Long weekends of 2016

If you’re one of those who didn’t make the most of public holidays on weekdays in 2015, then we’ve got you covered with a few bridge weekends in 2016.

So pack your bags and get ready to travel, using this list of long weekends in 2016 as your guide.

January:

If you’re looking to start the year with a mix of culture, food, heritage and some old world charm, then Pondicherry is just the place for you.

The tropical town offers an eclectic mix of Indian and French cultures. You can gorge on fish curry and appam, muthiya curry (Pondicherry egg curry) and meat cooked in the local Chettinad and Vadouvan spice blends. And if that leaves you craving for something sweet, just step into the nearest bakery for a bite of the creamiest chocolate cakes.

Steal a leave on: 25^th of January (23^rd, 24^th is a weekend and 26^th is Republic Day holiday).

Pool View — Palais de Mahe, Pondicherry, India

February:

12^th-14^th February:

Looking to escape the city humdrum? An experience on a houseboat as you wade through the Kerala backwaters is one that is unmatched. Experience tranquillity in Alleppey, Kumarakoram and Kollam as you gorge on fresh seafood.

With Basant Panchami falling on the 12^th of February, make the most of this long weekend as you also get to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved one.

The Lalit Resort and Spa bekal — The Lalit Resort & Spa, Bekal, Kerala, India

March:

4^th-7^th March:

Most of us start the new year with at least one health resolution. If you haven’t broken yours as yet, then you’d love to head to Rishikesh for the International Yoga Festival taking place between the 1^st and 7^th of March. And while you’re there, why not try out numerous adventure sports like Rafting, Body Surfing, Rappelling, Cliff Jumping, Kayaking to get your adrenaline rushing!

After all, it’s not for nothing that Rishikesh is called the ‘River Rafting Capital of India’, right?

Steal a leave on: Friday, 4^th March (5^th-6^th is a weekend and 7^th is a holiday for Mahashivratri)

33SpaRoom125202520AN252023 — Raga on the Ganges, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

23^th-27^th March:

If you’re a lover of the sand dunes like me, then take a quick 5-day vacation and head straight to Rajasthan. The weather is perfect to visit the vast expanse of the desert. And while you’re there, don’t forget to visit the vibrant town of Pushkar.

Steal a leave on: 24^th March (23^rd March is Holi, 25^th is Good Friday and 26^th -27^th is a weekend).

QYtyrfEUKtCWddeIiI-KoiyB0G8Ko2UNKm20FRuOURQ — The Serai, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

April:

13^th -17^th April:

Enjoy the beginning of summer in Srinagar. Don’t forget to hop onto a shikara at the Dal Lake for a romantic moment.

Steal a leave on: 13^th and 14^th April (15^th is Ram Navami and 16^th -17^th is a weekend).

DSC9067a18 — Sukoon Houseboat, Srinagar, Jammu & kashmir, India

July:

8^th-10^th July:

This is when the little paradise Coorg is Karnataka is at its prettiest. You can spot all kinds of green for as far as your eyes can see. A misty morning will not keep you from that tempting morning walk through the valleys.

No bunking for this one with Eid falling on the 10^th of July.

SwimmingPool — Ambatty Greens Resorts, Coorg, karnataka, India

August:

13^th-15^th August:

There’s no better time to avail off-season discounts in Goa than August. If you’ve been eager to get pampered at one of those luxury resorts, then this is your chance to experience hospitality at its best. And if you’re a shopaholic, a visit to the nearby flea markets is a must!

You don’t have to steal a leave! 13th – 14th August is the weekend and 15th is Independence Day.

3144091011beel0098compressedcompressed — Coco Shambhala, Goa, India

25^th-28^th August:

Looking for some solitude in the mountains? Uttarakhand certainly ranks high on our list. Not for one, but many reasons. Flowing rivers, snow-capped peaks, numerous temples carved in stone and above-all heart warming people, who will make you feel at home. If you’re the kind who likes to self-reflect, then this one’s a must visit this year.

Steal a leave on: 26^th August (25^th August is Janamashtami and 27^th and 28^th is a weekend)

9098ViewfromtheResort — The Terraces, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India

September:

3^rd-5^th September:

If you start craving seafood towards the end of the year, then pack your bags and get away to Kerala, to soak in some sun.

And hey, you still don’t have to bunk work for this one since it is Ganesh Chaturti on the 5th of September.

Coffeeshop — Fragrant Nature Resort, Kollam, Kerala, India

October:

8^th-12^th October:

If the big cats have been evading you all this while, then you might want to consider making a quick trip to Ranthambore and catch wildlife up close and personal. You never know, this might just be your lucky chance to meet the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Steal a leave on: 10^th October (11^th is Dussehra and 12^th is Muharram)

Evening Shot — Nahargarh Ranthambhore, Sawaimadhopur, India

kA2cDEoZpbJ4KS8ax9WHqDBtyt5NP32zj9UNLGHHKlI0SuvHJpfKY8fziEmY1B72r70HoM97vxbs0VZNWOJQ — Sher Bagh, Sawaimadhopur, India

29^th October -1^st November:

If the mountains have come calling you again, then this is a good time to visit Himachal Pradesh. Make a trip to Khajjiar, Dharamshala, Mcleodganj and the areas around. The weather is perfect for those selfies on slopes.

Steal a leave on: 31^st October (29^th and 30^th October is a weekend and 1^stNovember is Bhaiduj).

Neeralaya Raison, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India

12^th-14^th November:

There cannot be a better time to visit the scenic Punjab than a weekend that falls around Guru Nanak Jayanti. Plan in advance and don’t just stop at the Golden Temple. Do visit the rustic retreats in Amritsar and while you’re at it, do not forget to gorge on the flavourful dhaba food.

Steal a leave on: 11^th November (12^th-13^th is a weekend and 14^th is Guru Nanak Jayanti)