1. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir
Want to escape to a snowy wonderland on your India trip? Gulmarg should occupy a top spot on your travel bucket list. Its unequaled landscape, covered with thick layers of snow, makes it one of the unmissable places to visit in January for winter sports enthusiasts.Other places to check out in Jammu and Kashmir for winter vacations in India are Srinagar and Sonmarg.
Weather: -10 to -3.5 degrees Celsius
Must-Experiences: Kongdori Gulmarg Gondola Ride, Bird Watching at Gulmarg Biosphere Reserve, Skiing at Apharwat Peak, and Apather Lake
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport, approximately 55 kilometers away.
2. Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
It’s a pilgrim spot year-round, with some of India’s most sanctified temples. But, visiting this picturesque town in the mighty Himalayan foothills in January allows you to admire its mythical charm in all its splendor. It is a haven for adventurists and nature lovers and is especially known for its magnificent shrines, mainly Bhootnath Temple and Trayambakeshwar Temple, enshrining one of Lord Shiva’s Jyotirlingas. Check out our guide to 12 Jyotirlingas in India to add more spiritual places to your to-do list. Auli is yet another amazing spot in Uttarakhand to explore for its beautiful winter scenery in January.
Weather: 6 to 15 degrees Celsius
Must-Experiences: Body Surfing, Flying Fox Experience, Bungee Jumping, Parasailing, Yoga Session, Mountain Biking, and Waterfall Trekking
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 20 kilometers away.
3. Jim Corbett National Park
It is the foremost of choices for those seeking a wildlife-themed holiday in India, being one of Asia’s biggest and oldest national parks. If you are among them, there is no better time to visit this thrilling destination than in January. It is during this month when several unique bird species flock here and all the park’s safari zones are open. Prepare to meet its residents as majestic and distinct as the Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, chitals, Asian black bears, and sambhar.
Weather: 6 to 19 degrees Celsius
Must-Experiences: Jeep Safari, Camping in the Park, Elephant Safari, Bird Watching, Rock Climbing, Fishing, River Rafting, and Trekking
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport, approximately 80 kilometers away
4. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
It’s fittingly called the Golden City. It is counted among the best places to visit in Rajasthan for its location in the iconic Thar Desert, yellow-stone architectural wonders, venerated Jain temples, and enlightening museums, among others. An added perk of traveling to Jaisalmer in January is the pleasant weather, which allows you to discover its unparalleled desert landscape at its best on a thrilling camel safari and other exciting activities.
Weather: 8 to 20 degrees Celsius
Must-Experiences: Jaisalmer Fort, Gadisar Lake, Dune Bashing across Thar Desert, Tanot Mata Temple, Puppet Show, Desert Jeep Safari, and Paramotoring
Nearest Airport: Jaisalmer Airport, approximately 15 kilometers away
5. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh
People often count on the places to visit in Manali or Shimla when planning a Himachal Pradesh trip. But the beauty of the quaint town of Khajjiar is rightly dubbed India’s Mini Switzerland. This place, especially in January, is nothing short of heaven on our planet, with its awe-inspiring landscape comprising dense deodar forests, serene lakes, exotic flora and fauna, and beautiful shrines.
Weather: -2 to 10 degrees Celsius
Must-Experiences: Khajjiar Lake, Dal Lake, Panch Pandav Tree, Khajji Nag Temple, Tibetan Handicrafts Centre, and Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary
Nearest Airport: Gaggal Airport (120 kilometers away)
6. New Delhi
Take any list of the best holiday locations in India; New Delhi secures a surefire spot. It is a union territory and, mostly, the country’s capital, with the most prestigious monuments and historical attractions to its credit, like India Gate, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, and the Red Fort. Travel to Delhi in January to attend the legendary Republic Day Parade and make the most of this time to take a heritage walk in Old Delhi, discover the compelling food scene, and more.
Weather: 6 to 22 degrees Celsius
Must-Experiences: The Red Fort, Old Delhi, Lodi Garden, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, Changing of the Guard, Shopping Tour, and Food Tour
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport
7. Goa
Goa, hands down, is India’s ultimate beach and party destination. January is an ideal time to tour this charming state after the hectic season of Christmas and New Year festivities. With the pleasant, perfect weather, you can relax at the beach, indulge in exhilarating water sports, and attend exciting festivals like the Kite Festival, The Three Kings Feast, and the Tribal Festival, among other things to do in Goa.
Weather: 20 to 25 degrees Celsius
Must-Experiences: Beaches in North and South Goa, Ancient Forts, the Mummy of Francis Xavier at the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Chandreshwar Bhoothnath Temple, and Nightclubs
Nearest Airport: Goa International Airport
8. Lonavala, Maharashtra
It’s one of the regulars on the list of the most exquisite monsoon-season destinations in India. That said, it is also a great place to visit in January, when the weather is refreshing with a gentle, fresh breeze and its landscape is at its best (enriched by breathtaking mountainous views, lush greenery, and marvelous experiences).
Weather: 12 to 28 degrees Celsius
Must-Experiences: Camping, Hot Air Balloon Ride, Paragliding, and Trekking in the Sahyadri Mountains
Nearest Airport: Pune Airport, 55 kilometers away
There are more thrilling trekking spots; take a look at our list of the best treks in India.
9. Hampi, Karnataka
Venture out on a temple tour in Hampi to discover the staggeringly beautiful temple architecture of South India amid verdant landscapes. In January, Hampi invites you to enjoy a delightful, cool climate, perfect for long strolls and hikes in nature. Explore the breathtaking ancient architecture at UNESCO sites such as Virupaksha Temple, the Hemakuta Temple complex, and other remarkable Vijayanagara ruins. You’ll be left in awe, marvelling at how these centuries-old temples have withstood the test of time, still standing strong in all their magnificent glory. Take a Coracle Ride for a unique way of ferry ride to enjoy the scenic natural splendours of Hampi.
Weather: 15 to 30 degrees Celsius Must-Experiences: Queen’s Bath, Hampi Bazaar, Coracle ride on Tungabhadra River or Sanapur Lake, Matanga Hill, Hemakunta Temple complex, Achyutraya Temple. Nearest Airport: Hubli Airport10. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman’s group of more than 300 islands in the Bay of Bengal has long tempted honeymooners, adventurists, history buffs, and holidaymakers with its coconut trees and Palm-dotted winding routes that take you to pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters sheltering extraordinary marine life, unspoiled natural beauty, and attractions that once served as the dungeon of torments during the British era. Come here in January; this dreamscape allows for a range of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, diving, exploring rain forests, and island hopping.
Weather: 24 to 29 degrees Celsius
Must-Experiences: Barren Island with an active volcano, Chidiya Tapu, Kala Pani (Cellular Jail), Baratang Island’s Limestone Caves, Havelock Island’s Radhanagar beach – one of the 12 blue flag beaches in India, activities like Sea Walking, Snorkeling, and Scuba Diving
Nearest Airport: Veer Savarkar International Airport
11. Backwaters of Kerala
Exploring its backwaters is one of the staples on any list of things to do in Kerala. Stretching for over 900 kilometers from Kochi to Kollam, these surreal waterways indicate a complex network of rivers, lakes, lagoons, and man-made canals. Board a kettuvallom or a classic wooden houseboat to marvel at the region’s lush tropical scenery and soothing ambiance, with accommodation and dining facilities onboard (depending on your cruise package).
Weather: 23 to 30 degrees Celsius
Must-Experiences: Alleppey, Kumarakom, Kuttanad, and Kollam
Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport
India Travel Requirements
Nationals of the Maldives can travel to India and stay here up to 90 days without a visa, and nationals of certain countries like Japan, South Korea, and the UAE are eligible for a visa on arrival at some Indian airports. All other nationals (not entitled to any visa exemptions) must apply for an e-Visa or an India tourist visa for a smooth entry into India.
FAQs
Take a look at these FAQs about places to visit in January in India:
1. What are the top places to visit in India in January to experience snow and winter activities?
Gulmarg, Ladakh, Auli, and Srinagar are some of India’s top places to experience snowfall in January.
2. Does India experience extreme cold weather in January?
It depends on where you plan to travel to India in January. India is a land of diversity, which is reflected in its topography as well. It, therefore, goes without saying you can experience icy winter and warm sunny weather on your single visit to India.
3. Where can I travel to India for warm weather?
The Indian states and union territories, like Karnataka, Kerala, Pondicherry, and Rajasthan, are pleasantly warmer in January.
4. Is January a peak season in India?
It is one of the best months to visit India, with plenty of events and festivals. On a positive note, it is not as crowded as the months of November and December. However, it is highly recommended to plan your holiday at least three to four months in advance to avoid paying hefty rates for accommodation and airfare.
Final Thoughts
No matter if you’re seeking solitude, looking to fuel your adventure side, or want to immerse yourself in India’s unspoiled and lush beauty, well-preserved wildlife attractions, ancient cities, or uber-contemporary metropolises, this list of the best places to visit in India in January has something to suit every holidaymaker’s pocket and preference. Take your pick now; they all promise a holiday with the most treasured moments.
