Long Weekend Getaways in September 2025: Onam and Id-e-Milad on 5th September
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect long weekend in September, 2025 has gifted you a dream scenario. With Onam and Id-e-Milad falling back-to-back around Friday, 5th September, Indian travellers can enjoy a three-day (or even four-day) festive escape without burning too many leave days. The post-monsoon glow, vibrant cultural celebrations, and off-season travel perks make this long weekend a golden opportunity for exploration.
In this Blog
Why September 2025 Is Perfect for a Long Weekend Trip
Multiple Holidays in September:
- Thursday, 4th September: First Onam holiday in Kerala.
- Friday, 5th September: Id-e-Milad (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, gazetted holiday).
- Saturday–Sunday: Weekend.
That’s a ready-made travel window from 4–7 September, perfect for a quick yet memorable getaway.
Post-Monsoon Magic: Early September is when the monsoon recedes in most parts of India, leaving behind gushing waterfalls, lush hills, and fresh air without the relentless rain.
Festive Energy: Imagine joining a floral parade in Kerala for Onam or witnessing glowing mosques during Eid in September—your trip becomes part cultural immersion, part scenic retreat.
Onam 2025: Kerala’s Harvest Festival in Full Bloom
Onam in 2025 will be celebrated in early September, with the main day, Thiruvonam, on 4th September. This 10-day festival marks the legendary King Mahabali’s annual homecoming and is Kerala’s grandest celebration.
What to Expect
- Onam Special Dress: Women in white-and-gold kasavu sarees and men in traditional mundus.
- Onam Mood Song: Classical and folk tunes fill streets and homes.
- Floral Rangolis (Pookalam): Every doorstep is decorated with intricate petal patterns.
- Onam Sadhya Feast: A 20+ dish vegetarian spread served on banana leaves.
- Cultural Performances: From the graceful Thiruvathirakali dance to the energetic Pulikkali (tiger dance) in Thrissur.
Things to Do on Onam in Kerala
- Feast on Onam Sadhya – Hotels, homestays, and community halls host these banana-leaf banquets.
- Watch a Snake Boat Race – Alleppey or Aranmula’s Vallamkali races are thrilling, with over 100 oarsmen per boat.
- Join Pulikkali in Thrissur – See performers painted as tigers prancing through the streets.
- Admire Pookalams – Many towns hold competitions, perfect for Instagram moments.
- Attend Festive Processions – The Athachamayam parade in Thripunithura is a grand start to the festival.
Travel Tip: Book your Kerala stay early—festivals mean packed trains and flights. For a homely yet luxurious base, consider a StayVista villa with a private pool and kitchen to try cooking your own Onam dishes.
Id-e-Milad on 5th September 2025
Just a day after Onam’s main festivities, Id-e-Milad (Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi) adds another layer of celebration. In 2025, it falls on Friday, 5th September, making this the ultimate long weekend in September 2025.
Celebrations Across India
- Hyderabad: Processions around Mecca Masjid, streets draped in green banners, and stalls selling festive biryani.
- Lucknow: Sufi music gatherings, poetry recitals, and food sharing around Bara Imambara.
- Mumbai: Areas like Mohammad Ali Road and Mahim come alive with lights and street feasts.
- Srinagar & Bhopal: Known for spiritual gatherings, night prayers, and interfaith charity drives.
Travel Tip: Dress modestly, be respectful at religious sites, and ask before photographing people in prayer.
Where to Go for the Long Weekend in September 2025
1. Alleppey, Kerala
Perfect for combining Onam in 2025 with a relaxing backwater escape. Rent a houseboat or villa by the lake.
Highlight: You might catch the famous Nehru Trophy Boat Race.
Our personal favourite villas to book in Alleppey:
2. Kochi, Kerala
Blend heritage sightseeing with festival joy. Fort Kochi’s colonial charm pairs beautifully with Onam parades.
Highlight: Grand Onasadya feasts and decorated elephants.
Our personal favourite villas to book in Kochi:
3. Coorg, Karnataka
Nature at its misty, post-monsoon best. Visit coffee estates, trek to Abbey Falls, and sip hot brews with valley views.
Highlight: Early September waterfalls in full glory.
Our personal favourite cottages in Coorg to book:
4. Lonavala, Maharashtra
Monsoon greenery at its peak, perfect for those in Mumbai or Pune. Visit Tiger Point or Kune Falls.
Highlight: A private villa stay with a barbecue in the rain.
Our personal favourite villas in Lonavala with a pool to book:
5. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Post-monsoon romance—full Lake Pichola, lush Aravallis, and fewer crowds.
Highlight: Rooftop dinners overlooking illuminated palaces.
Our personal favourite villas in Udaipur with a pool to book:
Other Options: Munnar, Darjeeling, Mysore, Nainital, Shimla, or even Goa (from mid-September onwards as rains recede).
Quick Planning Guide
| Day | Activity Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Thu, 4 Sep | Experience Onam in Kerala – Pookalams, Sadhya, snake boat races |
| Fri, 5 Sep | Join Id-e-Milad processions or travel to your next destination |
| Sat, 6 Sep | Nature exploration – hills, lakes, or heritage city tours |
| Sun, 7 Sep | Relax at your villa, local markets, and return journey |
FAQs for Long Weekend in September 2025
At least one nationwide gazetted holiday (Id-e-Milad on 5th September) plus regional holidays like Onam on 4th September.
Wear the Onam special dress, join a Sadhya feast, watch snake boat races, and click photos of Pookalams.
Hyderabad, Lucknow, Mumbai, Srinagar, and Bhopal are known for vibrant Id-e-Milad celebrations.
Kerala backwaters, Coorg, Lonavala, Udaipur, and Munnar top the list for post-monsoon beauty.
The long weekend in September 2025 is a rare alignment of cultural celebration and perfect travel weather. Whether you’re swaying to an Onam mood song in Kerala, tasting Eid delicacies in Hyderabad, or sipping coffee in Coorg’s misty hills, this is your chance to experience India at its festive and scenic best. Pack early, book smart, and let this long weekend be the highlight of your year.
