Upcoming Long Weekends 2023 India – Complete Updated List

Regret not having planned enough vacations in 2022 and unchecked items from your bucket list? Fret not, as with the New Year just around the corner, it’s time to look at the calendar once again and ensure you get your vacation plans right for 2023.

And do you know what’s amazing about the forthcoming year? Apart from a whole lot of new opportunities and exciting destinations, it is also full of long weekends. So, if you plan smartly, you can easily sneak in as many as six vacations in the year without needing to petition your office for those extra leaves.

Get ready then, and bring out the travel enthusiast inside you that’s always on the lookout for an opportunity to go out and explore! Do check out the list of the long weekends in 2023!

Long Weekend Dates (2023) & List of Places to Visit

1. January – Republic Day Weekend (Sissu in Himachal Pradesh)

• 26th January (Thursday) — Republic Day
• 27th January (Friday) — Take the day off
• 28th January (Saturday)
• 29th January (Sunday)

Weekends usually whiff off very quickly in running errands. However, long weekends are among those special times when you can plan a short and soothing vacation with family and friends. One such peaceful destination for a short vacation is Sissu in Himachal Pradesh. Also known as Khwaling, Sissu is situated on the right bank of the Chandra River at a distance of 40 km from Manali. The place is renowned for its majestic mountain ranges, pleasant weather conditions, and breathtaking views of the Sissu waterfall. Sissu serves as the base to the popular tourist destinations of Ladakh, Lahaul, and Spiti. Camping, hiking, trekking, and even stargazing are among the most popular activities in this area.

2. March – Ram Navami Weekend (Rishikesh)

• 30th March (Thursday) — Ram Navami
• 31st March (Friday) — Take a day off
• 1st April (Saturday)
• 2nd April (Sunday)

The period comprising March-end and early April is one of the best times of the year to travel as it marks the onset of the summer season. And the long weekend that follows Ram Navami will present an excellent opportunity to embark on a tranquil trip to Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, one of the most sought-after spiritual destinations in India. Nestled amidst the foothills of the Himalaya range, Rishikesh is surrounded by a limitless expanse of lush greenery through which the fast-flowing Ganges meanders. The destination has numerous temples, yoga ashrams and sacred ghats that attract innumerable visitors each year. Rishikesh is also an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts as the place offers enthralling activities such as river rafting and bungee jumping.

3. April – Good Friday Weekend (East Sikkim)

• 4th April (Tuesday) — Mahavir Jayanti
• 5th April (Wednesday) — Take the day off
• 6th April (Thursday) — Take the day off
• 7th April (Friday) — Good Friday
• 8th April (Saturday)
• 9th April (Sunday)

If you have always wanted to visit eastern India but never had the chance, the period around Good Friday is the perfect time to do so. The weather in Sikkim during April is extremely pleasant, wherein temperatures range between 10°C and 20°C. Tsomgo Lake is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Sikkim, and is located at a distance of just 38 km from Gangtok, the state capital. Perched at a heady altitude of 12,400 ft., the uphill ride to Tsomgo Lake requires navigating through a sinuous route that cuts through narrow cliffs and mountains. But you’ll soon realise the trip was worth every bit when the mesmerising views of the lake and its surroundings inebriate your senses. The Nathu La Pass (China border), Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial Temple, Hanuman Tok, and Rumtek Monastery are other attractions in the area worth visiting.

4. May – Buddha Purnima Weekend (Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh)

• 5th May (Friday) — Buddha Purnima
• 6th May (Saturday)
• 7th May (Sunday)

For a quick getaway full of adventure, there can be no better place than Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh. Bir is a tiny village nestled in nature’s lap amidst aesthetic and serene settings. Its location at an altitude of 5,000 ft offers views of stunning landscapes and snow-capped hills. Bir Billing is famous as the paragliding capital of India. The place also offers riveting activities such as mountain biking, hand gliding, and trekking, making the place ideal for adventure lovers. The Deer Park Institute, Bir Tea Factory, and the Chokling Monastery are the other places of interest at Bir Billing and its vicinity.

5. June – Bakra-Eid Weekend (Cherrapunji in Meghalaya)

• 29th June (Thursday) — Bakra-Eid
• 30th June (Friday) — Take a day off
• 1st July (Saturday)
• 2nd July (Sunday)

Just in case you missed vacationing in the long weekends during the first half of 2023, you still have another chance to redeem yourself by planning a short trip during the Bakra-Eid festival period. And one of the best places to visit during this time is Cherrapunji in Meghalaya.Touted as one of the wettest places in the entire world, the unversed visitor will get swamped by the abundance of natural caves, forests, thundering waterfalls, and thriving flora and fauna that make up Cherrapunji. It is truly an incredible place if you love to experience exotic cultures and indigenous tribes. Mawylyngnong, Asia’s cleanest village, is located nearby and offers an authentic exposure to Meghalaya’s delectable cuisine.

6. July – Guru Purnima Weekend (Goa)

• 1st July (Saturday)
• 2nd July (Sunday)
• 3rd July (Monday) — Guru Purnima

If you love parties, why not head to the most happening place in India—Goa! This coastal paradise is the most incredible party destination in the country, and ensures every tourist has a great time. Abounding with gorgeous beaches, glitzy nightlife, delightful cuisine, and thrilling watersports, Goa has something for everyone to lose themselves in. The state of Goa is divided into two districts: North and South Goa. While the north is famous for lively beaches such as Baga, Calangute, and Anjuna, the south is known for quieter beaches such as Palolem, Polem, and Butterfly. Adventure enthusiasts can also indulge in water activities, including diving, parasailing, and sea rafting, and have the time of their lives.

7. July – Muharram Weekend (Madikeri in Karnataka)

• 28th July (Friday) — Take the day off
• 29th July (Saturday) — Muharram
• 30th July (Sunday)

Another long weekend in July 2023 is during Muharram, when you can take a day off to go on a three-day vacation. You can make use of this weekend to visit Madikeri, an immensely picturesque hill station in Coorg district of Karnataka. Madikeri attracts tourists from all parts of the country given its lush green valleys, ravishing coffee gardens, fresh cardamom plantations, and a serene and peaceful environment. If you are a coffee lover, you must try out the different available varieties of the brew at the coffee gardens.  The incredible freshness and delightful aroma enveloping the gardens will transport you to another world. Do make it a point to also visit Raja’s Seat, Abbey Falls, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Iruppa Falls, and Madikeri Fort for an experience of a lifetime.

8. August – Independence Day Weekend (Valley of Flowers National Park, Uttarakhand)

• 12th August (Saturday)
• 13th August (Sunday)
• 14th August (Monday) — Take the day off
• 15th August (Tuesday) — Independence Day
• 16th August (Wednesday) — Parsi New Year

The first long weekend in August jostles with Independence Day. You can plan a short trip to the Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand during this period. July to September is the best time to visit the park as you can witness flowers in full bloom. Set against the fascinating backdrop of the majestic Himalaya range, the national park is spread over an 87-sq-km area. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to over 600 species of exotic flowers. You can also trek through the valley to watch delightful streams and cascading waterfalls enacting their endless journey.

9. October – Gandhi Jayanti Weekend (Hampi in Karnataka)

• 30th September (Saturday)
• 1st October (Sunday)
• 2nd October (Monday) — Gandhi Jayanti

Make the most of the long weekend around Gandhi Jayanti by visiting Hampi in Karnataka. Hampi is a small temple town steeped in history stretching back to millenia. A must-visit destination for tourists, Hampi offers incredible experiences that can be enjoyed in a three-day vacation. The temple town is situated along the banks of the Tungabhadra River. A visit to Hampi will transport you to bygone eras of emperors, kings, and other royalty. Hampi has several tourist spots, such as the Virupaksha Temple, Lotus Mahal, Vijaya Vittala Temple, Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple, and Queen’s Bath, among others.  The Hampi Bazaar is a famous shopping arcade, fit for those looking to pick up traditional handicraft.

10. October – Dussehra Weekend (Isha Temple in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu)

• 21st October (Saturday)
• 22nd October (Sunday)
• 23rd October (Monday) — Maha Navami (Restricted Holiday)
• 24th October (Tuesday) — Dussehra

The weekend during Dussehra in 2023 is a four-day long period wherein you can plan a holiday to relax your mind and senses. And the best place to do so is the Isha Temple, or the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Started by Sadhguru Vasudev in 1992, this yoga centre is situated in the lush and dense forests of the Velliangiri Hills. It covers a massive 150 acres of land, and showcases a humongous statue of Lord Shiva, considered as the first yoga guru. There are several attractions here, including the Dhayanalinga, the yogic temple, Theethakunds, a man-made pool with the lingam, Spanda Hall, a peaceful meditation hall, and the Linga Bhairavi temple.

11. December – Christmas Weekend (Udaipur)

• 23rd December (Saturday)
• 24th December (Sunday)
• 25th December (Monday) — Christmas

You can end 2023 on a great note by making the most of the long weekend during Christmas. And one of the best ways to finish the year in style is by visiting the royal city of Udaipur in Rajasthan. Famous as the City of Lakes, Udaipur beautifully showcases the mystical and colourful state of Rajasthan. The city has a wonderful history and a rich culture to boast of. Every building in Udaipur personifies the architectural grandeur of the Rajput era. The City Palace, Lake Pichola, Lake Garden, Vintage Car Museum, Bagore Ki Haveli, and Saheliyon Ki Bari are some of the prime spots of tourist interest in Udaipur. This is our quick roundup of the top destinations you can visit to make the best use of the long weekends in 2023. Consider making advance bookings for flights, trains, and hotels to avail the best bargains.

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