As 2025 unfolds, it brings with it numerous opportunities for extended breaks, thanks to well-placed public holidays. For those who love to travel or simply want to relax, planning ahead can help turn ordinary weekends into long, rejuvenating getaways. With strategic leave planning, you can maximize your time off and explore new destinations, indulge in self-care, or spend quality time with loved ones.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of all the long weekends in India for 2025, along with travel recommendations, tips, and insights into how to make the most of these valuable breaks.
January 2025
1. January 11-14 (Saturday to Tuesday)
- Holiday: Makar Sankranti (Tuesday, January 14)
- Leave Required: Monday, January 13
- Total Days Off: 4
January starts off strong with a potential four-day weekend if you take Monday off. Makar Sankranti is widely celebrated across India, with special kite-flying festivals in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Recommended Destinations: Jaipur for the Kite Festival, Gujarat’s Rann of Kutch for the Rann Utsav, or Varanasi for a spiritual retreat along the Ganges.
2. January 25-27 (Saturday to Monday)
- Holiday: Republic Day (Sunday, January 26)
- Leave Required: Monday, January 27 (for those with Sunday working)
- Total Days Off: 3
Republic Day is a national holiday, and while it falls on a Sunday this year, some workplaces may offer an alternative holiday on Monday, creating a three-day break.
Recommended Destinations: Take a short trip to Coorg, Karnataka for coffee plantations and nature walks, or visit the desert city of Jaisalmer for a thrilling camel safari experience.
March 2025
3. March 13-16 (Thursday to Sunday)
- Holiday: Holi (Friday, March 14)
- Leave Required: Thursday, March 13
- Total Days Off: 4
Holi, the festival of colors, is best experienced in northern India. By taking a leave on Thursday, you get a long four-day break.
Recommended Destinations: Mathura and Vrindavan for a traditional Holi experience, Rishikesh for adventure sports, or Pushkar, Rajasthan, for a unique and cultural festival experience.
4. March 29-31 (Saturday to Monday)
- Holiday: Eid-ul-Fitr (Monday, March 31)
- Total Days Off: 3
A natural long weekend that gives an excellent opportunity to take a quick trip before the summer heat kicks in.
Recommended Destinations: Hyderabad for its historic sites, Kerala’s Alleppey for backwater houseboat stays, or Darjeeling for a cool mountain retreat.
April 2025
5. April 10-13 (Thursday to Sunday)
- Holiday: Mahavir Jayanti (Thursday, April 10)
- Leave Required: Friday, April 11
- Total Days Off: 4
Another four-day weekend is possible if you take a leave on Friday.
Recommended Destinations: Mussoorie’s lush green hills, Wayanad’s spice plantations, or a serene retreat in Munnar’s tea gardens.
6. April 18-20 (Friday to Sunday)
- Holiday: Good Friday (April 18)
- Total Days Off: 3
Good Friday is widely observed in Christian-majority regions like Goa and Kerala.
Recommended Destinations: Enjoy the peaceful backwaters of Alleppey, take a cultural tour of Kochi, or unwind in Ooty’s cool climate.
May 2025
7. May 10-12 (Saturday to Monday)
- Holiday: Buddha Purnima (Monday, May 12)
- Total Days Off: 3
This long weekend in the pre-monsoon season is perfect for cooler getaways.
Recommended Destinations: Sikkim for the Buddhist monasteries, Ladakh for high-altitude adventure, or Rishikesh for yoga and meditation.
August 2025
8. August 15-17 (Friday to Sunday)
- Holiday: Independence Day (Friday, August 15)
- Total Days Off: 3
A classic long weekend where you can travel without needing additional leave.
Recommended Destinations: Udaipur for its lakes, Mahabaleshwar for a monsoon escape, or Goa for scenic beaches.
October 2025
9. October 1-5 (Wednesday to Sunday)
- Holidays: Dussehra (Thursday, October 2), Gandhi Jayanti (Wednesday, October 1)
- Leave Required: Friday, October 3
- Total Days Off: 5
A fantastic five-day break with just one leave!
Recommended Destinations: Mysore for the grand Dussehra celebrations, Kaziranga National Park for wildlife enthusiasts, or Munnar for a scenic mountain retreat.
10. October 30-November 2 (Thursday to Sunday)
- Holiday: Diwali (Thursday, October 30)
- Leave Required: Friday, October 31
- Total Days Off: 4
The biggest festival in India is also an opportunity to travel or celebrate with family.
Recommended Destinations: Jaipur for Diwali lights, Varanasi for Ganga Aarti, or a quiet retreat in Coorg.
December 2025
11. December 25-28 (Thursday to Sunday)
- Holiday: Christmas (Thursday, December 25)
- Leave Required: Friday, December 26
- Total Days Off: 4
Wrap up the year with a holiday escape.
Recommended Destinations: Shillong for its winter beauty, Shimla for a white Christmas, or Pondicherry for a French-inspired beach holiday.
Tips for Making the Most of Long Weekends
- Plan Ahead: Book flights, trains, and hotels in advance to avoid high costs.
- Choose Less Crowded Destinations: Consider offbeat places instead of tourist-heavy spots.
- Try Local Experiences: Festivals, food, and cultural activities can make your trip more memorable.
- Balance Rest and Adventure: Don’t overbook your itinerary—leave time to relax.
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