We are into the New Year finally! 2017 brings it with lots of new hope and travel plans of course – so here’s a list of 13 long weekends that you can make the most of by planning some amazing getaways. Mark your calendars right away!
1) Republic Day Weekend
26 January, Thursday: Republic Day (National Holiday)
27 January, Friday: Take the day off
28 January, Saturday: Losar (Sikkim, Ladakh and Dharamshala only)
29 January, Sunday: Weekend
Where to go?
Denwa Backwater Escape, Sarangpur, Madhya Pradesh
This lodge overlooks the mesmerizing backwaters of a dam built on Denwa River in Satpura National Park and offers stunning views of the grasslands and rolling hills.
Ken River Lodge, Panna, Madhya Pradesh
The lodge is set in a forested estate of 50 acres and has been built with natural materials. The forested estate is also home to many mammals, birds and reptiles.
2) Mahashivratri Weekend (Coincides with the Goa Carnival which is on – 25th to 28th February)
24 February, Friday: Mahashivratri (Gazetted Holiday)
25 February, Saturday: Weekend
26 February, Sunday: Weekend
Where to go?
This gorgeous resort in Goa is a perfect destination to rejuvenate your senses and experience fun, excitement, and relaxation.
Set on the picturesque Turtle Beach, this property offers an enchanting beachfront hideaway with eight tented guest accommodations and a three-bedroom converted Portuguese villa.
3) Holi Weekend (Coincides with Elephant Festival in Jaipur)
11 March, Saturday: Weekend
12 March, Sunday: Weekend
13 March, Monday: Holi (Restricted Holiday)
Where to go?
Samode Haveli, Jaipur, Rajasthan
The haveli has a distinctive old world charm. Each room is unique and has a distinctive character which reflects the rich history and culture of Samode.
Chandra Mahal, Bharatpur, Rajasthan
Get transported to a bygone era at this heritage haveli. It’s one of the hidden treasures of Rajasthan. It is located only 60 km away from Mathura, which is famous for its Holi celebrations!
Lakshman Sagar, Pali, Rajasthan
Sprawling over 32 acres, Lakshman Sagar, is a chic re-interpretation of a quaint 19th century hunting lodge.With 12 mud & stone cottages of about 900 sq ft, Lakshman Sagar has been meticulously planned and conceptualized basis the zero kilometer concept.
4) Ram Navami Weekend
1 April, Saturday: Weekend
2 April, Sunday: Weekend
3 April, Monday: Take the day off
4 April, Tuesday: Ram Navami
Where to go?
Sukoon Houseboat, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Indulge at this houseboat inspired by Sufism, with stunning views of the Pir Panjal Mountains and the serene Dal Lake to float over, as you sip on some Kahwah.
Hotel Highlands Park, Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
This hotel is nestled in lush greens and surrounded by beautiful flowers and snow-capped mountain ranges. And to add to that, the rooms are fantastic and the service exceptional.
5) Hat-trick Weekend
13 April, Thursday: Vaisakhi (Restricted Holiday)
14 April, Friday: Dr Ambedkar Jayanti & Good Friday (Gazetted Holiday)
15 April, Saturday: Weekend
16 April, Sunday: Easter & Weekend
Where to go?
The Glasshouse on the Ganges, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
This dreamlike abode is designed for travellers seeking offbeat experiences and nature lovers. One can also try out various adventure activities such as rafting.
Raga on the Ganges, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul as you bask in serenity at this tranquil resort. Are you a nature lover, a birdwatcher or a yoga enthusiast? If yes, then this is your haven.
6) May Day Weekend (Coincides with International Flower Day in Sikkim – 1st to 3rd May)
29 April, Saturday: Weekend
30 April, Sunday: Weekend
1 May, Monday: May Day
Where to go?
Yangsum Heritage Farm, Rinchenpong, Sikkim
This rustic farm style homestay has beautiful large rooms with simple furnishing and traditional charm. It is tucked away far from the crowds, in an idyllic countryside with a beautiful backdrop.
Elgin Nor Khill, Gangtok, Sikkim
This snug and cosy hotel has been restored to its original grandeur and makes for the perfect base to explore the spectacular mountain scenery, pine forests and ancient monasteries.
7) Eid Weekend
24 June, Saturday: Weekend
25 June, Sunday: Weekend
26 June, Monday: Id-ul-Fitr (Many states)
Where to go?
The Serai, Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Set amidst a coffee plantation, this stunning resort offers lovely accommodation, a well-appointed spa and a private swimming pool.
Kaav Safari Lodge, Kabini, Karnataka
This luxury safari lodge is steeped in the spirit of rare solitude of the Kabini forest. A cradle of luxury, but coloured by the local landscape, this lodge offers the experience of a lifetime.
8) Independence Day Weekend
12 August, Saturday: Weekend
13 August, Sunday: Weekend
14 August, Monday: Janmashtami (Restricted Holiday)
15 August, Tuesday: Independence Day (National Holiday)
Where to go?
Nomadic Life Camp, Karzok, Jammu & Kashmir
This camp is situated near Tsomoriri lake at an altitude of 4,595 m (15,080 ft)! You can go trekking as well as horse riding here.
Nimmu House, Leh, Jammu & Kashmir
Get ready to indulge in an authentic Ladkahi experience at Nimmu House, a heritage boutique hotel.The brown and beautiful Ladakhi mountains just look more enchanting when you gaze at them from a place like this!
9) Ganesh Chaturthi Weekend
25 August, Friday: Ganesh Chaturthi (Restricted Holiday)
26 August, Saturday: Weekend
27 August, Sunday: Weekend
Where to go?
Ccaza Ccomodore, Alibag, Maharashtra
Enjoy an idyllic weekend in Goa at these beautifully appointed, luxurious private villas. Nestled in the sleepy seaside village of Mandwa, across the Arabian Sea, this property is a luxurious retreat!
This luxury boutique resort is indeed a Garden of Eden! Situated at a height of 2500 feet above sea level, Upper Deck is on the highest peak of Lonavala.
10) Gandhi Jayanti Weekend
30 September, Saturday: Weekend
1 October, Sunday: Weekend
2 October, Monday: Gandhi Jayanti (Gazetted Holiday)
Where to go?
Mayfair, Darjeeling, West Bengal
The heritage hotel reflects the old heritage charm of an exotic summer house, set amidst snow-capped mountains and heavy green foliage making it a must-stay resort in Darjeeling.
Ging Tea House, Darjeeling, West Bengal
The tea estate is a 30-minute scenic drive from Darjeeling town. The uninterrupted stretch of 600 hectares at 3000-5000 ft. above sea level promises a unique and memorable tea experience. The tea house has been recently restored, keeping its old world charm and heritage feel.
11) Diwali Weekend
14 October, Saturday: Weekend
15 October, Sunday: Weekend
16 October, Monday: Dhanteras/Take the day off
17 October, Tuesday: Take the day off
18 October, Wednesday: Diwali (Gazetted Holiday)
19 October, Thursday: Balipratipada/Take the day off
20 October, Friday: Bhai Dooj/Take the day off
21 October, Saturday: Weekend
22 October, Sunday: Weekend
Where to go?
Shalimar Spice Garden, Idukki, Kerala
Get accustomed to the whiff of coffee and various spices as you check in at this resort. It’s a sublime escape from the fast-paced life of cities, so take a break and absorb the purity of nature.
Fragrant Nature Resort, Kollam, Kerala
The resort introduces you to the pristine beauty of the beaches, backwaters and culture. It’s easy to immerse into the idyllic surroundings of verdant landscapes, serene lakes and the chirpy birds.
12) Id-e-Milad Weekend (Coincides with the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland)
1 December, Friday: Id-e-Milad (Gazetted Holiday)
2 December, Saturday: Weekend
3 December, Sunday: Weekend
Where to go?
Explore the unexplored in the exotic state of Nagaland at this stunning camp and relax in individually designed tents, with en-suite bathrooms, crisp linen and the services of your very own butler.
13) Christmas Weekend (Coincides with the Rann Utsav in Gujarat)
23 December, Saturday: Weekend
24 December, Sunday: Weekend
25 December, Monday: Christmas
Where to go?
Tents at Rann Utsav, Rann of Kutchh, Gujarat
Stay at these beautiful tents and experience the rich culture and vibrancy of Gujarat at the Rann festival, which provides an exclusive opportunity to witness the creative ingenuity of the local people.
This is an ethnically designed eco-resort, set among wetlands and agricultural fields. The resort has imaginatively designed cottages that blend with the rural countryside in which it is situated.
Get planning for the exciting year ahead!
PlushEscapes Editor
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