In 2025, India offers numerous long weekends, presenting perfect opportunities for travellers to explore new destinations without taking extended leave. Strategically planning your holidays around these extended weekends can maximise your travel experiences and provide well-deserved breaks throughout the year.
List of long weekends
Here’s a curated list of long weekends in India for 2025:
1. January
o Pongal/Makar Sankranti
§ Saturday, January 11
§ Sunday, January 12
§ Monday, January 13 (Take a leave)
§ Tuesday, January 14 (Pongal/Makar Sankranti)
2. March
o Holi
§ Thursday, March 13 (Holika Dahan)
§ Friday, March 14 (Holi)
§ Saturday, March 15
§ Sunday, March 16
o Eid-ul-Fitr
§ Saturday, March 29
§ Sunday, March 30
§ Monday, March 31 (Eid-ul-Fitr)
3. April
o Mahavir Jayanti
§ Thursday, April 10 (Mahavir Jayanti)
§ Friday, April 11 (Take a leave)
§ Saturday, April 12
§ Sunday, April 13
o Good Friday
§ Friday, April 18 (Good Friday)
§ Saturday, April 19
§ Sunday, April 20
4. May
o Labour Day
§ Thursday, May 1 (Labour Day)
§ Friday, May 2 (Take a leave)
§ Saturday, May 3
§ Sunday, May 4
o Buddha Purnima
§ Saturday, May 10
§ Sunday, May 11
§ Monday, May 12 (Buddha Purnima)
5. June
o Rath Yatra
§ Friday, June 27 (Rath Yatra)
§ Saturday, June 28
§ Sunday, June 29
6. August
o Independence Day
§ Friday, August 15 (Independence Day)
§ Saturday, August 16
§ Sunday, August 17
o Ganesh Chaturthi
§ Wednesday, August 27 (Ganesh Chaturthi)
§ Thursday, August 28 (Take a leave)
§ Friday, August 29 (Take a leave)
§ Saturday, August 30
§ Sunday, August 31
7. September
o Id-e-Milad/Onam
§ Friday, September 5 (Id-e-Milad/Onam)
§ Saturday, September 6
§ Sunday, September 7
§ Monday, September 8 (Take a leave)
8. October
o Maha Navami/Dussehra
§ Wednesday, October 1 (Maha Navami - Restricted Holiday)
§ Thursday, October 2 (Dussehra/Gandhi Jayanti)
§ Friday, October 3 (Take a leave)
§ Saturday, October 4
§ Sunday, October 5
o Diwali
§ Saturday, October 18
§ Sunday, October 19
§ Monday, October 20 (Diwali)
§ Tuesday, October 21 (Take a leave)
o Bhai Dooj
§ Thursday, October 23 (Bhai Dooj)
§ Friday, October 24 (Take a leave)
§ Saturday, October 25
§ Sunday, October 26
9. December
o Christmas
§ Thursday, December 25 (Christmas)
§ Friday, December 26 (Take a leave)
§ Saturday, December 27
§ Sunday, December 28
Note: Some holidays are subject to regional variations. It’s advisable to check the specific dates as per your state’s holiday calendar.
Destinations to visit for long weekend travel
With these holidays in mind, here are some places to go for a long weekend.
1. Gokarna, Karnataka
o Known for its pristine beaches and tranquil environment, Gokarna offers a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle.
2. Murudeshwar, Karnataka
o Home to the world's second tallest statue of Lord Shiva, Murudeshwar is a coastal town offering scuba diving and snorkelling experiences.
3. Coorg, Karnataka
o Famous for its coffee plantations, lush greenery, and pleasant climate, Coorg is an ideal destination for nature lovers.
4. Hampi, Karnataka
o A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi boasts ancient temples and ruins, offering a glimpse into India's rich history.
5. Agra, Uttar Pradesh
o Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and those seeking to witness one of the world's most celebrated monuments.
6. Nainital, Uttarakhand
o Nestled amidst the Kumaon Hills, Nainital offers picturesque lakes and scenic landscapes, making it a perfect hill station retreat.
7. Goa
o Famous for its vibrant nightlife, sandy beaches, and Portuguese heritage, Goa is a perennial favourite among travellers.
8. Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
o Known for its Tibetan culture and the residence of the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala offers serene landscapes and spiritual retreats.
9. Dehradun, Uttarakhand
o A gateway to the hill stations of Mussoorie and Nainital, Dehradun is known for its pleasant climate and scenic surroundings.
10. Kausani, Uttarakhand
o Offering panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, Kausani is a quaint hill station perfect for a peaceful getaway.
11. Nashik, Maharashtra
o Famous for its vineyards and the Kumbh Mela, Nashik offers a blend of cultural heritage and modern attractions.
12. Digha, West Bengal
o A popular beach destination, Digha is known for its shallow sand beaches and scenic views of the Bay of Bengal.
These long weekend travel destinations offer a mix of cultural, historical, and natural attractions, catering to diverse traveller preferences.
Travel insurance: Why you shouldn’t overlook it
While planning a trip, travellers often focus on flight tickets, accommodations, and sightseeing. However, the best travel insurance is an essential aspect that should never be ignored. Whether you're taking a domestic getaway or an international trip, unforeseen events such as medical emergencies, flight cancellations, baggage loss, or accidents can derail your plans and burden you financially.
Here’s why travel insurance is a must for long weekend travel getaways:
· Medical emergencies: Travel insurance covers emergency medical expenses, ensuring financial security during unexpected health issues.
· Trip cancellations & delays: Unpredictable events like extreme weather, strikes, or personal emergencies can lead to cancelled trips. Travel insurance helps recover non-refundable costs.
· Baggage loss or theft: If your luggage is lost, delayed, or stolen, travel insurance compensates for the inconvenience, allowing you to replace essential items.
· Accidental coverage: Whether you're engaging in adventure sports or exploring a new city, accidents can happen. Travel insurance provides financial support for accidental injuries.
· Loss of passport or documents: Losing crucial travel documents can cause major disruptions. The best travel insurance assists with replacements and covers additional expenses incurred.
When purchasing travel insurance, check for coverage inclusions, exclusions, and claim procedures to ensure maximum benefits.
Finally
Long weekends in 2025 provide fantastic opportunities to take a break and explore new places. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway to the mountains, a relaxing beach retreat, or a culturally enriching experience, proper planning can help you make the most of these extended holidays.
However, a well-planned trip isn’t just about choosing the right destination—it’s also about preparing for uncertainties. Travel insurance acts as a safety net, ensuring that unexpected disruptions don’t ruin your holiday. So, before you set off on your next adventure, make sure to protect yourself with a comprehensive domestic and international travel insurance plan from Generali Central for the fastest claim approval process.
FAQs
1. How can I maximise my leave around long weekend travel in 2025?
To extend your vacations, strategically apply for leave before or after public holidays. Check your company’s holiday calendar and plan accordingly to enjoy an extended break.
2. Is travel insurance necessary for domestic trips?
Yes, even for domestic travel, insurance can protect against trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and baggage loss. It ensures peace of mind while travelling within India.
3. What factors should I consider when buying travel insurance online?
Look for coverage limits, medical benefits, claim settlement ratio, exclusions, and add-ons such as adventure sports coverage or COVID-19 protection.
4. Does travel insurance cover adventure sports during my trip?
Not all policies cover adventure sports. If you plan on engaging in activities like trekking, scuba diving, or paragliding, choose an insurance plan that includes coverage for these activities.
5. Can I buy travel insurance online after booking my trip?
Yes, travel insurance can be purchased after booking flights and hotels. However, it's best to buy it early to ensure coverage for trip cancellations or changes.
