Mumbai, March 24: With Good Friday falling on April 3 and Easter Sunday on April 5, travelers across India are preparing for the first major long weekend of the spring season. Tourism boards and travel operators report a significant uptick in bookings as temperatures begin to rise across the plains, driving a preference for high-altitude retreats and coastal escapes.

From the spiritual heritage of Goa to the cooler climates of the Himalayas, several destinations have emerged as top choices for the upcoming three-day break. Holy Week 2026 India Calendar: Important Dates for Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter.

Coastal Retreats: Goa and Kochi

Goa remains a primary destination for the Easter weekend, offering a blend of traditional festivities and leisure. The state’s historic churches in Old Goa host elaborate services and processions, attracting both pilgrims and tourists. Beyond the spiritual aspect, the beach season is in full swing before the arrival of the pre-monsoon heat. Similarly, Kochi in Kerala offers a unique cultural experience. The Saint Francis Church and Santa Cruz Basilica are focal points for Easter celebrations. Travelers often combine these visits with a day trip to the nearby backwaters of Alleppey, which remains a popular choice for those seeking a slower pace.

Choose Hill Stations for Spring Relief

As April marks the onset of summer in many parts of India, hill stations are seeing the highest volume of inquiries.

  • Munnar, Kerala: Known for its expansive tea estates, Munnar offers a refreshing climate in early April. It is particularly favored by families looking for nature-oriented activities.

  • Manali and Kasol, Himachal Pradesh: For those in Northern India, these destinations provide a chance to witness the last of the winter snow at higher passes like Rohtang, while the valleys begin to bloom with spring flowers.

  • Gangtok, Sikkim: This remains a preferred choice for travelers in the East. April is considered an ideal time to visit Tsomgo Lake and Baba Mandir before the heavy Himalayan rains begin later in the quarter. Indian Railways New Ticket Cancellation Rules: No Refund Within 8 Hours, Boarding Point Change Made Easier.

For Heritage and Wildlife Escapes

For travelers interested in history or nature, the 2026 long weekend aligns with the peak sighting season in India’s national parks.

  • Ranthambore, Rajasthan: With water sources drying up, tiger sightings are statistically higher in April. Heritage enthusiasts often pair this with a visit to Jaipur or Udaipur.

  • Hampi, Karnataka: The UNESCO World Heritage site is a popular "quick getaway" for residents of Bengaluru and Hyderabad. While the afternoons can be warm, the architectural grandeur of the ruins remains a major draw for short-duration trips.

Travel Advisory and Planning

Industry experts advise travelers to finalize bookings immediately, as airfares on popular routes like Delhi-Goa and Mumbai-Kochi typically surge by 30 per cent to 40 per cent in the ten days leading up to a long weekend. Additionally, Indian Railways has announced several special trains to accommodate the holiday rush on high-demand sectors. Travelers are encouraged to check for local festival-related traffic diversions, particularly in church-dense areas of Goa and Kerala, where large processions are expected on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 24, 2026 05:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).