30 Best Places To Visit India In January

Now you can welcome the New Year by adding these destinations to your bucket list (Best Places to visit in India in January). The travel enthusiasts can choose from the difficult terrains to the pristine sand beaches, a vacation on sea side to dense forest, from east to west or north to south to enjoy their winter vacation. This winter you can have a lovely vacation in any of these top places in India.

1. Delhi

Early winters are one of the worst times to visit Delhi because of smog that covers the land. By the month of January, the charm of Delhi will be back. This is the great place to visit in India in January with family and you can find colorful festivals, celebrations, and carnivals in January. Harvest festival, India Art Fair, Republic Day Parade, New Year Celebration are some of the colorful fiestas to enjoy here. With January climate, it becomes much easier for the tourists to explore the land and find interesting sightseeing spots like Red Fort, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Akshardham Mandir, Lotus Temple, Lodhi Gardens and others.

Apart from sightseeing, Delhi is quite famous for its diverse cuisine and unparalleled street food. Thanks to the comfortable climate of the land, you can find street vendors selling delicacies throughout the night. Take a rickshaw ride through the streets of Old Delhi or enjoy mall shopping in New Delhi to experience the lifestyle of the land. January is the time of clear beauty and lush climate. Thus, you can find many adventure activities open for tourists during this time, in and around Delhi.

2. Agra

Agra is an integral part of the Golden Triangle route of India (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) and the famous site for holding the World Wonder, Taj Mahal. View of the Taj Mahal with the cold breeze around you is just one reason to visit Agra in January. Agra is a quite humid place and holds numerous sightseeing spots like Fatehpur Sikri, Baby Taj, Akbar’s Tomb, Tomb of Mariam, Agra Fort and many others. With the climate of January, it is much easier to explore every attraction of the land, without exhaustion.

January provides a dry and clear climate and thus, you can get a clear and crisp view of the Taj Mahal from Yamuna River or Mehtab Bagh. Also, the gardens of Mughal reign would be lush with foliage during January, allowing a colorful environment for your photography. January is one of the romantic time to visit Agra.

Agra Travel Guide

3. Jaipur

If you are confused to where to go in India in January then this royal destination has its mesmerizing charisma and imperial regalia in January. This Pink City will be wearing a little more color in January. Winter is the prime tourism season for all the destinations in Rajasthan and Jaipur is no different. Some people prefer to take luxury train tours like Maharajas’ Express or Palace on Wheels to cover Jaipur along with other eminent tourist attractions of Rajasthan? January brings out clear sky and lesser humidity. Thus, it is much easier to explore the city to find out attractions like Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Birla Mandir, and others.

If you are into cultural beauty, January will provide you a kaleidoscope of attractions and beauties with regional festivals like Kumbhalgarh festival, Bikaner camel festival, and so on. If you are looking for a more concentrated cultural vacation, you can always get the best of all the cultural traits from Chokhi Dhani. January is also a romantic time to visit this land. You can enjoy romantic activities, stay in a royal palace and explore this regal beauty with bliss.

Also Read : Best Places for Photography in Rajasthan

Jaipur Travel Guide

4. Khajuraho and Orchha

One of the best places to be visited in India, in the month of January is Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho Group of Monuments, constructed during the period of Chandela Dynasty is considered as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is famous worldwide for the exquisitely carved temples. This erotic carvings and sculptures representing the theme of Kamasutra, adorn the exterior of the temples whereas, the interior of the temples depict spirituality.

A visit to Orchha will give you the real rural experience. The tiny hamlet is situated in Madhya Pradesh, which is popular for its temple spires and chattris or cenotaphs. Besides, the Jahangir Mahal with its intricate carvings is considered as a specimen of excellent Bundela paintings.

This amazing Golden Triangle Tour can take you to Khajuraho & Orchha along with Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Varanasi.

Suggested Tour :

5. Goa

Goa is a cultural potluck destination, where you can enjoy traditional Goan heritage, Portuguese cultural infusion, and the modern Indian culture. Goa has too much beauty to offer over and beyond the 30 different beaches of the land. If you are looking for serene beauty and solitude destinations to enjoy romantic time, choose regions of South Goa.

If you are into partying and bonfires to enjoy the Portuguese side of Goa, stick with North Goa beach destinations. With the onset of January, the festivals come rushing into the calendar. It is not just about the New Year celebration. You can find other activities like the Indian Yoga Festival, Goa Lokotsav, and others. January is the right time to visit Salim Ali bird sanctuary to spot migratory and local birds.

Goa Beach Parties New Year — **New Year Party at Beach**

Goa is one of the best places to visit in india in january with friends because the beaches will be riddled with bonfires, parties, and celebrations at night. In the day time, they are perfect spots for family hammock vacation. January is a month of clear sky and calm sea. Thus, underwater visibility will be much clearer allowing tourists to enjoy numerous underwater and water-based activities like surfing, snorkeling, banana boat, kayaking, and others. January marks a pleasing fertile time and the spice plantations will be at prime beauty. You can find numerous nature-abundant rich foliage lands to enjoy a non-beach vacation.

January marks the time for many adventure activities too. Top activities to enjoy are hot air ballooning, parasailing, hand gliding, and others. January is the time for a holistic vacation in Goa.

Also Read :

Goa Travel Guide

6. Mumbai

The prime reason for visiting Mumbai in January is the regions around Mumbai. Small regions around Mumbai would be at prime beauty during January. Top getaway spots are Matheran, Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani, Vengurla, and others. Inside Mumbai, January is the land of less humidity and a more pleasing climate. The skies will be clear and you can enjoy a calming sightseeing tour covering Sri Siddhivinayak Temple, Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Malabar Hills, and others.

Visit Sanjay Gandhi National Park to enjoy bicycle ride during January mornings. Hanging garden and other parks around Mumbai would be lush with foliage and vivid flowers. January is the right time for picnic vacations. Karnala bird sanctuary will be filled with colorful birds from Indian regions and international destinations. It is one of the best places to enjoy photography in Mumbai.

Tiger at Sanjay Gandhi National Park — **Sanjay Gandhi National Park**

January is the right time to enjoy the culture of the land. Visit during New Year to enjoy celebrations throughout the city. Many new movies would be screened for the first time during January. It is also the right time to take a trip to the Elephanta Caves of the region. If you wish to extend your vacation from Mumbai, you can find many luxury trains like Maharajas’ Express and Deccan Odyssey, which starts itineraries from Mumbai to cover eminent destinations around the country.

Also Read :

Mumbai Travel Guide

7. Bikaner, Rajasthan

One of the best places to visit during January is Bikaner. It receives swarms of visitors in this month as the popular Camel Festival is being observed in the village of Ladera. Camels are shaved & decorated and are made to participate in the various competitions. The competitions include best haircut of a camel, camel milking and best fur cutting. The camels are also made to dance. The weather and the charm of the city remain excellent during this month.

Also Read : Bikaner Camel Festival – A Traditional Trade of Camel in Rajasthan

Bikaner Travel Guide:

Suggested Tour :

8. Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra

11 km towards the north of Apollo Bandar, Mumbai is situated the Elephanta Caves. It is considered as a World Heritage Site under UNESCO. The Caves are situated on the Elephanta Island, which is popularly known as the Island of Gharapuri. Our Suggested itinerary for this 1 Day Mumbai City & Elephanta Caves Tour.

The Caves display the carvings of Lord Shiva, blended with the natural environment. A statue of Lord Shiva of 7 meters with three faces is located at the entrance of the first cave. The incarnations of the Lord Shiva as a creator, preserver and destroyer is represented through the statue.

The Archaeological Survey of India preserved these caves as they hold importance in Indian tourism. The ferry ride up to the island adds charm to the trip making it memorable. You can also go to the nearby place like Goa which has pristine silver beaches, intricate churches and provides ample scope for adventurous sports.

Also get the information about Ajanta & Ellora Caves

Suggested Tour :

9. Varanasi

Varanasi is one of the holy cities of India and amongst the oldest cities in the world. It is one of the major pilgrimage towns, which is visited by swarms of devotees all round the year. It is believed that a dip in the sacred River Ganges washes every sin. The Hindus visit the ghats of Varanasi to perform rituals related to death and birth.

One of the major attractions of Varanasi is the evening arti, which is performed by a group of priests at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. The beautifully choreographed performance is a treat to watch in the evenings. Well-known Indian poets and saints such as Kabir and Tulsidas hail from the city of Varanasi. You can walk down the narrow winding lanes of the city or sit on the ghats to observe the local life of the city.

The month of January is the best time to visit Varanasi, tough it can be visited throughout the year.

Suggested Tour :

3 Days - Exclusive Varanasi Tour including Sarnath
9 Days itinerary of Golden Triangle with Varanasi Tour (Ganges Tour)

10. Alleppey

There are two reasons to visit Alleppey in January. The first reason is the lush backwaters. The monsoon ends a little late in Kerala and the chances of floods during November and December or higher. Thus, when the January blooms, the waterbodies will be filled with water up to their brim. The regions along the backwaters like fields, grooves, and others will be fresh and green. Thus, it is the right time for backwater cruise, house boating, fishing, and other backwater-based activities.

Also Read : 10 Best Houseboat Destinations in India

The second reason is the mountains of the region. By the end of November, the monsoon stops and the slopes of the mountains would be fertile and lush. Thus, rare herbal plants would be fresh and flourishing by the end of the monsoon season. By January, most of these herbal plants would be at bloom. This is why waterfalls are best enjoyed in January. The water will embrace these plants as it moves, giving you a healthier water to bathe and play. The main importance of these herbal products is Ayurvedic treatments. With a long list of herbal products available, a number of treatments and massages will be available for you.

Also Read : 10 Signature Spa and Ayurveda Resorts in India

January is also a romantic time to visit the region. You can find many adventure activities like hiking, visiting Periyar National Park (Thekkady), bullock cart ride, boating and so on. If you are looking for a holistic vacation, try the cliché Kerala trifecta – Munnar, Alleppey, and Thekkady.

Also Read : Things To Do In Alleppey – 10 Interesting Activities

Suggested Tour :

11. Auli, Uttarakhand

Sports and adventure enthusiasts may take a trip to Auli as this place is considered as a paradise for its tiny snow wrapped area. It is located in the district of Chamoli district in Uttarakhand. Being located at an altitude of 2,500 m, it provides ample opportunity for skiing and thus it makes a popular destination among the adventurous souls. Trekking can also be enjoyed in this region.

The temperature in Auli drops to sub-zero levels in the month of January. Therefore, heavy woolen clothes are must have during your visit to Auli. World’s highest man-made lake is situated in this place. Some of the major Hindu pilgrimage points of Auli are Nanda Devi and Mount Neelkanth, which makes the place worth visiting.

Suggested Tour :

12. Darjeeling

The interesting thing about Darjeeling in January is that the lowest temperature is marked down at 2 degrees C and will not fall below that. Thus, you need not worry about snowfall abrupting your view. The land is always green and lush with plantations, viewpoints, valleys and much more. Thus, the winter has a bearable cold allowing you to embrace the beauty of rhododendron filled valley, viewing peaking of Khanchendzonga, mountain toy train and so on.

By visiting in January, you would have missed the Orange festival of December but, not the oranges. Around 50 villages surrounding Darjeeling cultivate oranges and January is one of the best months to visit for orange-infused cuisine. Starting from orange chicken to orange beverages, you can add vitamin C to your palate with ease.

January is also the time to taste churpi. Churpi is a local cheese made from yak milk, which is popular during peak winter to keep your body warm. It is also a great souvenir for any foodie friend. Visit Darjeeling zoo, take up cable car ride, hike up the Tiger Hills and live closer to nature by visiting Darjeeling in January.

Also Read : Taste the Local Dishes of Himalayan Foothills Darjeeling

Suggested Tour :

13. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

As mentioned before, Rajasthan is one of the most beautiful destinations to cover in winter. The best of all is the desert region of Jaisalmer. This Golden City is located very close to the Thar Desert and the best way to explore the ocean of glittering sand is in the peak of winter. Camel safari is not the only attraction during January.

You can explore the desert, camp in the middle of the desert and even enjoy desert-based adventure activities like dune dashing, ATV, paragliding, and others. January provides a pleasing climate for tourists to explore Jaisalmer’s fusion architecture and culture. During the nights of January, the Sam sand dunes will be filled with cultural activities. Some camping service providers organize fire dance, barbeque dinner, snake dance, puppet shows and much more.

If you are looking for honeymoon activities, nothing can beat a moonlit dinner in the middle of the desert. Top places to visit apart from Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer are Salam Singh kiHaveli, Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake, Patwonki Haveli, and others.

Also Read : Topmost Places To Be Visited In Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Travel Guide

14. Kalimpong, West Bengal

One of the frequented places in India during winter is Kalimpong, located in West Bengal. The pleasant view of Teesta river valley is a treat for those who wish to escape from the bustling city life and its pollution. The Galinka and Crockety bungalows with the colonial architecture, built during the British period, provide wonderful accommodating facilities with all amenities for a better experience.

You have another option of accommodation known as the Morgan House. Get the mesmerizing view of snow cladded mountains, in the chilly and frosty month of January, which is really worthy. You can also take a trip to the nearby places like Gangtok and Darjeeling.

Also Read : Tips for First Time Darjeeling Travellers

15. Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Madurai is a cultural heritage land of Tamil Nadu. Madurai is famous for architectural sightseeing, cultural activities, temple visits and so on. The best of all is the famous religious site, Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple. January attracts tourists to Madurai because of its climate and festival. The city is very humid and hot and thus, peak winter is the right place to visit and explore this region.

When it comes to cultural beauty, the land is bombarded with beautiful cultural celebrations throughout January. 12 days of the Float Festival starts in the mid of January. January is also the time of harvest festival and temple fairs. You can enjoy many cultural activities like taking part in rituals, processions, enjoying dance and music celebrations, stage acts of religious stories and so on.

Also Read : The Most Spiritual Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

Apart from these, Madurai in January is much pleasing to explore. Thus, you can find various sightseeing spots like Gandhi Museum, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Samanar Hills, PazhamudhirSolai, Thiruparankundram temple and so on

Also Read : 8 Best Places to Visit in Madurai

Suggested Tour :

16. Phawngpui, Mizoram

One of the lesser known heavens on earth, in Indian land is Phawngpui. It is located at an altitude of about 2150 m in Mizoram. It is also known as the Blue Mountain. Phawngpui is much valued by the locals for its local stories and folklore of sheltering ‘Sangau’- a local deity. It is not only important as a pilgrimage site but also popular for its significant beauty. Phawngpui is one of the popular tourist spots enriched with exotic flora and fauna.

Rhododendrons and variety of orchids can be seen be there. Unique and endangered animals such as Asiatic black bear, gorals, leopard cat, stump-tailed macaque, capped langur are found in this region. One can also get the view of colorful plumed sunbirds soaring in the sky. Get set and go for trekking at Phawngpui in the month of January to explore the majestic landscape and natural beauty at its best.

17. Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram was a shore city that thrived during ancient times. To welcome merchants into their flourishing kingdoms, the kings of ancient South India built numerous carved temples, caves, and structures here. Mahabalipuram is one of the famous international tourist destinations in India.

However, with the onset of January, the beauty of the land gets multiplied. With the recent rains, the sculptures and carvings will be drenched in water and fresh to look. Beach will be calm and pleasing during January evenings. The best of all is the Mamallapuram Dance Festival, which starts in the mid of December and extends up to the mid of January. During Pongal celebration, locals and tourists flock this place to enjoy a beach vacation.

Exploration is much easier during January. You can spend time hunting for souvenirs too. Top activities to enjoy in Mahabalipuram are surfing, lighthouse trekking, beach activities, sightseeing, and others. If you are into sightseeing, visit Nedumkayam, Kadalundi bird sanctuary, Keralamkundu waterfall, Teak museum, Arimbra Hills, Kottakunnu and others, closer to Mahabalipuram.

Also Read : Top Places to Visit in Mahabalipuram

Suggested Tour :

18. Daman And Diu

Daman and Diu is a small still beautiful, striking and mesmerizing paradise surrounded by Gujarat. Ruled by Portuguese for more than four centuries; it is the second smallest Union Territory of India since 1987. Daman and Diu house various buildings and monuments with Portuguese styled architecture. Tourist attractions comprised of picturesque sun-bathed beaches, colonial forts, and renowned churches. Beside this, there is a rich heritage and culture which offers lively festive days and bustling nightlife.

The nearest railway junction is Veraval which is 90 kms. from Diu and has a direct & well connection to the major cities of India like Mumbai, Jabalpur, Pune, Ahmedabad, Dwarka etc. Although the temperature is moderate throughout the year; January has the most favorable climatic conditions to lure tourists from different parts of the world. The key attraction includes –

Jalandhar Beach
Portuguese Fort
Paul Church
Fortim-Do-Mar Diu
Dominican Monastery
Thomas Church
Goptimata Beach
Zampa Gateway

19. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Ooty is one of the magnificent hill stations of Southern India. When it comes to honeymoon destinations, Ooty is regarded as the prime place of choice. Apart from cliché hill station activities like mountain trains, rolling hills, botanical gardens, hiking, trekking, plantations, and others, Ooty is a little more of a charming place. If you are looking for adventure activities, January is the dry month to visit. Trekking and hiking will be much easier and camping is possible in almost all nature places, as January is pleasing and dry.

January is obviously cold and you can find many bonfire parties. Many hotels organize private bonfire parties and other celebrations for their guests. The air in Ooty is very fresh and clean during January. Visiting peaks will be much more romantic but, try to keep it in the noon as it would be much easier to get a panoramic view.

Mornings and evenings will be foggy here and thus, it is the right time for romantic strolling, nature walk, and others. Since the fog is thick, it retains the aroma of the wildflowers around you. You will always smell them when you are outside in January. Apart from these, Ooty in January is famous for boating, horse riding, visiting Telescope House, Mukurthi national park and others.

Also Read : About Ooty – The Uncrowned Queen Of Hill Stations

Suggested Tour :

20. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

The magnificent town of Jammu & Kashmir is a heaven for the adventure seekers and a paradise for nature lovers. The town is situated in the Pirpanjal Range of Western Himalayas and is popularly known as the “heartland of winter sports in India” and is rated as Asia’s 7th best ski destination.

Gulmarg also takes great pride in owning Asia’s largest and world’s second largest cable car project called Gulmarg Gondola, connecting Gulmarg with Aparwath Mountains from where one can ski down on a long snow trail. The key destinations includes –

Alpather Lake
Gulmarg Alpine Guides
Gulmarg Ski Resort
Aparwath Peak
Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve

Gulmarg Travel Guide

30 Best Places To Visit India In January

1. Delhi

2. Agra

3. Jaipur

4. Khajuraho and Orchha

5. Goa

6. Mumbai

7. Bikaner, Rajasthan

8. Elephanta Caves, Maharashtra

9. Varanasi

10. Alleppey

11. Auli, Uttarakhand

12. Darjeeling

13. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

14. Kalimpong, West Bengal

15. Madurai, Tamil Nadu

16. Phawngpui, Mizoram

17. Mahabalipuram

18. Daman And Diu

19. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

20. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

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