for Diwali, Christmas, New Year and the May summer break, book your tempo traveller 4 to 6 weeks ahead. For a long weekend, 2 to 3 weeks is enough. For a normal weekend trip, 5 to 7 days works, and for a weekday outing, 2 to 3 days.
That is the rule we give every family that calls Shelke Travels. The reason is simple. Holidays in Pune do not spread out. When Diwali or a long weekend comes, half the city wants to go to Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Konkan or Goa on the same Friday evening. Every operator’s 17 and 20 seaters get booked first, and the ones left are either too small or too big for your group.
In this guide we explain exactly when to book a tempo traveller for holidays, the 2026 to 2027 holiday dates that fill up fastest, why early booking saves money, and what to do if you are already late.
Booking Timeline by Holiday Type
The busier the holiday, the earlier you book. Here is the lead time that works for most Pune groups.
| Type of holiday | Book this early | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Diwali, Christmas to New Year | 5 to 6 weeks | Whole city travels, Goa and Konkan trips run 4 to 5 days |
| Summer vacation (mid April to early June) | 4 to 6 weeks | Schools are shut, family trips run back to back |
| Long weekends (3 day breaks) | 2 to 3 weeks | Everyone spots the same Friday or Monday holiday |
| Monsoon weekends (July and August) | 1 to 2 weeks | Lonavala, Bhandardara and Malshej demand peaks on Saturdays |
| Regular weekend trip | 5 to 7 days | Usually easy, but good vehicles still go first |
| Weekday outing or darshan | 2 to 3 days | Plenty of availability |
Upcoming Holiday Dates to Plan Around (2026 to 2027)
These are the dates our phones start ringing for, based on the central government holiday list. Your office or school calendar may differ slightly, so check before you book.
- Diwali 2026: Lakshmi Puja falls on Sunday 8 November, so most families travel between 7 and 11 November. If you have not booked yet, do it this week.
- Christmas 2026: Friday 25 December gives a 25 to 27 December long weekend. Goa trips start filling in mid November.
- New Year 2027: 1 January falls on a Friday, so 31 December to 3 January is the biggest party weekend of the year.
- Republic Day 2027: Tuesday 26 January. Take Monday off and you get 23 to 26 January.
- Holi and Good Friday 2027: Holi on Tuesday 23 March and Good Friday on 26 March sit in the same week, a popular window for a 4 to 5 day trip.
- Mahavir Jayanti 2027: Monday 19 April, a three day weekend at the start of summer.
- Bakri Eid 2027: Monday 17 May, right in the middle of summer vacation.
- Diwali 2027: Friday 29 October, another three day weekend.
A tip: save this list and send your enquiry the day your family agrees on the dates, not the week before you leave.
Why Booking Early Actually Matters
You Get the Right Size, Not Whatever Is Left
The 17 seater tempo traveller and 20 seater tempo traveller are the most booked sizes in Pune because they fit a typical two family or friends group. They are also the first to go on holiday dates. Book late and you may end up squeezing 15 people into a 13 seater, or paying for a 26 seater you do not need.
You Lock the Rate Before Holiday Demand
Our regular rates start at ₹27 per km for a 12 or 13 seater, ₹28 for the 17 seater and ₹30 for the 20 seater, with a 300 km minimum per day on outstation trips. Fares can rise on festivals and long weekends when demand is high. A booking confirmed early is quoted at the rate of the day you confirm, so the earlier you book, the safer your budget.
You Get a Better Vehicle and a Driver Who Knows the Route
Early bookings get first pick of the newest vehicles in the fleet. We can also assign a driver who regularly runs your route, whether that is the Mahabaleshwar ghat, the Konkan coast or NH48 to Goa. On a five day holiday that local knowledge makes a big difference.
You Can Plan Everything Else Around It
Once transport is fixed, you can book hotels and plan stops with exact timings. Families who book transport last often find the hotel check in does not match the vehicle arrival time.
What About Force Urbania?
The Force Urbania has fewer units in every fleet, so it books out even faster on holidays. If you want an Urbania on rent in Pune for Diwali or New Year, add one more week to the timeline above. Not sure which to choose? Read our Force Urbania vs Tempo Traveller comparison.
Popular Holiday Trips From Pune and When to Book Them
Different destinations peak at different times. Plan your booking around where you are going, not just the date.
Goa (Christmas, New Year, Diwali). The most in demand holiday trip from Pune. A Pune to Goa tempo traveller trip usually runs 4 to 5 days and crosses into another state, so permits are added. Book 5 to 6 weeks ahead for December. See our Goa trip vehicle options.
Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani (Diwali, summer, winter weekends). Strawberry season from December to March and the May rush make this a year round favourite. Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead for peak dates. Our Pune to Mahabaleshwar travel guide covers the route and timing.
Lonavala and Khandala (monsoon, long weekends). A short drive, so many groups book late, which is exactly why vehicles run out on July and August Saturdays. Book at least a week ahead. More details on our
Konkan beaches like Alibaug, Diveagar and Ganpatipule (Diwali, Christmas). Ghat roads and narrow coastal stretches mean you want an experienced driver, so book 3 to 4 weeks ahead.
Pilgrimage trips to Shirdi, Ashtavinayak and Nashik (festivals, long weekends). Darshan crowds peak on festival days and long weekends. Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Our Ashtavinayak darshan by tempo traveller and Pune to Shirdi group trip guides have full itineraries.
Winter getaways in November. If you are still picking a place, our list of the best places to visit in November in Maharashtra can help.
Already Late? How to Still Get a Vehicle
It happens. Plans get finalised two days before the holiday. Here is what improves your chances.
- Be flexible on size. If the 17 seater is gone, a 13 seater plus a car, or a 26 seater, may still be free.
- Shift the start time. Leaving at 5 am Saturday instead of Friday evening often frees up a vehicle that is returning from another trip.
- Call, do not just fill a form. On busy dates a quick call to +91 84840 68364 gets you an answer in minutes.
- Consider a bus for big groups. If you are 25 or more, a 32 seater bus can be easier to find than two tempo travellers.
- Avoid unknown operators at the last minute. A very cheap quote from an unverified number on a holiday weekend is a common way to end up with no vehicle at 6 am.
Holiday Booking Checklist
Before you pay the advance, confirm these:
- Exact pickup time, address and drop point
- Number of days and total kilometres in the quote
- Per km rate, and the 300 km per day minimum for outstation trips
- Toll, parking, state permit and driver night charges, which are billed at actuals
- Driver name and mobile number, shared a day before travel
- Cancellation terms, especially for holiday dates (see our cancellation and refund policy)
- Luggage space, since holiday trips carry more bags than day outings
For a full picture of outstation billing, our outstation cab and tempo traveller guide explains every charge.
for Diwali, Christmas, New Year and the May summer break, book your tempo traveller 4 to 6 weeks ahead. For a long weekend, 2 to 3 weeks is enough. For a normal weekend trip, 5 to 7 days works, and for a weekday outing, 2 to 3 days.
That is the rule we give every family that calls Shelke Travels. The reason is simple. Holidays in Pune do not spread out. When Diwali or a long weekend comes, half the city wants to go to Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Konkan or Goa on the same Friday evening. Every operator’s 17 and 20 seaters get booked first, and the ones left are either too small or too big for your group.
In this guide we explain exactly when to book a tempo traveller for holidays, the 2026 to 2027 holiday dates that fill up fastest, why early booking saves money, and what to do if you are already late.
Booking Timeline by Holiday Type
The busier the holiday, the earlier you book. Here is the lead time that works for most Pune groups.
| Type of holiday | Book this early | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Diwali, Christmas to New Year | 5 to 6 weeks | Whole city travels, Goa and Konkan trips run 4 to 5 days |
| Summer vacation (mid April to early June) | 4 to 6 weeks | Schools are shut, family trips run back to back |
| Long weekends (3 day breaks) | 2 to 3 weeks | Everyone spots the same Friday or Monday holiday |
| Monsoon weekends (July and August) | 1 to 2 weeks | Lonavala, Bhandardara and Malshej demand peaks on Saturdays |
| Regular weekend trip | 5 to 7 days | Usually easy, but good vehicles still go first |
| Weekday outing or darshan | 2 to 3 days | Plenty of availability |
Upcoming Holiday Dates to Plan Around (2026 to 2027)
These are the dates our phones start ringing for, based on the central government holiday list. Your office or school calendar may differ slightly, so check before you book.
- Diwali 2026: Lakshmi Puja falls on Sunday 8 November, so most families travel between 7 and 11 November. If you have not booked yet, do it this week.
- Christmas 2026: Friday 25 December gives a 25 to 27 December long weekend. Goa trips start filling in mid November.
- New Year 2027: 1 January falls on a Friday, so 31 December to 3 January is the biggest party weekend of the year.
- Republic Day 2027: Tuesday 26 January. Take Monday off and you get 23 to 26 January.
- Holi and Good Friday 2027: Holi on Tuesday 23 March and Good Friday on 26 March sit in the same week, a popular window for a 4 to 5 day trip.
- Mahavir Jayanti 2027: Monday 19 April, a three day weekend at the start of summer.
- Bakri Eid 2027: Monday 17 May, right in the middle of summer vacation.
- Diwali 2027: Friday 29 October, another three day weekend.
A tip: save this list and send your enquiry the day your family agrees on the dates, not the week before you leave.
Why Booking Early Actually Matters
You Get the Right Size, Not Whatever Is Left
The 17 seater tempo traveller and 20 seater tempo traveller are the most booked sizes in Pune because they fit a typical two family or friends group. They are also the first to go on holiday dates. Book late and you may end up squeezing 15 people into a 13 seater, or paying for a 26 seater you do not need.
You Lock the Rate Before Holiday Demand
Our regular rates start at ₹27 per km for a 12 or 13 seater, ₹28 for the 17 seater and ₹30 for the 20 seater, with a 300 km minimum per day on outstation trips. Fares can rise on festivals and long weekends when demand is high. A booking confirmed early is quoted at the rate of the day you confirm, so the earlier you book, the safer your budget.
You Get a Better Vehicle and a Driver Who Knows the Route
Early bookings get first pick of the newest vehicles in the fleet. We can also assign a driver who regularly runs your route, whether that is the Mahabaleshwar ghat, the Konkan coast or NH48 to Goa. On a five day holiday that local knowledge makes a big difference.
You Can Plan Everything Else Around It
Once transport is fixed, you can book hotels and plan stops with exact timings. Families who book transport last often find the hotel check in does not match the vehicle arrival time.
What About Force Urbania?
The Force Urbania has fewer units in every fleet, so it books out even faster on holidays. If you want an Urbania on rent in Pune for Diwali or New Year, add one more week to the timeline above. Not sure which to choose? Read our Force Urbania vs Tempo Traveller comparison.
Holiday Booking Checklist
Before you pay the advance, confirm these:
- Exact pickup time, address and drop point
- Number of days and total kilometres in the quote
- Per km rate, and the 300 km per day minimum for outstation trips
- Toll, parking, state permit and driver night charges, which are billed at actuals
- Driver name and mobile number, shared a day before travel
- Cancellation terms, especially for holiday dates (see our cancellation and refund policy)
- Luggage space, since holiday trips carry more bags than day outings
For a full picture of outstation billing, our outstation cab and tempo traveller guide explains every charge.
for Diwali, Christmas, New Year and the May summer break, book your tempo traveller 4 to 6 weeks ahead. For a long weekend, 2 to 3 weeks is enough. For a normal weekend trip, 5 to 7 days works, and for a weekday outing, 2 to 3 days.
That is the rule we give every family that calls Shelke Travels. The reason is simple. Holidays in Pune do not spread out. When Diwali or a long weekend comes, half the city wants to go to Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Konkan or Goa on the same Friday evening. Every operator’s 17 and 20 seaters get booked first, and the ones left are either too small or too big for your group.
In this guide we explain exactly when to book a tempo traveller for holidays, the 2026 to 2027 holiday dates that fill up fastest, why early booking saves money, and what to do if you are already late.
Booking Timeline by Holiday Type
The busier the holiday, the earlier you book. Here is the lead time that works for most Pune groups.
| Type of holiday | Book this early | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Diwali, Christmas to New Year | 5 to 6 weeks | Whole city travels, Goa and Konkan trips run 4 to 5 days |
| Summer vacation (mid April to early June) | 4 to 6 weeks | Schools are shut, family trips run back to back |
| Long weekends (3 day breaks) | 2 to 3 weeks | Everyone spots the same Friday or Monday holiday |
| Monsoon weekends (July and August) | 1 to 2 weeks | Lonavala, Bhandardara and Malshej demand peaks on Saturdays |
| Regular weekend trip | 5 to 7 days | Usually easy, but good vehicles still go first |
| Weekday outing or darshan | 2 to 3 days | Plenty of availability |
Upcoming Holiday Dates to Plan Around (2026 to 2027)
These are the dates our phones start ringing for, based on the central government holiday list. Your office or school calendar may differ slightly, so check before you book.
- Diwali 2026: Lakshmi Puja falls on Sunday 8 November, so most families travel between 7 and 11 November. If you have not booked yet, do it this week.
- Christmas 2026: Friday 25 December gives a 25 to 27 December long weekend. Goa trips start filling in mid November.
- New Year 2027: 1 January falls on a Friday, so 31 December to 3 January is the biggest party weekend of the year.
- Republic Day 2027: Tuesday 26 January. Take Monday off and you get 23 to 26 January.
- Holi and Good Friday 2027: Holi on Tuesday 23 March and Good Friday on 26 March sit in the same week, a popular window for a 4 to 5 day trip.
- Mahavir Jayanti 2027: Monday 19 April, a three day weekend at the start of summer.
- Bakri Eid 2027: Monday 17 May, right in the middle of summer vacation.
- Diwali 2027: Friday 29 October, another three day weekend.
A tip: save this list and send your enquiry the day your family agrees on the dates, not the week before you leave.
Why Booking Early Actually Matters
You Get the Right Size, Not Whatever Is Left
The 17 seater tempo traveller and 20 seater tempo traveller are the most booked sizes in Pune because they fit a typical two family or friends group. They are also the first to go on holiday dates. Book late and you may end up squeezing 15 people into a 13 seater, or paying for a 26 seater you do not need.
You Lock the Rate Before Holiday Demand
Our regular rates start at ₹27 per km for a 12 or 13 seater, ₹28 for the 17 seater and ₹30 for the 20 seater, with a 300 km minimum per day on outstation trips. Fares can rise on festivals and long weekends when demand is high. A booking confirmed early is quoted at the rate of the day you confirm, so the earlier you book, the safer your budget.
You Get a Better Vehicle and a Driver Who Knows the Route
Early bookings get first pick of the newest vehicles in the fleet. We can also assign a driver who regularly runs your route, whether that is the Mahabaleshwar ghat, the Konkan coast or NH48 to Goa. On a five day holiday that local knowledge makes a big difference.
You Can Plan Everything Else Around It
Once transport is fixed, you can book hotels and plan stops with exact timings. Families who book transport last often find the hotel check in does not match the vehicle arrival time.
What About Force Urbania?
The Force Urbania has fewer units in every fleet, so it books out even faster on holidays. If you want an Urbania on rent in Pune for Diwali or New Year, add one more week to the timeline above. Not sure which to choose? Read our Force Urbania vs Tempo Traveller comparison.
Popular Holiday Trips From Pune and When to Book Them
Different destinations peak at different times. Plan your booking around where you are going, not just the date.
Goa (Christmas, New Year, Diwali). The most in demand holiday trip from Pune. A Pune to Goa tempo traveller trip usually runs 4 to 5 days and crosses into another state, so permits are added. Book 5 to 6 weeks ahead for December. See our Goa trip vehicle options.
Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani (Diwali, summer, winter weekends). Strawberry season from December to March and the May rush make this a year round favourite. Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead for peak dates. Our Pune to Mahabaleshwar travel guide covers the route and timing.
Lonavala and Khandala (monsoon, long weekends). A short drive, so many groups book late, which is exactly why vehicles run out on July and August Saturdays. Book at least a week ahead. More details on our Lonavala page.
Konkan beaches like Alibaug, Diveagar and Ganpatipule (Diwali, Christmas). Ghat roads and narrow coastal stretches mean you want an experienced driver, so book 3 to 4 weeks ahead.
Pilgrimage trips to Shirdi, Ashtavinayak and Nashik (festivals, long weekends). Darshan crowds peak on festival days and long weekends. Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Our Ashtavinayak darshan by tempo traveller and Pune to Shirdi group trip guides have full itineraries.
Winter getaways in November. If you are still picking a place, our list of the best places to visit in November in Maharashtra can help.
Already Late? How to Still Get a Vehicle
It happens. Plans get finalised two days before the holiday. Here is what improves your chances.
- Be flexible on size. If the 17 seater is gone, a 13 seater plus a car, or a 26 seater, may still be free.
- Shift the start time. Leaving at 5 am Saturday instead of Friday evening often frees up a vehicle that is returning from another trip.
- Call, do not just fill a form. On busy dates a quick call to +91 84840 68364 gets you an answer in minutes.
- Consider a bus for big groups. If you are 25 or more, a 32 seater bus can be easier to find than two tempo travellers.
- Avoid unknown operators at the last minute. A very cheap quote from an unverified number on a holiday weekend is a common way to end up with no vehicle at 6 am.
Holiday Booking Checklist
Before you pay the advance, confirm these:
- Exact pickup time, address and drop point
- Number of days and total kilometres in the quote
- Per km rate, and the 300 km per day minimum for outstation trips
- Toll, parking, state permit and driver night charges, which are billed at actuals
- Driver name and mobile number, shared a day before travel
- Cancellation terms, especially for holiday dates (see our cancellation and refund policy)
- Luggage space, since holiday trips carry more bags than day outings
For a full picture of outstation billing, our outstation cab and tempo traveller guide explains every charge.
for Diwali, Christmas, New Year and the May summer break, book your tempo traveller 4 to 6 weeks ahead. For a long weekend, 2 to 3 weeks is enough. For a normal weekend trip, 5 to 7 days works, and for a weekday outing, 2 to 3 days.
That is the rule we give every family that calls Shelke Travels. The reason is simple. Holidays in Pune do not spread out. When Diwali or a long weekend comes, half the city wants to go to Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Konkan or Goa on the same Friday evening. Every operator’s 17 and 20 seaters get booked first, and the ones left are either too small or too big for your group.
In this guide we explain exactly when to book a tempo traveller for holidays, the 2026 to 2027 holiday dates that fill up fastest, why early booking saves money, and what to do if you are already late.
Booking Timeline by Holiday Type
The busier the holiday, the earlier you book. Here is the lead time that works for most Pune groups.
| Type of holiday | Book this early | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Diwali, Christmas to New Year | 5 to 6 weeks | Whole city travels, Goa and Konkan trips run 4 to 5 days |
| Summer vacation (mid April to early June) | 4 to 6 weeks | Schools are shut, family trips run back to back |
| Long weekends (3 day breaks) | 2 to 3 weeks | Everyone spots the same Friday or Monday holiday |
| Monsoon weekends (July and August) | 1 to 2 weeks | Lonavala, Bhandardara and Malshej demand peaks on Saturdays |
| Regular weekend trip | 5 to 7 days | Usually easy, but good vehicles still go first |
| Weekday outing or darshan | 2 to 3 days | Plenty of availability |
Upcoming Holiday Dates to Plan Around (2026 to 2027)
These are the dates our phones start ringing for, based on the central government holiday list. Your office or school calendar may differ slightly, so check before you book.
- Diwali 2026: Lakshmi Puja falls on Sunday 8 November, so most families travel between 7 and 11 November. If you have not booked yet, do it this week.
- Christmas 2026: Friday 25 December gives a 25 to 27 December long weekend. Goa trips start filling in mid November.
- New Year 2027: 1 January falls on a Friday, so 31 December to 3 January is the biggest party weekend of the year.
- Republic Day 2027: Tuesday 26 January. Take Monday off and you get 23 to 26 January.
- Holi and Good Friday 2027: Holi on Tuesday 23 March and Good Friday on 26 March sit in the same week, a popular window for a 4 to 5 day trip.
- Mahavir Jayanti 2027: Monday 19 April, a three day weekend at the start of summer.
- Bakri Eid 2027: Monday 17 May, right in the middle of summer vacation.
- Diwali 2027: Friday 29 October, another three day weekend.
A tip: save this list and send your enquiry the day your family agrees on the dates, not the week before you leave.
Why Booking Early Actually Matters
You Get the Right Size, Not Whatever Is Left
The 17 seater tempo traveller and 20 seater tempo traveller are the most booked sizes in Pune because they fit a typical two family or friends group. They are also the first to go on holiday dates. Book late and you may end up squeezing 15 people into a 13 seater, or paying for a 26 seater you do not need.
You Lock the Rate Before Holiday Demand
Our regular rates start at ₹27 per km for a 12 or 13 seater, ₹28 for the 17 seater and ₹30 for the 20 seater, with a 300 km minimum per day on outstation trips. Fares can rise on festivals and long weekends when demand is high. A booking confirmed early is quoted at the rate of the day you confirm, so the earlier you book, the safer your budget.
You Get a Better Vehicle and a Driver Who Knows the Route
Early bookings get first pick of the newest vehicles in the fleet. We can also assign a driver who regularly runs your route, whether that is the Mahabaleshwar ghat, the Konkan coast or NH48 to Goa. On a five day holiday that local knowledge makes a big difference.
You Can Plan Everything Else Around It
Once transport is fixed, you can book hotels and plan stops with exact timings. Families who book transport last often find the hotel check in does not match the vehicle arrival time.
What About Force Urbania?
The Force Urbania has fewer units in every fleet, so it books out even faster on holidays. If you want an Urbania on rent in Pune for Diwali or New Year, add one more week to the timeline above. Not sure which to choose? Read our Force Urbania vs Tempo Traveller comparison.
Popular Holiday Trips From Pune and When to Book Them
Different destinations peak at different times. Plan your booking around where you are going, not just the date.
Goa (Christmas, New Year, Diwali). The most in demand holiday trip from Pune. A Pune to Goa tempo traveller trip usually runs 4 to 5 days and crosses into another state, so permits are added. Book 5 to 6 weeks ahead for December. See our Goa trip vehicle options.
Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani (Diwali, summer, winter weekends). Strawberry season from December to March and the May rush make this a year round favourite. Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead for peak dates. Our Pune to Mahabaleshwar travel guide covers the route and timing.
Lonavala and Khandala (monsoon, long weekends). A short drive, so many groups book late, which is exactly why vehicles run out on July and August Saturdays. Book at least a week ahead. More details on our Lonavala page.
Konkan beaches like Alibaug, Diveagar and Ganpatipule (Diwali, Christmas). Ghat roads and narrow coastal stretches mean you want an experienced driver, so book 3 to 4 weeks ahead.
Pilgrimage trips to Shirdi, Ashtavinayak and Nashik (festivals, long weekends). Darshan crowds peak on festival days and long weekends. Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Our Ashtavinayak darshan by tempo traveller and Pune to Shirdi group trip guides have full itineraries.
Winter getaways in November. If you are still picking a place, our list of the best places to visit in November in Maharashtra can help.
Already Late? How to Still Get a Vehicle
It happens. Plans get finalised two days before the holiday. Here is what improves your chances.
- Be flexible on size. If the 17 seater is gone, a 13 seater plus a car, or a 26 seater, may still be free.
- Shift the start time. Leaving at 5 am Saturday instead of Friday evening often frees up a vehicle that is returning from another trip.
- Call, do not just fill a form. On busy dates a quick call to +91 84840 68364 gets you an answer in minutes.
- Consider a bus for big groups. If you are 25 or more, a 32 seater bus can be easier to find than two tempo travellers.
- Avoid unknown operators at the last minute. A very cheap quote from an unverified number on a holiday weekend is a common way to end up with no vehicle at 6 am.
Holiday Booking Checklist
Before you pay the advance, confirm these:
- Exact pickup time, address and drop point
- Number of days and total kilometres in the quote
- Per km rate, and the 300 km per day minimum for outstation trips
- Toll, parking, state permit and driver night charges, which are billed at actuals
- Driver name and mobile number, shared a day before travel
- Cancellation terms, especially for holiday dates (see our cancellation and refund policy)
- Luggage space, since holiday trips carry more bags than day outings
For a full picture of outstation billing, our outstation cab and tempo traveller guide explains every charge.
for Diwali, Christmas, New Year and the May summer break, book your tempo traveller 4 to 6 weeks ahead. For a long weekend, 2 to 3 weeks is enough. For a normal weekend trip, 5 to 7 days works, and for a weekday outing, 2 to 3 days.
That is the rule we give every family that calls Shelke Travels. The reason is simple. Holidays in Pune do not spread out. When Diwali or a long weekend comes, half the city wants to go to Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Konkan or Goa on the same Friday evening. Every operator’s 17 and 20 seaters get booked first, and the ones left are either too small or too big for your group.
In this guide we explain exactly when to book a tempo traveller for holidays, the 2026 to 2027 holiday dates that fill up fastest, why early booking saves money, and what to do if you are already late.
Booking Timeline by Holiday Type
The busier the holiday, the earlier you book. Here is the lead time that works for most Pune groups.
| Type of holiday | Book this early | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Diwali, Christmas to New Year | 5 to 6 weeks | Whole city travels, Goa and Konkan trips run 4 to 5 days |
| Summer vacation (mid April to early June) | 4 to 6 weeks | Schools are shut, family trips run back to back |
| Long weekends (3 day breaks) | 2 to 3 weeks | Everyone spots the same Friday or Monday holiday |
| Monsoon weekends (July and August) | 1 to 2 weeks | Lonavala, Bhandardara and Malshej demand peaks on Saturdays |
| Regular weekend trip | 5 to 7 days | Usually easy, but good vehicles still go first |
| Weekday outing or darshan | 2 to 3 days | Plenty of availability |
Upcoming Holiday Dates to Plan Around (2026 to 2027)
These are the dates our phones start ringing for, based on the central government holiday list. Your office or school calendar may differ slightly, so check before you book.
- Diwali 2026: Lakshmi Puja falls on Sunday 8 November, so most families travel between 7 and 11 November. If you have not booked yet, do it this week.
- Christmas 2026: Friday 25 December gives a 25 to 27 December long weekend. Goa trips start filling in mid November.
- New Year 2027: 1 January falls on a Friday, so 31 December to 3 January is the biggest party weekend of the year.
- Republic Day 2027: Tuesday 26 January. Take Monday off and you get 23 to 26 January.
- Holi and Good Friday 2027: Holi on Tuesday 23 March and Good Friday on 26 March sit in the same week, a popular window for a 4 to 5 day trip.
- Mahavir Jayanti 2027: Monday 19 April, a three day weekend at the start of summer.
- Bakri Eid 2027: Monday 17 May, right in the middle of summer vacation.
- Diwali 2027: Friday 29 October, another three day weekend.
A tip: save this list and send your enquiry the day your family agrees on the dates, not the week before you leave.
Why Booking Early Actually Matters
You Get the Right Size, Not Whatever Is Left
The 17 seater tempo traveller and 20 seater tempo traveller are the most booked sizes in Pune because they fit a typical two family or friends group. They are also the first to go on holiday dates. Book late and you may end up squeezing 15 people into a 13 seater, or paying for a 26 seater you do not need.
You Lock the Rate Before Holiday Demand
Our regular rates start at ₹27 per km for a 12 or 13 seater, ₹28 for the 17 seater and ₹30 for the 20 seater, with a 300 km minimum per day on outstation trips. Fares can rise on festivals and long weekends when demand is high. A booking confirmed early is quoted at the rate of the day you confirm, so the earlier you book, the safer your budget.
You Get a Better Vehicle and a Driver Who Knows the Route
Early bookings get first pick of the newest vehicles in the fleet. We can also assign a driver who regularly runs your route, whether that is the Mahabaleshwar ghat, the Konkan coast or NH48 to Goa. On a five day holiday that local knowledge makes a big difference.
You Can Plan Everything Else Around It
Once transport is fixed, you can book hotels and plan stops with exact timings. Families who book transport last often find the hotel check in does not match the vehicle arrival time.
What About Force Urbania?
The Force Urbania has fewer units in every fleet, so it books out even faster on holidays. If you want an Urbania on rent in Pune for Diwali or New Year, add one more week to the timeline above. Not sure which to choose? Read our Force Urbania vs Tempo Traveller comparison.
Popular Holiday Trips From Pune and When to Book Them
Different destinations peak at different times. Plan your booking around where you are going, not just the date.
Goa (Christmas, New Year, Diwali). The most in demand holiday trip from Pune. A Pune to Goa tempo traveller trip usually runs 4 to 5 days and crosses into another state, so permits are added. Book 5 to 6 weeks ahead for December. See our Goa trip vehicle options.
Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani (Diwali, summer, winter weekends). Strawberry season from December to March and the May rush make this a year round favourite. Book 3 to 4 weeks ahead for peak dates. Our Pune to Mahabaleshwar travel guide covers the route and timing.
Lonavala and Khandala (monsoon, long weekends). A short drive, so many groups book late, which is exactly why vehicles run out on July and August Saturdays. Book at least a week ahead. More details on our Lonavala page.
Konkan beaches like Alibaug, Diveagar and Ganpatipule (Diwali, Christmas). Ghat roads and narrow coastal stretches mean you want an experienced driver, so book 3 to 4 weeks ahead.
Pilgrimage trips to Shirdi, Ashtavinayak and Nashik (festivals, long weekends). Darshan crowds peak on festival days and long weekends. Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Our Ashtavinayak darshan by tempo traveller and Pune to Shirdi group trip guides have full itineraries.
Winter getaways in November. If you are still picking a place, our list of the best places to visit in November in Maharashtra can help.
Already Late? How to Still Get a Vehicle
It happens. Plans get finalised two days before the holiday. Here is what improves your chances.
- Be flexible on size. If the 17 seater is gone, a 13 seater plus a car, or a 26 seater, may still be free.
- Shift the start time. Leaving at 5 am Saturday instead of Friday evening often frees up a vehicle that is returning from another trip.
- Call, do not just fill a form. On busy dates a quick call to +91 84840 68364 gets you an answer in minutes.
- Consider a bus for big groups. If you are 25 or more, a 32 seater bus can be easier to find than two tempo travellers.
- Avoid unknown operators at the last minute. A very cheap quote from an unverified number on a holiday weekend is a common way to end up with no vehicle at 6 am.
Holiday Booking Checklist
Before you pay the advance, confirm these:
- Exact pickup time, address and drop point
- Number of days and total kilometres in the quote
- Per km rate, and the 300 km per day minimum for outstation trips
- Toll, parking, state permit and driver night charges, which are billed at actuals
- Driver name and mobile number, shared a day before travel
- Cancellation terms, especially for holiday dates (see our cancellation and refund policy)
- Luggage space, since holiday trips carry more bags than day outings
For a full picture of outstation billing, our outstation cab and tempo traveller guide explains every charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days in advance should I book a tempo traveller?
For major holidays like Diwali, New Year and summer vacation, book 4 to 6 weeks ahead. Long weekends need 2 to 3 weeks, regular weekends 5 to 7 days and weekday trips 2 to 3 days.
Is tempo traveller rent higher during holidays?
Rates can go up on festival dates and long weekends because demand is much higher. Booking early locks the rate quoted on the day you confirm.
Can I book a tempo traveller in Pune at the last minute?
On regular days, often yes. On Diwali, Christmas, New Year and long weekends, last minute availability is very limited, so call us directly and stay flexible on vehicle size.
When should I book a tempo traveller for a New Year trip to Goa?
By mid November. New Year 2027 falls on a Friday, making 31 December to 3 January one of the busiest travel windows of the year.
Which tempo traveller size gets booked first on holidays?
The 17 and 20 seaters, followed by the Force Urbania. If you need one of these, book earliest.
What is the minimum booking for a holiday trip?
COutstation trips are billed on a minimum of 300 km per day. If you travel less, you still pay for 300 km, and extra kilometres are charged at the per km rate.
