Another year has begun and that means lots more long weekends to look forward to – spiritual getaways to adventurous holidays: India offers getaways that suit your every mood. Safari camps by wildlife parks, tree houses in rainforests, glamping in the foothills of snow-covered mountains and living like a planter in tea/coffee estates – trailing through India is every traveller’s dream come true. With so many things on your travel wish-list, LONG WEEKENDS are a golden opportunity to deep-dive and immerse yourself into experiences like none other as you explore the magnificent terrains of India.
1. Makar Sakranti Weekend
January 12, Saturday : Weekend
January 13, Sunday : Weekend
January 14, Monday : Makar Sankranti (Restricted Holiday)
Where to go?
Blackbuck Lodge, Velvadar, Gujarat
Sitting comfortably amidst the Savannah, this is a stunning wildlife retreat set in Western India. You can gaze out of the deck of your cottage at the changing colours of the vast stretches of the grasslands. The blackbuck (Indian antelope) wanders close to the cottages and you may even spot some endangered bird species. The lodge also provides safaris along with guides and spotters to help you get closer to wildlife and nature.
2. Maha Shivaratri Weekend
February 28, Thursday : Maharashi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti (Restricted Holiday)
March 1, Friday : Take leave
March 2, Saturday : Weekend
March 3, Sunday : Weekend
March 4, Monday : Maha Shivratri
Where to go?
RAAS Devigarh, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Nestled in the Aravali Hills close to the Eklingji and Nagda temples, this is a stunning hill-top palace that has been transformed into a luxurious and romantic retreat. Home to the royal family of Delwara from the mid-18th through mid-20th century, it combines traditional and contemporary vibes – the interiors were refashioned in a minimalist modern style emphasizing chic Indian design, local marble and semi-precious stones. The serene ambience is emphasized by the sound of fountain water, while the stone and natural landscaping create calm spaces that invite contemplation and bliss.
3. Holi Weekend
March 21, Thursday: Holi
March 22, Friday : Take leave
March 23, Saturday: Weekend
March 24, Sunday: Weekend
Where to go?
The Himalayan Village, Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
Savour natural treasures like divine mountain peaks, copious deodar forests and sprawling valleys with an interesting touch of the eco-friendly village life at this hideaway in the Himalayas. It is built in the ancient Kathkunia style, which is dry stacking stones and wood work, this hideaway totally retains its rustic elements. Their Machan-style rooms are steeped in local customs and traditions – exquisitely carved teak furniture, handmade Tussar silk curtains and traditional brass fittings which transport you into another world.
4. Easter/ Mahavir Jayanti Weekend
April 17, Wednesday : Mahavir Jayanti
April 18, Thursday: Take leave
April 19, Friday: Good Friday
April 20, Saturday : Weekend
April 21, Sunday : Easter Sunday
Where to go?
Kurumba Village Resort, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
The Kurumba Village Resort is a rare aromatic arena and the invigoratingly clean air here has to be breathed to be believed! This retreat has been built artfully in a 10-acre former spice plantation, sculpted into a hill and not a single tree has been harmed in the process. Pluck home-grown fruits and vegetables which the chef will then use to conduct a hands-on tribal cooking class followed by treks to the hills and lunches served atop the mountain.
5. Independence Day/ Raksha Bandhan Weekend
August 14, Wednesday : Take leave
August 15, Thursday : Independence Day/ Raksha Bandhan
August 16, Friday : Take leave
August 17, Saturday : Weekend
August 18, Sunday : Weekend
Where to go?
Vythiri Resort, Wayanad, Kerala
Sprawling over 150 acres, this retreat is undoubtedly a treasure trove for nature lovers, set amidst a tropical rainforest with stone-lined pathways covered by majestic trees.The cottages here are equipped with jacuzzis, private pools and the suite overlooks a stream to allow guests the luxury to fully experience the surrounding sights and sounds.
6. Ganesh Chaturthi Weekend
August 31, Saturday : Weekend
September 1, Sunday : Weekend
September 2, Monday : Ganesh Chaturthi
Where to go?
The Cocoon, Pangot, Uttarakhand
The Cocoon in Pangot – a relatively unexplored place in a heavily tourist destination. The Cocoon is India’s first cocoon tree hanging retreat constructed using sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Set at a height of 6300 feet above sea level this retreat offers adventure activities like trekking, mountain biking and exploring the surrounding forests.
7. Dusshera Weekend
October 5, Saturday : Weekend
October 6, Sunday : Weekend
October 7, Monday : Take leave
October 8, Tuesday : Dusshera and Durga Puja
Where to go?
Samode Safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh
The Samode Safari Lodge is an imensely private and remote lodge and is located adjacent to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve which has one of the highest density of tigers in the world. Key species you are likely to see apart from the tiger are leopards, spotted deer, nilgais, sloth bears and jungle cats etc. Enjoy barbecues around a campfire, long lazy poolside meals, or romantic dining in the privacy of your own chalet.
8. Diwali Weekend
October 26, Saturday :
October 27, Saturday ;
October 28, Monday: Diwali
October 29, Tuesday : Bhai Dooj (Restricted Holiday)
Where to go?
Malhar Machi, Pune, Maharashtra
The view of blue waters placed against the rugged Sahyadri mountains create a tranquility in one’s heart, found only in such untouched terrains.The panorama works its magic on the senses and really makes you stop and wonder about the captivating beauty of nature. In this hamlet which is painstakingly designed to emphasize on nature and rustic looks so that one immediately feels at home here in this mountainside retreat.
9. Guru Nanak Jayanti Weekend
November 9, Saturday:
November 10, Sunday
November 11, Monday : Take leave
November 12, Tuesday: Guru Nanak Jaynati
Tree of Life, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
This retreat is an oasis of peace and calm after an over-whelming experience of the city. Dive into spiritual and refreshing experiences like visiting the temples attending the evening aarti (prayer) or walking the small lanes which go back a thousand years make time stand still.
Which long weekend getaway are you most excited for? Comment below.
PlushEscapes Editor
Latest posts by PlushEscapes Editor (see all)
- LONG WEEKEND Alert! - August 4, 2022
- We are hot for these retreats, this summer - April 21, 2022
- How about an Isocation? - April 23, 2021