Here’s a little secret: you don’t need a two-week vacation to feel recharged. In fact, short, frequent breaks work way better for most of us. Think about it: instead of waiting months for that one big holiday, imagine sprinkling your year with spontaneous three or four-day escapes. That’s what long weekend getaways 2026 are all about.
And the best way to enjoy it is by hitting the road. Better still, if you book chauffeur-driven Savaari cabs for your rides. This gives you the kind of flexibility and freedom that flights just cannot match. No airport stress, no racing to catch flights, no baggage drama. Just you, your favourite people, and the open road. Leave when you want, stop wherever things look interesting, and actually enjoy the journey.
Whether you’re dreaming of mountain sunrises, lazy beach days, or just somewhere peaceful that is not your living room, there are so many incredible places to go for a long weekend trip waiting to be discovered. [Pro tip: Try playing these road trip games to elevate the fun of your rides].
Your 2026 Calendar for Long Weekend Getaways
This year’s calendar is seriously working in your favor. With holidays falling perfectly on Fridays and Mondays, plus some smart leave planning, you can turn regular weekends into long weekend trips, without even making a dent in your leave balance.
Here’s the part you’ll want to bookmark.
| Holiday/Festival | Date | Day | Long Weekend Opportunity | Total Days Off | Ideal Destinations to Visit |
| Republic Day | January 26 | Monday | January 24 to 26 | 3 days (no leave needed) | Rishikesh, Jaipur, Agra |
| Maha Shivaratri | February 15 | Sunday | Feb 14 to Feb 15 | 2 days (weekend) | Haridwar, Varanasi, Ujjain |
| Holi | March 4 | Wednesday | Take Mar 5 & 6 off | 5 days (2 days leave) | Mathura, Vrindavan, Pushkar |
| Eid ul Fitr | March 20 | Friday | Mar 20 to Mar 22 | 3 days (no leave needed) | Hyderabad, Lucknow, Delhi |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Friday | Apr 3 to Apr 5 | 3 days (no leave needed) | Goa, Pondicherry, Kochi |
| Labor Day | May 1 | Friday | May 1 to May 3 | 3 days (no leave needed) | Coorg, Munnar, Ooty |
| Independence Day | August 15 | Saturday | Aug 15 to Aug 16 | 2 days (weekend) | Amritsar, Ranthambore, Darjeeling |
| Janmashtami | September 4 | Friday | Sep 4 to Sep 6 | 3 days (no leave needed) | Vrindavan, Dwarka, Udupi |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | September 14 | Monday | Sep 12 to Sep 14 | 3 days (no leave needed) | Mumbai, Pune, Nashik |
| Gandhi Jayanti | October 2 | Friday | October 2 to 4 | 3 days (no leave needed) | Ahmedabad, Porbandar, Diu |
| Dussehra | October 20 | Tuesday | Take Oct 19 off | 4 days (1 day leave) | Mysore, Kullu, Kolkata |
| Diwali | November 8 | Sunday | Take Nov 6 off | 3 days (1 day leave) | Udaipur, Rajasthan, Hampi |
| Christmas | December 25 | Friday | December 25 to 27 | 3 days (no leave needed) | Shillong, Gokarna, Daman |
Travel Trends Shaping Long Weekend Getaways This Year
Here’s what people are gravitating toward for long weekend destinations in 2026:
- Road trips are having a moment: Want to leave at dawn to catch the sunrise? Go for it. Feel like a midnight ride? Why not? Plus, those roadside dhabas, spontaneous photo stops, discovering a hidden waterfall because someone said “let’s check that out”, these are the moments that make trips memorable.
- Offbeat spots are stealing the spotlight: Hidden beaches in Tamil Nadu, quiet villages in Himachal, lesser-known forts in Rajasthan, these offbeat long weekend places to visit give you authentic experiences, better prices, and the space to actually relax instead of elbowing through crowds.
- It is all about experiences now: Travellers in 2026 want to actually do things. Learn to cook local cuisine with a family in their home. Try rock climbing in Badami. Take a pottery class in Andretta. Even couples are choosing long weekend destinations based on what they can learn, try, and experience, not just photograph.
10 Long Weekend Trips to Take in 2026: Best Explored by Road
Ready for some travel inspiration? With a mix of hidden gems and classic favorites, here are 10 fantastic destinations perfect for your next long weekend getaway:
Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
- Best Time to Visit: May to October
- Ideal Duration: 4 to 5 days
- Distance from Chandigarh: 441 km
This high-altitude cold desert is raw, remote, and absolutely stunning. The scenic drive via NH-3 and NH-505 (about 10 to 11 hours) through Kullu and Manali winds through mountain passes that’ll make your heart skip.
Here’s what makes Spiti incredible:
- Key Monastery: This thousand-year-old monastery is the spiritual heart of Spiti. The prayer halls are filled with murals and ancient texts, and the views from here are just wow.
- Chandratal Lake: Chandratal Lake or Moon Lake is a stunning water body that sits at 4,300 metres. If you can camp by the lake, do it. The stars here are unreal.
- Dhankar Village: Perched dramatically on a cliff, this ancient village has a monastery with some of the best valley views you’ll ever see. The trek to Dhankar Lake is moderate and totally worth it.
- Kaza town: Your base for exploring Spiti. Tiny, charming, and full of cozy cafes serving hot momos and thukpa. Sol Cafe is perfect for breakfast with a view.
Stay at homestays like Zostel Homes or Sakya Abode for that authentic Spiti experience.
Gokarna, Karnataka
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 days
- Distance from Goa: 123 km
If Goa is your outgoing friend who loves parties, Gokarna is the chill one who prefers sunset guitar sessions. Take the scenic NH-66 route from Goa, which takes around 2 to 3 hours. This coastal town has gorgeous beaches without all the commercialization, making it one of the perfect places to visit for long weekend escapes.
Here’s why Gokarna is special:
- Om Beach: Shaped like the Om symbol (hence the name), this beach is beautiful and relatively peaceful. You can rent kayaks, try stand-up paddleboarding, or just chill under a beach shack.
- Kudle Beach: About a 20-minute walk from town, Kudle is ideal for sunset watching. Namaste Cafe and Sunset Cafe serve great food with killer ocean views.
- Gokarna Temple: If you’re interested, the Mahabaleshwar Temple is an important pilgrimage site. The town has a nice spiritual vibe alongside its beach culture.
- Beach hopping trek: You can actually trek from Om Beach to Paradise Beach, hopping between all the beaches along the way.
Stay at beachfront shacks for a budget-friendly experience or boutique properties like SwaSwara for luxury. The food scene here is surprisingly good: fresh seafood, Israeli cafes, Italian spots. Book a Goa car rental with Savaari and enjoy a ride to Gokarna in style and comfort.
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Best Time to Visit: September to November, February to May
- Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 days
- Distance from Delhi: 242 km
Drive via the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and then take NH344, taking about 4 hours from Delhi, with beautiful Himalayan foothills unfolding along the way. Adventure junkies, spiritual seekers, yoga enthusiasts, and people who just want to sit by a river and eat good food, everyone finds their thing here.
Here’s what to experience in Rishikesh:
- River rafting: The Ganges here offers some of India’s best white water rafting. Rapids range from beginner-friendly to seriously thrilling. The 16 km stretch from Shivpuri to Rishikesh is super popular.
- Lakshman Jhula and Ram Jhula: These iconic suspension bridges offer great river views and connect to temples and cafes on both sides. Go early morning to avoid crowds.
- Beatles Ashram: Chaurasi Kutia is also called Beatles Ashram. It is an abandoned ashram, where The Beatles stayed in 1968, and is now covered in beautiful street art. Quirky, peaceful, and very Instagrammable.
- Evening Ganga Aarti: The ceremony at Parmarth Niketan Ashram is beautiful and moving. Hundreds of diyas floating on the river create pure magic.
Stay at riverside camps for an immersive experience or hotels like Aloha on the Ganges for comfort. The cafe culture here rivals that of any metropolitan city: Little Buddha Cafe, Beatles Cafe, and Freedom Cafe serve everything from Israeli food to Italian to traditional Indian.
Kutch, Gujarat
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Ideal Duration: 4 to 5 days
- Distance from Ahmedabad: 390 km
Kutch is unlike anywhere else in India. The drive from Ahmedabad via NH-754K takes about 7 to 8 hours, passing through varied landscapes and transitioning from green Gujarat to the unique white desert. The vibrant handicrafts, unique culture, and endless horizons make it one of the best destinations for long weekends.
Here’s what makes Kutch magical:
- White Rann: The vast expanse of white salt desert is surreal, especially during full moon nights when everything glows silver. It’s one of those sights that photographs cannot do justice to.
- Handicraft villages: Visit Bhujodi for weaving, Nirona for Rogan art, Ajrakhpur for block printing, and Hodka for traditional mud houses. You get to see artisans at work and buy directly from them.
- Kalo Dungar: Black Hill offers the highest point in Kutch with panoramic desert views. There’s also a temple, and legend has it that jackals come here for prasad every day.
- Dholavira: If you love history, this Harappan site is one of India’s most important archaeological discoveries.
During Rann Utsav that happens between October and February, stay at the tent city for cultural performances and local cuisine. Alternatively, heritage hotels in Bhuj, such as the Prince Hotel, offer comfort.
Book a car rental in Ahmedabad to Kutch and travel comfortably in chauffeur-driven cabs with Savaari.
Alleppey, Kerala
- Best Time to Visit: September to March
- Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Distance from Kochi: 55 km
If you’ve ever dreamed of floating through palm-fringed waterways with zero agenda, this is your spot and easily one of the most fascinating romantic long weekend getaways in India. The drive from Kochi via NH-66 takes just about 1.5 hours through lush Kerala countryside.
Here are the top things to do in Alleppey:
- Houseboat stays: This is THE experience here. Book a traditional kettuvallam (houseboat) and spend a day or two cruising through the backwaters. You get your own chef who cooks fresh Kerala meals, and you just float past villages, paddy fields, and coconut groves.
- Village backwater tours: Instead of the touristy routes, explore the narrow canals on smaller boats or canoes. You’ll see local life up close: fishermen, toddy shops, kids playing by the water.
- Alleppey Beach: Less crowded than Kovalam or Varkala, this beach is peaceful and perfect for evening walks. The pier is a nice spot to watch sunsets.
Food here is incredible: karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish), appam with stew, Kerala sadya. Most houseboats include meals, but if you’re staying on land, try restaurants like Thaff or Harbour Restaurant. Savaari recommends this Alleppey backwater long weekend getaway for couples and families seeking relaxation.
Udaipur, Rajasthan
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 days
- Distance from Jaipur: 390 km
The lakes, the palaces, the sunsets, the rooftop restaurants, everything here seems designed to make you fall in love with the place. Drive from Jaipur via NH-48 (about 6 to 7 hours) through Rajasthan’s royal landscapes and see for yourself why it’s one of the best trips for a long weekend.
Here’s what to do in Udaipur:
- City Palace: This massive palace complex overlooking Lake Pichola is stunning. The architecture, the views, the museums inside, you could easily spend half a day here.
- Lake Pichola boat ride: Take a sunset boat ride on the lake. You’ll pass by the Lake Palace (now a luxury hotel), Jag Mandir island, and the ghats. Pure magic hour material.
- Saheliyon ki Bari: This beautiful garden with fountains, lotus pools, and marble pavilions is peaceful and surprisingly romantic.
- Monsoon Palace: Officially known as Sajjangarh Palace, this hilltop palace offers panoramic city views, especially striking at sunset.
Stay at heritage hotels like Jagat Niwas Palace or splurge on Taj Lake Palace if you’re feeling fancy. Udaipur’s rooftop restaurants are legendary. Ambrai, Upre, and Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar offer lake views with your meal.
Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Distance from Coimbatore: 70 km
If you want the Nilgiri experience without the crowds, this is your spot. Tea estates, colonial charm, and mountain views minus the chaos make it perfect for long weekend getaways. Take the NH-181 from Coimbatore (around 2 hours) through winding ghat roads lined with tea estates.
Here’s what you should explore in Coonoor:
- Sim’s Park: A beautifully maintained botanical garden with rare plant species, quiet walking paths, and benches perfect for just sitting and reading.
- Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint: The trek or drive here offers spectacular views of the Nilgiri hills and Catherine Falls. Go early for the best visibility.
- Tea estate visits: Glenburn, Highfield, and Hampton Manor offer tea estate tours where you see how tea is processed. Fresh Nilgiri tea tastes completely different from what you get in stores.
- Toy train ride: The Nilgiri Mountain Railway connects Coonoor to Ooty and Mettupalayam. The journey through tunnels and tea gardens is delightful.
Stay at charming homestays like YHA Coonoor or treat yourself to luxury at places like The Gateway Hotel. The weather is pleasant year-round, but winters are especially cozy. Savaari recommends this long weekend getaway from Bangalore for couples and families seeking peaceful hill-station vibes.
Book a car rental in Coimbatore with Savaari and enjoy a pleasant ride to Coonoor in chauffeur-driven cabs.
Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
- Best Time to Visit: March to October
- Ideal Duration: 4 to 5 days
- Distance from Guwahati: 480 km
Sitting over 10,000 feet above, Tawang is one of India’s most beautiful yet undervisited destinations. If you’re looking for long weekend places to visit that feel genuinely remote and untouched, Tawang is calling. The drive from Guwahati via NH-13 takes approximately 12 to 14 hours through winding mountain roads.
Here’s what makes Tawang extraordinary:
- Tawang Monastery: The largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world, this 400-year-old gompa is stunning. The library has ancient manuscripts, and the views from here are panoramic.
- Sela Pass: At 13,700 feet, this high altitude pass is covered in snow for most of the year. The Sela Lake here is sacred and beautiful.
- Madhuri Lake: Made famous by a Bollywood film, this lake, surrounded by snow peaks, is breathtaking. The reflection of mountains in the clear water is picture-perfect.
Stay at hotels like Hotel Tawang Inn or guesthouses for budget options. The journey to Tawang itself is spectacular as you drive through Sela Pass, see countless waterfalls, and pass through dense forests.
Book a car rental in Guwahati with Savaari for a comfortable, safe, and stress-free ride to Tawang.
Manipur
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 4 to 5 days
- Distance from Guwahati: 500 km
Manipur, the jewel of Northeast India, remains wonderfully off the beaten path. Drive from Guwahati via NH-27 and NH-2, taking approximately 12 to 14 hours through the stunning landscapes of Assam and Nagaland. You can also break the journey into two days with an overnight stop.
Here’s what makes Manipur extraordinary:
- Loktak Lake: The world’s only floating lake with phumdis (floating vegetation islands). Take a boat ride to Sendra Island for panoramic views. The sight of fishermen’s huts on floating islands is surreal.
- Keibul Lamjao National Park: The world’s only floating national park, home to the endangered Sangai deer. The biodiversity here is incredible.
- Kangla Fort: The ancient seat of Manipur’s royalty in Imphal. The ruins, temples, and museums here tell fascinating stories of the region’s rich history.
- Ima Keithel: It is Asia’s largest all-women market in Imphal. Over 5,000 women vendors sell everything from vegetables to traditional textiles.
Stay at hotels in Imphal, like Classic Grande or homestays for authentic local experiences. Try traditional Manipuri cuisine: eromba, singju, and nga thongba are must-tries.
Daman and Diu
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal Duration: 2 to 3 days
- Distance from Mumbai: 192 km
Daman and Diu offer beautiful beaches, colonial architecture, fort exploration, and a relaxed vibe, perfect for when you want easygoing coastal charm. Drive from Mumbai via NH4-8 (around 3 to 4 hours) or from Ahmedabad via NH-51 (about 6 hours) through coastal Gujarat.
Here’s what to do in Daman and Diu:
- Diu Fort: This massive Portuguese fort right by the sea is atmospheric and beautiful. Walk along the ramparts, explore the old cannons, and enjoy the ocean breeze.
- Nagoa Beach: The most popular beach in Diu, horseshoe-shaped with relatively calm waters. Good for swimming and water sports.
- St. Paul’s Church: Built in 1610, this Baroque church is gorgeous with intricate woodwork and a peaceful courtyard.
- Jallandhar Beach: Quieter than Nagoa, perfect if you want a more secluded beach experience. The sunset view of the Jallandhar Shrine by the sea is lovely.
As a union territory, Daman and Diu has liberal liquor laws, so drinks are way cheaper than in neighbouring Gujarat. Stay at beach resorts or heritage hotels converted from old Portuguese buildings.
Book a car rental in Mumbai with Savaari for a hassle-free ride to Daman and Diu in chauffeur-driven cabs.
Why Chauffeur-Driven Travel Is Ideal for Long Weekend Getaways
The whole point of long weekend places to visit is to actually unwind, right? Chauffeur-driven car rental services with Savaari ensure the journey is as relaxing as the destination. You can focus entirely on creating memories instead of worrying about routes, fuel stops, or staying alert after a tiring day of sightseeing.
With our experienced chauffeur services, you get these benefits on your road trips for long weekends:
- You arrive at your destination feeling relaxed and refreshed, not worn out after hours of driving post a busy workweek.
- The journey itself turns into part of the holiday, giving you time to nap, listen to music, have real conversations, or simply enjoy the views.
- Door-to-door pickup and drop means no stress around parking, rental paperwork, or returning vehicles.
- You make better use of limited weekend time by avoiding navigation stress, traffic decisions, and wrong turns.
- Our professional chauffeurs know the best routes, reliable food stops, and sensible detours along the way.
- This travel style works perfectly for couples, families, and senior travelers who value comfort and peace of mind.
- Local sightseeing becomes effortless with hourly rentals, allowing you to explore multiple spots without transport hassles.
- Well-maintained vehicles and trained drivers ensure higher safety and comfort, especially on unfamiliar or hilly roads.
How to Plan a Stress-Free Long Weekend Road Trip in 2026
Planning does not have to be overwhelming. Here are some practical tips to make your long weekend travel planning in 2026 as smooth as possible:
- Book your stays early: This is especially important for long weekend destinations and popular spots during holidays. The good properties fill up fast, particularly during long weekends when everyone has the same idea. Booking in advance also often gets you better rates and your choice of rooms.
- Choose the right vehicle: Think about who is traveling and what outstation cab rental you need. A sedan works perfectly for couples. An SUV or MUV is better for families or groups, and definitely necessary if you are going to places with rough roads. Services like Savaari let you choose based on your specific needs.
- Pack smart for short trips: If you’re going for three or four days, pack light and focus on essentials. A couple of comfortable outfits, weather-appropriate layers, toiletries, medicines, chargers, and maybe a book. That is it. Overpacking just makes everything harder, and you will probably end up not using half of what you bring.
- Plan but stay flexible: Have a rough itinerary so you know the must-see spots, but do not schedule every single hour. Some of the best travel moments happen when you have the flexibility to change plans: that amazing-looking cafe you just drove past, a local festival happening in a nearby village, or just deciding to spend an extra hour at a viewpoint because the sunset is too beautiful to leave.
- Keep some budget buffer: Long weekend destinations can have unexpected costs: entry fees, special activities, trying that restaurant everyone’s talking about. Keep a little extra budget so you can say yes to spontaneous experiences without worrying about money.
With just a bit of smart planning with Savaari’s chauffeur-driven cars, your long weekend getaways in 2026 can be incredibly smooth and enjoyable.
Conclusion
Long weekend getaways 2026 give you multiple chances throughout the year to break the monotony, explore new places, and actually live beyond your usual routine. You’ve got the calendar, the destination ideas, and the tips. Now it’s just about making it happen.
Pick a long weekend that works for you, choose one of these incredible places to go for a long weekend, book your travel, and go for it. Whether it’s the mountains of Spiti, the backwaters of Alleppey, the beaches of Gokarna, or the palaces of Udaipur, your perfect destination is waiting.
Book a comfortable chauffeur-driven cab with Savaari Car Rentals, sit back, and let someone else handle the road while you enjoy yourself. Because life is too short to spend every weekend on your couch. Let’s make 2026 count!
FAQs
What are the best long weekend getaways in India?
Some of the best long weekend getaways in India include Spiti Valley for mountain lovers, Alleppey for backwater experiences, Udaipur for royal heritage, Gokarna for peaceful beaches, and Rishikesh for adventure. The best destination depends on what you are looking for: beaches, mountains, culture, or adventure.
Which destinations in India are best explored by road during long weekends?
Destinations like Rishikesh from Delhi (240 km), Udaipur from Jaipur (390 km), Gokarna from Bangalore (485 km), and Coonoor from Coimbatore (70 km) are perfect for road trips. These routes offer scenic drives, interesting stops along the way, and are manageable distances for long weekend trips in 2026.
Are road trips better than flights for long weekend getaways in India?
For distances under 500 km, road trips often work better for long weekend getaways in 2026. You save time on airport procedures, have the flexibility to stop wherever you want, carry as much luggage as needed, and the journey itself becomes part of the experience. Plus, many beautiful places to go for a long weekend do not have convenient flight options.
Is it better to self-drive or book a cab for long weekend trips in India?
Booking a chauffeur-driven cab is usually better for long weekend places to visit because you arrive relaxed, not exhausted from driving. Professional drivers know the routes, handle navigation, and let you actually enjoy the scenery and conversations. It is especially useful for unfamiliar routes, mountain roads, or when traveling with family.
Can I plan a long weekend trip without taking leave?
Absolutely! India’s 2026 calendar has several long weekends where holidays fall on Fridays or Mondays, giving you three-day breaks without taking any leave. Republic Day (January 26), Good Friday (April 18), Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), and Christmas (December 25) are all examples. Check the calendar table above for all the opportunities and plan your trip to all the long weekend getaways.
Last Updated on January 29, 2026 by V Subhadra
