As the New Year rings in, a trip to India is sure to mark a fantastic beginning. Scenic nature, rich history, magnificent forts and palaces, snow-clad Himalayan peaks, incredible wildlife, and gorgeous beaches make India an ideal destination to explore. Whether they stay in an ordinary hotel or a cabin rental, India experiences pleasant cold weather in January that is amicable for tourists as they travel through various states in the country. Be it unwinding in a houseboat in serene waters, exploring the desert-enveloped Bikaner in Rajasthan, or walking on the breathtaking frozen river in Ladakh, India has it all to help you kick off the New Year with rejuvenating experiences. So, embark on an exciting trip by checking out this list of outstanding places to visit in India in January, and enjoy a wonderful adventure.
1. Jodhpur, Rajasthan (from USD 79.29)
Located in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, Jodhpur plays a significant role in the country’s storied history. Several stunning landmarks and grandiose buildings such as Sheesh Mahal and Jodhpur Fort surround parts of the steadily developing city.
Breaking away from the historical buildings is the formidable Thar Desert, a popular attraction worth exploring especially during a cool January day. If you’d like to traverse around this unique landscape, the place offers plenty of different experiences for first-timers and seasoned travelers. Whether you prefer riding on a camel, driving through the sandy dunes with a 4x4, or camping under the stars, you’ll never run out of options.
Overnight Camel Safari in Jodhpur, India - Klook
2. Coorg, Karnataka (from USD 18.05)
Renowned for its diverse landscapes, flora, and fauna, the Ghats of Karnataka are one of the best places to visit in South India, especially in January. Several parts of these ghats can be found in the Coorg or Kodagu district, which also hosts several other natural wonders that range from waterfalls to coffee plantations.
Most first-timers usually go to Coorg’s top attractions to get to know the destination better, including Raja’s Seat and Namdroling Monastery Golden Temple. However, if you want to take it up a notch, the lush rainforests are where you would want to be. Take a stroll through the dense and untamed landscapes on a packaged tour such as this one, where you’ll also get the chance to ride a zipline across the scenic valley.
Rainforest Walk and Zipline Combo Package in Madikeri, India - Klook
3. Alleppey, Kerala (from USD 145.0)
If you are looking for a unique, pleasant experience of staying in a houseboat, make sure you visit Alleppey, which is a mesmerizing city in the Indian state of Kerala. It is widely famous for its amazing houseboat cruises and an incredible network of serene lagoons and canals. Exploring the scenic backwaters would gift you an enchanting experience, as the climate is pleasant in January. Watch verdant paddy fields, charming birds of the region, nature’s beauty, and the life of Keralites as you sail on. Do not miss viewing well-known snake-boat races that take place annually at Punnamada Lake. Offer your prayers at Mullakkal Temple of Goddess Rajarajeswari in the heart of Alleppey.
Cochin: Alleppey Backwater Private Day Cruise by Houseboat
Duration: 6.0 to 7.0 hour
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4. Ooty, Tamil Nadu
If you are a nature lover who longs to spend a sabbatical in the mountains as the year begins, you will enjoy holidaying in Ooty in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. One of the most recommended places to visit with the family in India during January, this serene destination known for its refreshing weather is nestled in the Nilgiri Hills and is quite popular as Queen of the Hills.
If you are fond of hiking and trekking, here you will find various mesmerizing nature trails to explore. Enjoy the fun of adventure camping in tents amid nature. Then visit the beautiful 55-acre (22.25-hectare) Government Botanical Garden, which adorns the scenic slopes of the well-known Doddabetta Peak.
5. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir (from USD 242.0)
Enhance your travel experience by visiting Gulmarg, a beautiful hill station in the state of Jammu and Kashmir and a sought-after place to visit in northern India during January for its unmatched snowfall scenery. Jammu and Kashmir is world-famous as a heaven on earth, and a visit to Gulmarg will prove it.
Witness the splendor of nature, such as mesmerizing meadows, scenic valleys, snow-clad Himalayas, and spectacular ravines. Going for a ropeway ride will offer you such resplendent views. Also, enjoy a breathtaking gondola ride that is second-highest on the globe. Further, if you are an adventure seeker, do not miss the thrill of skiing here.
Day Excursion To Gulmarg From Srinagar With Lunch
Duration: 11 to 12 hours
6. Phawngpui, Mizoram
Are you planning to go on a mountain trip during your vacation in India? If yes, make sure to explore Phawngpui, also famous as Blue Mountain. It is the highest mountain peak in the Indian state of Mizoram and is a spellbinding destination for adventure seekers. Here you can trek and hike with January’s pleasant weather every year. Plan to visit Phawngpui National Park, and spot lovely birds and colorful flowers of the region.
7. Chilika Lake, Odisha
Enjoy bird-watching at Chilika Lake in Odisha in the winter. Visiting this Indian destination in January offers an incredible experience of watching a plethora of migratory birds. Indian rollers, white-bellied sea eagles, white ibis, pintails, flamingos, purple moorhens, egrets, and purple herons are some of the lovely birds that you can spot here. You’ll get to see several threatened species of plants and eye-catching animals too.
8. Goa (from USD 78.03)
Touring through Goa, one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, in January will make your holidays more enjoyable. Plenty of gorgeous beaches adorn the shores of Goa and greet you to enjoy a plethora of exciting water sports and activities, such as jet skiing, kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. Make your excursion more fun and refreshing by enjoying bike rides. Also, visit cathedrals, such as Church of St. Cajetan and the pleasant Se Cathedral here. Do not miss walking through the spectacular Spice Plantation and view a variety of herbs and spices.
Goa: Private Full-Day Sightseeing Highlights Tour
Duration: 8.0 hour
9. Bikaner, Rajasthan (from USD 82.0)
Witness the magnificent architectural, cultural, and festive grandeur of India by visiting Bikaner in the state of Rajasthan. The city is famous as a camel country, as it is the breeding area of some of the best riding camels. Bikaner is especially mesmerizing in January, as the locals here celebrate Bikaner Camel Festival. Watch outstanding camel performances, such as camel races, camel dances, decorating competitions, rides of the neck-shaking camel, and much more. Also, check out historic Junagarh Fort, which dates back to the 16th century. Tour through the incredible Prachina Museum, which is located within the fort, and view royal portraits and amazing traditional textiles.
Private BIkaner City Tour with Guide & Lunch
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
10. Darjeeling, West Bengal (from USD 137.0)
As the year begins, plan to visit Darjeeling, one of the most scenic hill stations in East India, and experience the breathtaking beauty of nature. Lush green plantations of tea, old-world charm, pristine hilly sceneries, and sweeping sunrises make Darjeeling a perfect getaway. Watch jaw-dropping views of Mount Kanchenjunga, which is known for being the world’s third-highest mountain. Go for a thrilling Darjeeling Ropeway ride and marvel at stunning snow-capped mountain peaks, spectacular valleys, and eye-catching landscapes. Do not miss the Darjeeling Toy Train ride, which passes by charming villages and gifts you spectacular countryside and mountain views.
Explore Queen Of Hills Day Tour in Darjeeling
Duration: 10 to 11 hours
11. Chadar Trek, Ladakh (from USD 390.0)
Experience the surreal feeling of walking on a frozen Zanskar River by visiting Ladakh in January. During this time of the year, a sheet of ice covers River Zanskar and lets you walk on the surface with the water flowing just a few inches beneath. Walking on the ice sheet over the river is known as Chadar Trek in India. Enrich your travel experience with this incredible trekking excursion.
Chadar Frozen River Trek - Zanskar Valley
Duration: 10 days
12. Pondicherry (from USD 220.0)
Visit Pondicherry, a beautiful Union territory of India and former French colony, and kick off the year with a fantastic travel experience. Admire impressive French architecture, beautiful treelined streets, lovely boutiques, and pleasant colonial villas featuring bougainvillea-laden walls. If you are a beach lover, do not miss enjoying fun-filled water activities, such as banana boat rides, underwater experiences like scuba diving, and thrilling parasailing. Make sure you make a stop at the worth-visiting French Quarter, the sacred Ganesh Temple, and the serene Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
Pondicherry Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Drop-Off in Chennai
Duration: 10 hours
Kick off the New Year with a fantastic trip to India
India is a beautiful country, and visiting in January will gift you an enjoyable and refreshing holiday before you get back to your routine. So, embark on a trip to the subcontinent as the year begins, and explore all these best places to visit in India in January to enrich your travel experience.
Frequently asked questions about the places to visit in India in January
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