2020 was a year unlike any other. Amongst the many changes it brought in our lives, it also reduced our opportunity to fuel our wanderlust. However, things seem to be looking brighter for travel in 2021 with more restrictions being lifted and a lot more destinations opening up. Another reason to look forward to this year is the numerous long weekends, offering many opportunities to just pick up your bags for a quick getaway.
So, if you’re looking to make the most of the long weekends that 2021 has in store, here are some unique Airbnb homes you can stay at and experience travel like never before!
Republic Day long weekend (23rd – 26th January)
Royal Heritage Residency – Sultan Mahal, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
The weather is just right in January to explore some of the beautiful destinations in Rajasthan, which is otherwise too hot to bear. While the city of Jaisalmer will certainly sweep you off your feet this time of the year, this Airbnb royal residency is equally breathtaking. While you can take absolute delight in the larger-than-life architecture, old-world charm, and rich history of the residency, the most stunning part and the one that will remain with you forever, is the gorgeous view of the Jaisalmer fort.
Maha Shivratri long weekend (11th – 14th March)
Forestvalley Tree House Coorg – Superior, Madikeri, Karnataka
March is perfect to visit the gorgeous town of Coorg. The weather is pleasant, not too cold and not hot either. If planned right, you can spend at least four days 32 ft above ground level in this beautiful Airbnb treehouse. It is just 2.5 kilometers from Madikeri city, so you can enjoy the best the town has to offer. And call it a day in this beautiful Cedarwood home which boasts twin bedrooms with private baths, a spacious sit-out area, and endless greens on the outside.
Holi long weekend (27th – 29th March)
#1way to travel Northeast India. Xenon@CampingCo, Meghalaya
Celebrate Holi with a difference this year by going ‘glamping’ and experiencing the vibrant colors of nature instead. March is the ideal time to visit Assam when the weather is still a bit chilly (and gets even better when enjoyed from the rooftop of a car!).
This Airbnb setup is extremely convenient if you’re looking for adventure.
Good Friday long weekend (2nd – 4th April)
Gorgeous Tipi in Mandrem, Goa
It’s sure to be a good weekend if you wake up in Goa. Spend the long weekend away from the humdrum of the city and among the bird songs in Tipi, Mandrem. To make the weekend perfect, you can take a rejuvenating yoga class at the yoga shala, rent a bike and ride around the jungle, and visit their café for lots of organic goodies.
Eid ul-Fitr long weekend (13th – 16th May)
Maharaja’s Castle | with private forest and lake, Kheroda, Rajasthan
At this time, when summer is just beginning, you may have to prepare for warmer weather. However, the Maharaja’s castle in Kheroda, Rajasthan is surrounded by forests and a lake, so you can be assured of cooler days here. This jungle villa was built over 200 years ago and exudes vintage charm but has been restored with modern amenities. While at the castle, you can venture out and indulge in an adventure in the jungles of Aravalli hills, where you might find antelopes, chinkara gazelles, jackals, mongoose, or porcupines.
Janmashtami long weekend (28th -30th August)
Lake View Hut, New Delhi
As the city of Delhi celebrates the festival of Janmashtami, you can soak in the energy from the Lake View Hut. Overlooking the Hauz Khas Lake, this Airbnb home is centrally located, giving you access to the bustling city and its attractive marketplaces. The home itself is tastefully designed, with a very rustic and earthy feel and is extremely homely.
Ganesh Chaturthi long weekend (10th – 12th September)
Tieedi Air Dwelling 1, Darjeeling
Add on a few more days to the Ganesh Chaturthi holidays and head towards this gorgeous home in Darjeeling. During this time, the temperature will just be dipping, plus the mud-house will be slightly cooler than outside. Even though the home is made using local and natural resources, it offers all the amenities of a modern home. You can also make this weekend trip a little educational and learn about the zero-waste and regenerative principles used to build the home.
Dussehra long weekend (15th – 17th October)
Hubloft | Stay on a Lake | Houseboat Experience, Kerala
Head to the backwaters of Kerala for an extremely relaxing weekend. October is the ideal time to visit Kerala when the weather is pleasant and not too cold and staying in a houseboat adds to the experience . Enjoy three days of chilling on the deck, enjoying the sun, traditional cuisine, and taking in the cool breeze.
Diwali long weekend (4th – 7th November)
Organic farm @ Dahanu with cozy brick-walled rooms, Dahanu, Maharashtra
As the weather gets cooler at this time of the year, you can head to this green paradise just 125 km from Mumbai city. The 7-acre property seems to extend beyond with lush green plantations of coconut, papaya, and banana. The home, as the host likes to put it, is a tribute to mother nature. You will find that only earthy materials are used for the walls, floors, and ceilings. Even the soap and toothpaste are free of chemicals. You can also learn more about growing and harvesting organic food. Being extremely large and accommodating, this property is perfect for a quick festive family getaway.
Guru Nanak Jayanti long weekend (16th – 19th November)
“A” Frame Tiny-cozy wooden Glamp, Hodal, Himachal Pradesh
Head to this heavenly abode in Himachal Pradesh for the long weekend. This cozy little home is well-situated within trees and almost feels like a treehouse. The host family also comes with six dogs, birds, turtles, and ducks making for great company. McLeodganj, the Tibetan Monastery, and St. John’s church are close by, and the home offers a great view of the snowed-in Dhauladhar ranges.
Christmas long weekend (24th – 26th December)
Ikshaa, Goa
Spend Christmas weekend in this luxurious 3-bedroom villa which also has a private swimming pool. At the center of the home, there is a beautiful courtyard. The entire house is sprawling with plants, trees, and candles everywhere possible.
There is a lovely lawn with a hammock, making for the perfect reading spot. The kitchen is big, so you can cook yourself hearty meals. The home is also close to most beaches of South Goa, but there’s also a lovely stream flowing just close by. If you’re looking for an enchanting Christmas holiday, then look no further.
New Year long weekend (31st December – 2nd January)
Igloo stay by TheHimalayanLeopard, Manali
This home is literally the icicle on your holiday list. As the town of Manali gets snowed in, book yourself the ‘coolest’ possible adventure in the mountains. While the temperature can dip to sub-zero, inside the igloo it remains at a comfortable 10 degrees. The igloos are surrounded by forests of Cedar, Pine, and Oak and offer breathtaking views of the fascinating landscapes around. To make your stay comfortable, electricity, hot water bottles, three meals, a campfire, feather sleeping bags with warm fleece are all included in the amenities. The Igloo Stay is the best possible way you could bid adieu to 2021!
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