Upcoming Long Weekend Trips

Your friends promised just a hint of gulal—but you know how that goes. Within 5 minutes, you turn into a Kaju Katli with silver coating all over your body. And then the game of revenge begins.

But that’s the real joy of playing Holi with friends. And this year, Holi comes with a long weekend and a perfect excuse to slip away and soak in a new place, and experience a new culture. Playing Holi and then dancing on the same 4–5 DJ songs feels outdated now. Imagine playing Holi with locals in Sangla or dancing to dhol beats in Pushkar. The memories that you will create there with an amazing lively group will leave you buzzing with a whole energy.

And as a smart traveler (which we know you are), you’d definitely want to make the most of any chance to travel while using minimum leaves and this Holi long weekend does exactly that. Holi in 2026 serves both of these two purposes. It gives you enough time to celebrate and travel as well.

And with travel comes the chance to step into new cultures, and in India, Holi wears many colours. You can experience the gentle charm of phoolon ki Holi in Vrindavan, and the playful chaos of lathmar Holi in Barsana. Every place celebrates it differently. That’s the beauty of it and the reason not to stick to the same spot with the same people every year.

There’s one more magic of traveling to a new place: the bond you form with the locals. In our daily grind, carving out time for loved ones is already a challenge, and meeting new people? Even trickier. But when you celebrate Holi in a place where people from all walks of life come together, the locals add their own spark to the mix. Their energy, their warmth, and their unique way of celebrating infuse the festival with a whole new vibe. So, make sure that this time, you widen your horizons, travel a little, and make new friends along the way.

We’re guessing we’ve got you thinking about a trip already, maybe you’ve even opened your phone calendar, but there’s no need because we’ve got this covered. Here’s how you can turn the holidays into a perfectly planned Holi long weekend:

04th March: Holi

05th March: Take a leave

06th March: Take a leave

07th March: Saturday

08th March: Sunday

That’s all it takes to stretch the celebration into a proper getaway.

Once the destination and the dates are sorted, the real priority kicks in: food. Because isn’t a Holi long weekend basically a guilt-free break from diets? Hot malpuas, plates of gujiya, and cooling down after hours of dancing with a glass of thandai. And how could we forget our forever favourite, dahi bhalle dripping with that perfect tangy kick? So eat without counting, dive into local flavours, and don’t stop at the familiar dishes. If you find yourself celebrating Holi in Sangla, let the local food be a part of your story.

• Start with Siddu, a warm, stuffed steamed bread
• Sip on Totu, a roasted barley flour drink locals swear by.
• And if you’re feeling adventurous, there’s Phasur, a traditional homemade alcoholic beverage.

Note: Phasur is meant to be enjoyed slowly and only if you can handle your drink.

Convincing your whole friend group to travel for a festival is easier said than done, thanks to everyone’s commitments. So here’s the solution: join a group tour and meet new friends who match your energy, keeping the vibe alive and buzzing throughout. But if you prefer to celebrate it just with your own crew, that works too, sometimes an exclusive celebration has its own charm.

Now that the vibrant, colorful vibe of Holi is in the air, it’s time to plan. Long weekends like this around festivals don’t come often, and making the most of them means acting before the opportunity slips away.

“Let’s go for a trip in January or February?” – Too cold.

“Okay, then how about June or July?” – Too hot.

“Maybe during the monsoon?” – Too risky.

“September or October?” – Can’t take leaves.

And just like that, the whole year slips by, and that trip you’ve been dreaming about still hasn’t happened.

But enough waiting, because the Good Friday long weekend is here to finally make your trip possible. There are some very real, very practical reasons why traveling during this time just makes sense.

With Good Friday falling on, well Friday, and Saturday–Sunday right after, it already sets you up with a perfect long weekend. No extra leaves required. And if you’re eyeing destinations that need a little more time, that’s still doable. You just apply your leaves strategically and turn it into a longer, well-earned break.

This is also that sweet spot in the work calendar. The financial year has wrapped up, targets are closed, audits are done, and the constant pressure finally settles. The chaos slows down, your to-do list breathes, and mentally, you’re in a better space to actually enjoy a trip without work hanging over your head.

Then comes the weather; arguably one of the best reasons to travel in April. The temperatures have started rising, but they haven’t peaked yet. It’s warm enough to explore comfortably and still pleasant enough to enjoy outdoor experiences. It is like traveling before the summer heat fully kicks in.

Another big win? Fewer crowds. April isn’t peak season, which means quieter roads, calmer hill towns, and better experiences overall. You get to climb that hill, explore that market, or sit at that viewpoint without traffic jams and long queues stealing the moment. So, if there’s ever a right time to stop postponing plans and actually travel, this is it.

April is also a time when festivals bloom across the country. So yes, you’re traveling but you’re also stepping straight into local culture. Multiple festivals take place throughout the country. You can experience the colourful Tulip Festival in Srinagar, indulge in the energetic celebrations of Bihu in Assam or feel the spirit of Baisakhi in Punjab. April is the time when the country feels alive in every direction. Traveling during this time naturally blends sightseeing with cultural immersion, turning the journey into something far more meaningful and memorable.

There’s one more, and perhaps the most important reason: You. Travel because you’ve worked hard all year and you genuinely deserve a break. After giving your best day in and day out, it’s only fair to pause, breathe, and reset. After all, how can you show up as your best self if you don’t take time to recharge your mind and soul every once in a while?

We hope by now you’ve nodded your head at least once in agreement to travel. But what if the people you were planning to go with suddenly aren’t available? (Honestly, this is your sign to threaten them with ditching—lovingly, of course.)

Jokes aside, don’t let that stop you. Step out with people who share the same travel spirit as you and make new friends along the way through group tours. These little hiccups shouldn’t come in the way of a good trip especially when all the travel stars align.

So, which destinations are best to travel to during the Good Friday long weekend? Now, this is an insider tip. Exploring Himachal is a great option. Places like Kasol, Jibhi, Manali, and Spiti fit perfectly into a short yet refreshing trip. You can also consider destinations in Uttarakhand such as Auli, Chopta, or Rishikesh, where each place offers its own charm, making them ideal for a Good Friday long weekend getaway.

As the heat begins to rise, these mountain destinations provide the cool respite you’re craving, along with fresh air, scenic views, and a much-needed break from the warming plains.

So this Good Friday, make the most of the long weekend. Fill your phone and camera storage with pictures, and your soul with relaxation. We hope to see your instagram filled with your trip pictures!