As the calendar flips to 2024, long weekend enthusiasts are in for a treat with a plethora of opportunities to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures that India has to offer. Whether you're a foodie, an adventure seeker, or someone craving a tranquil escape, this guide provides a detailed itinerary for each long weekend, along with some visa-free international destinations to add an extra dash of excitement to your travels.
December 2023 - January 2024: Welcoming the New Year in Goa
The last weekend of 2023 extends into the first days of 2024, creating the perfect opportunity for a New Year's celebration in Goa. With events like Sunburn, Anjuna Open Air, and New Year's parties at popular venues like Tito's and Cafe Mambo, Goa promises a vibrant start to the year. Book your accommodations early to secure the best rates amidst the festive atmosphere.
January 2024: Rann Utsav in Gujarat
Celebrate Lohri and Pongal with a unique twist by attending the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad and then heading to Dhordo for the Rann Utsav in Gujarat. Dhordo, recently recognized as one of the best tourism villages globally by the UNWTO, offers a captivating experience. Ensure you obtain the required permit to explore the mesmerizing white desert. Choose from luxurious accommodations at Rann Utsav – The Tent City, ranging from AC/non-AC Swiss cottages to Darbari/Rajwadi suites.
January 26 - 28, 2024: Republic Day in Amritsar or Kashmir
Immerse yourself in the patriotic fervor during the Republic Day weekend by visiting Amritsar. Explore historical sites like Jallianwala Bagh and witness the Wagah Border ceremony. Alternatively, chase the last traces of snow in Kashmir or indulge in snow adventures in Auli. For those seeking warmer climes, consider a relaxing weekend in Alibaug or Gokarna.
March 8 - 10, 2024: Gastronomy Tour Across India
Before the summer heat sets in, embark on a gastronomy tour across India's culinary hotspots. Explore the diverse and delectable cuisines in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Amritsar, Lucknow, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad.
March 23 - 25, 2024: Holi Celebrations in Various Destinations
Experience the vibrant and colorful celebrations of Holi in culturally rich locations like Varanasi, Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Jaipur, Shantiniketan, Agra, Udaipur, Purulia. For those preferring a different vibe, head to Pahalgam or Nainital for a scenic mountain retreat, Tarkali for water sports, Chail for trekking, or Kerala for a tranquil backwater experience.
March 29 - 31, 2024: Easter Festivities in Puducherry and Beyond
Partake in the Easter festivities in Puducherry, where celebrations kick off a week before with Palm Sunday. Alternatively, explore the Easter spirit in Coorg, Goa, Visakhapatnam, or Mumbai.
May 23 - 26, 2024: Escaping the Heat on Lesser-Known Beaches
Beat the scorching May heat by heading to lesser-known beaches such as Konduru (Maharashtra), Baup, Ezhimala & Malpe (Karnataka), Marari (Kerala), Madhva (Gujarat), Gahirmatha (Orissa), Tharangambadi (Tamil Nadu), and Guitar Island Beach (Andaman and Nicobar Islands). Alternatively, indulge in Lucknow's culinary delights featuring kebabs, chaats, and mangoes.
June 15 - 17, 2024: Eid Celebrations in the Hills
Pack your bags for a serene Eid celebration in the hills. Explore popular choices like Mussoorie, Darjeeling, Shimla, Manali, Kasol, Kasauli, and McLeodganj. Opt for less-crowded hill stations like Landour (Uttarakhand) (https://www.crossworldholidays.com/tours-travels/images/resource/13.jpg) , Mashobra, Chitkul, & Dharamkot (Himachal Pradesh), Tawang (Arunachal Pradesh) (https://www.crossworldholidays.com/tours-travels/images/resource/17.jpg)_ , Gangtok (Sikkim), Araku Valley (Andhra Pradesh), or Kurseong (West Bengal) for a more peaceful experience.
August 15 - 19, 2024: International Holidays or Monsoon Retreats
Utilize the extended weekend for an international holiday in visa-free countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Hong Kong, or Singapore with proper planning and e-visa application. Alternatively, experience the monsoon magic in Cherrapunjee and Mawsynram, the wettest places in India, combined with a trip to Assam. Goa also reveals its beauty during the rains.
August 24 - 26, 2024: Janmashtami Road Trips
Embark on quick road trips during Janmashtami, exploring destinations like the Golden Triangle (Delhi-Jaipur-Agra), Guwahati to Tawang, Shimla to Spiti Valley, Mumbai to Goa, Chennai to Pondicherry, Ahmedabad to Kutch, Mysore to Hampi, and Bengaluru to Ooty.
September 5 - 8, 2024: Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations
Celebrate Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi with a South India tour or opt for a quick international trip to Dubai, Bahrain, Maldives, Bhutan, or Nepal. The pleasant weather adds to the charm of exploring these destinations.
October 11 - 13, 2024: Durga Puja in Kolkata or Wildlife Adventure
Indulge in the festive fervor of Durga Puja by planning a trip to Kolkata or Mysore. For those seeking solitude, embark on a wild adventure to national parks and sanctuaries like Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, Periyar, Goa, Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Bandipur, Pench.
November 1 - 3, 2024: Diwali Train Trips
Explore quick train trips during Diwali, with options like Kanyakumari to Trivandrum, Mumbai to Goa, Matheran to Neral, Jaisalmer to Jodhpur, Bhubaneswar to Brahmapur, Mandapam to Rameshwaram, and Kalka to Shimla. Alternatively, experience the beauty of Sunderbans & Kalimpong (West Bengal), Bharatpur (Rajasthan), and Gulmarg (Jammu & Kashmir).
In conclusion, the long weekends in 2024 offer an array of experiences, from cultural celebrations and culinary delights to tranquil retreats and thrilling adventures. Plan ahead, book in advance, and make the most of these opportunities to create lasting memories.
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