bustling streets of Park Street. What makes Kolkata one of the best places to visit for a long weekend is its connectivity. Kolkata is well connected to major cities and the fares are often cheap, making it a pocket-friendly and cheap long weekend trip.
How to reach Kolkata
Kolkata is connected to major cities with Howrah Junction Station, which is one of the largest railway stations in India. Alternatively, Kolkata is well-connected by air, with Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.
Agra
Located on the banks of Yamuna River, Agra is a short road trip from Delhi. During Bakri Eid, the city of Agra comes into light with the streets wafting from the aroma of Nihari, Paaya, Biryani and Kebabs. What’s better than spending your long weekend in 2024 at Taj Mahal? The Agra Fort is another marvel that is a must visit place in Agra.
How to reach Agra
To reach Agra by rail, one can board a train to Agra Cantt Railway Station. Agra is also connected by air through the Agra Kheria Airport. It is also a 4 hour roadtrip away from Delhi.
August
The long weekends in August start with patriotism and fervour with the Independence Day and Janmashtami providing you back to back vacations. Here are some of the best places to visit in the long weekend of August.
Independence Day Long Weekend – 15th August to 18th August
Valley Of Flowers, Uttarakhand
For some, the best way to spend their long weekends of 2024 is away from the city, amidst nature. If you’re one of them, the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand is just the right place for you. As monsoon showers breathe life into the valley, flowers burst into a symphony, and the air is fragrant with the scent of blossoms. Valley of Flowers is a UNESCO heritage site that is located close to Dehradun.
How to reach Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
To reach the Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand, by train, one can take a train to Rishikesh or Haridwar railway stations. Alternatively, one can opt for a flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
Wayanad
In August, Wayanad, Kerala, embraces a lush and verdant charm heightened by the monsoon showers. What makes Wayanad an ideal place to go for a long weekend in 2024 is its undisturbed and mystic waterfalls. For the adventurous, it also features Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary and Edakkal Caves, veiled in mist and offer glimpses of rare animals.
How to reach Wayanad
One can go to Wayanad from the Kozhikode Railway Station, from where it is a 3 hours scenic drive. Alternatively, access Wayanad by air through Kozhikode International Airport.
Janamashtami Long Weekend- 24th August to 26th August
Vrindavan
A mere 15 kilometres from Mathura lies Vrindavan, a city intricately linked to Krishna, believed to be the very site of his upbringing. Renowned for hosting Krishna’s celebrated Raas leela with Radha and the gopis, Vrindavan is believed to be the enchanting backdrop where Krishna performed this divine dance in the lush forests surrounding the town. Indeed, Vrindavan is the perfect long weekend getaway for families.
How to reach Vrindavan
Vrindavan can be easily reached by train, with the Mathura Junction being the nearest railway station.
September
With the monsoon season ending, September becomes an ideal time for vacations. With landscapes freshly showered from rains and greenery in its full bloom, here are some of the best places to visit in the long weekends of September.
Onam & Ganesh Chaturthi Long Weekend – 5th September to 8th September
Alleppey
For a change, explore and celebrate this 10 day festival of Onam in Alleppey, Kerala. One of the favourite tourist destinations in India, Alleppey is a coastal city decked with many beaches and houseboats. It will be a unique experience to enjoy the delicious Onasadya as you cruise the darling backwaters of Kerala, exploring the scenic beauty and the beautiful villages snuggled around it.
How to reach Alleppey
To reach Alleppey by train, board a train to Alleppey Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in India. For air travel, the nearest airport is Cochin International Airport.
Mumbai
Well, cliches are cliches for a reason and Mumbai is one of them. No other city in India lets you enjoy your Ganesh Chaturthi long weekend like Mumbai. With various idols and pandals like Lal Baug Cha Raja dotted across the city, celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai is an experience. Don’t forget to indulge in Mumbai’s street food like pav bhaji and vada pav. With close proximity to Lonavala and Alibaug, this city is the perfect long weekend getaway.
How to reach Mumbai
Mumbai is connected by train and air through CSMT railway stations and the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Eid Milad Un Nabi Long Weekend – 14th September to 16th September
Lonavala
A quintessential destination located a road trip away from Mumbai, Lonavala is the ideal long weekend getaway. With breathtaking views of the Western Ghats from Tiger Point and Duke’s Nose, Lonavala lets one enjoy a relaxed and calm vacation away from the urban life. Enjoy chikki, fudge and the best post-monsoon view in Lonavala.
If you’re looking for villas in Lonavala, here are some StayVista’s villas in Lonavala.
How to reach Lonavala
Lonavala is known for its easy accessibility. Lonavala is just a short drive away from Mumbai and Pune.
November
November is perhaps the month to travel to any destination in India. Offering a pleasant climate and two long weekends, November lets you cover and explore places like no other. Here are some of the best places to visit in the long weekend of November.
Diwali Long Weekend – 1st November to 3rd November
Jim Corbett
With pleasant climate and nature in its prime, November is the perfect time to visit Jim Corbett. A thrilling jungle safari or a leisurely exploration of the park’s natural wonders, making it an ideal long weekend destination in November. Jim Corbett is one of the largest national parks in India. Perhaps for those who want to explore more, checkout our blog on 9 largest national parks in India.
How to reach Jim Corbett
To reach Jim Corbett National Park, board a train to Ramnagar Railway Station. Alternatively, the nearest airport to Jim Corbett is Pantnagar Airport.
Srinagar
A holiday list is incomplete without the mention of paradise on earth, Srinagar. November is said to be the best time to visit Srinagar as its right before cold months of December and January. The enchanting Dal Lake, adorned with Shikaras, the Mughal Gardens with vibrant chinar trees provide a tranquil escape in nature. November offers a climate perfect for savouring local delicacies and exploring the historic charm of Srinagar.
How to reach Srinagar
To reach Srinagar, one can opt for a scenic train journey by boarding a train to Jammu Tawi Railway Station. Alternatively, it is connected to airways through its Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport.
Gurunanak Jayanti Long Weekend – 15th November to 17th November
Alibaug
Perhaps with the last long weekend of 2024, one might like to relax alongside the beach before venturing into 2025. The coastal town of Alibaug has its own charm with beaches and historic places such as the Kolaba Fort. The lush greenery and pleasant temperatures make it ideal for nature walks in locales like Kanakeshwar Forest.
How to reach Alibaug
Alibaug is easily connected to Mumbai through a jetty or ferry ride to the Mandawa Jetty.
Here are StayVista’s beachfront villas in Alibaug –
Magnolia Villa Casa Bella, Kashid
Pondicherry
If you want to explore more, the perfect long weekend destination in India is Pondicherry. A French town that looks completely different from the rest of the landscapes, Pondicherry is an ideal place to visit in the long weekends of 2024. The serene beaches, such as Promenade and Paradise or the French Quarter with its colonial architecture and vibrant cafes, make Pondicherry an ideal place for long weekends.
How to reach Pondicherry
The Puducherry Railway Station connects the town well with major cities, while the nearest airport, Puducherry Airport, provides air connectivity.
That’s a wrap! With over 10+ long weekends and places to explore, 2024 is a year filled with excitement and adventure. Whether you want to witness tigers in Jim Corbett or a houseboat in Alleppey, the long weekends in 2024 lets you enjoy it all!
Essential Reading-
- 10 Best Places to Visit in February and March 2024
- The Ultimate Eat/See/Do Guide To Alleppey
- 9 Largest National Parks in India: How to Get There & Trip Recommendations
