The month of October 2025 is set to bring joy not just with major festivals but also with three long weekends that travelers can look forward to. With festivals such as Dussehra, Durga Puja, Karva Chauth, Diwali, Bhai Dooj, and Chhath Puja lined up, October offers the perfect chance to combine festive celebrations with short or extended getaways.
As the year enters its final quarter, these upcoming long weekends are an opportunity to relax, plan trips, and create memorable experiences without having to exhaust all your leave days. If you are planning a domestic or international trip, now is the right time to make bookings before festive rush leads to sold-out tickets and soaring prices.
Here’s a detailed look at the October long weekends and ideas on how to make the most of them:
Wednesday, October 1 – Maha Navami
Thursday, October 2 – Dussehra & Gandhi Jayanti (public holiday)
Friday, October 3 – Take a day off
Saturday, October 4 & Sunday, October 5 – Regular weekend
With a strategic leave on October 3, you can enjoy a five-day break. This is the perfect time for a quick nearby getaway or simply celebrating festivals with family at home. Popular short-trip destinations like Jaipur, Rishikesh, or Coorg could make this extended holiday refreshing and memorable.
Saturday, October 18 – Weekend
Sunday, October 19 – Weekend
Monday, October 20 – Diwali (public holiday)
This three-day weekend coincides with Diwali, the festival of lights. Families can use this time to decorate homes, exchange sweets, and host get-togethers. If you prefer travel, a short trip to destinations like Udaipur, Amritsar, or Pondicherry can add sparkle to your Diwali celebrations.
Thursday, October 23 – Bhai Dooj
Friday, October 24 – Take a day off
Saturday, October 25 & Sunday, October 26 – Regular weekend
Another four-day weekend awaits towards the end of October. This break is ideal for nature lovers. Options include:
Kaziranga & Manas National Parks – Wildlife safaris and spotting rhinos in Assam.
Munnar, Kerala – Explore lush tea gardens and enjoy a hands-on tea-making experience.
Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh – Walk through misty hills and scenic coffee plantations.
Hampi, Karnataka – Step back in time with heritage tours of ancient ruins.
The festive season doesn’t end in October. December will also bring a long weekend around Christmas:
Thursday, December 25 – Christmas
Friday, December 26 – Take a day off
Saturday, December 27 & Sunday, December 28 – Regular weekend
This year-end break is perfect for travel before welcoming 2026. Some great options include soaking up the sun on Goa’s beaches, boating at Pookode Lake in Wayanad, admiring cherry blossoms in Shillong, or enjoying fresh seafood in Varkala.
The long weekends of October and December 2025 are a golden opportunity for both short and long trips. With just one or two planned leaves, you can extend your holidays significantly. Whether you want to stay close to home, explore India’s cultural heritage, or relax in nature, these breaks allow you to strike the right balance between festive celebrations and travel adventures.
So, start planning early, make your bookings, and ensure your long weekends turn into stress-free, memorable getaways.
