Republic Day 2018: Best Places to Visit in India this Republic Day Long Weekend

With the Republic Day 2018 long weekend coming up, we look at some of the best places to visit in India.

Published: January 22, 2018 4:56 PM IST

By Anoop Menon

The week of the Indian Republic Day has officially begun this Monday. A lot of you might be having a serious case of Monday blues, but you’ll find plenty to be happy about this week. With Republic Day 2018 falling on a Friday, we have ourselves a short four-day working week and a long weekend as the cherry on top of the cake. A lot of you might already have plans for the Republic Day long weekend. There’s going to be plenty of travelers hitting the road these three days, which can be good or bad news depending on the kind of traveler and travel plan. But that’s a story for another day. Today, we look at some of the best places to visit in India this Republic Day 2018 long weekend. ALSO READ: Travel Advisory: Hundreds of Flights to and from Delhi to be Cancelled in Lead-up to Republic Day 2018

Kutch, Gujarat

Camel ride at the great Rann of Kutch (Rann Utsav)

Camel ride at the great Rann of Kutch (Rann Utsav)

Folks in Maharashtra and Gujarat should head out to Kutch for the long weekend, when the Rann Utsav festival is still going on. The festival will last until February 20, 2018, but this is a good time to enjoy the Utsav before it begins to wind down and the cool winter weather stars turning warm. Catch the folk song and dances in the midst of the white salt desert flats, locals with big colorful turbans and camels.

Goa

Goa sunset

Goa sunset

We cannot ignore Goa, can we? The state of beaches and parties is, not surprisingly, a lot of fun in January. Spend a couple of nights at Goa’s famed restaurants and pubs and beach parties, or the mornings and evening riding down the roads and exploring Goa beyond the beaches. Head out to Old Goa and visit its ancient churches and streets and museums to get closer to the roots of the state this Republic Day.

Shekhawati, Rajasthan

Shekhawati

Shekhawati

With the cool winter conditions continuing somewhat in Rajasthan, the upcoming long weekend is also a good time to pack your bags and head out for a road trip through the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. Stare in awe at the majestic Havelis that have made this region so famous, and do not miss out on the delicious Rajasthani cuisine that is served here. Spend your weekend immersing yourself in the culture of this region that is so different from the rest.

Alleppey, Kerala

Alleppey in Kerala

Alleppey in Kerala

From the northern landscapes of Shekhawati, we head down all the way to the pristine and calm backwaters of Alleppey. For those who stay around the destination or in neighboring states, Alleppey is a good place to head to for the weekend, especially with your special someone in tow. There’s nothing more romantic than a few days in a houseboat serenely floating along the backwaters, with just you and your significant other inside.

Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho

Khajuraho

On a related note, the famed Khajuraho of Madhya Pradesh also makes for a compelling but offbeat destination for the weekend. The afternoons are already a little balmy, but you can spend your two days here enjoying the heritage monuments and sites of the city and the natural landscape. The temple complex is the main attraction here, and you could easily spend your weekend just exploring every part of the complex.

Puri and Konark, Odisha

Sunset in Puri beach

Sunset in Puri beach

Moving eastwards, the twin destinations of Puri and Konark make for a great Republic Day 2018 long weekend destination. There are the religious pilgrimage sites, of course: the Sun Temple of Konark and the Puri Jagannath Temple. And there is Puri beach, where you can chill for a day or two and take a break from the hustle of your daily life. NOW READ: Festivals and Events in India in January 2018 to Kick off a Year of Travel

Kaziranga National Park, Assam

Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park

Finally, for a proper break from civilization itself this Republic Day, there is no better spot to head to than Kaziranga National Park. You should probably take two more days off to experience Kaziranga in all its glory, though. This is one of the best times to visit the park in terms of weather and the chance to spot the park’s wildlife, including the migratory birds that call this place home during the winter months.

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