Long Weekend Holidays are special for people who have corporate jobs. By taking one or a maximum of two leaves we get almost Four to Five days leaves to travel. Every year I make a calendar for Long weekend holiday for myself and plan my travels in advance. This year I thought of sharing this Long weekend Holiday Calendar for 2020 so that you can benefit and plan your holidays too.
If you are from Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi or Bangalore then this Long Weekend Holiday Calendar will help you to plan your perfect vacation during Long weekends in India. A small note before I start the local festival holidays may vary based on your company or state. However, I have taken into account the holidays given in 2020 by a few top companies in India. I have suggested the places where you should ideally based on the season however you always have an option to reshuffle the places where you want to travel during these Long weekend holidays in 2020.
So let’s begin the planning for Long weekend holidays in 2020.
If you want the PDF version of the Long Weekend Holiday Calendar , CLICK HERE to Download for Free.
If you want the PDF version of the Long Weekend Holiday Calendar , CLICK HERE to Download for Free.
Long Weekend Holidays in India in January 2020
The below calendar shows the Long weekend Holidays in January 2020 in India
15th January’2020: Pongal / Makar Sakranti - Bangalore/Delhi
23rd January ‘2020: Netaji Subhash Chandra Birthday : Kolkata
26th January ‘2020: Republic Day in India
First Long weekend of January in India
You have the potential of getting 5 days continuous Holiday if you can take leave for 2 days.
Where to Go from Bangalore during Long Weekend
The best trip during the month of January for 5 days can be Pondicherry or Puducherry.
Puducherry is just 7 hours by road from Bangalore. During this season the weather will be comfortable in Pondicherry. Take a cycle and roam on the roads of the French colony or just relax on the beach and pass your time with a book at various beautiful cafes in Pondicherry. Planning a trip to Pondicherry during the Long weekend holiday in 2020 is a perfect start for the year.
Where to Go from Delhi during Long Weekend
The best way to get the maximum out of this long weekend holiday is to travel to Rajasthan. You will be travel to Jaipur & Udaipur during this 5 days long weekend holiday.
Second Long weekend of January in India
One leave and you will get 4 days Long weekend Holiday. Take leave on Friday and you will get 4 days of a Long weekend holiday.
Where to Go from Kolkata during Long Weekend
One of the best places to go during the winters from Kolkata is North Bengal and there is some special charm of Kurseong.
Kurseong is also called the land of white orchids and you can see it in full bloom during the winters. Kurseong is one-night journey by train and then 1.5 hours by road.
Enjoy Darjeeling tea while you watch the mountains engulfed in winter fog and enjoy the romanticism in the air.
Long Weekend Holidays in India in February 2020
The below calendar shows the Long weekend Holidays in February 2020 in India
31st January’2020 : Saraswati Puja: Kolkata
21st February ‘2020 : Maha Shiv Ratri: India ( Restricted Holiday)
Not much Long weekend Holidays are there in the month of February.
First Long weekend of February in India
Not many offices give leaves on Saraswati Puja however if you can arrange for a leave on 31stJanuary you will get 3 days of Long Weekend Holiday in February.
Where to Go from Kolkata during Long Weekend
If you are interested in wildlife and just want to relax on a boat while you sail on the river Ganges then head to Sunderbans.
Sunderbans is a must-visit place where you can watch the unique flora and fauna of the mangroves.
Read my Blogpost on Sunderban to know more about planning your travel to Sunderbans.
Second Long weekend of February in India
Again 21st February is a restricted holiday and if your office allows you can take a leave and get holiday for 3 days by clubbing the weekend.
There is nothing like exploring one own’s city.If I were in your place I would love to explore my own city during these 3 days and when I am saying explore my own city I mean find out the hidden places in my own city. The following are the places which you can visit in your own city.
Where to Go from Kolkata during Long Weekend
Explore the streets of Kolkata and have authentic Bengali sweets and food.
Indulge in a culinary experience of authentic Bengali Food in Heritage restaurants which are more than 100 years old. Read this blog post to know more.
Winters in Kolkata is synonymous with Nolen Gurer Misti ( Sweets made of Date Palm Jaggery). Explore the heritage sweet shops dating back to 1835 and enjoy the sweet delicacies that Kolkata has to offer. Read this blogpost for details.
Where to Go from Delhi during Long Weekend
Head to explore the Baolis of Delhi. The Baolis are step wells which are an architectural marvel. The oldest Baolis can be found dating 1210 AD in Delhi. Explore the amazing Baolis of Delhi during this weekend.
Where to Go from Mumbai during Long Weekend
Head to Mazagaon( or also spelled as Mazgaon). Mazagaon is one of the seven islands of Mumbai where you can find Portuguese architecture and you can see various colorful buildings of the era.
Also head to visit the Portuguese homes at the heritage village called Kotachi Wadi.
Don’t miss the Pandavkada Falls which is situated in Kharghar. Its approximately 1.5 hours drive from Bandra. Don’t miss to visit the nearby Buddhist Caves & Kharghar Hills.
Where to Go from Bangalore during Long Weekend
Bangalore is not only known for the IT companies and pubs but have many hidden places which can be explored during the Long weekend holidays.
If you have read Malgudi days then you must know that RK Narayan has named Malgudi after his two favorite areas Malleswaram & Basavangudi in Bangalore. Head to these two areas to explore the old world charm, amazing traditional heritage homes & tree-lined streets.
Next day explore the last surviving forest of Bangalore – The Turahalli Forest. You can’t take a vehicle inside but you always explore the forest on a cycle. This will be the perfect getaway during the long holiday weekend in 2020.
Long Weekend Holidays in India in March 2020
First Long weekend of March in India
9th March 2020: Doljatra : Kolkata
10th March 2020 : Holi : All India
The colorful month when Holi is celebrated doesn’t disappoint this year. To enjoy Holi entire India will get Long weekend holiday and every state will get 4 days holiday.
If you are from Kolkata you will get only 3 days of Long weekend holiday as Doljatra is on Monday.
Kolkata
All India
One of the most colourful festivals in the world has to be Holi Festival which is celebrated in India every year. Holi festival is also known as the festival of colour. People use holi colours to smear each other.Holi festival is a fusion of colours when the entire atmosphere becomes extremely colourful.
Enjoy the festival of Holi in true Krishna style at Mathura.
This is once in a lifetime experience and extremely colorful. This shouldn’t be missed at all.
Read my detailed blogposton how to celebrate Holi in Mathura during the long weekend holiday.
Second Long weekend in March in India
25th March : Gudi Padwa/Ugadi : Bangalore & Mumbai
As per the Hindu lunar calendar, the New Year comes with opening of the month of Chaitra.This day is celebrated as Gudi Padwa in Maharastra or Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh. This day is celebrated mostly with families.
However if you are from Mumbai or Bangalore this is the perfect time to take just 2 days leave and in return you will get 5 days of Long Weekend Holidays.
Long Weekend Getaway from Mumbai and Bangalore
Go to Goa and enjoy Gudi Padwa/Ugadi. It is the best time to visit Goa as most of the Tourists have left and prices have come down. You can have beaches all for yourself and enjoy a secluded holiday.
Read my blogpost on Hidden Beaches in Goa
Long Weekend Getaway from Mumbai
You can go to Ratnagiri which is approximately 350 Kms from Mumbai. The places to visit in Ratnagiri are Ganapatipule Beach, Anjarle Beach, Guhagar Beach, Bhagwati Fort or Ratnadurga, Thiba Palace
Long Weekend Getaway from Bangalore
Before the summer season begins visit Chikmanglur or Coorg which are both approximately 300 km and perfect hill town to enjoy during this long weekend of 2020 before the summer season sets in.
Long Weekend Holidays in India in April 2020
The following are the Holidays in April.
2nd April : Ram Navami: Delhi , Mumbai
10th April : Good Friday: Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi
14th April: Bengali & Tamil New Year: Kolkata, Chennai
First Long weekend Holiday of April in India
Mumbai & Delhi will have two long weekend for holiday in April. The first one is for Ram Navami.
By taking one day Leave you can get a long weekend holiday for 4 days.
Where to Go from Delhi during Long Weekend in April
Before the Summer season peaks, you can either go to Jim Corbett National Park is famous for Tigers and wildlife or else you can head to Kufri.
Kufri is one of the most beautiful places one can go from Delhi. Kufri is approximately 370 Kms from Delhi and is one of the popular weekend getaways from. This beautiful hill station also serves as the starting point for treks to Manali and Shimla. Go to the local bazaar and take a leisure walk to know more about the culture of this place.
Where to Go from Mumbai during Long Weekend in April
If you are interested in history then head to Ajanta & Ellora caves which is approximately 350 kms by road.
The nearest railway station is Jalgaon city or Aurangabad station. Ajanta & Ellora caves are the UNESCO World Heritage site and are a must visit during the Long weekend of 2020. The Ajanta Caves are approx 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave which dates from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. The Ellora caves are one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world built between 600-1000 CE Period.
The caves include paintings and rock-cut sculptures described as among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive paintings that present emotions through gesture, pose and form.
Second Long weekend holiday of April in India
The second long weekend holiday is mainly Bangalore, Mumbai & Delhi. This long weekend holiday is for 3 days and hence I would recommend a few places which are relaxing in nature.
Long Weekend Getaway from Delhi
Just 125 kms from Delhi there is an amazing historical place called Neemrana which will be the perfect weekend getaway during this long weekend holiday. Take a peek into India’s historic and royal past at the 15th century Neemrana Fort Palace. Take a camel ride around the fortress to explore the lush green surroundings. Make sure you try the zip-lining in the Fort Centre. Neemrana Baoli is another must visit the site.
Long Weekend Getaway from Mumbai
Head to Panchgani & Mahabaleswar during this long weekend holiday from Mumbai. Mahabaleshwar is a quiet and misty hill station near Mumbai that boasts of one of the few evergreen forests in the country.
Once served as the summer capital under the British government for the Bombay province, today is a fun and adventurous weekend getaway for the Mumbaikars. Nestled between five hills of the Western Ghats, Panchgani is aptly named and one of the most adored hill stations in Maharashtra.
The town is blessed with pleasant weather all year round and calls for an appealing weekend retreat for nearby cities. Come here to spend tranquil moments with your loved ones. The journey from Mumbai to Panchgani is also breathtaking.
Long Weekend Getaway from Bangalore
Sakleshpur is a quaint hill station set in the magical domain of the Western Ghats at an elevation of 956 meters. Located in Karnataka, this pretty hill station is known for its trekking trails, historical landmarks, and rich wildlife.
For vacationers are interested in peacefully enjoy the refreshing atmosphere, Sakleshpur has a wide range of comfortable accommodations available. So whether you want to spend your break basking in the lap of nature or exploring a collection of historical monuments, Sakleshpur is one of the ideal weekend getaways around Bangalore.
Third Long weekend holiday of April in India
This long weekend is exclusive for the Eastern Part of India mainly Kolkata & West Bengal as it’s the Bengali New Year. By taking leave for one day you can get a 4 days long weekend holiday in April.
Where to Go from Kolkata during Long Weekend in April
Ditch Darjeeling and head to Lamahatta instead in the month of April.
Lamahatta is located at an altitude of approximately 5,700 feet and is just 23 km from Darjeeling. To reach Lamahatta take a car from NJP station to Jorbanglow near Ghoom . Once you reach Jorbanglow you need to take another shared taxi for Lamahatta. Lamahatta is well connected by the Darjeeling-Kalimpong state highway.
Lamahatta is a small village where farming and cattle rearing are the main sources of livelihood.The main inhabitants here are tribes like Sherpas, Yalmos, Tamangs, Bhutias and Dukpas. Major attraction of Lamahatta are the parks and two beautiful ponds called “Jore Pokhari”. You can sit near the ponds for entire day and soak in the serenity and the peace at Lamahatta.
Long Weekend Holidays in India in May 2020
May has two long weekend holidays and it’s more or less applicable for entire India.
1st May: Labour Day/Mayday: All India
25th May : Id-Ul-Fitre: All India
Since both the long weekend holidays are applicable for All India I will not bifurcate the sections rather put it in One section.
In May the weather will be hot, so the best way to beat the heat is to escape to a hill station during the Long weekend holiday in May. So I will suggest hill stations to spend the long weekend holidays during the summer season.
Where to Go from Delhi during Long Weekend in May
To escape Delhi heat, head to Rishikesh for the 1st May. Rishikesh is a hub of temples, cafes, yoga ashrams & adventure sports. Make sure to stop by the Beatles Ashram in Rishikesh. Made famous by the English band, the ashram premises have a lush growth of green patched and beautiful artwork. It is said that Beatles had written few songs while staying here in this ashram.
During the Id-ul-Fitr long weekend holiday head to Chail. Chail is one of the perfect hill station in Himachal Pradesh and a great weekend getaway during the long weekend holiday in May 2020. Chail served as the erstwhile the summer capital of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of the princely state of Patiala and is popularly known for housing the world’s highest cricket ground built-in 1893.
Where to Go from Kolkata during Long Weekend in May
Head to Bagora in North Bengal in the first half of a long weekend holiday.
Bagora & Chimney are two villages near Kurseong is approximately 10 km. Bagora offers serenity and peace and is a perfect place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life. You have to take a right turn from Kurseong to reach Bagora via Dow Hill Road.
There are many rewarding walks and trekking trails from Bagora, which is known as zero point. A short stroll will take you near the core area of Kurseong Air Force base, from where you can enjoy a view of the vast expanse of the Teesta. Relax under the turquoise sky and enjoy the view of the icy mountains.
During the 25th May long weekend holiday head to Bhalukhop near Kalimpong. Bhalukhop Khasmahal village is located in Kalimpong which is extremely peaceful and a perfect weekend getaway. After reaching Kalimpong you need to hire a taxi which will take approximately 30 minutes to reach Bhalukhop. Just like Bagora, this village is extremely picturesque. There are many homestays in Bhalukhop.
Where to Go from Bangalore during Long Weekend in May
There are not many hill stations which you can visit from Bangalore and even there are few that are not at a very high altitude.
In the first long weekend holiday, you can head to Wayanad which is approximately 280 km from Bangalore. Wayanad is majorly known for its unique collection of natural marvels. From caves and waterfalls to rich biodiversity thriving in its wildlife sanctuary, there is so much to see in this hill station in Kerala.
On the second long weekend holiday during the Id-ul-Fitr you can visit the Saklespur which is approximately 250 Kms from Bangalore. This hill station is just at an elevation of 900 meters and makes the perfect weekend getaway from Bangalore.
Where to Go from Mumbai during Long Weekend in May
Visit Matheran hill station during the 1st May Long weekend holiday. Matheran is on the western ghats and is at an elevation of approximate 2500 meters. A ride on the Neral-Matheran toy train is something that one must experience.
It is difficult to find hill stations from Mumbai due to its geographical location. Hence with no other option left head to Lonavala & Khandala where every Mumbaikar heads during a long weekend vacation.
Long Weekend Holidays in India in June 2020
Sadly there are no long weekend holidays in the month of June. If you are from Kolkata and is extremely lucky then you might get a holiday on 23rdJune on the occasion of Rath Yatra. However none of the IT/Telecom/FMCG companies whose holiday calendar I have referred doesn’t have Rath Yatra as a Holiday and hence there are no long weekend holidays in June.
Long Weekend Holidays in India in July and August 2020
There are not many long weekend holidays during July & August and hence I will club the months of July & August for the long weekend holiday calendar.
If your office gives a leave on Raksha Bandhan then you have a really long 5 days weekend holiday or else you have just 3 days holiday.
It’s the rainy season so the best way to enjoy rains is to go to a destination that turns into beauty during the rainy season. Let's see the list of places where you should go on this long weekend holiday to enjoy the rains.
Long Weekend Getaway From Delhi
If you are getting 5 days leave then from Delhi goes to Jaipur and then to Mandawa.
Mandawa is one of the little known treasures of Rajasthan and is the perfect place to enjoy the Long weekend holiday. Mandawa’s Havelis are extremely colorful. The walls of these haveli’s in Mandawa are beautifully adorned with paintings. Since there’s a showcase of art everywhere in Mandawa, it often is also regarded as ‘Open Air Art Gallery’. It is just 170 km from Jaipur and 260 km from Delhi.
Long Weekend Holiday Getaway From Mumbai
Mumbai steals the show during the monsoon. There are lots of places from Mumbai which turns magical during the monsoons. I would recommend you to go Malshej Ghat, Bhandardara ( a hidden weekend getaway), Harihareshwar, Amboli or Tapola during this long weekend holiday to enjoy the monsoons.
Long Weekend Getaway From Kolkata
Mawsynram and Cherrapunji are synonymous with monsoons. So the best way to enjoy the monsoons to head to these places from Kolkata during the long weekend holiday and if you are getting 5 days leave. If you are getting only 3 days long weekend holiday then you will not be able to go. Head to Mandarmani to enjoy the monsoons on the beach if you are getting 3 days leave.
Long Weekend Getaway From Bangalore
Agumbeis a small town in Shimoga district of Karnataka and turns extremely scenic during the monsoons. Agumbe is known for its high rainfall and dense forests full of reptiles and other plants and animals. The rainforests surrounding Agumbe is part of the Someshwara Wildlife Sanctuary. Agumbe is also called as the Cherrapunji of the South.
Long Weekend Holidays in India in September 2020
Just like June, September doesn’t have much long weekend holiday. You will get only a long weekend if you are in Mumbai or Bangalore.
31st August : Onam : Bangalore
1st September : Ganesh Visarjan : Mumbai
Where to Go from Bangalore during Long Weekend in September
Bangalore will get 3 days of long weekend leave during the festival of Onam. Head to Dandeli which is approximately 400 km from Bangalore and is famous for Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary. If you are lucky you can see black panthers & elephants. You should visit River Kali, Shiroli Peak, Sykes Point, Kavala Caves, Sathodi Falls at Dandeli.
Where to Go from Mumbai during Long Weekend in September
When its Maharastra’s biggest festival why do you want to go out of Mumbai rather enjoy the immersion of Ganesh Idols which take place.
Long Weekend Holidays in India in October 2020
All the cities – Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi & Bangalore will get 2 long weekend holiday in October for 3 days each. If you stay in Kolkata or work here you will get an added bonus of a 3 days long weekend holiday turning into 4 days long weekend holiday in the month of October.
2nd October : Gandhi Jayanti : All India
23rd October : Saptami Durga Puja : Kolkata
26th October : Dusshera : All India
First Long weekend holiday in October:
Long Weekend Holiday Getaway From Mumbai
One of the few amazing places you can go from Mumbai on long weekend holidays is Karnala.
Karnala is famous for its scenic views, bird sanctuary, and the exciting Karnala Fort trek. Also called the Funnel Hill trek, it is an easy but enticing trek. The hillfort is within the Karnala Bird Sanctuary which is home to stunning bird species, therefore, a haven for birdwatchers. The soothing landscape brimming with natural beauty will ensure a time well spent.
Long Weekend Holiday Getaway From Delhi
Head to Bir Billing from Delhi during this long weekend holiday. Paragliding is one activity that you can do in Bir Billing. Bir Billing is an offbeat village in Himachal Pradesh and features in an endless list of best places to visit in India. Go for treks in Bir Billing, enjoy the seminomadic villages.
Long Weekend Holiday Getaway From Bangalore
Visit Hampi from Bangalore and October is a perfect time. Hampi was the capital of Vijaynagiri empire in the early years. It is one of the most beautiful locations in India. Hampi is around 6 hours from Bangalore.You would require 2-3 days to visit all the places in Hampi.
Long Weekend Holiday Getaway From Kolkata
Soak in some history of the Nawabs and head to Murshidabad. The Battle of Plassey played an important turning point in the history of India which established the colonial rule in India. Head to Murshidabad and immerse yourself in history.
Second Long weekend holiday in October
If you are from Delhi, Mumbai & Bangalore then Kolkata is the place to enjoy the Durga Puja during this long weekend holiday in India. One of the largest festivals in India is Durga Puja.
To give you a scale of the event - You can take the craze of Christmas in London, Summer Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Valentine's day in Paris and then add it to the month-long madness of Olympic Games or the World Cup and cram all that into a span of 5 days and you still wouldn't know what you are missing if you haven't been in Kolkata during Durga Puja.
This can throw a glimpse at the grandeur and magnificence of the festival, but you will not be familiar with this festival until and unless you visit the City of Joy- Kolkata.
Long Weekend Holidays in India in November 2020
November doesn’t have many long weekends.
You will get 4 days of a long weekend holiday in November. These holidays will be majorly for Mumbai, Delhi & Bangalore.
Where to Go from Mumbai during Long Weekend in September
Head to Revdanda beach which is approximately 100 km from Mumbai. The village Revdanda is an amazing place for a relaxing holiday. The shores of Revdanda beach is pristine and taking a stroll here with refresh you. The sunset on Revdanda beach and the local cuisines is something you shouldn’t miss. You can also go exploring the historic sites, forts, temples, old churches and chapels.
Where to Go from Bangalore during Long Weekend in September
The best place to begin the winters from Bangalore is Ooty. This is the perfect long weekend destination from Bangalore. Don’t forget to taste the various homemade chocolates available here.
Where to Go from Delhi during Long Weekend in September
Once you are done celebrating Diwali head to a weekend getaway for a couple of days from Delhi.
Head to Nahan which is approximately 250 Kms from Delhi. Nahan is a small village in the Shivalik Range in Himachal. Nahan has green meadows, winding trekking trails, old temples, gorgeous lakes. Nahan is extremely romantic.
Long Weekend Holidays in India in December 2020
Entire India will be soaked in Christmas and New Year celebrations. There is only one long weekend holiday in December. Entire India will be able to enjoy this Long weekend holiday.
25th December: Christmas
The best way to enjoy Christmas is celebrating the real authentic way. Head to the nearest church and enjoy Christmas over wine and Christmas cakes.
Hope Shoestring Travel has been able to contribute to your travel plan in 2020. Let us know your travel plans and travel experiences during the Long Weekend Holidays.
Happy New Year 2020
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