Whereas the notion of an countless trip would possibly carry a smile to our faces, the tough actuality of labor schedules and the incessant buzz of notifications on our telephones shortly carry us again to the grind.

However what if I advised you that in 2024, there’s an opportunity you would possibly get to bask in quick getaways nearly each different month?

How is that doable, you ask? The important thing lies in some strategic planning and benefiting from these treasured lengthy weekends.

“The State Authorities has unveiled a listing of 25 public holidays, complemented by three extra holidays falling on second Saturdays and Sundays,” in response to The Instances of India report. 9 of those holidays conveniently align with both Mondays or Fridays, presenting us with the thrilling prospect of having fun with not less than 9 prolonged weekends in 2024!

When you’re frightened about discovering out the dates and determining the greatest locations to go to, fret not as a result of The Higher India has received you lined.

January

As the brand new 12 months unfolds, you’ll be welcomed by an surprising lengthy weekend alternative. With 31 December, 2021, falling on a Sunday and New 12 months’s Day on a Monday, think about taking Tuesday off to relish a quick but refreshing mini-vacation.

To increase the enjoyment, January brings two extra prolonged weekends — with Makar Sankranti on a Monday (15 January) and Republic Day on a Friday (26 January).

For these inclined in direction of historic exploration, make this lengthy weekend a fascinating studying expertise by visiting the Golden Triangle — Agra, Delhi, and Jaipur. These cities boast extra beneficial temperatures throughout January, complemented by clear skies and the pleasant winter delicacies that the season brings.

Alternatively, in case your coronary heart yearns for a getaway amidst nature’s embrace, think about venturing to Alleppey in Kerala. Right here, you may immerse your self within the tranquillity of houseboats alongside the backwaters, relish the nice climate, and witness the breathtaking bloom of the panorama.

When you get pleasure from wildlife, then visiting Gir Nationwide Park on certainly one of these prolonged weekends may be pleasant. The climate, the air and clear days are good for watching the majestic Asiatic lions within the nationwide park.

March

In March 2024, there are two potential lengthy weekends awaiting you as Holi falls on a Monday and Mahashivratri on a Friday. Why not reap the benefits of these two upcoming weekends and plan a small journey to Maravanthe, Karnataka?

Nestled alongside the Panvel-Eddapally freeway, this village is a fascinating 400 km drive from Bengaluru. What makes this journey actually particular is the chance it offers to soak within the picturesque great thing about a river on one aspect and the huge expanse of the ocean on the opposite.

One other place that you have to add to your listing is Barsana in Uttar Pradesh. Only a drive away from Mathura, Holi could be the very best time to go to this small city well-known for its ‘Lathmaar Holi’. Lathmaar Holi is known for its distinctive custom the place girls playfully beat males with sticks. It’s believed to reenact the playful teasing between Lord Krishna and the gopis (milkmaids) of Barsana. Dipped in custom and tradition, the keep will certainly be an unforgettable one.

Could

In case your office generously offers a vacation on Buddha Purnima, which occurs to fall on a Thursday, why not amplify the enjoyment by taking a go away on Friday?

Because the mercury begins its ascent, a mountain getaway could be simply the factor you want. Lansdowne, a serene hill station in Uttarakhand, stands out as the proper vacation spot for these in quest of tranquillity and pure magnificence. In Could, this hill station experiences a pleasant local weather with temperatures starting from round 15 to 30 levels Celsius.

Don’t neglect to pack mild woollens, because the temperature would possibly dip in the course of the night time or on wet days.

June

With Bakri Eid falling on a Monday (17 June), there may be one other alternative so that you can convert this into an prolonged weekend by taking both Tuesday or Thursday off.

With nearly half of 2024 gone, you would possibly wish to decelerate and mirror on issues. What higher than a scenic hill station lined with white clouds and extraordinary landscapes? Jibhi, a scenic village in Himachal Pradesh is thought for its nice climate and clear skies, making it a great vacation spot for trekking, nature walks, and exploring close by sights.

August

After a busy July, August will definitely come as a welcomed aid, providing us two potential lengthy weekends. If your organization observes a vacation on Raksha Bandhan (19 August), think about taking Friday off from the earlier week and relish a four-day prolonged weekend.

Moreover, Janmashtami falls on a Monday (26 August), offering one other alternative for a possible lengthy weekend.

When you want to benefit from the monsoon, then go to Dandeli in Karnataka — a serene city with lush greenery, dense forests, and the Kali river. The river comes alive in its full glory in the course of the monsoons and is known for its majestic views and rafting actions.

The city additionally has Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary the place you may spot animals like black panthers, elephants, tigers, deer, and a wide range of fowl species.

September

In case your workplace observes a vacation on Onam, which falls on a Thursday in 2024, merely take go away on Friday, and voila, you’ve got an ideal mini trip.

Take into account heading to Kerala to witness the Onam festivities. You may go to the week-long festivities — together with cultural programmes, conventional dance kinds like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam, and a grand procession referred to as the Onam Parade in Thiruvananthapuram.

You can even go to Kochi to expertise the well-known Indira Gandhi Boat Race held in the course of the Onam season.

November

When you haven’t had the possibility to totally get pleasure from Diwali holidays falling on the weekend this 12 months, don’t fear! Diwali in 2024 is about to fall on a Friday. Merely take Thursday or Monday off, and you may relish a pleasant four-day festive weekend.

With the winter quick approaching, you can utilise this weekend to spend a quiet getaway with your loved ones. Head to Bharatpur Fowl Sanctuary to identify migratory birds that arrive originally of winter. Often known as Keoladeo Nationwide Park, the place is a paradise for younger minds and fowl watchers.

Whilst you’re in Bharatpur, you may also think about going for a brief street journey to Fatehpur Sikri, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. A historic metropolis recognized for its well-preserved Mughal structure, you may go to the Buland Darwaza and the Jama Masjid.

(Edited by Pranita Bhat)