Top Travel Ideas for August 15 Long Weekend Holiday in India

Independence Day on August 15th in India usually comes with the much-needed long weekend, a great chance to take a short break. In 2025, Independence Day is on a Friday, giving us a three-day weekend (August 15th-17th). Although most of the most famous spots will surely be crowded, there are also amazing off-season gems where you can have some calmness and tranquility.

Top Travel Ideas for August 15 Long Weekend Holiday in India

Places Likely to Be Crowded: Embrace the Buzz!

At any extended weekend, particularly one involving a national holiday, some vacation spots are flooded with tourists. If you love a busy ambiance, have no objection to crowds, and want a lively experience, these locations can still be great choices. But it is imperative that you plan your travels and accommodations in advance.

Also Read: August 15 Long Gateways from Hyderabad

1. Hill Stations (North India)

Image credit: Hindustan Times

Seasonal favorites such as Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie, Nainital, and Darjeeling will be filled with tourists wanting to escape the plains. Though the monsoon foliage enhances their beauty, look forward to traffic jams, congested viewpoints, and possibly higher rates.

• Why they are crowded: The main reason is proximity. Cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and other North Indian metropolises are just a drive away, making these hill stations the most accessible escape from the plains. The pleasant weather and lush monsoon greenery also act as a major draw.

2. Goa

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Regardless of the monsoon season, Goa is a favorite year-round. The green landscapes and fewer open shacks on the beaches can provide a different, more laid-back atmosphere than in peak season, but still crowded, particularly in the popular spots such as North Goa.

• Why it is crowded: While it's the monsoon season, many travelers see this as an advantage. The landscape is a beautiful green, and it's a budget-friendly time to travel with lower prices on flights and hotels. The "monsoon charm" and the long weekend bring people in, especially to the more popular northern beaches.

3. Udaipur & Jaipur (Rajasthan)

Image credit: Rajasthan Yatra

The "City of Lakes" and the "Pink City" are always favorites, and the monsoons can sprinkle a misty romance over their forts and palaces. Look forward to these ancient cities being thronged with tourists soaking up their heritage.

• Why they are crowded: These cities are year-round tourist magnets. The romantic forts and palaces combined with the long weekend make them a prime destination. The monsoon weather, though rainy at times, is much more pleasant than the scorching summer heat, attracting a large number of domestic tourists.

4. Lonavala & Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra)

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These Western Ghats hill stations are classic monsoon destinations for Mumbaikars and Punekars alike. Prepare to find them chock-a-block with groups and families enjoying the waterfalls and misty conditions.

• Why they are crowded: These are the quintessential monsoon getaways for Mumbaikars and Punekars. They are easily accessible by road and the Western Ghats transform into a beautiful green wonderland with misty valleys and gushing waterfalls. This natural spectacle, combined with the short travel time, makes them packed during any long weekend.

5. Coorg & Munnar (South India)

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Famous for their tea and coffee plantations, these South Indian hill stations turn into green paradises during the monsoon. They are very sought after and will probably be filled with tourists relishing the cool weather and lush surroundings

• Why they are crowded: These destinations are renowned for their stunning tea and coffee plantations, which are at their most vibrant during the monsoon. The long weekend allows people from nearby cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kochi to escape the humidity and enjoy the cool weather and lush surroundings.

Also Read: 10 Most Beautiful Valley to visit in South India

Tip for crowded places

Book your accommodation and travel tickets well in advance. Consider visiting popular attractions early in the morning to beat the rush.

Off-Season & Less Crowded Destinations: Seek Serenity!

August is the peak of the monsoon season in most of India. This can mean increased rainfall in some places, but it also means fewer tourists, a lush green environment, roaring waterfalls, and frequently, cheaper deals on hotels. Welcome the rain and find another India!

1. Ladakh & Spiti Valley (Himachal Pradesh)

Image credit: Tourism of India

August is one of the best months to visit these high-desert regions. The roads are mostly open, the weather is settled, and the skies are clear, presenting dreamlike landscapes, old monasteries, and treks of an adventurous kind such as the Kashmir Great Lakes Trek. These destinations will be relatively less occupied than other hotspots during a long weekend.

• Why they are calm: These are high-altitude cold deserts that lie in a "rain shadow" region. This means the towering Himalayan ranges block most of the monsoon clouds, resulting in minimal rainfall. Many people still avoid the area for road trips in August due to the risk of landslides on the connecting highways, so it remains a relatively calm and serene destination, especially when flying in.

2. Meghalaya (Shillong, Cherrapunji, Mawlynnong)

Image credit: India.com

Witness the living root bridges, breathtaking waterfalls (such as Nohkalikai and Seven Sisters Falls), and unspoiled natural beauty at its best. Though rain is assured, the misty scenery and fewer visitors render it a magical experience.

• Why it is less crowded: Meghalaya is less crowded in August because its heavy monsoon season deters most tourists. The constant rain and misty conditions, along with potential travel challenges, make it an unconventional choice for a long weekend, ideal for those seeking peaceful, spectacular scenery.

3. Sikkim

Image credit: Sikkim Tourism

Embrace the green valleys, Buddhist monasteries, and stunning mountain vistas (if the clouds permit). August is a lush, peaceful time to be there, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

• Why it is calm: Like Meghalaya, Sikkim's monsoon season is a major deterrent for most tourists. However, for those who don't mind the rain, the valleys are lush, the Buddhist monasteries are peaceful, and the cool weather is a welcome change. The travel is more adventurous due to road conditions, which naturally keeps the crowds away.

4. Pondicherry

Image credit: Club Mahindra

This quaint Union Territory with French colonial-era structures and peaceful beaches is lovely in August. Although there may be occasional rain, the café culture, lack of crowds, and comfortable weather make for a soothing break.

• Why it is calm: While the weather can be a bit unpredictable with occasional rain, Pondicherry's main tourist season is in the winter. In August, the town is much quieter, allowing you to peacefully explore its French colonial architecture, enjoy the cafe culture, and relax on the beaches without the usual rush.

5. Gokarna (Karnataka)

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For a more subdued beach experience compared to Goa, Gokarna provides clean beaches, cliff walks, and relaxed vibes. Monsoon season greets the region with lush green cover and peaceful ambiance, so it is not as crowded as its more famous counterpart.

• Why it is less crowded than Goa: Gokarna has a much more laid-back, spiritual vibe compared to the party atmosphere of Goa. It's not as commercialized, and during the monsoon, many of the beach shacks are closed. This naturally makes it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful, more reflective beach experience with lush green surroundings.

6. Chikmagalur & Agumbe (Karnataka)

Image credit: Times Now

These off-the-beaten-path gems in Karnataka present breathtaking green scenery, coffee estates, and waterfalls that look at their most resplendent during the monsoon. They are a serene retreat from the masses.

• Why they are calm: These destinations are off the main tourist circuit. While they get their share of visitors, they're not as famous as Coorg or Munnar. The dense forests and spectacular waterfalls come alive during the monsoon, offering a quiet and intimate retreat for nature lovers.

7. Mashobra, Chakrata, Jibhi, Nahan (Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand)

Image credit: Travelsetu.com

These lesser-known, less crowded hill stations in the North are a peaceful escape from nature. They're great options if you want to steer clear of the usual long-weekend crowd of the more popular hill towns.

• Why they are calm: These are lesser-known hill stations that haven't been overdeveloped for tourism. Their relative obscurity means they don't draw the same volume of visitors as places like Shimla or Manali. They offer a genuine slice of mountain life and a tranquil escape from the bustling city crowds.

8. Mount Abu (Rajasthan)

Image credit: National Herald

Rajasthan's only hill station transforms into a green oasis during August. The cool weather and peaceful surroundings provide a refreshing contrast to the state's arid landscapes, making it a pleasant and less crowded option.

• Why it is calm: This is Rajasthan's only hill station, and in August, it transforms into a green oasis. While it attracts some visitors from the state, it doesn't draw the massive national crowd that places like Udaipur or Jaipur do. This makes it a pleasant, cool, and less-crowded alternative to the more popular destinations in Rajasthan.

Travel Tips for the August Long Weekend

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• Book Early: Regardless of your chosen destination, it is always wise to book flights/trains and accommodation well in advance, especially for popular places.

• Welcome the Monsoon: Carry rain gear (umbrellas, raincoats, water-proof shoes) and watch out for intermittent showers. The charm of monsoon travel is in the rejuvenated landscapes.

• Monitor Weather Forecasts: Observe the weather forecasts for your destination, as heavy rain may sometimes cause disruptions.

• Adaptability is the Key: If you are traveling to an area subject to heavy monsoons, carry a flexible travel plan to make room for unforeseen delays or changes in plans.

• Road Conditions: In case of hill stations, particularly the Himalayas, consider that monsoon can play havoc with road conditions.

• Local Experience: It's a great opportunity to sample local food, indoor activities, and cultural immersion that may be overshadowed by outdoor activity in other times of the year.

Wherever you decide to head, the long weekend of August 15th is a great time to experience India's varied landscapes and cultures. Whether your cup runs more to the vibrant din of tourist hotspots or the peaceful beauty of off-peak destinations, there is a memorable getaway waiting for you!