Every January, India hugs winter season with open arms and with that, the season for holidaying also begins. With January, we not only make many resolutions to work upon but we also scout some of the famous places to visit in India or abroad so as to welcome a new year with a free mind and to walk some new roads. So, all those pending travel plans that you wished to follow in your earlier years but somehow, couldn’t then it is not too late to walk those plans now. Go, walk those dreamy places either solo or with your loved ones or work out with your best friends because January is the best time to visit some new places and start a new year with new hopes.
From skiing in Auli to walking on the frozen lake of Zanskar to sailing on the turquoise water of Dawki to feeling the heat in Rajasthan to playing with sand in Gujarat to enjoying backwater ride in Kerala to partying hard on the beaches of Daman and Diu to getting cozy in Andaman and Nicobar Island. India is filled with many surreal places and the beauty of those places magnifies hundred times during January. So, below list will help you sort out some places in India that you should see in January and if you are adamant on booking yourself for such journey then check out the list in Pilgrimage Tour Packages section.
1. Enjoy Skiing in Auli
Because it winters, so your first priority must be looking for a place to float on snow, enjoying a hot cup of tea while admiring the beauty of those towering snow-clad mountains, and to play with snowballs. Auli is a beautiful snowy world hidden in Uttarakhand and it is also one of the most celebrated destinations for all those adventure seekers who wish to spend their winters in Uttarakhand. Auli is surrounded with coniferous and oak trees where snow leopards, red foxes roam deep inside the forest area so, visiting this place will be a very best possible idea to start a new year with new aspirations.
There are many adventure activities which you can enjoy in Auli like skiing, cable car ride, trekking, etc. So, either book a fabulous tour of this snowy town or walk on your own and enjoy this chilly winter in Auli.
Places to see in Auli: Trishul peak, Rudraprayag, Nanda Devi, Nar Parvat, Joshimath, Kwani Bugyal, Chenab Lake.
| Read Also: Top 10 Adventures Things to do in Uttarakhand, India |
2. Walk the frozen lake in Zanskar
If you are keen on enjoying your winters playing with the snow then, Zanskar will also be the best place to visit in January. Zanskar is a small little town in Kargil district of Jammu which gets draped under thick sheets of snow in January and almost becomes a surreal place where hundreds of adventure seekers come to enjoy their time in the total wilderness. From trekking to paragliding to river rafting to rock climbing, there are many adventure activities that one can enjoy so book yourself for this peaceful journey and enjoy some quality time in seclusion by traveling some unspoiled trails.
This place is mostly famous for Chadar Trek which is a very difficult trek in India but at the end of it, you get to see the beautiful frozen lake and you will suddenly realize then that all the difficulty was worth it. For Chadar trek, you will be walking along those towering mountains covered with thick sheet of snow.
Places to see in Zanskar: Chadar Trek, Phuktal Monastery, Patnitop, Drang Drung Glacier, Zongkhul, Panikhar.
| Read Also: 20 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Leh Ladakh |
3. Visit the Land of White Snow-Great Rann of Kutch, Gujarat:
If you are planning to spend your winters in a nice cozy area where the temperature may not see a huge dip and where it would be warm during days and cold during nights, then Rann of Kutch is the best place to visit in January. The most beautiful part of visiting this place is coming across that white desert and realizing that the place has not been touched by any kind of technology. Apart from getting all excited by seeing that white sand, this place is also blessed with rich flora and fauna, many rare species walk freely in this place because many birds and other rare species migrate to this place during winters.
January would also be the best time to visit this place because it hosts the famous Rann Utsav and International Kite Festivals. You can stay in eco-resorts or home stays during this festival and you can enjoy the rich Gujarati culture here by walking your way in that festivals. You can also enjoy shopping here and can easily get to taste those famous Gujarati dishes which you made into your list when you commenced on this trip.
Places to see in Kutch: Rann of Kutch, Center for Desert and Ocean, Kachchh Museum, Wildlife Sanctuary, Darbargadh, Aina Mahal.
| Read Also: Top 13 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Gujarat |
4. Sail on the turquoise water of Dawki, Meghalaya:
Northeast has always been the hidden jewel of India which is mostly considered paradise because of its natural beauty, diverse cultural offerings, indigenous wildlife range, and most importantly the free-spirited people. Dawki is a quaint little town in Meghalaya and it is also the region where it rains almost throughout the year. It is a very beautiful place for those who want to get lost for some time and enjoy the seclusion that is this place has. This place also has those hanging root bridges where you can admire the little bit of natural beauty left in this world.
The best thing you can enjoy here is sailing on the turquoise water of Dawki Umngot River and see yourself those surreal places you used to come across the internet. The water here at this River is so clean that you can easily see the ground and don’t lose the chance to take all those perfect pictures that you envy others taking on their journeys.
Places to see in Dawki: Cherrapunji, Barapani, Dawki Umngot River, Shillong peak, Elephant Fall.
5. Enjoy the beach holiday in Daman and Diu:
If you want to enter the new year partying at the beaches and dancing carelessly on the beats of DJ then, Daman & Diu would be best place to visit. Daman & Diu is a union territory located on the Western periphery of India which sure is the place to play all along the beautiful beaches and dive deep into the calming environment. During January, this place enters the placid weather situation where you can soak yourself in the warmth of the sun and can get a chance to enjoy a life that is away from the metropolitan hustle and bustle.
In January, Asia’s longest beach festival is commemorated here which goes by the name of ‘Feste De Diu’ where you can enjoy many adventure activities like Bungee Jumping, Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Arabian Sea, Zip Lining, etc. Apart from adventure activities, many other events like the carnival, music, fashion show, dance session, etc are also celebrated here.
Places to see in Daman and Diu: Ghogla Beach, Naida Caves, Diu Fort, Nagoa Beach, Panikota Fort, Jalandhar Shrine, Zampa Gateway.
6. Enjoy some Literature Days in Jaipur:
If you want to start this new year on a literature note and witness the work of some famous authors then, you should visit Jaipur. Jaipur is one of the most celebrated cities of Rajasthan which by the way witness a large number of tourists’ influx throughout the year but during January, it witnesses the tourists’ influx on a double scale. People come here to enjoy the royal culture in chilly weather and to get accustomed to that rare Rajasthani tradition which cannot be seen in any other part of the state. The imposing forts and palaces also hug the new year by getting all kind of shimmery decoration so, it is the best time to visit this city.
Every year in January, a literature festival is hosted in this city where some of the famous Indian as well as foreign authors gather and read their work out loud to their admirers. In 2019, 24th to 28th of January are the dates announced for this festival so travel to this city and enjoy the literature world at the hands of Rajasthani royal culture.
Places to see in Jaipur: Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Chokhi Dhani, Nahargarh Fort, Albert Hall, Birla Mandir
7. Travel the Long Awaiting Plan of Goa:
Goa has always been a dream travel plan for many tourists in India and many walks these plans every now and then. Many commence the new year by making a trip to Goa because it is very long known the free culture that this city lives no other city lives. Walking those palm trees lined beaches, enjoying the vibrant nightlife, and gathering all the positivity to start a new year is what Goa always offer to all the visitors that come to this city. And all those honeymooners or people thinking of their second honeymoon, you can head towards Goa in January to enjoy some cozy time.
Another reason that you should head to Goa in January is that of India Yoga festival and Goa Lok Utsav. It sure is the best time to visit Goa because a free culture is celebrated here in these festivals during that time. Enjoy the live music, dance on those hip beats, or get yoga therapies to detox yourself from all the negative thoughts in these festivals.
Places to see in Jaipur: Ashwem Beach, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Fort Aguada, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
8. Enjoy Backwater Ride in Alleppey, Kerala:
When CNN’s 100 most famous places to see in 2019 hit the internet, many Indian people saw the list choosing Kerala as one of them and from then, Kerala’s popularity has hyped to another level now. Traveling to this place has now become many people’s bucket list entry so if you want to enjoy the serene beauty of Kerala then be sure to head there in January. In January, the weather becomes chilly and the lush green beauty of this place almost looks magical. The three major places that you need to look out in Kerala are Munnar-Alleppey-Thekkady where from backwater rides to tea gardens to mountain peaks, everything is available in one place.
The famous adventure that you need to enjoy here is backwater ride in Alleppey, it is one of the most celebrated adventures of Kerala which attracts many travelers from all over India. Also, watch the dreamy sunset from lighthouse beach and enjoy some cozy time in boathouse harbored somewhere deep in the wilderness of Alleppey.
Places to see in Alleppey-Munnar-Thekkady: Kuttanad Backwater, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, Mattupetty Dam, Lock Heart Gap, Alappuzha Lighthouse, Anamudi Peak, Vembanad Lake, Pandavan Rock.
9. Admire the Architectural Excellence at Khajuraho and Orchha:
If you are keen on starting the new year by walking some historical places where you can admire the old architecture that this country is made of then, you should visit Khajuraho and Orchha. Khajuraho is a small town located in the Bundelkhand district of Madhya Pradesh which is famous for having some major architectures that are even considered as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are many temples which date back to 950 AD and have beautiful carvings on their walls. It is said that there are around 25 temples here and some of them have erotic carvings showcasing the famous work of Kamasutra in the form of art.
Orchha is yet another beautiful town in Madhya Pradesh which is famous for its temple spires and cenotaphs. There is a very popular palace which goes by the name of ‘Jahangir Mahal’ and it is said to be beautifully carved which excellently describe the Bundela paintings work.
Places to see in Khajuraho and Orchha: Kandariya Mahadev temple, Chausath Yogini, Lalgun Mahadev, Chaturbhuj, Zaveri, Jahangir Mahal
10. Walk some old streets of Delhi:
There is nothing more famous then walking the old streets of Delhi during January in India because the temperature sees a huge dip in January so admiring the beautiful architecture and culture is the best idea to go by. Delhi has always been the first place to see for many travelers because of it having some major architectures, street food culture, and a different kind of uniqueness that no other metropolitan city has as of now. In January, Delhi celebrates the new year with great fervor and you can go see the famous architectures which also attracts many foreign tourists towards them.
In January, Delhi hosts India’s biggest patriotic festivals on 26th where the Prime Minister of India arrives as a Chief Guest. The event starts with the Republic Day parade where many army officials show off their parade skills and end by showing the culture of different states.
Places to see in Delhi: Agrasen ki Baoli, Jama Masjid, Iskcon Temple, Republic day event, explore the Tibetan settlement, Qutub Minar, Red Fort.
11. Enjoy some Cozy Moments in Andaman and Nicobar Island:
If you are planning a trip to somewhere where you can spend some quality time with your better half then, you should visit Andaman and Nicobar Island which is filled with places where you can impress your lover. The breathtaking view of sun meeting the ocean is what makes this island the ideal place to visit with your loved one especially in January because the beauty of this place magnifies thousand times during this time. You can enjoy those lonely moments that you been looking for while walking at those calm beaches.
The famous place to visit is Havelock Island which is a great place to offer you the peace that you have been looking for. With the temperature hovering between 20 degrees to 26 degrees, the charm of this place impresses its every visitor.
Places to see in Andaman and Nicobar Island: Neil, Havelock island, Radhanagar, Elephant and Kalapathar Beach, Venom Bar.
12. Enjoy the Cultural Heritage at Bikaner, Rajasthan:
There are not many places in Rajasthan where you can witness the old culture still breathing freely in the hearts of their people so for that, you should visit Bikaner in January. Bikaner is a beautiful city which is sharing borders with Pakistan on the Eastern side and is mostly surrounded by Thar desert. The city is famous for its Junagarh Fort which even dates back to 16th century, is a huge complex of ornate buildings. There is a small shopping street inside the complex where you can shop those handmade items and a museum where textiles-royal portraits are showcased.
Bikaner also hosts their annual Camel Fair in the month of January where millions of adventure seekers and curious travelers come to see the traditional Rajasthani cultures. In this festival, you can see the famous Camel Race and enjoy the old folklore musical skits so join Bikaner in January to witness their unique culture.
Places to see in Bikaner: Junagarh Fort, Gajner Palace, Karni Mata Mandir, Rampuria Haveli, Royal Cenotaphs, Lalgarh Palace and Museum
13. Witness the Glorious Past in Madurai, Tamil Nadu:
Largely celebrated as the temple town of Tamil Nadu all over India, Madurai is a place where you can start your new year on a spiritual note. There are many beautiful temples to visit in this city like Meenakshi temple which is famous of all for the intricate designs that not only heal you on the spiritual level but also make you admit it architectural excellence. Apart from enjoying the spiritual tour, there are other many adventure places in Madurai where you and your family can engage in various adventure activities and enjoy the little picnic time.
Another reason that you should visit Madurai in January because the city hosts the famous Float festival which is a 12-day event and often celebrated on the full moon. The festival aims to pay their spiritual homage to Goddess Meenakshi and it attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world because of celebrating the unique tradition.
Places to see in Madurai: Sri Meenakshi Temple, Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple, Gandhi Museum, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Samanar Hills.
14. Enjoy the Natural Beauty of Puri, Bhubaneswar:
There is nothing more exquisite than enjoying those natural places which are not been touched by the newer generation yet, Puri is one such place. Puri is natural beauty located about 60 km away from Bhubaneshwar in Odisha where thousands of curious travelers come every day with the hope of picturing those surreal places that they only saw on the internet. Puri is also home to various architectures that date back to the medieval era where you can enjoy the brilliance of craftsman who intricately structured those architectures.
One such surreal place that you should visit is Chilika Lake, whose beauty cannot be described in words and is a famous natural habitat center also. Many birds migrate to this region in January and if you are lucky then, you can also see dolphins here.
Places to see in Puri: Puri beach, Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, Konark beach, Chilika lake
15. Enjoy the Mughlai Culture in Hyderabad:
Hyderabad has long been registered as the hot place of India so traveling to this city throughout the year is unbearable except in the month of December and January when the temperature sees a huge dip to around 20 to 25 degrees. Hyderabad is one such place in India where you can admire those old Mughal architectures, culture, and food menus at one place. This place is also popularly known as the Mecca of India where thousands of travelers come every day either to worship the supreme God or to capture every rare moment of standing in front of some beautiful architectures.
There are many architectures that you can check out in this city like Charminar but the famous things you should try out in this city is the city’s delicious food. Golconda Fort and Madina are some places to taste the Mughlai food in Hyderabad.
Places to see in Hyderabad: Charminar, Mecca Masjid, Ramoji film city, Golconda Fort, Hussain Sagar lake.
16. Walk into the Wilderness in Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand:
Jim Corbet is a wildlife paradise of India where not travelers from India but from all over the world come for visitation and enjoy the sight of wild animals running freely by them. It was this national park which initiated the Tiger Preserving Project and aimed to protect the species of tiger in India. Jim Corbett is the best destination for all those wildlife enthusiasts and nature lover. The park is home to many endangered species like Asiatic Elephants, Leopards, Royal Bengal Tiger, Wild Boar, etc and also home to some other mammal, reptile, bird species.
There is Kosi River that flows through this national park where you can enjoy your overnight stay in camps and also bonfire activities. If the luck is on your side then, you can also spot the tigers coming by the river to drink water at this place.
Ecotourism Zone to see in Jim Corbett: Bijrani, Dhikala, Jhirna, Sonanadi, Dhela, Durgadevi.
17. Witness the Winter Paradise – Gulmarg:
Gulmarg is a quaint little town of Jammu & Kashmir which is also a famous hub among all those adventure seekers and nature lovers. The town is located on the Pir panjal Range of the Great Himalayas where you can enjoy tons of winter sports from skiing to cable car ride along the snow-clad mountains. If you are keen on spending your holidays in India’s very famous winter land where the temperature sees the highest dip then you should visit Gulmarg and enjoy your stay in front of many Himalayan Ranges which will hand you the chance to admire the natural beauty of this place.
The popular adventure activity that you can engage in this town is Skiing, you can take a cable car ride which will leave you at Apharwat Mountain from where you can enjoy skiing in the downward direction on a very long trail. And get mesmerized by the natural beauty of Alpather Lake during sunset time.
Places to see in Gulmarg: Alpather Lake, Gulmarg Alpine Guides, Aparwath Peak, Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Gulmarg Ski Resort.
18. Enjoy the Music Culture in Chennai:
If you want to tick off that long wish of enjoying the old music event once in your lifetime in India then, you visit Chennai in January. Being culturally packed, there are many famous places that you can visit in this city and enjoy metropolitan life in a very royal way. There are many breathtaking beaches that you can visit here and some famous museum to fulfill your long curiosity of walking history. The city is adorned with everything at one place from spiritual abode to beaches to intellectual places to adventure sites to historical ruins so here you can get a chance to enjoy the whole Indian culture at one place.
The main reason that you should visit this city is that of holding the Chennai Music festival in January where many famous musicians of old times come to perform in front of their admirers. It is also the world’s largest cultural festivals where about thousands of participants perform.
Places to see in Chennai: Marina Beach, Elliot’s Beach, Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Periyar Science and Technology Museum, San Thome Church, Fort St. George.
19. Go Trekking in Phawngpui, Mizoram:
Northeast is the real natural beauty of India because it is not yet been touched by technology and still unspoiled. India takes pride in presenting the Northeast region to the world for many long years so if you want to see the beauty yourself then you should visit Mizoram. Mizoram is a beautiful state of India which is mostly covered with dense forest area and the place will surely bewitch you with its unspoiled charm. If you are an adventure seeker then this is the ideal place for you where you can enjoy those endless trails of wilderness and trails that will also see those endangered species.
Phawngpui is the famous tourist spot of Mizoram which consists of many beautiful trekking trails that one can enjoy. Apart from having beautiful trails, the place is enriched with exotic flora and fauna so set yourself for this adventure and admire the natural beauty that this place boast of.
Places to see in Phawngpui: Blue Mountain National Park, Murlen National Park, Palak Dil.
20. Refresh Yourself with the serenity of Kalimpong, West Bengal:
Kalimpong has made the last spot in this list where you can start this new year on a refresh note by detoxing yourself from all the negative thoughts surrounding your world. It is a very beautiful and silent town in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal where you can have those your moment that you have been long looking for them in India. The town is not yet been touched by any kind of adversities of the modern world so here you can enjoy your calm walking while admiring the simplistic life that every person lives in this town every day.
All those book lovers, here you can enjoy the reading by the breathtaking view so book yourself for a trip to this city where you will find peace in every corner. And if you have more free days available then you can also extend your trip to Darjeeling and Gangtok.
Places to see in Kalimpong: Phodong Monastery, Delo Park, Bara Mangwa Farmhouse, Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, Durpin Dara Hills.
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