Best Places to Travel in India for Mini Vacation on Long Weekends in January 2024

As you usher in the New Year 2024 while trying to tick off the resolutions, you may be looking forward to seeing the holiday list for the year to make your travel plans. Well, 2024 promises to be a fantastic year to go on many small or mini vacations with your family, as there are plenty of long weekends. And the long weekends start in January itself. 

January is one of the best months in a calendar year for travelling as most of the country experiences winter, the weather is pleasant, and some places are better than others. So, if you are waiting for an opportunity to escape the city and explore new places, we give you a list of the best places you can go to on long weekends in January 2024.

Before we list down the best places you can go to, let us look at the weekends in January 2024. 

Long Weekend 1 

January 12th to January 15th 

January 12th (Friday) – Take a leave

January 13th (Saturday) – Weekend

January 14th (Saturday) – Weekend

January 15th (Sunday) – Makar Sankranti

Long Weekend 2

January 26th to January 28th

January 26th (Thursday) – Republic Day

January 27th and 28th (Saturday and Sunday) – Weekend

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Jaisalmer holds an important place in the tourism landscape of Rajasthan. Owing to its proximity to the Thar Desert, bounteous with golden sand dunes, and marvellous castles built with golden sandstones, the city has earned the sobriquet, ‘the Golden City.’

Decorated with lavish mahals, ornamental temples and lagoons, Jaisalmer is every traveller’s paradise. The city offers plenty of adventure activities in the desert that will make your trip unforgettable. From camel safari to riding an ATV, you can have a lot of fun and frolic. 

Jaisalmer is also packed with plenty of colourful handicraft markets that will take you back in time and highlight the rich culture and heritage of India.

Where to stay?

If you are planning to visit Jaisalmer in January, you can book your stay at the Club Mahindra Jaisalmer, one of the most premium resorts in Jaisalmer. The resort, nestled right in the heart of the sand dunes, is a luxurious retreat for the mind, body and soul. Here you can enjoy a comfortable stay in spacious rooms with modern amenities and indulge in various signature experiences curated just for you and your family. All-in-all, the resort would be the perfect base for all your Jaisalmer adventures!

Goa

A tiny state nestled between Maharashtra and Kerala, Goa is a coastal paradise. It is a Kaleidoscopic blend of Indian and Portuguese heritage, delicious cuisine and an endless stretch of pristine coastline dotted with stunning beaches. 

The easy-going vibe, and the multicultural atmosphere of the sunshine state have earned it a lot of fame worldwide. Not to mention, Goa is also known for being home to its beautiful nightlife, which has earned its moniker as the ‘party capital of India.’

But that is just one side of the coin. On the other side, Goa is also home to several historical monuments and quaint natural beauty that you may not find anywhere else in India. From the cascading fall to centuries-old churches and forts that lie in ruins, Goa has something to offer for everyone. 

Where to stay?

As a popular tourist spot, Goa has many places to stay. But, if you prefer a premium stay, you can check-in at any of the resorts offered by Club Mahindra, depending on which part of the state you are in. If you are in south Goa, you can book your stay at Club Mahindra Varca. It is located close to the beach and would be a perfect base for you to explore the various attractions in south Goa and participate in various water sports activities. 

Shillong, Meghalaya

A picturesque hill station teetering on the far east side of the Indian peninsula, Shillong is a wonderland. Blessed with immense natural beauty and rich history and culture, this quaint town is just waiting to be explored. It is slowly gaining popularity as one of the best tourist destinations in India. 

If you are planning to go to Shillong for a mini vacation on the long weekend, be warned, you may need every ounce of strength to resist the temptation of extending your holiday. The place has a magical charm that enthrals you beyond your imagination!

Where to stay?

Shilling is a small but bustling city, and right in the heart of the town is the Polo Towers, one of the best resorts in Shillong, hosted by Club Mahindra. It offers a serene living space and serves as the best base camp for all your Shillong adventures!

Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg is a mesmerising hill station in Karnataka, which is located about 900 metres above sea level. Known for its evergreen rolling meadows, expansive waterfalls, ancient temples, aromatic coffee plantations, and surreal sights all around, the city is one of the most visited tourist places in Karnataka, especially in January. 

Everyone, from adults to kids, and honeymoon goers, come to Coorg to enjoy a peaceful time amidst nature and escape the city conundrum. The city’s ethereal natural beauty, and tranquillity, nourish the mind, body and soul. It is a beautiful place to go on a mini vacation to rejuvenate and spend quality time with your loved ones. 

Where to stay?

When you visit Coorg for a mini vacation, you may want to experience the best of everything the city offers, right? Well, then look no further than Club Mahindra Madikeri or Club Mahindra Virajpet, the best resorts in Coorg, to fulfil all your expectations and beyond. At these resorts, you can enjoy a comfortable stay in spacious rooms that offer an uninterrupted view of the scenic landscape around. Also, you get to enjoy the best culinary experience and hospitality that will make your holiday unforgettable!

So, mark the weekends on the calendar, choose your favourite destination, pack your bags, and head off on mini vacation. Bon Voyage!