January in India is a peak holiday season. The weather is just perfect to explore serene beaches or mountains or national parks and jungles! In this blog, I will suggest 15 places to visit in India in January that will offer a memorable and convenient experience for you!
I would especially go to the southern part of India in winters as I can enjoy these destinations with pleasant weather.
So, ditch the bulky sweaters, pack light for an unending adventure in India!
Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
15 Best Places to visit in India in January
1. Goa- “The Miami Of India”
Goa, “The Rome of the East” is a party capital of India! Every Indian, young or old, wants to visit Goa and party hard at least once in their lifetime!
January is a peak traveling season in Goa and is the most popular places to visit in India. Being a tropical region, summers are lethal in this area and enjoying here becomes a task. Hence, January makes a perfect time to visit.
From churches, party beaches to secluded beaches, temples, forts, waterfalls, Goa offers something for everyone.
Be ready for the crowds & book your stay in advance!
Approximate costings-
Accommodations: Avg. INR 3000 for a decent stay/ couple sharing basis. If you opt for the hostel option, you may spend INR 600-700 per person, per day!
Food: Go to shacks, for a nice tropical experience and authentic foods which can roughly cost INR 1000 per day!
Sightseeing: You can rent vehicles from INR 400 to 1200 per day.
2. Coorg- The Scotland of India.
Coorg is one of the most magnificent places to visit in Karnataka. If you are someone who likes lush greenery, this is the place for you. January is drier in this state and offers pleasant weather. So you don’t have to be drenched in sweat while sightseeing.
White coffee flowers bloom in January and offer a stunning landscape! Remember, Coorg is one of the lesser known places to visit in India. So you may find lesser tourists here compared to the other parts of India
You can take guided tours to coffee plantations, understand the roasting process, coffee tasting sessions, etc. You can try local coffee literally anywhere in the town!
There are other places to visit in Coorg such as Raja’s Seat, where you can witness sunset, spice plantations, Dubare Elephant Camp, and more!
Opt for homestays for authentic experiences.
3. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
These islands are your best choice for a beach vacation and a domestic beach getaway if you are an Indian. These seashores offer unique landscapes compared to other beach destinations in India. Enjoy seeing volcanic eruptions, endangered tribes, clean white sand beaches like Radhanagar Beach, Cellular Jail, Limestone caves, famous islands like Neil island, Havelock Island where you can enjoy water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving!
The weather offers pleasant evenings to stroll around beaches. In January, the Island Festival is also hosted.
Know that apart from Port Blair (capital of Andaman & Nicobar Islands) other places are remote regions. The accommodations are slightly on an expensive side and food availability is limited. If you are traveling with family, ensure you are planning your tour well in advance.
Inter island travel is possible through cruises only which can cost around INR 1000-1200, per person. You may need to book these cruises well in advance!
4. Varanasi: The Spiritual Capital of India
Varanasi is considerably one of the cheapest places to visit in India in January! You can go for sightseeing by walking, eat street food, and stay in hostels!
January is not an absolute peak tourist season in Varanasi due to colder climates. This may work for you in a better way due to lower rates and lesser crowds.
Varanasi, being the important Hindu pilgrimage site, has numerous temples and ghats. Varanasi houses Kashi Vishwanath Temple– one of 12 jyotirlingas!
You can go for a boat ride in the river Ganga, witness iconic Ganga Arti, visit various temples, engage in Yoga activities on Assi Ghat, visit Sarnath (Buddhist Pilgrimage site) and much more!
You can enjoy a Hindu Festival celebrations of Makar Sankranti which falls on 14-15th January.
Varanasi has been pulling crowds more than ever! So it is advisable to book your accommodations well in advance!
5. Agra: The City of Love
Agra, the house of Taj Mahal- one of the seven wonders of the world, escapes its scorching heat in January! The temperature ranges from 10 t0 22 degrees in the daytime, making it pleasant for travelers to explore this town!
Agra whispers its Historical Mughal era through its architecture! You can visit Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, Mehtab Baug, or Fatehpur Sikri, one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in India!
You may witness a few parades hosted in Agra on the Republic Day (26th January)
You can hire Govt Taxis for cheapest rates found right outside the Agra Cantt Station. They can also help you find a cheaper rated hotel for your stay. Engage in shopping at old bazaars and local cuisines. Do not forget to bring home Petha- the iconic guilt-free sweet of Agra!
6. Khajuraho
Are you a history buff? Then, Khajuraho is everything you need this January! Khajuraho is one of the most popular historic places to visit in India! You will find lesser crowds here in January, so you can take your time to engage into the achitecture marvel Khajuraho is!
Khajuraho is known for its ancient temples and erotic sculptures! There are group of temples known as western, eastern and southern. You can explore these temples on foot or by cycling also. Khajuraho is a maven for those interested in archeology and history.
Held every evening at the Western Group of Temples, this show narrates the history and significance of Khajuraho in a captivating way, using light and sound effects.
Western group of temples is the oldest structure with carvings depicting themes of love, sensuality, and religious devotion. The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, the largest and most ornate temple in the complex, is a sight to behold.
7. Munnar
Munnar is one of the best hill stations in Kerala and one of the naturally stunning places to visit in India. It offers pleasant weather throughout the year but winter months make it super easy for travelers to escape the scorching heat! Hotels in Munnar are also unique, based in hills offering breathtaking views of plantations!
You can spend your evenings with a bonfire with cool and crisp breeze. If you love nature photography, January is the best time for you to visit Munnar! Wildflowers like rhododendrons bloom in this month. You can visit Shola forests for this captivating view!
Munnar is blessed with natural flora and fauna. You can visit Eravikulam National Park– home to endangered Nilgiri Tahr. Visit Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, one of the highest tea estates in the world, to indulge in Munnar’s Tea plantation heritage!
Munnar is a haven of natural beauty! You can visit any corner of Munnar to witness this scenic landscape!
8. Rann of Kutch
Want to experience sand dunes without sweat? January is the best time for you to visit Rann of Kutch for two reasons! January is a winter month in Kutch and Rann Utsav is also held between November and February. You can make the most out of your trip by visiting this festival.
You can stay in tents in a campsite for this festival. The Rann Utsav is a perfect way to explore kutch culture in terms of danvces, artifacts and cuisines. Explore stalls, enjoy a traditional, warm welcome, cultural programs, authentic cuisines, etc.
Take a day trip to explore the nearby villages of Hodko and Dholavira. Hodko is known for its traditional embroidery work, while Dholavira is an ancient Harappan city dating back to 3000 BC.
There are many dune activities and adventures you can opt for. Go for sunset camel ride, jeep safaris or quad bike riding for that adrenaline rush!
9. Pondicherry: India’s Little France!
Pondicherry brings back a lot of memories as it was my first solo trip! This southern city stays cool in January offering pleasant weather. You can enjoy beaches, sunrises, or just stroll around, hop to french cafes or just visit Auroville- away from the hustle-bustle and to meditate!
You will spot many foreign travelers in this city as Pondicherry is one of the top places to visit in India for international tourists! You can rent a bike or a bicycle or just on foot to explore its gems. Go to beaches like Paradise beach, Auroville beach etc to watch a serene sunrise! There are many beautiful Feench Cafes and restaurants serving authentic french food.
You can visit Auroville, an experimental township about 8 km from Pondicherry. Auroville is known for its Matrimandir, a giant golden sphere that serves as a place for meditation, and its commitment to peace and harmony.
You can just stroll around these perpendicular lanes, bougainvillea-lined streets and colorful french colonies!
Pondicherry in one of the safest places to visit in India for solo travelers.
10. Mahabalipuram
January is the best time to visit Mahabalipuram as it is the peak travel season here. However, it is the beginning of the traveling season. So you will not encounter huge crowds and can explore at your pace.
If you visit Mahabalipuram in mid-January, then you can also witness Pongal festival. It is a harvest festival in Tamil Nadu and a best way to explore local culture and traditions.
You can visit UNESCO World Heritage Group of Monuments, which includes the Shore Temple, the Five Rathas, and the Arjuna’s Penance. These are some of the most iconic and impressive examples of Pallava dynasty art and architecture.
You can spend your time at seaside and also indulge into local cuisine. You may take a trip to nearby Kancheepuram village “the golden town of thousand temples“which is famous for its iconic Kancheepuram Silk Sarees.
11. Hampi: The City of Ruins
If you like to wander around history and architecture and indulge into adventure activities, Hampi is a place for you. From exploring temple-ruins, coracle rides, cycling to rock-climbing, Hampi offers everything you ask for!
If you are lucky with your dates, you might even be able to catch the Hampi Utsav, a seven-day-long cultural festival held in the winter months. This festival features colorful parades, traditional dance performances, and fireworks displays.
Explore famous Virupaksha temple, Vitthala Temple, Elephanta stables, Hazara Rama Temple, etc. You can hike upto Matanga Hill for a serene sunset. Here you can also go for rock climbing with the help of professionals.
Go for coracle ride in Tungabhadra River, or rent a moped and go on a ride around Hampi. History enthusiastics can visit Hampi museum to see artifacts from Vijayanagara Empire!
12. Tadoba Tiger Reserve
January is a peak season to travel to Tadoba Tiger Reserve. This is the time when the chances to spot wildlife are the highest and the weather is pleasant too! It is advised to book your stay and jungle safaris way in advance.
You can go for an early morning jeep safari for the maximum chances of spotting wildlife. Go to Tadoba Lake which is famous for birdwatching, Sitla mata mandir– a local temple of a goddess.
Wear comfortable cotton clothes during the day and warmer ones for the colder evenings. Wear full length clothes, as you don’t want to get infectd by insects or mosquitos.
13. Ranthambore
Ranthambore National Park is in Jaipur and winter is the peak traveling season in here. The foliage is thinned out in the winter making it easier for you to spot wildlife. Due to cold, animals wander around in the daytime to get some warmth. This increases your chances of seeing tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of birdlife.
For safaris, you get two options- Jeep and Canter. You can choose Jeep safari for a smaller groups. Jeeps can go deeper in the jungle and can help you explore more. Canters are bigger vehicles with the capacity of 20 people. Canters follow a designed path. You can mix and match both types of safaris for a wholesome experience.
Other sightseeing spots at Ranthambore National Park are- Ranthambore fort, Rajbagh Palace Ruins, Trinetra Ganesh temple, Padam Talao (lake). Ranthambore fort dates back to 10th century and Rajbagh dates back to 17th century. Explore these sights that stand proudly as a testament of Rajput empire.
Closest Town to Ranthambore– Sawai Modhpur
14. Lonavala: The City of Caves
Lonavala is a hill station in Maharashtra, situated between Mumbai and Pune knows for its caves and forts. Lonavala attracts floods of crowds in monsoon season due to its serene greenery. However, it is a great place to visit in Maharashtra in winters too.
There are multiple stay options available from budget hotels to villas for larger groups. The route to Lonavla from Mumbai offers stunnig views of the mountain range. It is one of the most popular road trips in Maharashtra. There are numerous treks in Lonavala you can opt for- Duke’s nose, Korigad, Rajmachi fort, Morgiri, Mrugagad, etc.
15. Ooty: The Queen of Hills
Ooty, also known as The Queen of Hills, is one of the best places to visit in India in January. It offers pleasant weather and minimal rainfall during this time, making it ideal for exploration. With its picturesque landscapes and serene ambiance, Ooty is a must-visit hill station for those seeking a tranquil getaway.
You can visit the man-made Ooty Lake surrounded by hills. Go for a boat ride or just a take a stroll around this lake. If you are a nature lover, then go to govt Botanical Garden, spreaded over 55 acres and a home to a vast collection of plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs.
For the stunning views of Nilgiri Hills, go for a Nilgiri Train Ride, a UNESCO world heritage site. You can also go for a small hike to Doddabetta Peak, the highest point in Tamil Nadu. Do not forget to stop at shooting point for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Visit the Tibetan Monastery, a peaceful place with a beautiful collection of statues and thangkas (Tibetan paintings). For shopping, you can go to Coonoor road.
Frequently Asked Questions About Places to Visit in India
What are the places to visit in india with friends?
If you’re looking for adventure, head to Rishikesh for white water rafting or Ladakh for a challenging trek or a serene bike ride. For a more relaxed experience, head to beaches of Goa or Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
What are the places to visit in india for 3 days?
For a 3-day trip in India, consider historical gems like Jaipur, the “Pink City”, or Agra, home to the Taj Mahal. If you prefer nature, explore the serene backwaters of Alleppey or the hill station of Munnar.
What are the places to visit in india near delhi?
Agra or Jaipur for a historical experience, Uttarakhand for trekking experience, Ladakh for adventurous bike tours, Varanasi for a spiritual experience.
BaddieHub This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
Thank You, Glad you liked it!
Baddiehubs I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.