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List of Long Weekends in 2023: The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Long Weekend Trip!

Personal Finance
08-11-2023
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Weekends are often occupied running errands and catching up with friends and family. But people look forward to some special weekends of the year as they come with additional holidays. Yes, we’re referring to long weekends that help people take short vacations and unwind from stress. Here’s a list of long weekends in 2023 in India and weekend getaways worth exploring that will help you make the most of these holidays.

  1. January 14th, Saturday: Makar Sankranti & Lohri
    January 15th, Sunday: Pongal
    January 16th, Monday (Take a leave)

The long weekend of Makar Sankranti, Lohri, and Pongal is quite a celebrated one. The festivities start with Makar Sankranti and Lohri on January 14th and end with Pongal on January 15th. In some states, the festivals are pro-longed and are celebrated with grandeur. Some of the best places to visit in India during this festival are:

  • Haridwar, Uttarakhand: Attend the Ganga Aarti and take a dip in the holy river.
  • Amritsar, Punjab: Enjoy the vibrant spirit of Amritsar.
  • Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Attend India’s largest kite flying festival.
  1. January 26th, Thursday: Republic Day
    January 27th, Friday (Take a leave)
    January 28th, Saturday
    January 29th, Sunday

January seems to be a month filled with long weekends. Another long weekend that comes with a four-day holiday is the Republic Day weekend. Enjoy this holiday by planning a relaxing trip with your friends or family and recharge yourself. The best places to visit in India during this period are:

  • New Delhi: Witness the Republic Day parades.
  • Wagah Border, Amritsar: Watch the retreat ceremony.
  • Shimla: Visit Ridge Maidan and witness the state-level celebrations.
  1. March 08th, Wednesday: Holi
    March 09th, Thursday (Take a leave)
    March 10th, Friday (Take a leave)
    March 11th, Saturday
    March 12th, Sunday

Holi is a much-awaited festival in India. It marks the beginning of the spring season and is celebrated widely in every part of the country. Depending on the location, people celebrate it differently. For example, in some places, people visit temples and follow rituals associated with the festival; while in others, people play Holi in the wildest way possible. The best part of Holi in 2023 is that it falls on a Wednesday. This means you can take a Thursday and Friday off, club it with the weekend, and enjoy a five-day holiday. The best places to visit in India during this season are:

  • Mathura, Uttar Pradesh: Attend the Holi events at Dwarkadheesh Temple.
  • Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh:  Participate in the Phoolon wali Holi at Banke Bihari Temple.
  • Udaipur, Rajasthan: Attend the royal Holika Dahan at Shambhu Niwas Palace.
  1. April 04th, Tuesday: Mahavir Jayanti
    April 05th, Wednesday (Take a leave)
    April 06th, Thursday (Take a leave)
    April 07th, Friday: Good Friday
    April 08th, Saturday
    April 09th, Sunday

April marks the onset of the summer season and is a pleasant month to travel. With so many holidays in the first week of the month, we are excited to take an extended vacation. And if you want this six-day vacation to turn into a nine-day holiday, you must consider taking leaves from April 03rd, Monday, club it with April 01st and 02nd, i.e., Saturday and Sunday, and there you go! A nice nine-day long vacation. The best places to visit in India during this period are:

  • Shimla, Kullu & Manali, Himachal Pradesh: Enjoy and explore the magnificent hills.
  • Spiti: Soak in the natural beauty of the rugged mountains.
  • McLeodganj: Relax and feel one with nature.
  1. May 05th, Friday: Buddha Purnima
    May 06th, Saturday
    May 07th, Sunday

Another long weekend calls for another getaway. Make the most of this time by visiting some of the beautiful destinations in the country. The best places to visit in India during this time are:

  • Kerala: Visit God’s own country, indulge in the Ayurvedic massage, take a tour on the houseboat and soak in nature’s marvels.
  • Goa: Enjoy the sun, sand, and sea in this picturesque state.
  • Pondicherry: Visit the French Riviera of the East and explore its culture and heritage.
  1. June 29th, Thursday: Bakri Eid
    June 30th, Friday (Take a leave)
    July 01st, Saturday
    July 02nd, Sunday

Another long weekend awaits you in June and July. With the beginning of the monsoon season, it’s a perfect time to get away and soak in the beauty of nature. The best places to visit in India during this time are:

  • Lonavala, Maharashtra: Enjoy the waterfalls, the Bushi Dam, and the beauty of nature all in one place!
  • Rishikesh, Uttarakhand: Enjoy river rafting and mindful yoga sessions.
  • Bir Billing: Paraglide into nature!
  1. August 12th, Saturday
    August 13th, Sunday
    August 14th, Monday (Take a leave)
    August 15th, Tuesday: Independence Day
    August 16th, Wednesday: Parsi New Year

Often a time for a short break for the people of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, the Independence Day break, calls for nearby getaways that help people take a break from their daily chores and prepare themselves for the upcoming festivities. The best places to visit in India during this time are:

  • Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh: Learn the history of the freedom struggle.
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Take a tour of the Cellular Jail and learn about freedom strugglers. You can also indulge in water-sport activities.
  • Red Fort, Delhi: Join in the celebrations of the country’s glorious day.
  1. August 26th, Saturday
    August 27th, Sunday
    August 28th, Monday (Take a leave)
    August 29th, Tuesday: Onam
    August 30th, Wednesday: Rakshabandhan

This long weekend celebrates the bond between a brother and a sister. So, what’s better than planning a trip with your siblings and enjoying Rakshbandhan with them. The best places to visit in India during this time are:

  • Rishikesh, Uttrakhand: A perfect vacay destination for adventure-minded siblings.
  • Goa: Party with your siblings from sunset to sunrise at this party destination.
  • Lahaul, Spiti, Himachal Pradesh: Explore the beauty of this wonderful paradise.
  1. September 07th, Thursday: Janmashtami
    September 08th, Friday (Take a leave)
    September 09th, Saturday
    September 10th, Sunday

Celebrate the festival of Janmashtami in Lord Krishna’s famous temples in Dwarka, Puri, Vrindavan, and Mathura. An experience of a lifetime; you will indeed witness festivity and devotion. The best places to visit in India during this festival are:

  • Mathura, Uttar Pradesh: Visit Lord Krishna’s birthplace.
  • Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh: Attend the vibrant celebrations at the various temples.
  • Dwarka: Visit the temples and take blessings from the Lord.
  1. September 16th, Saturday
    September 17th, Sunday
    September 18th, Monday (Take a leave)
    September 19th, Tuesday: Ganesh Chaturthi

This long weekend coincides with one of India’s major festivals, i.e., Ganesh Chaturthi. The 10-day-long festival is celebrated each year widely, and many people also take this time to enjoy a long weekend. The best places to visit in India during this time are:

  • Coorg, Karnataka: Catch a whiff of some fresh air.
  • Nashik, Maharashtra: Indulge in some wine tasting and visit the famous temples and shrines in the city.
  • Daman & Diu: Explore the rich Portuguese history and culture.
  1. September 30th, Saturday
    October 01st, Sunday
    October 02nd, Monday: Gandhi Jayanti

Sometimes, an escape is all you need. Pamper yourself and get some quality time to unwind from the chaos. The best places to visit in India during this time are:

  • Darjeeling, West Bengal: Explore the beautiful Queen of the Himalayas.
  • Saputara, Gujarat: Explore the hidden gem of Gujarat.
  • Coonoor: Get a glimpse of the mesmerizing views of the massive Nilgiris.
  1. October 21st, Saturday
    October 22nd, Sunday
    October 23rd, Monday (Take a leave)
    October 24th, Tuesday: Dussehra

Mahanavami and Dussehra come this weekend and are both widely celebrated festivals in India. This year, the festivity will be even grander as they fall after the weekend, i.e., Monday and Tuesday, respectively. This also means an extended weekend off. If you’re planning a trip during this time, you should visit the below-listed places.

  • Hampi, Karnataka: Explore the ruins of the bygone era.
  • Agra, Uttar Pradesh: Get romantic with your partner in the city of love.
  • Kolkata: Soak in the rich culture that you will witness during this time.
  1. November 11th, Saturday
    November 12th, Sunday: Diwali
    November 13th, Monday: Govardhan Puja

Make the most of your Diwali weekend. Enjoy this festival with your family and friends, and find solace from hectic everyday life. A few places to visit in India during this time are:

  • Pushkar, Rajasthan: Visit this famous pilgrimage site in Rajasthan.
  • Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: Soak in the beauty of the birthplace of Lord Rama.
  • Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
  1. November 25th, Saturday
    November 26th, Sunday
    November 27th, Monday: Guru Nanak Jayanti

Another long weekend in November 2023 awaits you. With a three-day long holiday, there are quite a few destinations that you can visit during this time of the year. The best places to visit in India during this time are:

  • Gir, Gujarat: Visit the home to India’s Asiatic Lions
  • Gokarna, Maharashtra: Relax and enjoy the beauty of the sun and the sea at the peaceful beaches of Gokarna.
  • Tarkarli, Maharashtra: Enjoy the beach and some fun water-sport activities at Tarkarli.
  1. December 23rd, Saturday
    December 24th, Sunday
    December 25th, Monday: Christmas

The last long weekend of the year falls around Christmas, which means it’s your last chance in 2023 to plan a trip without taking additional work leave. Some places to explore during this time are:

  • Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh: Visit the ancient temples and marvel at the architectural brilliance.
  • Rann of Kutch, Gujarat: Discover the unique landscape of the white desert.
  • Ranthambore: Experience wildlife at its best.

Make the most of these long weekends of 2023 by planning your holidays in advance. If you’re wondering how to make these trips possible, Piramal Finance is here to help you. Avail of a personal loan and make the most of early bird offers. Get the best deals with attractive rates on flights, hotels, buses, tour packages, and more. Most importantly, avail of our personal loan to ensure you have a promising holiday experience in 2023.

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Tips & Advice

Pondicherry Trip Cost – A Complete Travel Budget Guide

Pondicherry, or Puducherry, is a charming coastal town on India’s southeast coast that beautifully blends French heritage with South Indian culture. With its peaceful beaches, colourful streets, spiritual retreats, and delicious food, it is one of India’s most loved weekend getaways. If you’re planning a vacation, understanding the Pondicherry trip cost will help you plan your travel smartly. Travel Cost to Pondicherry By Flight Pondicherry has a small airport with limited connectivity. The best option is to fly to Chennai International Airport, about 150 km away, and then travel by road. Delhi to Chennai flights: ₹5,000 to ₹9,000 (round trip) Mumbai to Chennai flights: ₹6,000 to ₹10,000 (round trip) Taxi or bus from Chennai to Pondicherry: ₹500 to ₹2,500 depending on the mode By Train Pondicherry is connected by train to major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Delhi. Chennai to Pondicherry train: ₹250 to ₹600 per person Bangalore to Pondicherry train: ₹500 to ₹1,200 per person By Road Pondicherry is easily accessible by road, and the East Coast Road (ECR) is one of India’s most scenic routes. Chennai to Pondicherry (150 km): ₹800 to ₹1,500 by bus or ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 by taxi Bangalore to Pondicherry (310 km): ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 by bus or ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 by cab Accommodation Costs in Pondicherry Pondicherry offers a mix of heritage guesthouses, beachfront resorts, and boutique hotels. Budget hotels and hostels: ₹1,200 to ₹2,000 per night Mid-range hotels: ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 per night Luxury resorts: ₹8,000 to ₹15,000 per night Staying near White Town or Promenade Beach gives you easy access to attractions but may cost slightly more. Food and Dining Expenses Pondicherry’s food scene reflects its French influence mixed with South Indian flavours. Street food and local cafes: ₹300 to ₹500 per meal Mid-range restaurants: ₹800 to ₹1,500 per person Fine dining and beachside restaurants: ₹2,000+ per person A daily food budget of ₹1,000 to ₹1,800 per person is ideal for a comfortable trip. Sightseeing and Local Transport Getting around Pondicherry is easy with rented scooters, bicycles, or auto-rickshaws. Scooter rentals: ₹400 to ₹600 per day Auto rides within city: ₹100 to ₹300 per trip Entry fees for attractions: ₹20 to ₹100 per person Top Attractions in Pondicherry Promenade Beach Auroville and Matrimandir Paradise Beach French Quarter (White Town) Aurobindo Ashram Serenity Beach Pondicherry Trip Cost for Couples and Families Here’s an estimated budget for a 3 to 4 days trip: Budget trip: ₹12,000 to ₹18,000 for two people Mid-range trip: ₹25,000 to ₹35,000 for two people Luxury trip: ₹45,000+ for two people This includes travel, stay, food, local transport, and sightseeing. Can a Travel Loan Help? If you’re planning a longer stay or a luxury vacation, managing expenses upfront can be challenging. A travel loan can make your Pondicherry trip hassle-free by covering flights, stays, and sightseeing costs while you repay conveniently through EMIs. Final Thoughts The Pondicherry trip cost largely depends on how you travel and where you stay, ranging from ₹6,000 per person for a budget holiday to ₹25,000 or more for a luxury vacation. With its calm beaches, French cafés, and colourful streets, Pondicherry offers the perfect escape for every kind of traveller. Plan ahead, book early, and enjoy a peaceful getaway by the sea.

14-10-2025
Tips & Advice

Kedarnath Trip Package – Cost and Travel Itinerary

Kedarnath, one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India, is nestled in the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kedarnath Temple is part of the Char Dham Yatra and attracts lakhs of devotees every year. The journey to this sacred shrine is both spiritual and scenic, making it a dream for those seeking peace and devotion. If you’re planning your visit, understanding the Kedarnath trip package details, cost, and travel options can help you plan your yatra efficiently. Travel Options to Kedarnath There are several routes and modes to reach Kedarnath, depending on your convenience and budget. By Air The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 240 km from Gaurikund (the base point for Kedarnath). Delhi to Dehradun flight: ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 (round trip) Taxi from Dehradun to Gaurikund: ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 per vehicle Helicopter services are also available from Phata, Guptkashi, and Sirsi to Kedarnath for those who want to skip the trek. Helicopter tickets cost between ₹5,000 and ₹8,000 per person (round trip). By Train The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, located around 210 km from Gaurikund. Delhi to Rishikesh train: ₹400 to ₹1,000 per person Cab or bus from Rishikesh to Gaurikund: ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per person By Road Buses and shared taxis are available from Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun to Gaurikund. The journey takes about 8 to 10 hours through beautiful mountain roads. Trekking to Kedarnath From Gaurikund, the Kedarnath trek spans about 16 kilometres. Ponies, palkis, and doli services are available for those who prefer not to walk. Pony ride: ₹3,000 to ₹4,500 per person Doli: ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 per person Porter: ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 The trek offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and alpine forests, making it a spiritual as well as adventurous experience. Kedarnath Trip Package Cost Package prices vary based on departure city, duration, and inclusions such as meals, hotels, and transport. Budget Package: ₹9,000 to ₹15,000 per person (shared transport, basic stays, group tour) Mid-Range Package: ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 per person (comfortable hotels, meals, guide) Luxury Package: ₹35,000 to ₹50,000 per person (private cab, premium stays, helicopter option) If you choose to include nearby sites like Badrinath, Tungnath, or Guptkashi, costs may increase slightly but offer a complete Char Dham experience. Accommodation and Food Costs Accommodation options near Kedarnath are limited but sufficient for most pilgrims. Budget guesthouses: ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per night Mid-range hotels in Guptkashi or Sonprayag: ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 per night Luxury stays near Phata: ₹7,000 to ₹10,000 per night Meals are simple and vegetarian, with dhabas and ashrams offering thalis priced around ₹150 to ₹300 per person. Ideal Duration and Best Time to Visit The Kedarnath Temple opens in April or May and closes by October or early November before snowfall.A 4 to 5-day trip from Haridwar or Rishikesh is ideal to cover travel, stay, and darshan comfortably. How to Choose the Right Kedarnath Package Check if the package includes transport from Haridwar or Dehradun. Confirm meals, hotel quality, and local guide services. Verify inclusion of permits and temple entry arrangements. For senior citizens, helicopter-inclusive packages are highly recommended. Can a Travel Loan Help? Pilgrimage trips like Kedarnath can involve high travel and accommodation costs, especially for families. Opting for a travel loan can make it easier to manage these expenses while allowing you to repay conveniently through EMIs. Final Thoughts The Kedarnath trip package cost generally ranges between ₹9,000 and ₹30,000 per person, depending on comfort and inclusions. Whether you choose to trek or fly by helicopter, the journey to Kedarnath is an unforgettable spiritual experience. With a little planning and smart budgeting, you can make this holy yatra peaceful, memorable, and financially manageable.

14-10-2025
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