Planning a Republic Day 2026 long weekend (Jan 24–26)? Discover 6 offbeat Indian escapes Tirthan Valley, Ziro, Dzukou, Majuli, Lakshadweep (Agatti) and Spiti with things to do, how to get there, family-friendly tips and 3-day itineraries. Perfect for friends, families and photographers.
With Friends & Family
Republic Day 2026 falls on Monday, January 26, which makes the weekend of Saturday–Monday, Jan 24–26, 2026 a perfect short break. If you want to skip crowded hotspots and gift your friends or family a quieter, more authentic escape, here are five relatively unexplored (or less-crowded) gems across India plus practical travel details, things to do, and a compact 3-day plan for each. (Sources for transport and permits are linked after each destination.)
1. Tirthan Valley, Himachal — riverside calm & easy hikes
Why go: Lush river valleys, trout streams, cosy home-stays and gentle day-walks make Tirthan ideal for families and small friend groups who want nature with creature comforts.
Things to do
- Riverside walks and birdwatching along the Tirthan River.
- Easy treks to Gushaini and Jalori Pass day-treks.
- Angling (catch & release) and campfire evenings at homestays.
How to get there
- Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali). From Bhuntar it’s ~2 hours by taxi to the valley.
- By road: Well connected from Chandigarh/Delhi by scenic drives (approx. 9–12 hours by road).
Quick 3-day itinerary (family-friendly)
Day 1: Drive/arrive, settle into a homestay in Gushaini, riverside evening.
Day 2: Day hike to Jalori Pass or Serolsar Lake (easy sections).
Day 3: Local village walk, depart.
2. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh — rice-terraces, tribal music & quiet stays
Why go: Wide rice terraces, pine forests and an authentic Apatani tribal culture give Ziro a slow, photo-friendly vibe without large crowds.
Things to do
- Walk among Ziro’s paddy terraces and traditional Apatani villages.
- Visit local craft stalls and coffee shops; short nature walks and sunset viewpoints.
- If timing allows, enjoy folk music or local festivals (check calendar).
How to get there
- Fly to Guwahati, then road/bus to Ziro (or night buses from Guwahati). The final stretch is a scenic drive through lower Arunachal.
Quick 3-day family itinerary
Day 1: Arrive, settle in Hapoli area, evening viewpoint for sunset.
Day 2: Village circuit, local food, craft shopping.
Day 3: Short hike + depart.
3. Majuli, Assam — the world’s largest river island, culture & slow life
Why go: Majuli is a living cultural landscape — satras (Vaishnavite monasteries), handloom, riverine ecology and tranquil riverbank life. It’s accessible yet feels offbeat.
Things to do
- Explore satras (traditional monasteries), local mask-making workshops and weaving villages.
- Boat rides at sunrise/sunset on the Brahmaputra.
- Birdwatching in winter months (migratory species).
How to get there
- Fly to Jorhat (or Guwahati then road), then take a ferry from Nimatighat/Kamalabari to Majuli. Ferries run multiple times daily but schedules vary — book/check locally during peak season.
Quick 3-day itinerary (cultural)
Day 1: Arrival via Jorhat + ferry; settle into a homestay.
Day 2: Satras tour, craft demo, village walk.
Day 3: Early boat ride, depart.
4. Lakshadweep — Agatti & lesser-visited islands (for a tropical mini-escape)
Why go: Turquoise waters, coral reefs and quiet island life — Lakshadweep feels far away but is surprisingly reachable with the right flights/ferries and permits. For families, shallow lagoons and calm beaches are a draw.
Things to do
- Snorkelling or glass-bottom boat rides, lagoon swims, beach picnics.
- Kayaking, short reef snorkel trips and island village walks.
How to get there / permits
- Lakshadweep requires an Entry Permit for visitors; apply through the official Lakshadweep administration / tourism portal (rules still apply). Air connectivity is improving: new regional flights (e.g., Kochi–Agatti) have been announced to expand options. Plan flights via Kochi and check permit requirements well before travel.
Quick 3-day family itinerary (island pace)
Day 1: Fly to Agatti via Kochi, settle into beach shack.
Day 2: Snorkel / lagoon trip, village walk.
Day 3: Relax & depart.
5. Spiti (Kaza) — dramatic cold-desert landscapes and stargazing
Why go: Spiti’s stark high-altitude landscapes, ancient monasteries and clear night skies are unmatched. In winter the Manali–Kaza road is often closed; the Shimla→Kaza route may be the feasible winter access — check current road status before you travel.
Things to do
- Explore Tabo and Ki monasteries, visit local villages (Langza, Hikkim), stargazing and easy village walks.
- Photo safaris through the lunar landscape.
How to get there
- Summer access often via Manali→Kaza (Rohtang/Kunzum), but in January the Manali–Kaza route is usually closed due to snow; the Shimla→Kaza route or Shimla-Rampur-Kinnaur approaches may be used in winter — always check official road updates (Lahaul & Spiti road status) before booking.
Quick 3-day idea (winter-aware)
Day 1: Reach Reckong Peo / Rampur area, overnight en route.
Day 2: Drive along the Spiti circuit to Kaza; short village walks.
Day 3: Local sightseeing + depart (or continue onward in a longer trip).
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