Long Weekends 2023- Plan Your Small Gateway Trips in India

Weekends always ignites our enthusiasm to do something exciting, whether going on a trip, party, or anything else, and if it is a long weekend, then the excitement increases tenfold.

Whenever the weekend comes, most of us think of a trip, but until we make a plan, the weekend slips away unexpectedly. With this blog, we will help you so that next time you do not miss the opportunity to plan for your weekend.

But you must be thinking that half a year has already passed; what now? Well, still, there are 6 months to go with, where there are many long weekends to plan a short trip with your loved ones and free yourself from your daily chores.

Weekends List

Below, we have put together a list of weekend getaways that might help you plan your trip in advance:

Long Weekends in July

Thursday, 29 June - Bakri Eid

Friday, 30 June - Take the day off

Saturday, 1 July

Sunday, 2 July

Suggestion- July is the month of Bakri Eid, a significant festival for the Muslim community. This festival will be celebrated on Thursday, June 29, 2023, where you can plan a short trip by taking a day off on Friday, June 30.

To witness the splendid festivities of Eid, you can plan to visit Lucknow, famously known as “Nawabo Ka Seher”. On this day, the state lights up with the vibrant celebrations of Bakri Eid.

The biggest celebration took place at the Aishbagh Idgah ground and the Asifi Masjid. Visiting Luknow during Bakri Eid will be a treat to your eyes and a truly delightful experience for the wanderlust.

Long Weekends in August

If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then you are in a treat with two long weekends in the month of August.

First long weekend:

Saturday, 12 August

Sunday, 13 August

Monday, 14 August - Take the day off

Tuesday, 15 August - Independence Day

Wednesday, 16 August - Parsi New Year (restricted)

Second long weekend:

Tuesday, 29 August - Onam (restricted)

Wednesday, 30 August - Raksha Bandhan (restricted)

Thursday, 31 August - Take the day off

Suggestion- August marks a few festivals providing a week-long holiday. One of the festivals celebrated in this month is Onam, the significant festival of Southern India.

This is an opportunity to indulge in the Onam celebrations by visiting the picturesque state of Kerala. The entire state is illuminated during this festival with vibrant festivities, cultural activities, various delicious, and much more.

In addition, you can also explore the enchanting side of Kerala by visiting some tourist places like Athirappilly Falls, Munnar Hill Station, Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach etc. So, what are you waiting for? This is the chance to make use of a week-long holiday. 

Long Weekends in September

First Long Weekend:

Thursday, 7 September - Janmashtami
Friday, 8 September - Take the day off.
Saturday, 9 September
Sunday, 10 September

Second Long Weekend:

Thursday, 28 September - Milad un-Nabi/Id-e-Milad
Friday, 29 September - Take the day off.
Saturday, 30 September
Sunday, 1 October
Monday, 2 October - Gandhi Jayanti

Suggestion- September emerges as another month that presents a week-long holiday. One of the notable festivals celebrated in this month is Janmashtami.

Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is well-known for the celebration of Janmashtami, and it is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the worship of Radha-Krishna.

Every year lakhs of devotees from India and abroad flock to Mathura to partake in the festivities of Janmashtami. During this festival, various festivities take place, where the entire city is decorated with shining lights and vibrant flowers.

We are sure, at least for once, you have wished to visit Mathura to witness the grandeur of Janmashtami, so here is the chance for you.

Long Weekends in October

Saturday, 21 October

Sunday, 22 October

Monday, 23 October - Maha Navmi (restricted)

Tuesday, 24 October - Dussehra

Suggestion- October is the month where the most awaited festival, Dussehra, is celebrated, and most of you might be thinking of going to your hometown. But this time, why don't you change your mind and embark on a trip to Gujarat or West Bengal after all, it's a weekend.

Yes, we are suggesting Gujarat or West Bengal as both states are famous for the extravagant celebration of Navratri and Durga Puja.

Not only this, but you can also explore remarkable destinations like Rann of Kutch, Dwarkadhish Temple etc., in Gujarat and iconic landmarks like Howrah Bridge, Sundarbans National Park etc., in West Bengal.

So, instead of heading to your hometown, consider planning a trip to Gujarat or West Bengal and have a good time with your family by involving yourself in the festive fervour of Navratri/Durga Puja.

Long Weekends in November

First Long Weekend:

Friday, 10 November - Take the day off
Saturday, 11 November
Sunday, 12 November - Diwali

Second Long Weekend:

Saturday, 25 November
Sunday, 26 November
Monday, 27 Guru Nanak Jayanti

Suggestion- November is the month celebrating the much-awaited festival Diwali-The festival of lights. This time you can celebrate Diwali differently because, in 2023, it falls on the weekend.

You can plan a trip to Delhi as the state has a lot to offer during Diwali, like vibrant Diwali markets and fairs, exquisite handicrafts, floating candles, etc.

Though it is a short weekend, but we assure you that you will not regret visiting Delhi and experiencing the grand festival of Diwali out there.

If you want, you can also explore some nearby places like India Gate, Qutub Minar, Red Fort and many more. Delhi is also very famous for its delectable street food, so if you plan to visit Delhi, try it while you’re there.

Long Weekends in December

Saturday, 23 December
Sunday, 24 December
Monday, 25 Christmas

Suggestion- December is the last month of the year, marking the second major festival of the year, Christmas, an important festival for the Christian community.

So if you are planning to celebrate Christmas away from home in India, we suggest going to Shillong in Meghalaya. With a significant Catholic population, Shillong embraces Christmas with great zeal and enthusiasm there.

Apart from the festival, you can also rejuvenate yourself in the tranquil beauty of Shillong with your loved ones. The state also offers various tourist destinations like Elephant Falls, Wards Lake, Shillong Peak etc. So, save time and start planning your Christmas 2023 in Shillong before the weekend slips away.

Conclusion

People who love to travel always look for opportunities to travel either on weekends or holidays. Keeping the excitement of travel alive, we have put together a long weekend where you can plan your trip well in advance.

Like in July, you can visit Lucknow, in August, Kerala, in September, Mathura in October, West Bengal and in November in Delhi. Although the months offer a long weekend and we are sure you would love to go for a short trip.

Visiting such places allows you to experience the vibrant celebrations of Diwali, Janmashtami, Onam and Bakra Eid. Taking a short break from a busy schedule is vital for physical and mental well-being and spending quality time with your loved ones.