Top travel destinations for the March long weekends

MUMBAI: The upcoming long Eid weekend makes it a favorable time to take a short holiday. Since school and college exams are on or scheduled in the coming weeks, it is the right time for people who travel without kids such as solo travelers, couples, friends groups etc to take advantage of the comparatively lower fares through up during the lean travel period of March.

Skyscanner put out a list of destinations that are both budget-friendly and unforgettable places to visit for those planning a short break this weekend.

• Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

Picture this - waking up to the sound of gentle ripples on Dal Lake, sipping a steaming cup of Kahwa aboard a shikara with Zabarwan mountains as your backdrop. Sounds unreal? That’s Srinagar in March for you! With the tulip season just beginning, the city is bursting into bloom! Take a walk at the Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden, explore the centuries-old Mughal gardens, or hike up to Pari Mahal for breathtaking views. And if that’s not enough, Eid celebrations in Srinagar are magical–from the soulful echoes of prayers at Hazratbal Shrine to feasting on Rogan Josh and Gustaba.

Skyscanner said its data reveals searches to Srinagar from New Delhi increased by 155.3% for travel on March 30 compared to the previous day, i.e., March 29. To get the maximum time in your mini break, try filtering your flight search by timing to fly during less busy periods - this may even yield cheaper flight options. For instance, take the red-eye flight back home to get an extra evening at the destination and make the most of your trip. These flights are often more economical and less crowded, so you're likely to bag a good deal and get more space for yourself.

Flight prices from Delhi (DEL) to Srinagar (SRX) start at INR 14690. Flight prices from Mumbai (BOM) to Srinagar (SRX) start at INR 19192. Flight prices from Bengaluru (BLR) to Srinagar (SRX) start at INR 25105.

• Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow is a city that has it all - history, culture, architecture, and flavours that will have you coming back for more! Eid celebrations in the city are grand, with Lucknow’s Jama Mosque filled with devotees and the aroma of kebabs and sheermal wafting through the streets. Stroll through the grand Rumi Darwaza, explore the maze-like Bara Imambara, and soak in the old-world charm of Chowk and Aminabad bazaars. You can also shop for exquisite chikankari embroidery in the bustling lanes of Hazratganj and Chowk, where every alley has a story to tell. And of course, no trip is complete without a royal feast of Tunday Kebabs, Lucknawi Biryani, and creamy falooda. It is no surprise that searches to Lucknow saw a surge of 329% for travel on Friday, March 28 this year compared to the previous day, i.e., March 27! With so many travellers already locking in their plans, now’s the perfect time for you to do the same!

Flight prices from Delhi (DEL) to Lucknow (LKO) start at INR 7732. Flight prices from Mumbai (BOM) to Lucknow (LKO) start at INR 10256. Flight prices from Bengaluru (BLR) to Lucknow (LKO) start at INR 11912.

• Hyderabad, Telangana

Eid in Hyderabad is a feast for the senses, with rich aromas of haleem, dum biryani, and shahi tukda filling the air. The city's streets come alive with celebrations, and historic landmarks like Charminar and Mecca Masjid glow beautifully in the festive lights. You can also indulge in biryani, kebabs, and the best Irani chai while you’re here. Don’t forget to shop for exquisite pearls and bangles at Laad Bazaar, stroll around Hussain Sagar Lake or take in the sunset with a quick hike to Golconda Fort.
Skyscanner data shows searches for Hyderabad increased by 123.8% for March 28 travel compared to the day before. If you are looking to maximise time and savings, you can set up Skyscanner’s Price Alerts to track fare prices and grab the best deals!
Flight prices from Delhi (DEL) to Hyderabad (HYD) start at INR 9458. Flight prices from Mumbai (BOM) to Hyderabad (HYD) start at INR 7237. Flight prices from Bengaluru (BLR) to Hyderabad (HYD) start at INR 7094.

• Old Delhi, Delhi

Eid in Purani Dilli isn’t just a festival—it’s a feeling that fills the air with warmth, festivity, and the unmistakable aroma of slow-cooked delicacies. As the day unfolds, the lanes around Jama Masjid and Matia Mahal come alive with the buzz of families gathering, vendors serving rich nihari and kebabs fresh off the grill, and sweet shops stacking trays of shahi tukda and phirni. The markets are a sight to behold, brimming with embroidered kurtas, gleaming bangles, and the last-minute rush for the perfect festive outfit. As dusk settles, the streets glow under fairy lights, and the energy of Old Delhi at its most celebratory is something every traveller should witness.

Skyscanner data shows top-trending routes to Delhi saw a surge in searches from locations like Gorakhpur (46%), Varanasi (26%), Darbhanga (23%), and Lucknow (20%) for travel in March*. For those scouting for the best flight deals, a tip would be to have some flexibility with your travel dates—flying a few days earlier than planned can often unlock better fares. To make the search easier, Skyscanner ‘Whole Month’ tool offers a comprehensive view of the cheapest days to fly, helping you plan a budget-friendly trip with ease.

Flight prices from Mumbai (BOM) to Delhi (DEL) start at INR 9335. Flight prices from Bengaluru (BLR) to Delhi (DEL) start at INR 12924. Flight prices from Kolkata (CCU) to Delhi (DEL) start at INR 10402.

• Darjeeling, West Bengal

Are you in need of a cool, calming escape? Darjeeling’s misty tea gardens, rolling hills, and toy train rides are calling. March is an ideal time to visit, with clear skies offering stunning views of Kanchenjunga; the weather is just right—not too chilly, not too warm—perfect for some high-altitude rejuvenation. You can start your day with a beautiful sunrise at Tiger Hill, hop aboard the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (toy train) for a ride back in time, take a walk along Mall Road, and unwind with a warm cup of Darjeeling’s finest brew at a cosy local cafe.

It’s interesting to note that Bagdogra (closest airport to Darjeeling) saw a 48% surge in searches for travel on Wednesday, March 26, compared to the previous day – possibly since travellers are looking to get a head start on the long weekend and make the most of their time at the destination. If you're considering a trip yourself, you can find the fastest flights to Bagdogra by filtering the results via journey duration so you can see which flights will get you there the fastest.

Flight prices from Delhi (DEL) to Bagdogra (IXB) start at INR 13701. Flight prices from Mumbai (BOM) to Bagdogra (IXB) start at INR 27842. Flight prices from Bengaluru (BLR) to Bagdogra (IXB) start at INR 20449.

With these recommendations and travel planning hacks, you can plan a getaway that’s both budget-friendly and unforgettable. So, where are you heading this Eid?

*The fares quoted above are as seen in the week of March 17, compared to the previous week.

Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays.

Boost your business with AI. Join this course by GrowFast and unlock the power of artificial intelligence. Sign up now!