There’s a common belief that the way you spend the first day of the new year is reflective of how the rest of the year would unfold. So, in order to get you started on the right foot, we have got some great recommendations for you for the best places to visit in India in January. After all, we believe that travelling to a new destination is the best way to start your new year.
This presents excellent opportunities for sightseeing and adventure. Several hill-stations in North India receive snowfall, and skiing is all the rage there. The south, on the other hand, receives pleasant weather during this time, and becomes a highly sought after tourist destination during this time of the year. This is the perfect time to head out for a vacation with your family and friends.
The various attractions of the South like its temples and houseboats, are best explored by your family and friends during the month of January. The spectacular beauty of northeast India and its incredible wildlife attracts a lot of tourists during this month. There are also the beaches of Goa which never fail to enchant visitors and which are one of the best destinations to visit in January.
In case you are still wondering about the best places to go in January abroad, then you can select from a variety of destinations, from Dubai to Australia. We also offer the best packages for your trip to these 25 best places to visit in India in January 2025 and make it a memorable and exciting experience.
Best Places to Go on Holiday in January
- Temperature: High – 32°C, Low – 20°C
The tiny Indian state of Goa offers endless sightseeing options. Here you can take delight in the sun-kissed beaches, supple roadways and exotic seashores. The cold weather will turn warm and the disturbed life will hold peace, with a holiday in summer. A worth spending winter days in Goa lies in a visit to the place of interest such as the Capital City ‘Panaji’, the Mapusa town in North Goa, the commercial town of Margao and Vasco Da Gama, a small city in West Goa.
- Temperature: High – 23°C, Low – 13°C
Manali always remains the preferred choice of the people to be visited in January. Snow fall during this season cast a magical spell on people and draws them here for interesting adventurous activities. It is a romantic getaway in winter and honeymooners’ utopia. Experience the thrill of visiting through the snow covered way of the Rohtang Pass. There is nothing better than involving into some adventurous activities like paragliding, river rafting, trekking, skiing and zorbing on your sojourn to Manali. A trip to this place is incomplete without witnessing the Naggar Ganesh Festival.
- Temperature: High – 05°C, Low – (-4°C)
Visiting Auli in January can evoke you wanderlust. Snow covered peaks provide fabulous opportunities for skiing. Panoramic views of the Himalayas, trekking to the Gurson Bugyal and a breathtaking Gondola ride assure the enthralling experience ever. Auli Artificial Lake and Chattrakund cast a magical spell on the tourists.
- Temperature: High – 09°C, Low – 01°C
Darjeeling, Queen of the Hills, attracts tourists with its beautiful mountain slopes dressed in tea plantations, its pleasant climate which exhilarates the senses, the Darjeeling Himalayan Train, fondly known as the Toy Train, and a host of other attractions which showcase the heritage and culture of this place. From the Batasia Loop to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, there is a lot to see here.
- Temperature: High – 28°C, Low – 07°C
Rajasthan, the land of forts, palaces and lakes, is best explored during the month of January, with the cool weather keeping you company. This is the time to explore the numerous forts like Mehrangarh and Amer Fort, or the various palaces like Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur and Lake Palace in Udaipur. This is the time to view the fascinating wildlife of the state in its amazing sanctuaries like Ranthambore National Park and Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary. Besides the fabulous monuments, desert safaris are also a favorite with the tourists, and this is the time to experience one.
- Temperature: High – 33°C, Low – 24°C
Kerala, God’s Own Country is the perfect place for a blissful start of the year therefore one of the best places to visit in January. Explore the beautiful landscape of beaches, lush hillocks, tea gardens roaring waterfalls, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, quaint villages, colorful temples, etc. Festivals in January are a reason you must definitely visit. Relax, escape for honeymoon, indulge in adventures or try out new experiences with your Kerala. Multi-ethnic Kochi, blessed water world of Alleppey & Kumarakom, lush Munnar & Wayanad, thrilling Periyar, relaxed shores of Kovalam & Varkala are tourist highlights to check out.
- Temperature: High – 32°C, Low – 20°C
The state of Tamil Nadu prides itself on its ancient heritage and culture. This enormous state is home to several attractions, and all of them are best witnessed in January. From wildlife to temples, the options for exploration are many. While Chennai offers all the charms of a modern city, Mahabalipuram charms visitors with its group of monuments which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple towns of Kanchipuram, Rameswaram and Thanjavur are all reservoirs of art, heritage and culture. The hill stations of Ooty and Kodaikanal enchant you with their breathtaking beauty. The tea plantations of Coonoor are a delight in themselves.
- Temperature: High – 35°C, Low – 21°C
Paradise on Earth, Andaman Islands are one of the most beautiful places to visit in India. What better than to start the New Year in bliss of paradise?? January is quite a charming time to plan an escape to the sparking island archipelago amid the cerulean Bay of Bengal. The tropical islands enjoy everlasting bliss of warm weather even in January. The golden beaches, azure waters teeming with marine life, lush tropical forests, serene resorts, watersports and the relaxed environment lure you for a pleasant vacation. Family, friends or honeymoon, your visit is surely going to be memorable.
- Temperature: High – 32°C, Low – 17°C
To witness the ruined city of Hampi bedazzled and come alive, a trip to this part of India must be scheduled during winters; January to be precise. Commemorating the true spirit of Hampi and the glory of the bygone Vijayanagar Empire, this popular tourist destination in Karnataka celebrates the Hampi Utsav in the prime winter month. During this festival, Hampi witnesses a huge influx of national as well as international artists. Adding to the cultural phenomenon of this region is the Purandaradasa Aradhna (classical music festival), which also happens to take place in January.
- Temperature: High – 22°C, Low – 09°C
The holy city of Varanasi attracts tourists and seekers of spirituality throughout the year. However, to witness the best that this city has to offer, visit it during the month of January, when the weather is on your side. The biggest attraction here, of course, is the ghats by the River Ganges, which witness spectacular aartis in the evening. Manikarnika, Assi and Dasaswamedh Ghats attract a lot of visitors. Shopping too is a particular delight here. The temples too, besides being spiritual destinations, are treasure houses of history, with some of the famous ones being Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple and Durga Temple.
- Temperature: High – 24°C, Low – 11°C
The UNESCO listed Kaziranga National Park in Assam is one of the best places to visit in January. The wildlife haven is home to one-horned rhinoceros and many other species of the animal kingdom. The weather is pleasant in January and it is fun to spot species on your safari lurking in the foggy grasslands. The cold season also present better bird watching opportunities as migratory species fly from distant lands to India. Stay at wildlife resorts is fun-filled as you get to know the thrill of adventure with luxuries of the modern days.
- Temperature: High – 09°C, Low – 01°C
January is the favored month for chilly and romantic holidays in Nainital. It is a heaven for all the snow lovers as one can witness best snow fall in this month. The scenic Naini Lake, breathtaking Naina Peak, mesmerizing snow view point and holy Naina Devi Temple are some of the worth visiting places.
- Temperature: High – 32°C, Low – 16°C
Udaipur tagged as ‘the most romantic place in India’ is one of best tourist pleasures in Rajasthan. Enclosed by the scenic Aravali Hills and housing pristine Lake Pichola, the royal city of Mewar is a precious gem of Rajasthan. What makes the ‘City of Lakes’ worth visiting is the salubrious climate during January. This winter month proves to be the best for exploring the stunning temples and awe-inspiring architecture. One can feel the love in the air on a boat ride at the ‘Venice of the East’ is the best ever thing to make your winter special.
- Temperature: High – 22°C, Low – 08°C
You will have a better time visiting the vibrant Jaipur in between October – March, because of the cool weather during this time. Jaipur offers a great deal of National Parks and Sanctuaries in and around the city, you can enjoy you wildlife experience more around January. Other reason why you should store your holiday plan for Jaipur until October is for the fairs and festivals, which takes place at this time. You will get to witness the exotic festivals of Teej, Kites, Elephants and more.
- Temperature: High – 24°C, Low – 08°C
Rightfully named as the heritage hub of ancient India, Khajuraho in the state of Madhya Pradesh hones a large group of temples and monuments. Famed as the world heritage sites, the sculptured structures are amongst the finest examples of artistic creativity, human imagination and architecture. The month of January calls for the best season to explore this heritage land. During this time, the weather stays cool and pleasant throughout the month.
- Temperature: High – 21°C, Low – 07°C
Nestled along the banks of river Yamuna, Agra amuses its tourists with world class architectures of the Mughal Era. It is an important part of the Golden Triangle Tour of the North and is better visited in the month of January. Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri deserve a special mention for being the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. All of them make this city stands out than the rest. Seeing the Taj on a full moon night of January month is a matchless experience and people flock here during this month of the year.
- Temperature: High – 32°C, Low – 24°C
Serene Temples, scenic beaches, traditional boat races and stunning backwaters are the iconic features of Alleppey. The feeling of warm oil being poured on the entire body in winter is truly a bliss. Alappuzha is dotted with houseboats which take to you to another world and offer pleasing views in January. With a large network of inland canals, this place holds a special position as the center for prawn farming and coir carpet industry. Lots of elephant parades takes place here in January which lures many from far and near.
- Temperature: High – 20°C, Low – 0°C
Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is the abode of the Royal Bengal Tiger, and this is where you can view this magnificent creature in all its glory. January is the best time to explore its flora and fauna, and engage in some excellent sightseeing. Apart from the tiger, this park is also home to an incredible diversity of fauna and boasts almost 25 species of reptiles, 585 kinds of birds and over 50 varieties of mammal species. Different kinds of deer species such as, barking deer, spotted deer, sambar and chinkara are present in large numbers here.
- Temperature: High – 20°C, Low – 5.6°C
A year round destination in South India, Ooty evolves to its natural best during the winters. The hill station resides in the blissful geography of the Nilgiris, making this hill station one of the favorite for honeymooners and nature lovers. January being the coldest month here serves the best for tourists who enjoy misty holidays with a slight chill in the environment. The end weeks of January also suffice the interests of wildlife lovers as the favorable season for the nearby Mudumalai National Park starts by that time.
- Temperature: High – 23°C, Low – 09°C
Rishikesh is both a spiritual destination as well as a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Visit the various attractions like Rajaji National Park, Lakshman Jhula and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple or try out some Yoga for the mind, body and soul. Try out water sports like white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, bungee jumping and others.
- Temperature: High – 14°C, Low – 07°C
In Shillong, you know you have arrived in the lap of nature. The capital of Meghalaya, it captivates tourists through its beautiful waterfalls, lakes and mountains. It’s perhaps due to its enchanting beauty that it’s referred to as the “Scotland of India”. January is the best time to witness its mesmerizing beauty. One could visit the various waterfalls like Elephant Falls, Sweet Falls and Bishop Falls, or spend some time at the beautiful Ward Lake. Visit Mawlynnong, the cleanest village in Asia, or enjoy the local food, shopping and exciting nightlife.
- Temperature: High – 24°C, Low – 17°C
The Land of the Roaring Tigers in Rajasthan, Ranthambhore deserves to be on the list of places to visit in January. The former hunting grounds for royalty is now one of the top wildlife sanctuaries. The UNESCO Listed Ranthambhore Fort is the prized highlight overlooking the jungle. The thrill of spotting Tigers lurking in the fog of January is extremely exhilarating. Bird watching, spotting a number of the wild species are available in both jeep safari and on elephant rides. Stay amid pure indulgent luxuries at the lavish wildlife resorts in Ranthambhore.
- Temperature: High – 23°C, Low – 11°C
Welcoming the New Year in Munnar sounds interesting. Isn’t it? Munnar is immensely beautiful and one of the best places to be in January. This nature’s bounty attracts honeymoon couples, nature lovers, families and adventure lovers in large numbers. This hill station snuggled in the lap of Western Ghats in Kerala is blessed with lush tea estates, varied flora and fauna which add to its scenic beauty. Outspread tea plantations, hill ranges, forests, valleys and wildlife makes anyone enticed towards this place. Anamudi Peak, Eravikulam National Park and Devikulam Lake are worth watching during winter.
- Temperature: High – 32°C, Low – 13°C
Rann of Kutch is a seasonal salt marsh, located in the Thar Desert, Gujarat. The most interesting part is that it remains underwater during the monsoon and returns into its desert form during the dry season of winter. The best occasion to visit this area is during the festival time, which normally begins from October and ends in March. The Gujarat Government organizes a famous festival of “Rann Utsav”, where the tourists can explore the various areas of the Rann and learn more about the local lifestyle. January will be a perfect time to visit the place, as it is the peak of the cold season plus the festival will be celebrated at its full swing.
- Temperature: High – 29°C, Low – 21°C
- Season: WINTER
Tucked away on the Eastern Coast of India facing the Bay of Bengal, Pondicherry is a pleasant holiday destination. Charming natural beauty, centuries of colonial history, modern attractions and thrilling adventures has made it alluring for everybody seeking a break. Visit the beautiful French colonial version of India in January. The pleasant season is good time to visit. Explore Aurobindo Ashram, spend times on beaches, savor the charm of a bygone era and relish the dining, drinks, watersports and adventures.
- Temperature: High – 24°C, Low – 13°C
The Chadar Trek is one of the most memorable and winter expeditions on Earth. The best time to visit the area is to travel via air to Leh in the middle of the winter season, and undertake a difficult trek by climbing over semi-frozen Zanskar River gradients and gorge. Here you can experience the ancient Zanskari culture, which is a traditional mix of Indian and Tibetan cultures. One can also see some unique and rare wildlife-snow leopard, ibex, lammergreyer and blue sheep that can be found in many frozen areas in the surrounding area.
- Temperature: High – 31°C, Low – 17°C
- Season: WINTER
The City of Dreams, Mumbai is a charming metropolis. Blessed by waters of Arabian Sea, the glamorous city is full of hopes. The city that never sleeps is buzzing with excitement throughout out the year. January is a pleasant time to visit. The soothing sea breeze calms visitors as they explore the medley of colonial and modern India attractions. Explore the attractions of Marine Drive, Gateway of India, Siddhivinayak Temple, Haji Ali Dargah, the numerous museums, art galleries, etc. Do not miss the flavors of street food and exciting shopping.