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With diverse landscapes and stunning natural beauty, there is no shortage of places to visit in January in India. From the snow-clad spots in Kashmir to the coastal beauties in Goa and Karnataka, the list of places is extensive. The key here is to find a place that speaks to your interest and fits within your travel budget. With a whole range of options covering beaches, deserts and hill stations, you need to take the time to shortlist what works best for you.
Top 10 Places To Visit In January In India
From the golden sands of Rajasthan to the snowy realms of the Himalayas, January in India is a treasure trove of delightful experiences waiting to be uncovered.
1. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Photo: Mohamad Talib Bhat / Wikimedia Commons
Gulmarg located in the crown state of India becomes a snow paradise during January and is an ideal destination for people who want to experience a winter wonderland with heavy snowfall. It is located on the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas and everything gets covered in a thick blanket of snow. January is also a time when tourists can go skiing in Gulmarg at Apharwat Peak. Dedicate a day to visit the Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve to spot indigenous species of wildlife like Indian wolf, musk deer, and leopards.
Weather In January: Temperatures range from -10°C to -3°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Gondola Ride, Apharwat Peak, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Alpather Lake
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In March In India
2. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Photo: Anagoria / Wikimedia Commons
More commonly known as the Golden City, Jaisalmer is a stunning destination in the heart of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan. Irrespective of the month you visit, the city’s main attraction lies in the Jaisalmer Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its rustic sandstone architecture. Beyond that, you can explore camping at Sam Sand Dunes or go boating at Gadisar Lake. Visit the abandoned village of Kuldhara, which is also one of the haunted places in the country, and seek blessings at the Tanot Mata Temple.
Weather In January: Temperatures range from 5°C – 24°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon Ki Haveli, Gadisar Lake, Sam Sand Dunes
Top Things To Do: Stay in luxury tents and enjoy folk music and dance, discover the intricate architecture of historic havelis
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
3. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Photo: Ssteaj / Wikimedia Commons
Known for being the best spot for river rafting, Rishikesh offers a wide range of experiences that most tourists aren’t aware of. Among them includes walking along the Ganga river bank on Lakshman Jhula. You can stop to explore the local cafes and street food joints in the main city or head to Haridwar for a good thandai. Also, don’t skip out on experiencing bungee jumping at Mohan Chutti. For spiritual satisfaction, attend the Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat and visit Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
Weather In January: Temperatures range from 7°C – 20°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple
Top Things To Do: River rafting on the Ganges, Bungee jumping
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In May In India
4. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
Photo: Prof Ranga Sai / Wikimedia Commons
The Rann of Kutch in Gujarat is a mesmerising salt marsh known for its wide expanse of land. Visiting the Rann Utsav, a cultural festival held from November to February enhances the experience with vibrant performances, crafts, and local cuisine. If you want to soak in the most out of the festivities, book a camping tent experience right in the desert. Despite how simple they look from the outside, each tent is fitted with the luxury amenities you’d need. For the history lover in you, Dholavira ruins is a must-visit which is famed for the ruins of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Weather In January: Temperatures range from 12°C – 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Great Rann of Kutch, Kalo Dungar, Kala Raksha, Bhuj
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
5. Coorg, Karnataka
Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons
Among the places to visit in India during January, Coorg or Kodagu is worth considering. This charming hill station is primarily known for its spice and coffee plantations. Coorg takes pride in its misty landscapes, waterfalls and sightseeing experiences. Beyond coffee plantation tours, you can opt for trekking expeditions on gorgeous routes, or take up river rafting on the Barapole River. Visit Abbey Falls for nature’s appeasement followed by Raja’s seat to get a glimpse of the entire town of Coorg from high up. For a day trip experience, consider escaping to Virajpet or indulging in a holy bath at Talacauvery.
Weather In January: Temperatures range from 11°C – 29°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Dubare Elephant Camp, Talakaveri
Top Things To Do: Learn about coffee cultivation and processing, explore trails like Tadiandamol and Brahmagiri, and enjoy rafting on the Barapole River
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In August In India
6. Alleppey, Kerala
Photo: Harvinder Chandigarh / Wikimedia Commons
Alleppey, or Alappuzha, is often referred to as the “Venice of the East” due to its intricate network of backwaters and canals. It is considered one of the best places to visit in January in India due to the pleasant weather and wide range of tourist attractions. You can cruise along the backwaters on a houseboat or escape on a day trip to Kuttanad. Explore the beautiful beaches of Kerala like Alleppey Beach or Marari Beach or the floating Triveni market. Lastly, a short visit to Krishnapuram Palace will give you an insight into Kerala’s glorious past.
Weather In January: Temperatures range from 22°C – 30°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Alleppey Backwaters, Alleppey Beach, Krishnapuram Palace, Marari Beach
Top Things To Do: Sail through the backwaters in a traditional Kettuvallam, Visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary nearby
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
7. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Photo: Motohiro Sunouchi / Wikimedia Commons
From river rafting to camping and village exploration to trekking expeditions, Spiti Valley is an adventurer’s paradise and one of the best places to go in January in India. You can start your year in the embrace of nature by exploring rugged terrains leading up to Dhankar Lake and Chandratal Lake. Beyond that, you can explore the Baralacha Pass or shop to your heart’s content at the Kaza main market. The nearby Nako village is also a perfect escape from Spiti Valley if you want to explore somewhere offbeat. Indulge a day or 2 into the local culture and visit the Tabo Monastery to see how monks lead their lives in utmost peace.
Weather In January: Temperatures range from -20°C to -5°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Kye Monastery, Tabo Monastery, Chandratal Lake, Pin Valley National Park
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In India In June With Family
8. Puducherry
Photo: Karthik Easvur / Wikimedia Commons
If you are looking for good places to visit in January in India on a budget, Puducherry is a great spot to consider. This charming coastal town is steeped in rich French colonial history and a laid-back charm that’s perfect for tourists who want to visit an urban place but without a fast pace. Visit historical sites like the French Quarter or Sri Aurobindo Ashram, or the township of Auroville, there are so many things to do. For water activities, hit the local Paradise Beach and Karaikal Beach. If you want to take surfing lessons, Serenity Beach is the perfect spot for it.
Weather In January: Temperatures range from 20°C – 30°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Auroville, Promenade Beach, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, French Quarter
Top Things To Do: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
9. Munnar, Kerala
Photo: Sumittchavan / Wikimedia Commons
Munnar is hands down the best destination to visit in January in India. With the views of the terraced tea gardens to the local biodiversity, Munnar captivates you with its natural beauty. January offers a cool and refreshing climate, making it an ideal time to explore the highest tea estates Kolukkamlai, and admire the splashing Attukal Waterfalls. To witness the rare Nilgiri Tahr, make your way to Rajamalai. Also, visit Echo Point and learn about the art of tea making at the local plantations. Lastly, spend a day visiting the Eravikulam National Park to spot the indigenous wildlife of the region.
Weather In January: Temperatures range from 10°C – 25°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Tea Gardens, Eravikulam National Park, Attukal Waterfalls, Kolukkamlai, Mattupetty Dam
Top Things To Do: Sample various teas and learn about the tea-making process, Explore trails like Anamudi Peak, Visit Eravikulam National Park
Ideal Duration: 3 – 4 Days
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Summer In India With Family For A Memorable Vacation
10. Goa
Photo: JosephAssisFernandes / Wikimedia Commons
Goa is the one place that is on the bucket list of every individual in the country, but when looking to explore it, there is no better month than January. Begin your day by visiting the most cliched spots like Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, or Calangute Beach. Beyond the beaches, there are several historical attractions like Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, and St. Augustine Tower, and Old Goa. End your day by indulging in the nightlife that Goa offers in the majority of its cafes. You can also indulge in New Year festivities, which continue for a month or try surfing and snorkelling.
Weather In January: Temperatures range from 21°C – 31°C
Top Tourist Attractions: Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Old Goa, Aguada Fort, Dudhsagar Falls
Top Things To Do: Exploring historical places in Old Goa, Participating in the month-long New Year festivities, and trying watersports activities like surfing
Ideal Duration: 2 – 3 Days
There are several places to visit in January in India. The catch is to ideate the best spot for your vacation and sort out your bookings with TripXL. With prior planning, you get to beat the crowd and get the best prices for the accommodation, experiences and tours that you plan during your next vacation. It’s time to kickstart the year with a fun vacation.
Cover Photo: Bimal K C / Wikimedia Commons
