They say all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and modern science wholeheartedly agrees. Stepping away from the daily grind is not just a luxury; it's a necessity for mental refreshment and renewed focus. For the busy professional, finding time can be tough, but long weekends offer the perfect, manageable escape. If you're already dreaming of your next holiday, we have great news. The year 2026 is peppered with several long weekends, providing ample opportunities to explore India's incredible diversity. To help you plan, here is your definitive guide to all the long weekends in 2026. A pro tip: to sidestep the peak-season chaos and secure the best deals, consider booking your accommodations and travel two to three months in advance.
Month-by-Month Breakdown of 2026 Getaways
Let's dive into the calendar and see how 2026 shapes up for travellers. Remember, while this list is based on national and major religious holidays, regional variations may apply depending on your state.
Kickstart the Year: January Escapes
The new year begins with a built-in travel opportunity. New Year's Day falls on a Thursday. By taking just one day of leave on Friday, January 2, you can create a refreshing four-day weekend to shake off the holiday hangover. Later in the month, Republic Day on Monday, January 26, gifts a clean, three-day break. This is an ideal window for a quick trip to the beaches of Goa, the royal palaces of Jaipur, or the serene hills of Uttarakhand.
Festive Colours and Cultural Trips: March & April
March brings vibrant festivals that translate into perfect travel breaks. Holi on Tuesday, March 3, can be extended into a longer holiday. Experience the festival in its spiritual heartlands like Varanasi or Barsana, or opt for a quieter celebration in coastal gems like Gokarna or the French quarters of Pondicherry. Later, Ram Navami on Thursday, March 26, offers another chance. Take Friday, March 27, off for a seamless four-day retreat.
April offers a serene Good Friday on April 3 (Friday), forming an effortless long weekend. It's a wonderful time for coastal relaxation in Goa, Alleppey, or Varkala, or for a peaceful backwater stay in Kerala before the summer heat intensifies.
Summer Hill Retreats and Monsoon Magic
Labour Day on Friday, May 1, is your cue to head for the hills. Consider destinations like Darjeeling, Manali, Ooty, or Sikkim to enjoy pleasant weather before the monsoon rains arrive. Use a day of leave on either Thursday, April 30, or Monday, May 4, to craft a longer holiday.
The monsoon months of July and August unlock a different kind of beauty. Rath Yatra on Thursday, July 16, and Raksha Bandhan on Friday, August 28, both allow for weekend expansion with a single day of leave. This is the prime time to visit the misty tea estates of Coorg, drive through the lush green Western Ghats, or embark on a culturally rich short break.
Peak Travel Season and Year-End Finale
October is arguably India's most travel-friendly month. Gandhi Jayanti on Friday, October 2, provides a neat three-day weekend. Dussehra on Tuesday, October 20, can be stretched into a four-day getaway by taking just one day off on Monday, October 19. This is an excellent period to explore Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, or the Northeastern states.
The year winds down with a festive finale. Christmas on Friday, December 25, brings the last long weekend of 2026. Whether you prefer sunny beaches, cozy hill stays, or a cabin-style retreat, December is your chance to end the year on a memorable travel high. Extend it further by taking leave on Thursday, December 24, or Monday, December 28.
2026 Holiday Calendar at a Glance
For quick planning, here are the key holidays that create long weekends in 2026:
- Republic Day: January 26 (Monday) – National Holiday
- Holi: March 3 (Tuesday) – Widely celebrated
- Ram Navami: March 26 (Thursday) – Regional variation
- Good Friday: April 3 (Friday) – Observed in many states
- Labour Day (May Day): May 1 (Friday) – Labour Day
- Rath Yatra: July 16 (Thursday) – Regional holiday
- Raksha Bandhan: August 28 (Friday) – Cultural festival
- Gandhi Jayanti: October 2 (Friday) – National Holiday
- Dussehra: October 20 (Tuesday) – Widely celebrated
- Christmas Day: December 25 (Friday) – National Holiday
Start marking your calendar and dreaming of your destinations. With a little strategic planning using this 2026 long weekend checklist, you can ensure a year filled with enriching breaks and unforgettable travel experiences across India.
