Ah, the long weekends. Those delicious little spheres of respite in your packed calendar. Nothing is sweeter to us cogs in the workforce machine than a few extra days of time off. With 2016 around the corner, we take a look at some of the potential holiday weekends and days, and what you can do with that free time. Start planning now!
New Years Weekend
Image courtesy: Mark Fischer
Nothing says rest and relaxation like taking some time off, packing your bags and leaving the country. If you've managed to wrangle some time off from work, but haven't had time to plan a trip or buy a ticket, you can be spontaneous and head to a country that accepts visa on arrival.
When: 1-3 January {Friday to Sunday}
Republic Day Weekend
Still not over your New Year's holiday hangover? The real world rushing back too soon? Grab a quick break, and soak in some culture, by catching a few days of the Jaipur Literature Festival. Unsure? Wait till you find out who some of the guests and authors are.
When: 23-26 January {Saturday to Tuesday}
Shivratri Weekend
Source: Tamara
March has just begun, you've somehow scraped together a few thousand rupees, and want to take a break from the city. Why not take a trip to Coorg {it is, after all, called the Scotland of India}? Check out our roundup of best places to stay there while you get your fill of treks, coffee and pandi curry.
When: 5-7 March {Saturday to Monday}
Holi/Easter Weekend
Source: Villa Urvinkhan
If you're feeling a little tired of having the same kind of Holi celebration every year, March is a beautiful time to visit Chikmagalur. And when you have this blissful homestay resort to escape to, there's no room for second thoughts.
When: 24-27 March {Thursday to Saturday}
Gudi Padwa Weekend
Source: Team BHP
Leaving behind the city for a scenic retreat and a simple life: isn't that what holidays are all about? Skip those exotic locations and experience a real version of Farmville {everything from soil tilling to cheese making} at these farm stays.
When: 8 - 10 April {Friday to Sunday}
Ambedkar Jayanti/Ram Navami Weekend
Photo by Vivek Raj
After April the opportunity to really enjoy a holiday dwindles till the winter {unless you're part of the lucky few who actually still get summer holidays}. With that in mind you should make sure to visit some of the nearby beaches before the summer ends.
When: 14-17 April {Thursday to Sunday}
Independence Day Weekend
Villa Pottapatti
Looking for a quick staycation option to refresh yourself over the long weekend? Try these boutique hotels which offer a perfect combination of comfort and indulgence.
When: 13-15 August {Saturday to Monday}
Janamashthami Weekend
Having a choc-a-bloc full long weekend can be tough. Your heart says yes, but your wallet says no. If you're starting to feel the monetary pinch, and you know you need to start saving for your winter season shenanigans, but you still want to take a little trip then you can always look at economically friendly options like hostels.
When: 25-28 August {Thursday to Sunday}
Ganesh Chaturthi Weekend
Source: Raxa Collective
Supposing you don't have much time off but want to squeeze in as much as possible, then you should always take into account travel times. Luckily for us all, Bangalore has some easy getaway options you can reach in under five hours.
When: 3-5 September {Saturday to Monday}
Bakri Id Weekend
Source: Ananda
The stress of the year getting to you yet? Then perhaps a spa retreat is just what you need to calm the nerves.
When: 10-12 September {Saturday to Monday}
Dussehra/Durga Puja Weekend
Source: Esplanade
The Durga Puja celebrations in our city can get pretty immense! If you're planning to hit the streets, and neighbourhoods, this year and have no idea what your stomach is in store for, perhaps check out our pick of best Bengali food in town.
When: 8-12 October {Saturday to Wednesday}
Diwali Weekend
Source: The Blue Matsya
Treat yourself to a weekend at the beach, feasting on fresh seafood and enjoying the sea breeze, all at this beach house in Mangalore.
When: 28 - 30 October {Friday to Sunday}
Guru Nanak Jayanti Weekend
Source: Grasshopper
With the year coming to a close, perhaps its time you stopped focusing so much on you and started showering your significant other with some attention. Lucky for you, there are enough romantic places that are easy to find and that you may never have considered.
When: 12 - 14 November {Saturday to Monday}
Id-e-Milad Weekend
Source: Olde Bangalore
If you're lucky and have time off in December, you can treat yourself to an end-of-the-year indulgence by taking a trip back in time {not completely, of course} at this resort in town.
When: 10 - 13 December {Saturday to Tuesday}
Featured image via: Amit Sharma