25 Best Places to Visit in India in January 2026

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I couldn’t step out anywhere during Christmas or New Year because life simply got too busy, and now all I crave is a quiet little escape.

If you’re in the same boat, then January might just be the perfect blog you’ve landed on. Because this blog will make sure to pick one of the best places to visit in India in January and just go for that trip.

But, why in January?

There’s something about January that makes travelling across India feel extra special. The north gets its clean white snow, the south stays sunny and soft, and hill towns become peaceful hideouts.

Plus, it’s the season of colorful festivals, food fairs, and winter markets making it a great time to pick a vibe and head out.

To make things simpler, here’s a thoughtfully curated list of the 25 best places to visit in January 2026 in India, arranged according to different vibes.

25 Best Snow Places to Visit in January in India

If you’re someone who heads to the hills and craves for that ‘mountain wali Maggi’, these places are going to feel like home. They are literally the best places to visit in India for experiencing snowfall, cozy vibes, good food and are perfect for snow adventurers .

Manali

Best time to visit: December–February for snow.
Why January: Fresh snow and calmer crowds after New Year.
Weather: -1°C to 10°C.
How to reach: Fly to Kullu-Manali (Bhuntar). Buses and taxis from Chandigarh/Delhi.
Attractions: Solang Valley, Manali’s Mall Road, Hadimba Temple, Naggar, Atal Tunnel.
Experiences: Skiing, snow tubing, riverside walks, shopping and lazy café days.
Quick note: Book Solang activities early, carry waterproof boots, and you may expect traffic at Atal Tunnel on weekends.
For experiencing the best

Kasol

Best time to visit: October–March.
Why January: Perfect time for quiet trails and peaceful cafés.
Weather: 0°C to 8°C.
How to reach: Fly to Bhuntar; taxi to Kasol. Volvo to Bhuntar then local cabs.
Attractions: Chalal Hike, Manikaran Sahib, nearby Tosh and Kalga.
Experiences: Slow hikes, warm food, riverside strolls.
Quick note: ATMs run out; make sure that you carry cash. Keep nights slow and warm.

Jibhi

Best time to Visit: November–February.
Why January: It is time for occasional snow and solitude.
Weather: -1°C to 7°C.
How to reach: Bhuntar airport; taxi to Jibhi via Banjar.
Attractions: Jibhi Waterfall, Jalori Pass, Serolsar Lake.
Experiences: Forest cabins, easy hikes, and tea by the fireplace.
Quick note: Homestay heating varies. Pack extra layers accordingly.

To truly soak in the best of Himachal, explore Manali, Kasol, and Jibhi together in one seamless trip.

Spiti

Best time to visit: October–March for winter fans; summer for accessible roads.
Why January: Pure Himalayan winter in its full glor.
Weather: -20°C to -5°C.
How to reach: Fly to Shimla/Chandigarh then long drive. Check for road closures.
Attractions: Key Monastery, Hikkim, Komic, Langza.
Experiences: Winter wildlife sightings and deep cultural stays.
Quick note: It is extremely cold with little facilities in Spiti Valley. Only consider visiting, when you are a seasoned traveler.

Auli

Best time to visit: December–February.
Why January: Best for skiing experience.
Weather: -4°C to 7°C.
How to reach: Fly to Dehradun; drive to Joshimath then take the ropeway .
Attractions: Gorson Bugyal, Auli Lake, Ropeway.
Experiences: Skiing, snowboarding, ropeway rides.
Quick note: Ropeway slots fill up fast. Rent skiing gear from reputable shops. The views are best enjoyed in winter.

Chopta

Best time to visit: December–March.
Why January: Snow blankets the meadows.
Weather: -5°C to 10°C.
How to reach: Fly to Dehradun; taxi via Rishikesh or Haridwar to Chopta.
Attractions: Tungnath Temple, Chandrashila Peak, Chopta meadows.
Experiences: Snow treks, camping, stargazing.
Quick note: Roads can be icy early in the morning. Use comfortable and good trekking shoes and carry microspikes.

Gulmarg

Best time to visit: December–March.
Why January: Powder snow and ideal conditions for winter sports.
Weather: -5°C to 5°C.
How to reach: Fly to Srinagar; 1.5–2 hour drive to Gulmarg.
Attractions: Gulmarg Gondola, Apharwat Peak, Kongdori slopes.
Experiences: Skiing, snowboarding, gondola rides, snowmobiling.
Quick note: Book gondola and equipment in advance. Hire certified instructors for skiing.

Tawang

Frozen Madhuri Lake. — Frozen Madhuri Lake, Tawang.

Best time to visit: October–March.
Why January: Snow-covered landscapes and quiet monastery visits.
Weather: -5°C to 8°C.
How to reach: Fly to Guwahati; long scenic drive via Tezpur/Bhalukpong and Bomdila.
Attractions: Tawang Monastery, Sela Pass, Madhuri Lake, Nuranang Falls.
Experiences: Monastery tours, scenic drives, frozen lake views.
Quick note: Carry extra warm layers and cash. Check permit requirements and road status.

Dalhousie

Best time to visit: December–February.
Why January: Occasional snow and peaceful colonial lanes.
Weather: 1°C to 10°C.
How to reach: Fly to Pathankot; 1–1.5 hour taxi ride.
Attractions: Dainkund Peak, Bakrota Hills, St. John’s Church.
Experiences: Gentle walks, viewpoint visits, calm cafes.
Quick note: Local taxis are convenient for short hops. Avoid late-night driving in snow in Dalhousie.

Khajjiar

Best time to visit: December–February.
Why January: Light snow on meadows and clear mountain air.
Weather: 0°C to 10°C.
How to reach: Via Dalhousie (30 km); nearest airport Pathankot.
Attractions: Khajjiar Lake, Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Khajji Nag Temple.
Experiences: Meadow walks, picnic spots, wildlife spotting.
Quick note: Visit early for the best light and fewer crowds.

Nainital

Best time to visit: October–February.
Why January: Clear lake views and crisp mornings.
Weather: -1°C to 15°C.
How to reach: Fly to Pantnagar; taxi or train to Kathgodam then drive up.
Attractions: Naini Lake, Snow View Point, Naina Devi Temple, Mall Road.
Experiences: Boating (weather permitting), ropeway rides, lakeside walks.
Quick note: Mall Road gets busy; go at dawn for calm boating.

Get Perfect Chilly Mountain Vibe in January in India

If you love the idea of winter but not the kind that freezes your fingertips, this vibe is your sweet spot. These places are best places to visit for couples, who want cool weather without the drama, just slow walks, soft sunlight, and easy-going days.

Rishikesh

Best time to visit: October–March.
Why January: Clear days, calm ghats, and less crowd.
Weather: 7°C to 20°C.
How to reach: Fly to Dehradun; trains to Haridwar then short drive.
Attractions: Lakshman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Beatles Ashram, Triveni Ghat.
Experiences: Yoga retreats, Ganga Aarti, café hopping, (rafting depending on flow).
Quick note: Book Ganga Aarti seating early. Check rafting availability before planning.

Meghalaya (Shillong & Cherrapunji region)

Dawki River, Meghalaya — The Cleanest Dawki River in Meghalaya.

Best time to visit: October–April.
Why January: Clear skies, accessible trails, comfortable days.
Weather: 8°C to 20°C.
How to reach: Fly to Guwahati; road to Shillong (3–4 hours) or local flights to Umroi.
Attractions: Shillong, Dawki, Mawlynnong, living root bridges.
Experiences: Village walks, river activities at Dawki, waterfall visits.
Quick note: Mobile networks can be patchy in remote spots. Keep offline maps.

Cherrapunji

Best time to visit: November–February.
Why January: Trails are less slippery and visibility improves.
Weather: 8°C to 17°C.
How to reach: Road from Shillong.
Attractions: Nohkalikai Falls, Double Decker Root Bridge, Mawsmai Caves.
Experiences: Cave exploration, waterfall views, long nature walks.
Quick note: Start treks early to avoid afternoon mist and crowding.

Kaziranga National Park

Best time to visit: November–April.
Why January: Peak wildlife sightings and pleasant safari weather.
Weather: 10°C to 25°C.
How to reach: Fly to Guwahati or Jorhat; road transfer to Kaziranga.
Attractions: Central, Western, Eastern ranges; one-horned rhino habitats.
Experiences: Jeep safaris, elephant safaris (seasonal), birdwatching.
Quick note: Book safaris in advance. Early morning drives give the best sightings.

Check out the best itinerary for exploring Meghalaya with Kaziranga!

Best Places to Visit in January in India for Beach Time

Golden sun, coastal flavours, lazy afternoons, and beaches that stretch for kilometres, that’s the mood here. It’s perfect for those travelers who want to swap winter jackets for breezy clothes and spend a few days eating scrumptious food and doing absolutely nothing stressful.

Goa

Best time to visit: November–February.
Why January: Ideal beach weather and balanced crowds.
Weather: 20°C to 32°C.
How to reach: Fly to Dabolim or Mopa; trains to Madgaon/Thivim.
Attractions: Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Palolem, Old Goa churches.
Experiences: Beach cafés, water sports, night markets, flea markets.
Quick note: North Goa = party; South Goa = quieter beaches. Book shacks and water sports early.

Kerala

Best time to visit: October–March.
Why January: Dry season with clear skies and comfortable humidity.
Weather: 18°C to 32°C.
How to reach: Fly to Kochi or Thiruvananthapuram; rail links across the state.
Attractions: Alleppey backwaters, Munnar tea gardens, Kochi Fort, Varkala cliffs.
Experiences: Houseboat stays, tea estate walks, Kathakali and cultural shows.
Quick note: Book houseboats in advance. Respect temple dress codes.

Best Places for Warm & Desert Experiences in January in India

If your idea of a good January trip is sunshine, good food, colourful festivals, and places that hold centuries of stories, then Rajasthan is exactly where you should head. These are perfect places to visit in India in January when you want warm days, rich culture, and a little bit of that desert charm.

Udaipur

Best time to visit: October–March.
Why January: Pleasant days for boating and palaces.
Weather: 8°C to 25°C.
How to reach: Direct flights available; good rail connections.
Attractions: City Palace, Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, Saheliyon Ki Bari.
Experiences: Boat rides, heritage hotel stays, sunset views from gardens.
Quick note: Book heritage hotels early for weekend stays.

Jaipur

Best time to visit: November–February.
Why January: Jaipur Literature Festival and cool sightseeing weather.
Weather: 10°C to 22°C.
How to reach: Major airport and excellent rail network; easy drive from Delhi.
Attractions: Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City Palace.
Experiences: Food walks, bazaars, cultural shows.
Quick note: Festival season = heavy hotel demand. Book early.

Jaisalmer

Best time to visit: October–February.
Why January: Best weather for desert safaris and night camps.
Weather: 7°C to 25°C.
How to reach: Fly to Jodhpur then drive; direct trains to Jaisalmer available.
Attractions: Jaisalmer Fort, Sam Sand Dunes, Patwon Ki Haveli, Gadisar lake.
Experiences: Camel rides, jeep safaris, desert camps and folk performances.
Quick note: Nights are freezing in the desert; pack warm layers for campfires.

Jodhpur

Best time to visit: November–February.
Why January: Comfortable days for fort visits and markets.
Weather: 10°C to 26°C.
How to reach: Direct flights and trains to Jodhpur.
Attractions: Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan.
Experiences: Old city walks, rooftop dining, local snacks at Sardar Market.
Quick note: Visit Mehrangarh in the golden hours for softer light.

Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

Best time to visit: November–February.
Why January: Rann Utsav in full swing and clear desert nights.
Weather: 8°C to 28°C.
How to reach: Fly/train to Bhuj; drive to Dhordo village.
Attractions: White salt desert, Kala Dungar, local handicraft villages.
Experiences: Tent stays, cultural performances, sunset views on the salt flats.
Quick note: Book Rann Utsav tents in advance. Nights are cold; carry warm clothes.

Want the full Rajasthan vibe? Our Rajasthan Backpacking Trip brings together the best cities, culture, and deserts in one epic adventure.

Best Cultural Places to Visit in India in January

If you’re someone who loves walking through ancient lanes, soaking in centuries-old traditions, and experiencing India’s spiritual heartbeat up close, these cities will feel like a soulful escape. These places are the best places to visit in January in India with your family. The weather is gentle, the rituals feel more immersive, and the festive energy is still lingering in the air.

Varanasi

Best time to visit: October–March.
Why January: Crisp mornings and quieter ghats for reflection.
Weather: 7°C to 23°C.
How to reach: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport and frequent rail links.
Attractions: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat.
Experiences: Morning boat rides, evening Ganga Aarti, food walks.
Quick note: Morning boat rides can be foggy; carry a light jacket.

Madurai

Best time to visit: December–February.
Why January: Pongal festivities and active temple rituals.
Weather: 20°C to 30°C.
How to reach: Madurai Airport; well-connected by rail.
Attractions: Meenakshi Amman Temple, Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Gandhi Museum.
Experiences: Temple ceremonies, local cuisine, cultural sightseeing.
Quick note: If visiting during Pongal, expect larger crowds and special rituals.

Amritsar

Best time to visit: November–February.
Why January: Pleasant weather and clearer visits to the Golden Temple.
Weather: 7°C to 20°C.
How to reach: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee Airport; frequent trains and road links.
Attractions: Golden Temple, Wagah Border, Jallianwala Bagh.
Experiences: Langar at the Golden Temple, heritage walks, local markets.
Quick note: Early morning darshan is calmer. Respect langar and temple protocols.

January is one of the best months to travel in India. Whatever be your pick, be it snowfall, heritage, wildlife, beaches, or quiet hill towns, this list will help you decide based on your vibe, not random suggestions.

For our women travellers, we’ve put together a special list of destinations that are safe, vibrant, and perfect to explore during Christmas and New Year. You can check out the full blog for all the details.-

Where Are Solo Women Traveling This Christmas & New Year ?

Your year can start with one great trip.
All you need is a free weekend and the will to get out.

FAQ’S

1. What are the best places to visit in January in India?

If you’re craving a refreshing start to the year, January brings some of the most stunning landscapes to life. The best places to visit in January in India include snowy retreats like Auli, Gulmarg, Manali, and Tawang; beach havens like Goa and Kerala; and culturally rich towns like Varanasi and Madurai. Whether you want mountains, beaches, cities, or forests, January has a vibe for everyone.

2. Which are the top 10 places to visit in India in January?

A curated top 10 list for a quick pick: Auli, Jibhi, Spiti, Gulmarg, Meghalaya, Goa, Kerala, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, and Varanasi. These destinations blend scenery, weather, and unique experiences beautifully.

3. What are the best places to visit in India in January for couples?

For romance wrapped in chilly breezes or warm sunsets, couples love Auli’s snowy slopes, Udaipur’s dreamy lakes, Jaisalmer’s golden dunes, Kerala’s serene backwaters, and Nainital’s cosy winter charm. These spots are perfect for slow, intimate travel.

4. Which places get the best snowfall in India in January?

Snow seekers usually head straight to Gulmarg, Auli, Spiti, Manali, and Chopta. These are the best places to visit in January in India for snowfall, offering thick powder, blue horizons, and postcard-like vistas without filters.

5. What are the best places to visit in January in India with family?

Families enjoy destinations that are safe, scenic, and activity-friendly. Some great picks include Manali, Dalhousie, Kaziranga National Park (for wildlife), Rajasthan cities like Jaipur and Jodhpur, and Kerala’s beaches and houseboats. There’s something for every age group.

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25 Best Places to Visit in January in India (2026 Guide)