Planning A Family Vacay Next Year? Here's The Complete List Of Long Weekends In 2025

In today's fast-paced world, finding the time to take an extended vacation can be challenging. However, short breaks over long weekends can provide a much-needed escape. To help you plan, we've compiled a list of long weekends in 2024, along with holiday and destination suggestions to make the most of these opportunities.JANUARYDatesSaturday, January 11Sunday, January 12Monday, January 13: Take a holidayTuesday, January 14: Pongal, Makar SankrantiSuggested HolidaysThis is a great time to plan a trip to Kutch for the Rann Utsav which is on till 28th Feb 2025. Or escape the winter chill with a sun-soaked holiday in Goa during the long weekend in January, where you can discover idyllic shores, vibrant nightlife, and a laid-back vibe. Winter is also a good time to explore Puducherry which uniquely combines French influence and Tamil Nadu's charm. You'll find stunning beaches with white sand, picturesque colonial-style bungalows, delicious food (have you experienced Creole cuisine?), art galleries, and plenty of Instagram-worthy walls.MARCHDates - Option 1Thursday, March 13: Holika DahanaFriday, March 14: HoliSaturday, March 15Sunday, March 16Option 2Saturday, March 29Sunday, March 30Monday, March 31: Eid-Ul-FitarSuggested HolidaysIndulge in a break in Kolkata, the City of Joy. This vibrant city weaves together history, art, and literature, offering outstanding architecture, lively markets, and a cultural landscape that has nurtured Nobel laureates and literary giants. Or consider taking a colourful break during the long weekend in March by visiting Vrindavan to celebrate the joyous festival of Holi at the Bankey Bihari Temple. While there, you can immerse yourself in the festive spirit and also take a boat ride on the Yamuna River, bask in the history and spirituality of the nearby birthplace of Krishna in Mathura, and delve into the vibrant local markets and diverse cuisine, sampling an assortment of street foods and delectable sweets that will tantalise your taste buds.APRILDates - Option 1Thursday, April 10: Mahavir JayantiFriday, April 11: take the day offSaturday, April 12Sunday, April 13: VaisakhiOption 2Friday, April 18: Good FridaySaturday, April 19Sunday, April 20: EasterSuggested HolidaysWhy not visit Srinagar for the Tulip Festival? The six-day festival is held every April in the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, the largest tulip garden in Asia. The garden, which overlooks the Dal Lake, spans 30 hectares and is in full bloom during spring. The festival aims to celebrate the arrival of spring and promote tourism in the valley. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including cultural shows and musical evenings. Or consider visiting Horsley Hills in Andhra Pradesh during the long weekend in April, for its picturesque surroundings, charming British Raj-era bungalows, and pleasant weather. Situated 4,152 ft above sea level, it's a great place to relax or explore the area's attractions. One such attraction is Gali Bandalu, a consistently windy rocky slope offering stunning hill views and sunset scenes. Another place to visit is Gurram Kond, located approximately 40 km from Horsley, between the towns of Madanapalle and Raichatures a small fort at its base.MAYDatesSaturday, May 10Sunday, May 11Monday, May 12: Buddha PurnimaSuggested HolidaysExplore the picturesque rolling hills of Dooars and the captivating villages nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in Darjeeling district. These are unique experiences not typically found in tourist guidebooks. One such gem is the charming village of Chota Mangwa, perched in the Darjeeling hills with stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga on one side, the Teesta River and the Kalimpong Hills valley on the other. For an unforgettable experience, tea enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to visit this region's breathtaking heritage tea estates during the long weekend in May.AUGUSTFriday, August 15: Independence DaySaturday, August 16: JanmashtamiSunday, August 17Hit up the ghats and catch the magic of the monsoon. Or plan a monsoon road trip with your gang. Head out to the tranquil coast of Tranquebar, also known as the Land of Singing Wave. Blessed with picturesque scenery dotted with vast coffee plantations, Coorg is a perfect holiday destination. The Abbey and Jog waterfalls flow in their full might, creating a mesmerising canvas and the lush green jungles offer respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The spectacular views of valleys and forests and nature walks, hiking or cycling around, make for a much-needed getaway during the long weekend in August. SEPTEMBERDatesFriday, September 5: Id-e-milad, OnamSaturday, September 6Sunday, September 7Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Ladakh's starry night skies. The Hanle Observatory is India's first Dark Sky Reserve, providing exceptional stargazing opportunities thanks to its remote location, high altitude, and minimal light pollution. Or head to Kerala to watch snake-shaped boats race head to head to the rhythm of ancient boat songs in Kerala during the long weekend in September. OCTOBERDates - Option 1Wednesday, October 1: Maha Navami (restricted)Thursday, October 2: Dussehra, Mahatma Gandhi JayantiFriday, October 3: take the day offSaturday, October 4Sunday, October 5Option 2Saturday, October 18Sunday, October 19Monday, October 20: DiwaliOption 3Thursday, October 23: Bhai doojFriday, October 24: take the day offSaturday, October 25Sunday, October 26Discover the thrills of surfing on India's coastline. From September to November and from February to April there are consistent waves, pleasant weather and prevailing morning offshores. Check here for a list of surfing schools and clubs in India. Remember as a kid the joy of receiving your first cycle. Relive those days from your childhood and sign up for a cycling tour during the long weekend in October to explore the most scenic journeys in the country. Not many festivals around the globe can match the unique appeal of Durga Puja in Kolkata. And recognising its distinct character, UNESCO has inscribed Durga Puja in Kolkata on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. DECEMBERDatesThursday, December 25: ChristmasFriday, December 26: take the day offSaturday, December 27Sunday, December 28Suggested HolidaysThe winter months urge us to explore wildlife, with the parks now fully open in swing and the weather just right to go on a safari ride. A region less explored yet rustling with possibilities is Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh, towards the Indo-Nepal border. This dense land is packed with thick covers of forest, marshes and wetlands and is home to the one-horned rhinoceros, elephant, tiger, leopard, but it is mostly special for the migratory birds that flock here. Or head out to Mumbai during the long weekend in December. The maximum city, comes alive at Christmas. Entire neighbourhoods, streets and houses are illuminated with bright lights and decorations, markets transform around this time of year.