Planning travel around long weekends 2026 is one of the easiest ways to explore more while taking fewer leaves. With public holidays falling close to weekends, 2026 offers several opportunities to step away from routine and travel without rushing. The key lies in choosing destinations that are accessible, less crowded, and rewarding even over short breaks. You don’t wanna go to a whole new country over just a weekend, but something close to home, or requires short air travel. Whether you wanna be locked away in isolated silence or wanna go for some fun group activities, there’s always something to look forward to, always somewhere to travel.
This guide breaks down 2026 long weekends month by month, highlights when leaves can extend your break, and suggests destinations that align with Explurger’s travel philosophy. These are places that are not overly commercial, yet not isolated enough to feel inconvenient. If you are scanning the calendar for the next long weekend or planning an upcoming long weekend, this list will help you plan with clarity.
List of Long Weekends 2026
| Month | Long Weekends 2026 | Holiday / Occasion | Where to Go (India) |
| January | 24 Jan (Sat) – 26 Jan (Mon) | Republic Day + Weekend | Tarkarli, Malvan (Maharashtra) |
| March | 28 Feb (Sat) – 4 Mar (Wed) | Weekend + Holi (take 2 leaves) | Jawai (Rajasthan) |
| April | 3 Apr (Fri) – 5 Apr (Sun) | Good Friday | Valparai (Tamil Nadu) |
| May | 1 May (Fri) – 3 May (Sun) | Labour Day | Shoja, Banjar Valley (Himachal Pradesh) |
| August | 15 Aug (Sat) – 16 Aug (Sun) | Independence Day (take Fri off for 3 days) | Bhandardara (Maharashtra) |
| October | 2 Oct (Fri) – 4 Oct (Sun) | Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti | Gokarna Hinterlands (Karnataka) |
| October | 17 Oct (Sat) – 21 Oct (Wed) | Dussehra stretch (take 2 leaves) | Chikmagalur (Karnataka) |
| November | 7 Nov (Sat) – 9 Nov (Mon) | Diwali | Orchha (Madhya Pradesh) |
| December | 25 Dec (Fri) – 27 Dec (Sun) | Christmas | Chettinad (Tamil Nadu) |
| December | 31 Dec (Thurs) – 3 Jan (Sun | New Year’s Eve and New Years | Kalimpong (West Bengal) |
So Long Weekends 2026, Here’s Where You Can Explurge-In
January 2026: Republic Day Long Weekend
Dates: 24 January (Saturday) – 26 January (Monday)
Total Break: 3 days
Leaves Required: None, although you can always skip Friday and make it 4 whole days!
The first of the long weekends 2026 begins with Republic Day falling on a Monday, making it an easy and popular travel window. Winter weather across most of India is favourable, especially for coastal and heritage destinations.
Where to go: Tarkarli and Malvan, Maharashtra
Tarkarli and Malvan sit along the Konkan coast and offer a quieter alternative to better-known beach towns. The region is known for clean beaches, clear waters, and a strong local culture rooted in fishing communities. Unlike crowded beach circuits, this coastline still feels lived-in and unhurried. One must also try water sports at these spots. It’s much cheaper than other alternatives and much more fun!
What should not be missed here is the Sindhudurg Fort, which stands in the sea as a reminder of the region’s maritime history. The beaches themselves are ideal for slow walks rather than packed activities. Malvani cuisine, especially seafood cooked in local masalas, is a major highlight and adds depth to the travel experience.
How to reach:
Nearest railhead: Kudal
Road access from Pune, Mumbai, and Goa
Nearest airport: Goa (followed by a drive)
March 2026: Holi Extended Break
Dates: 28 February (Saturday) – 4 March (Wednesday)
Total Break: 5 days
Leaves Required: Monday and Tuesday
Holi falling mid-week creates one of the most flexible long weekends 2026, especially for travellers who want more time without taking too many leaves. This period is well-suited for inland destinations before summer temperatures rise.
Where to go: Jawai, Rajasthan
Jawai is a landscape defined by granite hills, open scrubland, and rural settlements. It is best known for its co-existence between humans and leopards, but the appeal goes beyond wildlife. The region offers a rare mix of raw terrain and understated comfort, making it suitable for travellers who want something different from palace-centric Rajasthan. The area is calm, spacious, and best experienced at a slow pace.
How to reach:
Nearest airport: Udaipur
Railhead: Jawai Bandh
Well-connected by road from Udaipur and Jodhpur
April 2026: Good Friday Weekend
Dates: 3 April (Friday) – 5 April (Sunday)
Total Break: 3 days
Leaves Required: None, unless you wanna take Thursday/Monday off and get this long weekends 2026 party going!!
April brings one of the shorter 2026 long weekends, but it works well for green, elevated destinations before peak summer.
Where to go: Valparai, Tamil Nadu
Valparai is located within the Anamalai Hills and is surrounded by tea estates, forests, and reservoirs. Unlike crowded hill stations, Valparai remains quiet, even during peak seasons. The drive itself is a major highlight, passing through dense forest zones and wildlife corridors.
The region is ideal for travellers who enjoy nature without heavy tourist infrastructure. Tea plantations dominate the landscape, while dams and forest viewpoints provide open spaces to explore. Wildlife sightings are not uncommon, adding an element of unpredictability to the experience.
How to reach:
Nearest railway station: Pollachi
Nearest airport: Coimbatore
August 2026: Independence Day Weekend
Dates: 15 August (Saturday) – 16 August (Sunday)
Total Break: 2–3 days
Leaves Required: Optional Friday, just take it to really enjoy this long weekends 2026
This upcoming long weekend works well for monsoon-friendly destinations, especially those that benefit from seasonal greenery.
Where to go: Bhandardara, Maharashtra
Bhandardara comes alive during the monsoon, with lakes filling up and waterfalls becoming active. Despite its proximity to Mumbai and Pune, it retains a calm, rural character for most of the year.
The region is known for open landscapes rather than packed sightseeing. Wilson Dam and Arthur Lake are central to the area’s appeal, offering expansive views and quiet surroundings. The monsoon transforms the terrain, making even short visits feel refreshing.
How to reach:
Nearest railhead: Igatpuri
Road access from Mumbai and Pune
Airport: Bombay, followed by a drive
October 2026: Gandhi Jayanti Weekend
Dates: 2 October (Friday) – 4 October (Sunday)
Total Break: 3 days
Leaves Required: None buuuut there’s nothing wrong with enjoying Thursday off and taking this adventure to a whole new level!
October introduces one of the most travel-friendly long weekends 2026, with pleasant weather across most regions.
Where to go: Gokarna Hinterlands, Karnataka
When most travellers think of Gokarna, they picture crowded beaches and party stays. The hinterlands tell a different story. Just a short drive inland, the landscape shifts to dense forests, limestone formations, rivers, and quiet heritage sites that see far fewer visitors, especially during October. The Yana rock formations and nearby forest trails stand out for their natural scale, especially after the monsoon. Mirjan Fort adds historical context, while the Aghanashini river belt brings in quiet village landscapes and open views. Forest walks around Kumta and Sirsi are something you just can’t miss over your visit to Gokarna hinterlands on long weekends 2026.
How to reach:
Nearest airport: Goa (followed by a 3–4 hour drive)
Rail access: Gokarna Road or Kumta
Well-connected by road from Bengaluru, Goa, and Hubballi
October 2026: Dussehra Extended Break
Dates: 17 October (Saturday) – 21 October (Wednesday)
Total Break: 5 days
Leaves Required: Monday and Tuesday
This is one of the most valuable 2026 long weekends, allowing deeper exploration without excessive planning.
Where to go: Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Chikmagalur is a coffee-growing region known for its rolling hills and forest cover. It offers a balance between accessibility and escape, making it suitable for longer stays. The area’s appeal lies in its landscapes rather than attractions. Coffee estates, forest roads, and hill views dominate the experience. It is a destination that rewards slow travel and extended time. Coffee estate landscapes, forest roads, and hill views define Chikmagalur’s character. Don’t miss time spent around plantations, quiet viewpoints, and short nature walks that let the region’s pace sink in over the long weekends 2026.
How to reach:
Road access from Bengaluru
Nearest railhead: Kadur
November 2026: Diwali Weekend
Dates: 7 November (Saturday) – 9 November (Monday)
Total Break: 3 days
Leaves Required: None
Diwali creates a reliable long weekend 2026 that works well for cultural destinations.
Where to go: Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Orchha is a compact heritage town located along the Betwa River. Its fort complex, cenotaphs, and temples offer a layered historical experience without heavy crowds.
The town is best explored on foot, allowing travellers to absorb its scale and rhythm. The riverside setting adds a quiet contrast to the architectural density. Orchha’s fort complex and riverfront cenotaphs offer a layered look at Bundelkhand’s history. The Betwa riverbanks and old town streets are unmissable for understanding the town beyond its monuments.
How to reach:
Nearest railhead: Jhansi
Road access from Jhansi
Local transport available
December 2026: Christmas Weekend- The last among long weekends 2026!
Dates: 25 December (Friday) – 27 December (Sunday)
Total Break: 3 days
Leaves Required: None
The final long weekends 2026 window is ideal for slowing down before the year ends.
Where to go: Chettinad, Tamil Nadu
(literally wants one to go get the spicy Chettinad chicken and gulp it DOWN, but anyway)
Chettinad is a culturally rich region spread across small towns like Karaikudi, Kanadukathan, and Athangudi. Known for its grand mansions built by the Chettiar trading community, the region reflects a unique blend of South Indian tradition and global influences. Unlike crowded heritage circuits, Chettinad remains quiet, lived-in, and best explored slowly, making it well suited for a December break.
Food is central to Chettinad’s identity. The cuisine is deeply rooted in local ingredients and spice blends, and even a single traditional meal offers insight into the region’s culinary legacy. December’s mild weather allows for comfortable exploration on foot, making it easier to appreciate the scale and detail of the region.
How to reach:
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli or Madurai
Nearest railhead: Karaikudi Railway Station
BONUS
December 2026 and January 2027: NYE!
Now we know technically it’s not a long weekend since 1st is Friday but c’mon lets celebrate!
Dates: 31 December (Thurs) – 3 Jan(Sunday)
Total Break: 4 days
Leaves Required: One
Where to go: Kalimpong, West Bengal
Kalimpong offers a calmer alternative to crowded hill towns during the New Year period. With clear winter skies, quiet monasteries, and old hillside neighbourhoods, it suits travellers who want to start the year away from noise and packed party scenes. The town retains a lived-in feel even in peak season, making it easier to explore without feeling rushed.
The appeal of Kalimpong lies in its balance of culture and landscape. Monasteries like Durpin and Zang Dhok Palri provide open views and quiet spaces, while short walks around Deolo Hill and local markets reveal the town’s everyday rhythm. December and early January bring crisp weather, ideal for walking and slow exploration rather than activity-heavy travel.
How to reach:
Nearest airport: Bagdogra
Drive via Siliguri
Nearest train: NJP
Shared taxis available from NJP and Bagdogra
Winding Up about Long Weekends 2026
Understanding long weekends 2026 allows travellers to move beyond rushed trips and crowded destinations. With advance planning, these breaks can become meaningful travel windows rather than quick escapes. Across India, countless regions thrive on short, mindful travel rather than mass tourism. With Explurger, not only can you track where you’ve gone, but also plan the next trip ahead, mark bucket list destinations and make those travel dreams come true.
The time is now, the year is 2026, make it worth it!
FAQs About long weekends 2026
2. How can I maximise long weekends in 2026?
By combining public holidays with weekends and taking 1–2 strategic leaves, you can turn short breaks into extended travel opportunities.
3. Which long weekends are best for 4–5 day travel?
Holidays like Holi and Dussehra in 2026 allow longer breaks when paired with leaves, making them suitable for deeper regional exploration.
4. Are long weekends suitable for offbeat travel?
Long weekends are ideal for lesser-known destinations that do not require long itineraries and can be explored at a relaxed pace.
5. Are long weekends good for solo travel?
Yes. Short, well-defined breaks are well-suited for solo travellers looking for manageable, low-commitment trips.
