2020 has been a year that gave all of us a roller coaster ride. From hangouts with friends, dine out with family, sitting next to your colleagues in Cafeteria, planning trip to mountains suddenly we were constrained to keeping ourselves in a closed boundary for months. It may not have been ideal, but there is always light after dark. With the world getting back to a new normal, we are all set to make our travel plans. 2021 is not far away, and it is packed with quite a few long weekends!
If you are someone who loves to plan upfront for vacation then you are at the right place. And no worry, these long weekends won't ask you for long leaves to be filed long before while nagging with your Boss...
Here's an awesome list of 13 mini-vacations you can take in 2021. So, take your pick and get planning on those vacations you missed out on.
January
This month is one of the most awesome months of the year 2021. It has got 3 long weekends. Wow!
1. New Year’s Day
Thursday, December 31 – Take the day off
Friday, January 1 – New Year’s Day (gazetted holiday)
Saturday, January 2 - Weekend
Sunday, January 3 - Weekend
Where to Go: Auli/ Chikmaglur
Imagine waking up to the smell of freshly roasting coffee or holding a hot cup of tea surrounded by snow-clad Mountains on the first day of a new year.
If you’re thinking about unwinding with bae in the arms of nature, Auli is the place to be. Known for being the skiing destination of India, Auli in Uttarakhand is perfect to visit in January.
Read more about places to visit in Auli
Located close to the region’s hilltop temples, coffee plantations, and national parks, Chikmagalur is surely an off-beaten place to kick start the 2021 travel calendar with.
Read more about places to explore in Chikmagalur
2. Makar Sankranti, Pongal
Thursday, January 14 – Makar Sankranti, Pongal (Restricted Holiday)
Friday, January 15 – Take the day off
Saturday, January 16 - Weekend
Sunday, January 17 - Weekend
Where to Go: Ahmedabad for the Kite Festival
The Heritage city of Ahmedabad is famous for its Uttarayan revelry as people and families gather on the Pol terraces to fly kites with utmost enthusiasm. The festivity is marked with authentic Gujarati dishes. See a sky filled with thousands of multicolored kites of various shapes and sizes at the Sabarmati River Front in Ahmedabad or move to the localities of the city to witness the gung-ho, this festival will set your expectations high.
Read more about the places to explore in Ahemedabad
3. Republic Day
Saturday, January 23 - Weekend
Sunday, January 24 - Weekend
Monday, January 25 – Take the day off
Tuesday, January 26 – Republic Day (Gazetted Holiday)
Where to Go: Goa
January is one of Goa's coolest months. The limited humidity and lower temperatures experienced in January makes Goa pleasant. Also, it's right after the holiday crowd has disappeared after Christmas and New Year celebrations, and the properties become much cheaper.
Read more about places to explore in Goa
February
Unfortunately, there is no long weekend in February.
You can definitely plan The Rann of Kutch for the Rann Utsav over any weekend. It is a Carnival of Music, Dance, nature beauty of White Rann and much more than that when visit under the full Moon. It will end on 28th February 2021.
Read more about things to do in Rann of Kutch
March
4. Maha Shivratri
Thursday, March 11 – Maha Shivratri (restricted holiday)
Friday, March 12 – Take the day off
Saturday, March 13 - Weekend
Sunday, March 14 - Weekend
Where to Go: Puducherry
Blossoming bougainvilleas, crumbling cathedrals on leafy boulevards and 18th-century colonial buildings color the former French colony of Pondy, which is still popularly known by its old name of Pondicherry. It’s delightful to simply walk through this quaint European-looking town, and idling at one of its cafes, reading a book and savoring continental dishes. Whereas, a visit to the serene Aurobindo Ashram and partaking in its simple community lunch — tops the surreal experience.
Read more about places to explore in Pondicherry
5. Holi
Friday, March 26 – Take the day off
Saturday, March 27 - Weekend
Sunday, March 28 - Weekend
Monday, March 29 – Holi (Gazetted Holiday)
Where to Go: Mathura Vrindavan
While Holi is celebrated in almost every part of India, Holi in Braj is especially famous. It is on the ghats of Mathura – the birthplace of Krishna where Holi is celebrated in the wildest, yet colorful and sane revelry. With sticks, shields, colors, and canons of water, the Holi celebration here is a must-have experience. If you are game for an epic Holi this year, then head to Vrindavan.
Read more about places to explore in Mathura-Vrindavan
April
6. Good Friday
Thursday, April 1 – Take the day off
Friday, April 2 – Good Friday
Saturday, April 3 - Weekend
Sunday, April 4 – Easter Sunday
Where to Go: Kasol, Himachal Pradesh
This is a great time to embark upon any of the wonderful treks surrounding Kasol. The weather is extremely pleasant and you can peacefully sit along the banks of the Parvati River, amid the picturesque Parvati Valley. You can enjoy the cafe hopping, explore nearby beautiful treks like Kheerganga, Grahan, Malana. Explore beautiful Himachal villages like Tosh, Kalga-Pulga-Tulga or visit hot water springs at Manikaran, Kasol has got everything.
Read more about places to Explore in Kasol
Looking for a workcation guide? Read here
7. Ugadi
Saturday, April 10 - Weekend
Sunday, April 11 - Weekend
Monday, April 12 – Take the day off
Tuesday, April 13 – Ugadi (restricted)
Wednesday, April 14 – Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti (restricted)
Where to Go: Kerala
The magical land of god- Kerala, is one of the most beautiful places on earth, filled with tropical beaches, coconuts, shimmering backwaters, a tropical climate, a rich cultural tradition, and the elephants, is one of the best places to plan a vacation. From indulging in ayurvedic treatments to local cuisines, there’s a lot that will make your trip experience enriching.
Plan to visit Munnar, Alleppey, Wayanad for a surreal experience.
Read more about the places to explore in Kerala
May
8. Eid ul-Fitr
Thursday, May 13 – Eid ul-Fitr
Friday, May 14 – Take the day off
Saturday, May 15 - Weekend
Sunday, May 16 - Weekend
Where to Go: Darjeeling & Sikkim
A 4-day long weekend is perfect for exploring a far-off place and Sikkim is an ideal vacation destination. Enjoy the tea-plantations in Darjeeling and indulge in the greenery. Then head to Sikkim to the valley of Flowers in Yumthang, which is a nature sanctuary with a river, hot springs, yaks, and grazing pasture on rolling meadows surrounded by the Himalayan mountains.
Gurudongmar Lake
Read more about places to explore in Sikkim
June
Unfortunately, the month of June does not offer a long weekend. However, you can spend a regular weekend exploring your nearest town. Few recommendations:
Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
Mysore, Karnataka
July
9. Eid al-Adha
Saturday, July 17 - Weekend
Sunday, July 18 - Weekend
Monday, July 19 – Take the day off
Tuesday, July 20 – Bakri Eid (restricted holiday)
Where to Go: Meghalaya
Monsoon is the best season to enjoy the awesome waterfalls and lakes in Meghalaya. Enjoy showers of nature while trekking to double decker root bridge and Rainbow Waterfalls. Head to Dawki to enjoy boating in Crystal clear water and take a walk in the Cleanest village of Asia, Mawlynnong.
Mawlynnong
Read more about the places to explore in Meghalaya
August
10. Janmashtami
Friday, August 27 - Take a day off
Saturday, August 28 - Weekend
Sunday, August 29 - Weekend
Monday, August 30 – Janmashtami (Restricted Holiday)
Where to Go: Pahalgam, Kashmir
Kashmir valley is 'heaven on earth' and you can enjoy all that it offers. The blossoms of spring and the cool weather of summer creates it a perfect destination. The sparkling water of River Liddar, which flows near Pahalgam, has several picnic spots around it. One can see the saffron plants and explore nearby places on horseback. It's a scenic place and Betaab Valley would make you fall in love with it even more.
Pahalgam. Credits: Sasha Menon
Read more about places to explore in Kashmir
September
11. Ganesh Chaturthi
Friday, September 10 – Ganesh Chaturthi
Saturday, September 11 - Weekend
Sunday, September 12 - Weekend
Monday, September 13 – Take the day off
Where to Go: Paragliding in Bir-Billing
This place is emerging as a paragliding hub in India. Apart from taking this adventure, you can do loads of other things as well. Bir is also known for its soulful Tibetian monasteries set amidst scenic and peaceful setting. There are many 1-day treks as well which you can explore or take a stroll in the Bir market. Dharamshala is 2 hours drive so you can enjoy the picturesque cricket stadium as well.
Read more about the places to explore in Bir
October
12. Dussehra
Friday, October 15 – Dussehra
Saturday, October 16 - Weekend
Sunday, October 17 - Weekend
Monday, October 18 – Take the day off
Where to Go: West Bengal
Bengal calls you out for experiencing the biggest festival of Bengal. Experience the joy and festivity of Durga Puja!
Things to explore in Durga Pooja in West Bengal
OR
Experience Autumn in Spiti: Head to Manali and welcome the Winter season. Atal Tunnel now connected Manali to Spiti and you can head to Sissu and Keylong to enjoy the Autumn. Spiti is in fully-fledged Autumn vibes in this months and perfect for a road trip.
Read more about exploring Sissu-Keylong
November
13. Diwali
Wednesday, November 3 – Dhanteras
Thursday, November 4 – Diwali
Friday, November 5 – Take the day off
Saturday, November 6 - Weekend
Sunday, November 7 - Weekend
Where to Go: Jaisalmer And Udaipur
How about celebrating the Festival of Lights, Crackers in the Heritage Cities. Rajasthan is the right spot for celebrating this Festival. Head to Udaipur for the enchanting beauty of majestic palaces, beautiful lakes, picture-perfect mountains, and streets light-up with different colors. Enjoy the Lantern festival as well here.
Explore the culture and tradition of Jaisalmer, taste the local food, enjoy the arts and crafts. The Golden City shimmers in lights of earthen lamps, artificial lights, bonfires, flowers, and sweets.
Read more about the places to explore in Rajasthan
December
Unfortunately in 2021, Xmas and New year is falling over the weekend and we won't have the privilege of a long weekend. But it's time to take a good long vacation after all the hard work you have done the whole year.
14. Xmas-New year
Saturday, December 25 – Christmas
Sunday, December 26 - Weekend
Take days off
Friday, December 31 – New Year Eve
Saturday, January 1 – New Year’s
Sunday, January 2 - Weekend
Bhutan should mark the end of your travel calendar 2021. This beautiful small country sharing the internationl border with us is a great place to opt for Budget Internation travel. No Visa hassle and currency exchange needed. Bhutan is Land of Dragons and Happiest Country and surely you gonna love it. Explore the Taksang Monastery, King's palace, spend time with locals, try out local cuisines, and have an amazing New Year Celebration.
Read more about Bhutan here, explore more about places in Bhutan here
Other places you can explore over the Xmas and New year weekend if taking the full week off is not possible:
Coorg, Jodhpur, Madurai, Gangtok, Imagica!
What destinations have you finalized yet?
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