Why this long weekend is so special
I was looking at the calendar for 2026 the other day. And I saw something that made me very happy. The 26th of January falls on a Monday. Yes you heard that right. It is a Monday. This means we are going to have a long weekend. Saturday is off. Sunday is off. And Monday is a holiday. This is the perfect chance to travel.
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Usually we are so busy with work. We get tired. We just want to sleep on weekends. But a three day break is different. It gives you enough time to go out. To see a new place. And to come back fresh. If you are already thinking about plans then this blog is for you. I have made a list of Republic Day long weekend getaways 2026 that you will love.
I know planning a trip is hard. There are too many options. And sometimes we just get confused and stay at home. Do not do that this time. The weather in January is amazing. It is cold but it is nice. So I am going to tell you about some places. Some are near. Some are a bit far. But all of them are great. If you are looking for 26 january holiday trip ideas then just read on. I am writing this from my own experience. These are places I like. And I think you will like them too.
Auli is a winter dream come true
For people who love snow Auli is the best place. It is in Uttarakhand. In January Auli turns into a white wonderland. There is snow everywhere. On the trees. On the roofs. On the roads. It looks like a painting.
The best thing to do in Auli is skiing. It is famous for that. People come from all over the world to ski here. Even if you do not know how to ski you can try. There are instructors who will help you. Or you can just play in the snow. Throw snowballs at your friends. Make a snowman. It is a lot of fun.
The view of the mountains from Auli is something else. You can see Nanda Devi. It is a huge peak. When the sun falls on the snow it looks golden. You must take the ropeway ride. It is one of the longest in Asia. You will see the whole valley from the top. It is a bit scary but very beautiful. If you want snow for your Republic Day long weekend getaways 2026 then Auli is the top choice. Just remember to carry heavy jackets. It will be freezing there.
Jaipur is colorful and lively
If you do not like the extreme cold then you should go to Rajasthan. And Jaipur is the best city there. It is called the Pink City. The weather in January is very pleasant. The sun is warm and the air is cool. It is perfect for walking around.
Jaipur has so much history. You can visit the Amber Fort. It is on a hill. You can take a jeep to go up. Or you can walk. The fort is very big and beautiful. Then there is the Hawa Mahal. It has hundreds of small windows. It looks amazing from the street. You can take great photos there.
Food in Jaipur is another reason to go. You must try Dal Baati Churma. It is a local dish. It is heavy but very tasty. Also try the lassi. It is thick and sweet. And do not forget shopping. You can buy colorful clothes and shoes. And jewelry too. Since it is close to the capital it is one of the best places to visit near delhi on republic day. You can reach there in five to six hours by car.
Rishikesh for peace and adventure
Rishikesh is a place that has two sides. One side is very peaceful. The other side is full of adventure. That is why I like it. It sits next to the Ganga river. The water is green and clean.
If you want to relax you can sit by the river banks. You can listen to the sound of water. In the evening you should see the Ganga Aarti. It happens at Parmarth Niketan. Priests hold big lamps. There is music and chanting. It feels very spiritual. It calms your mind.
But if you want excitement then Rishikesh is great for that too. You can go river rafting. The water is cold but it is safe. You wear a life jacket and go with a guide. It is thrilling. You can also try bungee jumping. Or camping on the beach. There are many nice cafes in Rishikesh too. You can sit and read books and drink coffee. For people looking for the best weekend getaways in january 2026 this is a solid option.
Jim Corbett for the love of nature
Do you love animals. Do you like being in the jungle. Then Jim Corbett National Park is for you. It is in Uttarakhand. It is not very far from Delhi. It is one of the most famous parks in India.
The main attraction here is the tiger. Everyone wants to see a tiger. You can book a jeep safari. You go deep into the forest. The guides try to find the tigers. Sometimes you see them. Sometimes you don’t. But the chase is exciting. Even if you miss the tiger you will see other animals. There are deer and elephants and monkeys. And many colourful birds.
Staying in Corbett is also an experience. There are resorts inside and outside the park. At night it is pitch dark. You can hear the sounds of the jungle. It is a bit scary but in a good way. It is a great break from the city noise. It is one of the best Republic Day long weekend getaways 2026 for families with kids. They will learn a lot about nature.
Amritsar for a patriotic feeling
Since it is Republic Day going to a place with patriotic vibes is a good idea. Amritsar is that place. It is in Punjab. The main thing to see here is the Golden Temple. It is made of gold. It shines in the sun. It is so beautiful.
Inside the temple it is very peaceful. You can just sit and close your eyes. You will feel good. And you must eat at the Langar. It is the free kitchen. Thousands of people eat there together. Rich or poor everyone sits on the floor and eats. The food is simple dal and roti but it tastes amazing.
But for Republic Day the main spot is the Wagah Border. It is the border between India and Pakistan. Every evening there is a ceremony. Soldiers march. They lower the flags. People shout Jai Hind. The energy is high. You will feel proud to be an Indian. Because of this unique experience Amritsar is one of the top 26 january holiday trip ideas for everyone.
Udaipur is pure romance
If you are planning a trip with your partner then choose Udaipur. It is very romantic. It is called the city of lakes. Because there are many lakes there. Lake Pichola is the biggest one.
The best thing to do is take a boat ride in the evening. The sun sets and the water looks golden. You can see the palaces in the middle of the water. It looks like a movie scene. The City Palace is also worth visiting. It is huge and grand. You can see how the kings used to live.
Udaipur has many nice hotels. Some are very expensive and some are budget friendly. Many hotels have rooftop restaurants. You can have dinner while looking at the lit up lake. It is very quiet and nice. The food is also great. It is a bit far compared to other places but for Republic Day long weekend getaways 2026 it is worth the travel time.
Agra and Mathura for a quick trip
If you do not want to travel for too many hours then Agra is a good choice. It is very close to Delhi. You can see the Taj Mahal. We all know about it. But seeing it in winter is different. The mist makes it look mysterious.
After seeing the Taj you can go to Mathura. It is very near. It is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. There are many old temples. The streets are narrow and full of people. But the vibe is very spiritual. You can see the evening aarti at the ghats. You can eat the famous peda sweets.
You can easily cover both Agra and Mathura in three days. It is not very tiring. It fits perfectly in the long weekend. That is why it is one of the most convenient places to visit near delhi on republic day.
Some tips to help you plan
Now you have the list. But knowing the place is not enough. You have to plan well. Because everyone knows it is a long weekend. Everyone will try to travel.
First tip is about booking. Please book your hotels now. Do not wait for December or January. The prices will go up. They might become double. Trains get booked very fast. Flights also become expensive. If you want affordable Republic Day long weekend getaways 2026 you have to act fast.
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Second tip is about packing. Remember it is January. It will be cold in the north. Especially in places like Auli and Rishikesh. Pack good woollens. Take a heavy jacket. Take gloves and caps. Even in Jaipur and Udaipur the nights are cold.
Third tip is about cash. In big hotels cards work. But in small shops or remote places you might need cash. Keep some with you. And carry your ID cards. Every hotel asks for it.
Why you must travel
You might think why go through all this trouble. I can just stay at home. I can watch the Republic Day parade on TV. I can order food. Yes you can do that. But staying home is the same old thing.
Travel changes you. It breaks the routine. When you go to a new place your mind opens up. You meet new people. You eat new food. You see beautiful things. You create memories. When you go back to work on Tuesday you will feel happy. You will have stories to tell your colleagues.
This opportunity of a Monday holiday is rare. Do not waste it. Grab it. Go with your friends. Go with your family. Or just pick your bag and go solo. Just go somewhere. There are so many best weekend getaways in january 2026 waiting for you.
Final thoughts
So these are my 7 picks. Auli for snow. Jaipur for royalty. Rishikesh for thrill. Corbett for jungle. Amritsar for spirit. Udaipur for love. And Agra for history. All of them are special in their own way.
I have been to most of these places. And I have loved all of them. I am sure you will too. Just pick the one that matches your mood. If you want to relax pick a quiet place. If you want energy pick a loud place.
Start planning today. Call your travel buddies. Check the tickets. Make this Republic Day memorable. Celebrate India by seeing the beauty of India. Happy journey to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Where should I go for the Republic Day long weekend 2026?
Some of the best places for Republic Day long weekend getaways 2026 include Auli if you want to see snow, Jaipur if you want culture and shopping, Rishikesh for adventure sports, and Jim Corbett for a wildlife experience with family.
Q2: Is 26 January 2026 a long weekend?
Yes, absolutely. Republic Day (26th January) falls on a Monday in 2026. This gives you a continuous 3-day holiday from Saturday to Monday, which is perfect for a short trip.
Q3: What are the best places to visit near Delhi on Republic Day?
The best places to visit near delhi on republic day are Agra, Mathura, Jim Corbett National Park, Jaipur, and Rishikesh. All these destinations are within a 5-8 hour driving distance from Delhi.
Q4: Will there be snow in Auli in January 2026?
Yes, January is the peak winter season. You can expect heavy snowfall and excellent conditions for skiing in Auli during the Republic Day weekend. It is one of the best weekend getaways in january 2026 for snow lovers.
Q5: Is it expensive to travel during the Republic Day weekend?
Since it is a long weekend, demand is high, so hotel and flight prices tend to increase. To get the best rates, it is highly recommended to book your trip at least a month in advance.