Make Long Weekends Happen in 2016

2016 is almost here and one of the first things we did was scan through the calendar looking for long weekends (of course!). And we were not disappointed.  2016 has 14 long weekends and here’s your ultimate guide on how to make the most of them. Because travelling every month is a New Year resolution you’ll actually want to keep.

New Years Day Weekend: 1st to 3rd January

 

Escape the concrete jungle and head to a real one, namely Ranthambore. Take a jeep safari to take in the sights and sounds of the jungle and if you’re lucky, you can start off the year with a tiger spotting or two.

Best from: Delhi

Republic Day Weekend: 23rd to 26th January (Take a leave on Monday)

Jaipur makes for a perfect quick weekend getaway from Delhi. And the best part? This is also when the Jaipur Literature Festival will be happening (21^st to 25^th January 2015). Take an afternoon off from listening to your favourite authors to explore the Amer Fort or the Hawa Mahal.

Best from: Delhi

Shivratri Weekend: 5th to 7th March

With spring in the air, this is the perfect time to visit the City of Gardens Chandigarh. Enjoy the weekend exploring the city’s famous Rock Garden, or boating on the Sukhna Lake. Spend a day shopping in the Sector 17 market and stop by Nik Baker’s for a quick bite.

Best from: Delhi

Holi/Easter Weekend: 23rd to 27th March (Take a leave on Thursday)

 

This is the perfect time to head to Mahabaleshwar. The annual strawberry festival takes place every year during the Good Friday weekend. Go strawberry picking (and tasting!) and don’t forget to take part in the many revelries during this four-day festival of deliciousness.

Best from: Mumbai/Pune

Gudi Padwa Weekend: 8th to 10th April

Head to Wayanad in Kerala to get spend a quiet weekend bird watching, admiring the Jain temples, or taking a stroll through the sprawling coffee plantations.

Best from: Bengaluru

Ambedkar Jayanti/Ram Navami Weekend: 14th to 17th April

 

The heat’s just started to set in, and the best way to beat it is to take a trip to Rishikesh. Go white water rafting, gawk at the famous Ganga Aarti or even go temple hopping (if you’re spiritually inclined): the perfect recipe for a relaxing weekend.

Best from: Delhi

Independence Day Weekend: 13th to 15th August 

Summer is here and this is the best time to visit Coorg. Stay on a coffee plantation and take in the lush green vistas. Visit Raja’s Seat, Namdroling Monastery and Abbey Falls. You can also shop for coffee, spices and homemade chocolates.

Best from: Bengaluru

Janamashthami Weekend: 25th to 28th August (Take a leave on Friday) 

 

Head to Goa to enjoy the Bonderam Festival, celebrated on the Island of Divar on the fourth Saturday of every August. Apart from enjoying the sea and the surf, this is also a great time to get great deals on hotels since this is off-season in Goa.

Best from: Mumbai

Ganesh Chaturthi Weekend:  3rd to 5th September

What better place to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi than Mumbai? Enjoy the beating of the drums and the delicious modak and revel in the fervor of Mumbai’s most famous festival.

Best from: Pune

Bakri Id Weekend: 10^th to 12th September

 

Explore the unexplored North East this weekend. Head to Gangtok and visit the Do Drul Chorten and the Tsuk La Khang Monastery, or take in stunning views from Tashi viewpoint.

Best from: Kolkata

Dussehra/Durga Puja Weekend: 8th to 12th October (Take leave on Monday)

Durga Puja and Kolkata are synonymous. Go pandal-hopping in the city of joy, sample some delicious treats from the many street food stalls, or if you want to take a break from the festivities take a stroll by the Hooghly.

Best From: Bhubaneswar

Diwali Weekend: 28th to 30th October

 

Nestled in India’s Western coast, Daman and Diu boast of the best beaches to enjoy a quiet and relaxed Diwali weekend, away from massive crowds. Laze around by the beach or admire the Portuguese architecture of a bygone era.

Best from: Ahmedabad.

Guru Nanak Jayanti Weekend: 12th to 14th November

Head to Pondicherry, also known as the French Riviera of the East, in November. Take a heritage tour of the city, pay a visit to Aurovilleand enjoy some delicious French food, and you’ll come back rejuvenated. .

Best from: Chennai

Id-e-Milad Weekend: 10th to 13th December (Take a leave on Monday)

The Andaman Islands are perfect this time of the year. End a year of travelling with a visit to the historic Cellular Jail or trying your hand at scuba diving to see the stunning coral reefs.  .

Best from: Kolkata

Excited for the New Year already? What are you waiting for? Start planning your holiday now.

Looking for the best places to visit in 2016? Check out our month-by-month guide.