As Republic Day falls on 26th January 2026, travel experts are seeing a surge in Indians planning short getaways and “minications” over the long weekend. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE & Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, and SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, share insights on emerging travel trends.

Rajeev Kale notes, “The upcoming Republic Day long weekend, falling on Monday, with the option to take leave on Friday or Tuesday, offers travel-hungry Indians a welcome 4-day break. We are seeing strong interest in both domestic destinations like Rajasthan, Kerala, Andamans, and neighbouring countries such as Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Short-haul international spots including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Maldives, Mauritius, Central Asia’s Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and new island destinations like Sabah, Cebu, Boracay, Sa Pa, and Phú Quốc are gaining popularity. Families, millennials, Gen Z, and young professionals are also exploring drivecations to offbeat locations such as Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Coorg, Ooty, Munnar, and Wayanad.

Additionally, our customers increasingly prefer unique accommodations, heritage bungalows, havelis, forts, tree houses, or plantations and outdoor activities including safaris, biking, camping, trekking, water rafting, paragliding, as well as spa and wellness getaways.”

SD Nandakumar adds, “Long weekends are perfect for short breaks, and for Republic Day, travellers are eyeing popular winter destinations like Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan, engaging in soft adventure and winter sports like mountain biking in Gulmarg, ice skating in Shimla, skiing in Auli, and glamping in Rajasthan. Nepal and Bhutan are also seeing demand.

Non-standard travel experiences are trending, tree houses in Wayanad, Chikmagalur, Munnar, or Thekkady; restored heritage forts in Goa; private villas in Alibaug with chefs; plantation bungalows in Darjeeling, Assam, and Coorg. Indians are also exploring easy visa destinations like Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Greece is gaining attention with direct flights from low-cost carriers.

Spiritual tourism is rising too, with travellers visiting Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Bodh Gaya, Mathura-Vrindavan, Rishikesh-Haridwar, and southern circuits like Tirupati, Rameshwaram, Kanchipuram, as well as Sri Lanka’s Ramayan Trails. Importantly, demand is no longer limited to metros, with strong growth from tier 2 and tier 3 cities.”

The insights show a clear trend: Indians are looking for short, curated experiences with unique stays, adventure options, and spiritual journeys, making Republic Day 2026 a prime time for travel.

Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park have launched Republic Retreats, an exclusive one-night stay package designed for urban travellers and staycation enthusiasts. Available for stays between 24 January and 1 February 2026, the offer combines flexibility, curated dining, and exceptional value.

Republic Retreats invite guests to unwind with thoughtful inclusions such as buffet breakfast, buffet lunch or dinner, and 24-hour check-in and check-out. Guests can also enjoy 50% off during Happy Hours at the bar (12 p.m. – 6 p.m., IMFL) and hotel credits on food & beverages, including alcohol, as well as laundry services (spa excluded).

At Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park, the package includes dining at F5 and generous hotel credits, while Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park offers dining at Neo Kitchen along with attractive hotel credits.

With flexible timings, enticing dining options, and lifestyle perks, Republic Retreats make it easy to enjoy a quick getaway, celebrate a special occasion, or simply take a relaxing break. Bookings are now open for stays between 24 January and 1 February 2026.

Evolve, India’s first wellness club exclusively designed for women, is set to open in January 2026 at Dhanmill Compound, New Delhi. Conceptualised as a holistic sanctuary, Evolve addresses physical, mental, emotional and hormonal well-being, areas that remain largely underserved in the current wellness landscape.

Built around its guiding philosophy, “She deserves the care she gives,” Evolve places women’s lived experiences, recovery and long-term health at the centre of its design and programming. The space is intentionally created to support preventive care, hormonal balance, lifestyle health and restorative practices, offering a more inclusive and thoughtful approach to women’s wellness.

Evolve is founded by Anu Bajaj, an entrepreneur, certified yoga trainer, wellness advocate, philosopher and art curator. Her personal journey in holistic health and yoga forms the spiritual and functional foundation of the club. She is joined by her son, Shivam Bajaj, Founder of Personal Nutrition, a serial entrepreneur focused on modern, evidence-led wellness solutions rooted in Ayurveda.

A sports enthusiast with a strong interest in preventive and performance health, Shivam Bajaj also founded The Pad, a pickle and padel facility at Gulmohar Centre. His work bridges traditional Indian wellness practices with data-driven lifestyle medicine, playing a key role in shaping Evolve’s forward-looking, science-backed wellness model.

While women continue to be the primary consumers and drivers of the global wellness industry, many wellness spaces still fall short of addressing women-specific needs. Evolve seeks to redefine this by creating a space designed by intent for women, prioritising recovery, balance and long-term well-being.

The venture has raised a seed round of USD 500,000 (approximately INR 4.3 crore) at a valuation of INR 30 crore (USD 3.8 million), backed by Delhi-based founders and investors aligned with the brand’s vision. Looking ahead, Evolve plans to expand across major Indian cities, followed by international hubs such as London, Dubai and Los Angeles, alongside the launch of a digital vertical focused on women’s health.