Giving great competition to long weekends in 2017, let us give a grand welcome to 2018 and its remarkable list of 15 long weekends! WOW! If you thought 2017 was the year of travel, you might be slightly mistaken. The universe has been utterly kind to us and has given us opportunities to explore the world. Yes, that is true! So, waste no time and start planning your vacation, right away!
Joyous January
Chuck the New Year’s holiday hangover, leave behind the world rushing back to normal life and set out on a relaxing getaway with January’s two amazing long weekends.
Long Weekend 1:
Jan 20, Saturday: Weekend
Jan 21, Sunday: Weekend
Jan 22, Monday: Basant Panchami
Long Weekend 2:
Jan 26, Friday: Republic Day (Compulsory Holiday)
Jan 27, Saturday: Weekend
Jan 28, Sunday: Weekend
Best Places to Visit (Domestic):
Rann of Kutch, Gujarat: A remarkable place to visit in Gujarat, Rann of Kutch is world’s largest salt desert, measuring around 10,000 square kilometers. With these long weekends coming up, plan a visit to the Rann Utsav, open till Feb 2018 to celebrate culture and history like never before. Moonlit winter nights coupled with awe-inspiring landscapes is a sight to behold. Don’t miss it, run to Rann!
Kalimpong, West Bengal: One of the hidden gems of the East, Kalimpong is quite popular among travel enthusiasts. Leave behind the tiresome metropolitan sites and pacify your eyes with some majestic views of the Teesta river valley. January is one of the best seasons to seep in the natural beauty of this place. Must-visit attractions include Durpin Dara Hill, Thongsa Gompa, Teesta Bazaar and Nature Interpretation Centre.
Best Place to Visit (International):
Dubai, UAE: Experience delight with Dubai’s blue skies and primo beach weather during this time. This picturesque and advanced metropolitan destination will take you places and let you experience extravagance at its best. Take on the spunky desert safari, indulge in a lot of shopping at its malls and souks, enjoy its sizzling nightlife and don’t miss out on the famous ‘Burj Khalifa’.
Fantastic February
In 2018, the month of love gives us a perfect excuse to take a break and enjoy the pre-Valentine Day’s long weekend.
Long Weekend 3:
February 10, Saturday: Weekend
February 11, Sunday: Weekend
February 12, Monday: Take a leave
February 13, Tuesday: Mahashivratri (Restricted Holiday)
Best Places to Visit (Domestic):
Goa: The festivities in Goa do not end with New Year’s celebrations. This long weekend in February will give you an exciting chance to be a part of the glorious Goa Carnival happening from 10th to 13th. With a frenzy of tourist activities, this carnival includes merrymakers wearing costumes and masks, amazing dance bands, electrifying music, parades and of course, great food and drinks. Make sure you spend these holidays productively by being a part of this mega celebration.
Jaisalmer: This is the perfect time to indulge in camping and desert safari at the alluring expanse of the golden desert, air drizzled with sand and grandeur. Begin your actual desert safari at Price Sam Dunes located in the heart of the Thar Desert and lead your way to camp under the moonlit sky with campfire, food and drinks.
Best Place to Visit (International):
Hong Kong: February being a dry and mild month offers wonderful opportunities for sightseeing. From wide stretches of jungle-like greenery on the Outlying Island to markets of Mong Kok and buzzing shopping street of Causeway Bay, Hong Kong is best seen in the open air. Hey, don’t miss out on their dimsums and Star Ferry ride.
Magical March
Lying on the brink of summer and spring, March is that time of the year when taking a vacation is just practically irresistible. With winter flinging aside its coat and pleasant weather making its way sets the perfect scenario for a getaway. 2018 seems to be agreeing with your plans and has planned to offer 2 long weekends in March. YAYYY!
Long Weekend 4:
March 2, Friday: Holi (Compulsory Holiday)
March 3, Saturday: Weekend
March 4, Sunday: Weekend
Long Weekend 5:
March 29, Thursday: Mahavir Jayanti (Gazetted Holiday)
March 30, Friday: Good Friday (Compulsory Holiday)
March 31, Saturday: Weekend
April 1, Sunday: Weekend
Best Places to Visit (Domestic):
McLeod Ganj: Curled up in the Shivaliks, McLeod Ganj is a paramount center of Tibetan Buddhism and culture. Precisely known as Little Lhasa, the town is home to a number of monasteries, essential temples and other ancient structures. This beautiful hill station has it all, from treks to strolls, delicious cuisines to amazing beverages, adventures to spiritual places and much more. If you are an adventure junkie, experience trekking and camping at the Triund trail.
Coorg: One of the best time to experience the raw natural beauty of Coorg is during March. This month sees the blooming of tea and spice plantations which fills the valleys with fragrances, refreshing your senses to the core. Must visit places in Coorg include Abbey Falls, Nagarhole National Park, Namdroling Monastery, Burude Falls, Honnamana Kere Lake, among others.
Best Place to Visit (International):
Maldives: Associated with stunning turquoise water, white sand beaches, opulent seabed and the coral reefs, Maldives is no less than paradise. With March being one of the best months to visit, make use of the second long weekend and get set to dive in the vibe of this stunning destination; relax on the beaches, learn diving and surfing, indulge in spas and relish their delicacies.
Astounding April
Did someone say Summers? Meh!!! While most of us relate this season to sunscreen, lot of water intake and cotton clothes, we say, “Vacation at a higher altitude”. Leave behind the rising temperatures and enjoy cool breeze in a serene environment with these vacation ideas.
Long Weekend 6:
April 28, Saturday: Weekend
April 29, Sunday: Weekend
April 30, Monday: Buddha Purnima (Gazetted Holiday)
May 1: Labour Day
Best Places to Visit (Domestic):
Sarahan, Himachal Pradesh: Ensconced deep into the lap of lush mountain sceneries and a divine environment, Sarahan is the perfect summer retreat. Must visit places at the destination are Bhimakali Temple (which is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas), Bird Park (only breeding ground for pheasants in the state), the Pandava Cave and Bhaba Valley.
Darjeeling: The black tea capital of India, Darjeeling is popular for its stretching tea plantations and the Gothic architecture. This pretty hill station is crowned by the Kanchenjunga range (third highest peak in the world) and exhibits some of the most stunning views. Visit the Tiger Hill to view Everest, Kanchenjunga, Hills of Sikkim, China and Nepal from a single point. Isn’t that just amazing?
Best Place to Visit (International):
Pokhara, Nepal: Known as the mirror to the Himalayas, Pokhara will truly satisfy the traveller inside you. With spectacular sceneries, adventurous activities, great food options and best places to stay at, this place is just mystical. Other than its laid-back charm, this place is booming with adventure sports with one of the best paragliding space and delightful trekking trails.
Melancholic May
Dry May brings no special holidays! Don’t be disheartened, keep calm and wait for the next month!
Joyous June
Bringing respite from the withered May, June promises to be joyful! Give a break to lazy warm afternoons, nagging heat and aim to rejoice in the captivity of a new place with an amazing summer holiday.
Long Weekend 7:
June 15, Friday: Idul’ Fitr (Compulsory Holiday)
June 16, Saturday: Weekend
June 17, Sunday: Weekend
Best Places to Visit (Domestic):
Hemis, Jammu & Kashmir: Gift yourself with a vacation borrowed from the paradise! Filled with colours of Buddhist festivals, stupendous monasteries, tranquil chants and mesmerizing views, a visit to Hemis is not only breathtaking but will also be one of the best excursions of your life. Visit Hemis High Altitude Wildlife Sanctuary, Gotsang Gompa, Shang Gompa and Hemis Monastery.
Mount Abu, Rajasthan: The only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu is the perfect escape from the scorching heat of June. Sitting amidst green forests, it lies in the Aravalli mountain range, around 1,220 meters above sea level. Get most of your vacation here and visit places like Nakki Lake, the famous Sunset Point, Achaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Trevor’s Tank and Toad Rock.
Best Place to Visit (International):
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Captivating capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur (KL) is ladened with stunning steel-clad skyscrapers, beautiful historical monuments, zestful street markets, and chirpy nightlife. Places that you must cover at this destination include Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, Menara KL Tower, Chinatown, KL Bird Park and Aquaria KLCC.
Jubilant July
No long weekends for July, sadly! But don’t let that stop you from setting out for a little adventure on the weekends; take the time to explore the nearby destinations, ones you wanted to visit but never did because you postponed it for the next time.
Amorous August
The month of August is an august time to travel, as the great Indian Monsoon enhances the mirth of travelling to rain-drenched destinations, where the heavens thunder, the hills come alive and romance abounds. Internationally, it’s probably best to head further afield, where sunshine and joyous weather are a given.
Long Weekend 8:
15th August, Wednesday: Independence Day (Gazetted Holiday)
16th August, Thursday: Take a Leave
17th August, Friday: Parsi New Year (Restricted Holiday)
19th August, Saturday: Weekend
20th August, Sunday: Weekend
Long Weekend 9:
22nd August, Wednesday: Id-ul-Zuha (Gazetted Holiday)
23rd August, Thursday: Take a Leave
24th August, Friday: First Day of Onam (Restricted Holiday)
25th August, Saturday: Weekend
26th August, Sunday: Weekend
Best Places to Visit (Domestic):
Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra: Every corner of this quaint little town speaks of serenity, especially during the monsoon months. Go strawberry picking, explore the wonderful waterfalls, savour the stunning sunrises and sunsets or just snuggle in with a book and a glass of wine.
Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand: Washed by the rains, the Valley of Flowers is a mesmerizing place to visit in the month of August. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the valley is adorned with exotic flowers against the backdrop of the Nanda Devi mountain range. Remember, the Valley can be reached by trekking a distance of about 17km.
Best Place to Visit (International):
Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is stunningly picturesque, affordable and full of simple, smiling people. One of the most beautiful island nations of the world, its geography boasts of blissful beaches, rolling rainforests and magnificent mountains while its culture and creative cuisine guarantee a trip most memorable.
Splendorous September
With last showers of the year, September allows pleasant trips to almost anywhere in India as the rains begin to retreat making way for cooler climates. It is just the right time to travel to new places and explore their many marvels and also partake in adventurous activities like hiking, trekking, paragliding or river rafting.
Long Weekend 10:
1st September, Saturday: Weekend
2nd September, Sunday: Weekend
3rd September, Monday: Janmashtami
Long Weekend 11:
13th September, Thursday: Ganesh Chaturthi
14th September, Friday: Take a Leave
15th September, Saturday: Weekend
16th September, Sunday: Weekend
Best Places to Visit (Domestic):
Vrindavan: A holy city that resounds with a thousand tales of Lord Krishna’s early years, Vrindavan is most popular among pilgrims from not just India, but from all around the world. Situated by the banks of river Yamuna, the town echoes with the liveliness of its many temples. The temperatures in September start to fall below 20°C, making it an ideal time to visit.
Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh: Home to some of the loveliest landscapes of India, Ziro is a quaint town nestled in Arunachal’s majestic mountains, is as offbeat as it’s awesome. Blessed with rolling, raging hills and undulating rice fields, this picture-perfect town is all the more glorious in September, thanks to its wonderful weather and the thrilling Ziro Music Festival.
Best Place to Visit (International):
Egypt: After the fierce heat of the summer months, September is pleasantly perfect to explore the ancient wonders and the endlessly spellbinding landscapes of Egypt. With peering pyramids, deserts, soaring minarets and temple ruins, this ‘Gift of the Nile’ deserves a place in everyone’s travel bucket list.
Opulent October
Up North, there’s a dramatic shift in the weather; the sultry days of summer are overshadowed by cooler, windier days. These pre-winter days are the most romantic and must be taken advantage of. Head off to the beaches, follow the forested trails or make a move towards the mountains, you just cannot go wrong during this time of the year.
Long Weekend 12:
29th September, Saturday: Weekend
30th September, Sunday: Weekend
1st October, Monday: Take a Leave
2nd October, Tuesday: Gandhi Jayanti
Long Weekend 13:
18th October, Thursday: Ram Navami
19th October, Friday: Dussehra
20th October, Saturday: Weekend
21st October, Sunday: Weekend
Best Places to Visit (Domestic):
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: Attracting spiritual seekers from all over the world, Rishikesh is more popular as the ‘yoga Capital of the World’. Surrounded by emerald hills, this temple town sees enchanting evenings in September, just in time for the ‘aarti’ at its Ganga ghats. The floating diyas (lamps) in the Ganga river as part of evening ‘aarti’ ceremony makes for an illuminating sight.
Jodhpur, Rajasthan: The Sun City of Jodhpur, with the golden sands of the Thar Desert all around, is Rajasthan in all its pristine prime. This historic city with its narrow, old-fashioned lanes and streets, colourful folklore and handicrafts, and forts and monuments that talk of a time bygone, define the imperial heritage of the city. October in Jodhpur marks the beginning of peak season with the days turning cooler and the nights becoming chillier.
Best Place to Visit (International):
Mauritius: With azure-blue beaches and an unbelievable underwater, Mauritius is a glamorous getaway that makes sure you go back with memories of the holiday of a lifetime. You can choose to lounge under the palms all day or go diving, kitesurfing and snorkelling in the ocean or play with a few friendly dolphins to fill your days with unspeakable bliss.
Nippy November
November is the off-season of the year; with no school holidays or festivals, this month guarantees tourist-free surfing of the world. It also comes with tempting offers in tow and the beginning of the festivities; also the weather behaves itself (more or less), making November pretty much the best month to travel for soaking up some sun and also to have some winter fun.
Long Weekend 14:
3rd November, Saturday: Weekend
4th November, Sunday: Weekend
5th November, Monday: Dhanteras
6th November, Tuesday: Choti Diwali
7th November, Wednesday: Diwali
8th November, Thursday: Govardhan Puja
9th November, Friday: Bhai Dooj
10th November, Saturday: Weekend
11th November, Sunday: Weekend
Best Places to Visit (Domestic):
Pushkar, Rajasthan: One of the oldest cities of India, Pushkar continues to be of pronounced religious and cultural importance. Dotted with thousands of temples, it is most famous for the Annual Pushkar Camel Fair that takes place in the month of November, on varying dates. Bask in the colourful atmosphere of the fair or enjoy a serene evening on the banks of the Pushkar Lake, this place offers the best of loud and laidback.
Sundarbans, West Bengal: In the pre-winter month of November, the gates of Sundarbans National Park open. This month makes traveling to the dense mangrove forests easier to navigate through the meandering rivers to spot the Royal Bengal Tigers, as they are out sunbathing by the river. With enjoyable temperatures, dense foliage and a wondrous wildlife, Sundarbans is easily one of the best places to visit in November. Beware of crocodiles and wild boar.
Best Place to Visit (International):
Istanbul, Turkey: November in Istanbul is a few degrees warmer than the neighbouring countries of Europe and also provides a vigorous push of the exotic to ward off the winter blues. Quite literally the meeting ground of the East and the West, Istanbul is lined with frescoed palaces, churches, museums and art galleries. Indulge in a reviving Turkish bath, see the city from high above on a hot balloon or fill up on Baklava with Turkish tea.
Delightful December
The last of the year comes with a pocketful of celebrations up its sleeve. You can chase a white Christmas with bonfire nights and hot mugs of cocoa or enjoy a tropical getaway around the best beaches of the world if you want to get away from the cold. Celebrate the end of the year dancing and partying and living it up for one last time in 2018.
Long Weekend 15:
22nd December, Saturday: Weekend
23rd December, Sunday: Weekend
24th December, Monday: Take a Leave
25th December, Tuesday: Christmas
Best Places to Visit (Domestic):
Gangtok, Sikkim: What is winter without snow? If there’s one place to find both in December, then it is Gangtok! December is the best time to visit because the snow covers everything – the mountains, the tall trees and everything in sight – in its pretty and pristine light. Perfect to have snowball fights, indulge in adventure sports, or cozy up and take in the scenic views of the Himalayas in the arms of your loved one. Whatever you do, know that you’re in for the time of your life.
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: A historically significant city renowned for its heritage, arts and culture, Lucknow is one of the most popular tourist cities in North India. Popularly known as ‘The Constantinople of India’, this city is most famous for its mouth-watering delicacies. There is no dearth of reasons to want to spend your winter in Lucknow. From heritage walks, shopping sprees and ‘Kebab’ indulgence, everything feels better in the cool climes of December.
Best Place to Visit (International):
Fiji Islands: With lesser crowds and (much) cheaper prices, December is the right month to travel to Fiji. There are more than 330 tropical islands to choose from, and even with nothing but the sea and the sky in sight, you will never be bored. Between island-hopping cruises, underwater activities and Christmas picnics and parties on the beach, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. And if you stick around till December 31st, you could be among the first people in the world to welcome in the New Year.
The world is full of marvels and mysteries and we sit in our offices only dreaming of a holiday. Perhaps, that’s why the Gods have chosen to be kinder to us in 2018 with 15 long weekends. Only one advice: make the most of them and make your life one big holiday, one destination at a time.
