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.