A Republic Day Monday means one thing: a long weekend that’s begging to be used well. If you’re craving salty air, barefoot walks, and leisurely sunsets, beach trips are the most affordable way to feel refreshed this Republic Day long weekend. These places can be explored for less than ₹15,000, with a focus on local stays, public transportation, and low-cost but priceless experiences.
Beach Trips To Take This Republic Day Long Weekend
1. Goa
Goa is perfect because it lets you choose your pace. If you want quiet, head to South Goa or the calmer beaches of North Goa like Mandrem or Arambol. Take walks or swims on the beach in the morning, read by the sea or visit cafés in the afternoon, and end the day with your feet in the sand as the sun sets. The best part is that Goa doesn’t demand a packed itinerary.
Most of your time will be spent walking barefoot on the beach, hopping between shacks, and watching the sky change colours. And if you want to explore it on a budget, overnight buses or trains save on accommodation costs, guesthouses in Arambol, Morjim, or Palolem are affordable, scooters are cheap to rent, and local shacks serve filling meals without the tourist price tag.
2. Kochi
Kochi is perfect to explore this Republic Day long weekend if you like your beach holiday with culture and character. The charm lies in wandering Fort Kochi’s lanes, watching Chinese fishing nets at sunset, sipping coffee in heritage cafés, and taking ferry rides across the backwaters. It’s calm, layered, and deeply atmospheric, just perfect to spend your Republic Day long weekend.
Trains and low-cost flights truly make reaching Kochi affordable. Homestays in Fort Kochi are also easy on the pocket, and public ferries are cheap and scenic. You can even add a half-day trip to Cherai Beach for that seaside fix without spending much.
3. Varkala
Varkala is for travellers who want calm, clarity, and ocean views all day long. The cliff overlooking the sea gives you front-row seats to dramatic sunsets, while the beaches below are perfect for long walks and quiet swims. Life here moves slowly. Imagine starting the day with morning yoga, enjoying afternoon naps, followed by evening chai, and ending the day with conversations by the sea.
If you’re looking to explore it on a budget, trains to Trivandrum are affordable, and local transport to Varkala is quick. There are a lot of Budget guesthouses near the cliff for you to choose from, and café meals are reasonably priced to sustain you over the long weekend. What makes this destination even more special is that most experiences, like watching the sunsets and walking on the beach, are completely free.
4. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Andamans are a dream beach destination that can still be done simply if planned well. The place is all about clear blue water, soft white sand, and a sense of being far away from everything, making this a deeply refreshing break. Even if you decide to choose quiet homestays and walks on the beach over luxury resorts and water sports, the beaches alone make the trip worth it.
To ensure a budget trip this Republic Day long weekend, explore Port Blair, Havelock, and Neil Island, use government ferries, and stay in homestays. You can spend your days at a leisurely pace, beach-hopping, swimming, and watching sunsets.
Also Read: Fewer Destinations, Longer Stays & No Rushed Itineraries, How Travel Shifted For Indians In 2025
5. Pondicherry
Pondicherry is relaxed, pretty, and perfect for a slow, long weekend. The French Quarter is perfect for long walks, café hopping, and photography. Once you’re done exploring the town and are looking for some serenity, the nearby beaches offer calm escapes. For a peaceful and memorable experience, spend your evenings on the promenade.
If you wish to explore it under 15,000, buses and trains are cheap, heritage guesthouses offer character without high costs, bicycles make getting around fun and affordable, and café meals can be budget-friendly if you choose wisely. Don’t miss out on Auroville Beach for a peaceful beach time.
6. Gokarna
There is no shortage of beaches in India. But if you’re looking for one without the crowd, Gokarna is the perfect choice. The beaches here feel raw and open, just right for people who enjoy long walks, quiet sunsets, and simple living. The days here seem to blend together as you move from beach to beach.
Overnight buses and trains keep costs low for those who want to stick to a budget. Beach huts and small guesthouses offer affordable accommodation, food is simple and reasonably priced, and walking between beaches doubles as sightseeing, with no extra cost required.
7. Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram offers a unique beach escape that feels peaceful and grounding. The town has a spiritual energy, but the beaches, especially around Dhanushkodi, feel wild, vast, and untouched. It’s the kind of place where you slow down without trying. Between beach walks, explore the town, visit the temple, and enjoy simple South Indian meals. It’s peaceful, grounding, and ideal if you want a long weekend that feels more reflective than rushed.
Trains to Rameshwaram are affordable, hotels are simple and inexpensive, food is local and budget-friendly, and exploring the beaches costs nothing. It’s a great option for a quiet, reflective long weekend this Republic Day.
8. Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is the ultimate slow beach break. It’s for those who don’t mind planning a little extra for something truly special. Days revolve around white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and doing absolutely nothing. Most stays include meals, so you don’t have to worry about daily expenses. It is perfect if your idea of a holiday is disconnecting completely and letting the ocean do all the healing.
Government ship travel from Kochi, basic accommodation, and early bookings make it possible to explore it on a budget. You won’t splurge on shopping or nightlife, and your days will be spent swimming, walking on empty beaches, and soaking in nature.
With simple stays, local travel, and beach time doing most of the work, these destinations prove that ₹15,000 is more than enough to make the most of this Republic Day long weekend.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/Subhas S Nayak and Internal
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