Whereas the notion of an countless trip may convey a smile to our faces, the tough actuality of labor schedules and the incessant buzz of notifications on our telephones rapidly convey us again to the grind.

However what if I instructed you that in 2024, there’s an opportunity you may get to take pleasure in brief getaways virtually each different month?

How is that potential, 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 accordance with The Occasions 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!

In case you’re fearful about discovering out the dates and determining the greatest locations to go to, fret not as a result of The Higher India has obtained you lined.

January

As the brand new yr unfolds, you’ll be welcomed by an sudden lengthy weekend alternative. With 31 December, 2021, falling on a Sunday and New Yr’s Day on a Monday, contemplate 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 charming 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.

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

In case you get pleasure from wildlife, then visiting Gir Nationwide Park on one among these prolonged weekends could be pleasant. The climate, the air and clear days are excellent 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 charming 400 km drive from Bengaluru. What makes this journey actually particular is the chance it supplies 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 could add to your listing is Barsana in Uttar Pradesh. Only a drive away from Mathura, Holi could be the most effective time to go to this small city well-known for its ‘Lathmaar Holi’. Lathmaar Holi is legendary 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.

Might

In case your office generously supplies 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 is perhaps simply the factor you want. Lansdowne, a serene hill station in Uttarakhand, stands out as the right vacation spot for these in the hunt for tranquillity and pure magnificence. In Might, this hill station experiences a pleasant local weather with temperatures starting from round 15 to 30 levels Celsius.

Don’t overlook to pack mild woollens, because the temperature may dip in the course of the evening or on wet days.

June

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

With virtually half of 2024 gone, you may wish to decelerate and replicate 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 an excellent 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), contemplate 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.

In case 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 legendary for its majestic views and rafting actions.

The city additionally has Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary the place you possibly can spot animals like black panthers, elephants, tigers, deer, and quite a lot of chicken 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 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 known as the Onam Parade in Thiruvananthapuram.

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

November

In case you haven’t had the prospect to completely get pleasure from Diwali holidays falling on the weekend this yr, don’t fear! Diwali in 2024 is about to fall on a Friday. Merely take Thursday or Monday off, and you’ll relish a pleasant four-day festive weekend.

With the winter quick approaching, you may utilise this weekend to spend a quiet getaway with your loved ones. Head to Bharatpur Fowl Sanctuary to identify migratory birds that arrive at first of winter. Also referred to as Keoladeo Nationwide Park, the place is a paradise for younger minds and chicken watchers.

Whilst you’re in Bharatpur, you may also contemplate 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 possibly can go to the Buland Darwaza and the Jama Masjid.

(Edited by Pranita Bhat)