The new year is almost here, and we know you want to know all about long weekends in 2020 to make your travel plans. Unfortunately, like in 2019, the calendar gods are being unkind to us in some ways in 2020 as well. Republic Day, Independence Day, Dussehra and Diwali are all on weekends. So, there are four potential long weekends gone. But you still have at least nine long weekends in 2020. And that’s not too bad, is it?
Here is our list of long weekends in 2020 and where you can go to make the most of them.
February
Long weekend: Friday, February 21st, Maha Shivratri
Best place to travel from Delhi: Udaipur
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Take advtantage of the long weekend in February and the pleasant weather to explore Udaipur. Since Rajasthan gets unbearably hot in the summer, winter is the best time to hit this side of the country. The historical sites and architectural marvels of Udaipur warrant a long visit, but three days is better than nothing. You can leave on Thursday evening, after work, and return on Sunday night.
March
Long weekend: Tuesday, March 10th, Holi
Best place to travel from Delhi: Nepal
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Nepal might not be high on your travel list, but it should be. The Holi festivities in Nepal happen a day before India, so you can enjoy the festival of colours on the streets of Kathmandu on Monday, March 9th. Fly to Kathmandu from Delhi on Saturday morning (1 hour flight) and fly to Pokhara from there (25 min flight). Fly back to Kathmandu on Monday morning and celebrate Holi in this vibrant city. Catch the last flight out of Kathmandu to Delhi on Tuesday. This way, you can also celebrate a bit of Holi at home. Check out our detailed itinerary of things to do and place to see in Nepal.
April
Long weekend: Thursday, April 2nd, Ram Navami
Best place to travel from Delhi: Goa
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The beginning of April is still not very hot in Goa, so it’s a good time to hit the beaches. To enjoy this long weekend, you’ll need to take one day of leave in between – Friday, April 3rd. And it will be completely worth it. Instead of planning a hectic itinerary, sit back and listen to the waves of the sea on the beach. Take in the sun after a harsh winter and enjoy some delicious, fresh seafood while you’re at it. Travel on Thursday morning and you’ll be in Goa comfortably for lunch. You can take the last flight out on Sunday and be back in Delhi fresh for the new week.
May
Long weekend: Monday, May 25, Eid ul Fitr
Best place to travel from Delhi: Kasauli
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May brings the brutal summer with it, so any chance to escape the blazing heat is always welcome. Kasauli is about 6-7 hours away from Delhi and well worth the road trip. Hire a taxi from Delhi or take your own car if you’re confident of driving in the hills. The gorgeous views of Kasauli will be a nice break from the plains and your regular routine.
July
Long weekend: Friday, July 31, Bakr Id
Best place to travel from Delhi: Cherrapunji
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July is a great time to visit the north-east since the rains make the hills lush green and the waterfalls are abundant. Fly to Shillong or Guwahati from Delhi on Thursday evening or early Friday morning. Hire a taxi from the airport to Cherrapunji, which would be about four hours of a road trip from Guwahati airport. Cherrapunji has gorgeous waterfalls which will be at their prime in the monsoon. It will be raining constantly, so be prepared for some wet weather. Explore the Seven Sisters waterfalls, Noh Kalikai and the stunning living roots bridge. Spend the weekend exploring and take the last flight out on Sunday.
August
Long weekend: Monday, August 3, Raksha Bandhan
Best place to travel from Delhi: Coorg
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Catch a flight to Mangalore from Delhi on Friday evening or early Saturday morning. The beautiful town of Coorg is only three hours away from Mangalore airport. Get away from the humid heat of Delhi and enjoy the cool surroundings of Coorg. You can spend the weekend exploring or you can also just book a nice hotel and relax. Fly out on the last flight on Monday from Mangalore airport.
October
Long weekend: Friday, October 2, Gandhi Jayanti
Best place to travel from Delhi: Mukteshwar
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Mukteshwar is only eight hours away by road from Delhi. You can also take a train to Kathgodam and hire a taxi from the station to Mukteshwar. About an hour away from Nainital, Mukteshwar gets really cold in October. The clear skies and the chill in the air make for the perfect weekend in the hills. You can leave on Thursday evening after work and drive through the night, or leave early on Friday morning. Spend a relaxing weekend in Mukteshwar in the cold, and leave for Delhi on Sunday. Check out our detailed list of things to do and places to see around Nainital to avoid the tourist rush.
November
Long weekend: Monday, November 30, Guru Nanak Jayanti
Best place to visit from Delhi: Hampi
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November is the most convenient time to travel anywhere in India. The weather is either cold or pleasant everywhere. So, why not head down south which is generally too hot to consider? Explore the fascinating ruins of Hampi on this long weekend in November. Hampi is about six hours away from Bengaluru airport, so you can hire a taxi when you land. Fly to Bengaluru on Friday evening after work and leave for Hampi right away. This way, you can have two full days in Hampi. Return to Delhi on Monday.
December
Long weekend: Friday, December 25, Christmas
Best place to travel from Delhi: Pondicherry
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Pondicherry is not only convenient from Delhi, it is also one of the best places in India to enjoy Christmas. Fly to Chennai on Thursday evening after work and take a taxi to Pondicherry. The journey will take about three hours from Chennai airport. Enjoy the Christmas festivities in the French Quarter, devour some delectable food and lounge around on the beaches. Fly back to Delhi on Sunday evening from Chennai. Check out our list of the best places in India to enjoy Christmas.
Are you all set for the long weekends in 2020 and your travel plans?
