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January is one of the best months to explore South India, with its pleasant weather. This month creates the perfect setting for an unforgettable journey. It provides a great backdrop for exploring the places to visit in South India in January. There are beautiful destinations, from amazing hill stations and serene beaches to historic temples and wildlife sanctuaries. Each place in South India has its unique charm and attraction, making January the best time to visit.
Top 10 Places To Visit In South India In January
Here is a list of 10 places to visit in South India in January for the best experiences during your trip:
1. Thekkady, Kerala
Photo: Jigyasu / Wikimedia Commons
Thekkady has many attractions; one is Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, a great destination to visit in South India in January. The weather is cool and wildlife can be spotted very frequently. The dense forest and grassland are lively, offering a great background for relaxed boat rides on Periyar Lake. Immerse yourself in nature with a leisurely walk, glide through calm waters on a bamboo raft,. Explore the aromatic wonders of thick spice plantations. You can also enjoy the cultural performances of Kathakali and Kalaripayattu, which are regularly held in Thekkady.
Major Attractions: Periyar National Park, Kadathanadan Kalari Centre, Periyar Tiger Trail
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 nights
Nearest Airport: Madurai International Airport
2. Nagarhole National Park, Karnataka
Photo: Rameshng / Wikimedia Commons
Nagarhole National Park is a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, among the best places to visit in South India in January. The weather is satisfying and is best for conducting safaris. The park has many wildlife species, including elephants, leopards, tigers, and birds. The dry season of January makes it very easy to spot animals near the ponds or other water resources. The dense green surroundings provide a great background for wildlife photography. January is also the best season for exploring the unexplored path of the National Park and experiencing the thrill of the wild.
Major Attractions: Nagarhole National Park Safari, Kabini River
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Mysore Airport (MYQ)
3. Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Kanyakumari, located at the southmost tip of India, is one of the unique places to see in South India in January. The weather during January is moderate, and the Indian Ocean is calm. You can observe the mesmerising sunrise and sunset views over the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The cool breeze from the seas and the clear skies make it the ideal time to visit this place. Thiruvalluvar statue and the Vivekananda rock memorial are some of Kanyakumari’s most important places to visit.
Major Attractions: Kumari Amman Temple, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Kanyakumari Beach, Subramanya Temple
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
4. Thrissur, Kerala
Photo: mujeebcpy / Wikimedia Commons
Thrissur is an amazing city that comes to life in January due to its pleasant weather and the festive atmosphere of festivals. It is hence known as the cultural capital of Kerala. January’s dry and cool weather makes for a perfect climate for exploring the city. It has many famous temples, including Vadakkunathan Temple and the Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple. The famous festival in the city centre is Thrissur Pooram, which occurs during this time of the year.
Major Attractions: Snehatheeram Beach, Chavakkad Beach, Thiruvambadi Krishna Temple, Athirapally Falls
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 days
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
5. Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Dr. Suchet Chaudhary / Wikimedia Commons
Madurai is one of the best places to visit in South India in January as the weather is pleasant during this time. It is one of the oldest cities in India. The famous Meenakshi Temple is present in this city and is famous for its gopuram carvings all around the temple. The beautiful, warm light of winter makes the temple look more amazing. You can also explore the busy markets and many more historical landmarks, such as Thirumalai Palace.
Major Attractions: Thiruvambadi Krishna Temple, Athirapally Falls Vaigai Dam, Alagar Koil
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Madurai International Airport
6. Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Wanderlusts / Wikimedia Commons
Rameshwaram is a significant pilgrimage site according to Hindu Culture. It is one of the great places to see in South India in January, as the weather during this season is dry and cool. The month of January offers a pleasant climate. It is suitable for sightseeing the famous and beautiful Pamban Bridge and Ramnathswamy Temple. The month of January calls forth the tourists to visit the nearby Dhanush Kodi known for its historical ruins and beautiful landscapes.
Major Attractions: Jatayu Tirtham, Agnitheertham, Lakshmana Tirtham, Villoondi Tirtham
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
Nearest Airport: Madurai International Airport
7. Bekal, Kerala
Photo: Vijayanrajapuram / Wikimedia Commons
Bakal in Kerala is one of the best places to visit in South India in January. The place is famous for its beaches and historical Bekal Fort. The weather during January is cool and very pleasant which makes it ideal weather for sightseeing and enjoying the view of the Arabian Sea. The mesmerising beaches are perfect for relaxed walks, and the peaceful seas are perfect for swimming. The scenic beauty and the mix of pleasantness in the weather make it a perfect winter vacation destination.
Major Attractions: Bekal Fort, Bekal Fort Beach, Kappil Beach, The Bekal Hole Aqua Park, Nityanandashram Caves
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 days
Nearest Airport: Mangalore Airport
8. Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
Photo: Sriram Rajkumar / Wikimedia Commons
Coonoor is a hill station located in the Nilgiris. It is one of the best places to visit in South India in January. The skies during January are very clear, and the climate is quite pleasant. During this time, the lively tea gardens are amazing to watch, and there is a full bloom in the botanical garden of Coonoor. January is the best month and time to take a ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Otty. The calm atmosphere and all the colonial architecture make Coonoor a perfect place to visit during winter.
Major Attractions: Sim’s Park, Dolphin’s Nose, Lamb’s Rock, and Hidden Valley
Ideal Trip Duration: 4 – 5 days
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport
9. Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Photo: Gpkp / Wikimedia Commons
Chikmagalur is one of the good places to visit in South India in January. It is one of the amazing hill stations in Karnataka, known for its coffee plantation and foggy mountains. Although any time is perfect for visiting this place, if you visit Chikmagalur in January, you will find the weather here very cool and pleasant. This makes it an ideal time to explore this place. The month of January is perfect for trekking in Mulayamgiri and Baba Budangiri. You can also visit many waterfalls in this region, which makes it a refreshing escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Major Attractions: Hebbe Falls, Bhadra Dam, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kudremukh National Park
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 5 days
Nearest Airport: Mangalore Airport
10. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Photo: I.mhr / Wikimedia Commons
Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best time to visit is January because the weather is pleasant and perfect for exploring the ancient Rock Cut temples and monuments. The shore temple has a dramatic background of the Bay of Bengal, which looks perfect in the warm winter sunlight. You can also visit the historic Five Rathas and take a relaxing walk along the beaches while enjoying the famous seafood.
Major Attractions: Tiger Caves, Crocodile Bank, Kovalam Beach, Arjuna’s Penance
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 days
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport
Visiting South India in January allows you to enjoy this cool and pleasant weather, amazing scenery, and cultural richness. Places to visit in South India in January range from foggy mountains to coffee plantations and historical temples to peaceful beaches. The topography that you can observe during this season is mesmerising. Plan your trip now with TripXL and explore the best destinations that can be visited in January.
Cover Photo: Subharnab Majumdar / Wikimedia Commons
