21 Best Places To Visit In January In India(2024)

Starting from the best scenic beaches to the best hospitality, India has been providing the best tourist experiences for years and that is why more than 5 million foreign tourists visit India every year. Doesn’t matter where you are coming from; India will pleasantly surprise you and make you fall in love with its culture, people, and authenticity. India could certainly be humid for foreign tourists, and that’s why foreigners plan their trip to India mostly in winter, which makes it one of the countries to visit if you want to meet different people with different cultures and traditions. 

So come on and discover the magic of India in January because in this month weather is mild to travel to most of the tourist places in India, and if you want to take up any adventure trip like trekking or hiking, then India also has some of the best treks for this month. So come on, pack your bags and get ready to explore India at its best, check out the best places to visit in January in India.

1. Coorg- Scotland of India
2. Gulmarg- A Snow Paradise
3. Udaipur- City of Lakes
4. Zanskar valley- A Trekker’s Hub
5. Auli – Meadow of India
6. Alibag- Goa Of Maharashtra
7. Gokarna- Embrace Coastal Bliss
8. Varanasi- Spiritual Capital of India
9. Jaisalmer- Where culture glows
10. Puducherry- Where culture is united by the sea
11. Nainital- The Lake district of India
12. Khajuraho- Timeless art 
13. Darjeeling- The Queen of Hills
14. Mamallapuram Madurai- 
15. Andaman and Nicobar- Where wave whispers
16. Hyderabad- Fusion of History and Modernity
17. Sirpur- A Journey through the past
18. Puri- A Devine Serenity
19. Kolkata- City of Heritage and Culinary 
20. Dawki- Nirvana of Crystal clear water
21. Mawsynram- Raindrops Unveiling Nature

1. Coorg- Scotland Of India

Top places to visit – Madikeri Fort, Irpu Falls, Abbey Falls.

Best things to do – try quad biking and off-roading activities, explore the beautiful monasteries, trek to Iruppu Falls, sunset at Raja’s Seat

2. Gulmarg- A Snow Paradise

There are plenty of things to do in Gulmarg when it begins to snow, turning the place into paradise. 

Top places to visit – Gulmarg, Alpather Lake, Apharwat Peak, Maharani Temple, Strawberry Valley.

Best things to do – Taking a gondola ride to the top of Apharwat hill is a must; enjoy skiing or snowboarding in the winter, explore the local culture by shopping, and trek to Khilanmarg for a beautiful view of mountains totally covered with snow.

3. Udaipur- City of Lakes

The vibrant culture and colours of Udaipur make the lakes and forts look spectacularly amazing and invite travellers to engage in its charm. Definitely one of the best places to visit in January in India because Rajasthan is a little hot destination so January would be the best time to visit.

Udaipur might soon become India’s First Wetland City.                                                                                                                                            

Top places to visit – City Palace, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Lake Pichola, Fatehsagar, Saheliyon ki Bari, Jagdish Temple, Monsoon Palace.

Best things to do – Visit the Bharatiya Lok Kala Museum, explore Jagdish Temple, visit Jag Mandir, and local cuisine.

4. Zanskar Valley- A Trekker’s Hub

Top tourist places – Sham Trek, Lamayuru to Chilling Trek, Zangla to Sangtha trek, Chadar Trek (Frozen River Trek)

Best things to do –  Stay in local homestays, visit the local market, Explore the Drang-Drung Glacier

5. Auli – Meadow Of India

Apart from treks, if you’re visiting Auli, then a three to four-day trip would be enough to explore its wandering realms, including scenic views of Mt. Nanda Devi and Mt. Dronagiri.

Auli is called India’s Ski Resort, giving you plenty of reasons to visit Auli.

Top tourist places – Auli Artificial Lake, Auli Ropeway, Joshimath, Gurso Bugyal, Nanda Devi Peak, Chattrakund, Chenab Lake

Best things to do – Nature walks, trekking, and a short hike to Chitrakantha forest. For those looking for some adventure, the Kuari Pass trek and the famous Kedakantha trek is recommended.

6. Alibag- Goa of Maharashtra

Top places to visit – Nagaon Beach, Datta Mandir, Murud-Janjira Fort, Undheri Fort,  Alibaug Beach, Datta Mandir, Akshi Beach,  Brahma Kund, Undheri Fort, Thal Beach, Varsoli Beach

Best things to do – Camping, visiting various viewpoints, trekking to Gurso Bugyal, skiing.

7. Gokarna- Embrace Coastal Bliss

Half Moon Beach in the town provides a peaceful nighttime getaway and adventurous activities, perfect for beach activities and tourism. People here have a traditional pilgrimage route that includes a dip at Karwar beach, a visit to the Lord Ganpati temple, and a visit to the Mahabaleshwar Temple. 

January has good weather with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, so visiting Gokarna in January is an ideal choice.

Top places to visit – Mahabaleshwar Temple, Half Moon Beach, Om Beach, Gokarna Beach, Kudle Beach.

Best things to do – Take a trek to Mirjan Fort, a day trip to the Yana Caves, a boat ride to Paradise Beach

8. Varanasi- Spiritual Capital of India

Varanasi is a sacred place which is considered as India’s spiritual capital because of its diverse religious practices and vast history linked with Indian mythology. It is also known as the oldest living city globally and is believed that the river Ganga cleanses the sins of people as you take a dip into the river. 

Varanasi is home to some of the oldest temples, which makes India one of the oldest countries in the world. 

Varanasi is packed with tourists throughout the year, and especially in January, you can witness tourists from all over the world coming here to experience its cultural legacy. Varanasi is one of the best places to visit in January in India to understand Indian traditions and religious practices.

Top places to visit –  Vishwanath Temple, Tulsi Manas Mandir, Sankat Mochan, Annapurna Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Best things to do – Evening Ganga Aarti, take a boat ride on the Ganges River, visit Banaras Hindu University, hop in the local markets

9. Jaisalmer- A Golden City

Because it is located in the desert, visiting Jaisalmer in winter is a great choice, which makes it one of the best places to visit in January in India.

Top places to visit – Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon ki Haveli, Desert Safari, Gadisar.

Things to do – Visiting Jaisalmer Fort is a must camel safari through the sand dunes and visit the Bada Bagh, shop in the local markets like Sadar Bazaar and Manak Chowk and shop some Rajasthan’s traditional wear, handicrafts, jewellery etc.

10. Puducherry- Where Culture Is United By The Sea

It is a perfect vacation destination to relax your body and soul; it mainly offers you beaches like Promenade Beach, Auroville Beach and Rock Beach. 

Top places to visit – Paradise Beach, Promenade Beach, Arikamedu, and Auroville.

Things to do – opt for a boat ride in Chunnambar Boat House, visit the Aurobindo Ashram and Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Explore the white house, Take a walk on the beaches, and stroll around Goubert Avenue.

Suggested Read: 10 Most Expensive Flights In The World

11. Nainital- The Lake District Of India

Really famous to the people of Delhi, Punjab and Haryana as it takes just an overnight ride to reach Nainital; people of these places love to spend their weekend here, away from the noisiness of the city. Its everlasting refreshing atmosphere makes it one of the best places to visit in January in india.

Top places to visit – Neem Karoli Ashram, Snow View Point, High Altitude Zoo, Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple. 

Best Things to do – Visit Naini Lake which is a natural lake surrounded by hills, visit Naina Devi Temple, there are many small treks so for a few of them.

12. Khajuraho- Timeless Art

Visiting Khajuraho is a lifetime experience of art, time, and spirituality; it is definitely one of the best places to visit in India in January. 

Khajuraho is one of the most historical places in the world, with a rich history.

Top places to visit – Khajuraho Temples, Lakshmana Temple, Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, Khajuraho Museum.  

Best things to do – Explore Khajuraho Temples and the Khajuraho Museum, be a part of the Khajuraho Dance Festival, and go shopping at the local shops and markets that sell souvenirs and handicrafts.

13. Darjeeling- The Queen of Hills

Top places to visit – Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train Ride), Tiger Hill, Rock Garden, Peace Pagoda, Batasia Loop.

Best things to do – Take a Toy Train ride, go hiking or trekking, hike to Tiger Hill to see the sunrise from Mt. Kanchenjunga, and visit the Ropeway.

14. Mamallapuram Madurai- Cities Of Unique Culture and Temples

Top tourist places – Tiger Caves, Mamallapuram Beach, Thiruparankundram Temple, Alagar Kovil, and Five Rathas(Chariot).

Best things to do – light and sound show of the Shore Temple in the evening, take a tour of the Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, explore local cuisine, and Arjuna’s Penance.

Suggested Read: 22 Best Places To Visit In Coimbatore

15. Andaman and Nicobar- Where Wave Whispers

Top places to visit – Havelock Island is the most popular island, so do visit Radhanagar Beach, Ross Island, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar Beach, and Makruzz, are some of the top places to visit in Andaman.

Best things to do – Scuba diving, snorkelling, visiting wildlife sanctuaries, including the Jarawa Tribal Reserve and the Andaman Crocodile Sanctuary, and island hopping.

16. Hyderabad- Fusion of History and Modernity

Top places to visit – Charminar, Hussain Sagar Lake, Salar Jung Museum, Ramoji Film City, Golconda Fort.

Best things to do – visit Charminar, enjoy an evening at the Hussain Sagar Lake, tour of Chowmahalla Palace, and shop in Laad Bazaar, famous for its jewellery and antiques.

17. Sirpur- A Journey Through The Past

Top places to visit – Baleshwar Mahadev Temple, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Surang Tila, Lakshman Temple, Sirpur Stupa. 

Best things to do – visit the Laxman Temple and experience the ruins of the Surang Tila, take a boat ride on the river and Go on a nature walk. 

18. Puri- A Devine Serenity

Top places to visit – Shree Jagannath Temple, Lighthouse, Konark Sun Temple, Puri Beach. 

Best things to do – You can Visit the Konark Sun Temple and you can also Visit the Shree Jagannath Temple, Relax on the beach, Explore the Raghurajpur Artist Village. 

Suggested Read: Top 13 Places To Visit In Noida

19. Kolkata- City of Heritage and Culinary

Top places to visit – Howrah Bridge, Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Dakshineswar Kali Temple.

Best things to do – visit historical landmarks like the Victoria Memorial Hall, vibrant street life of Howrah, take a boat ride on the Hooghly River, visit Mother Teresa’s House, Kolkata has one of the best cuisines of India so do try its food.

20. Dawki- Nirvana Of Crystal Clear Water

Top places to visit – Dawki River, Dawki river viewpoint, Jaflong, Jaflong Zero Point, Umngot River. 

Best things to do –  Dawki is a popular tourist destination, and there are many things to do in the area. You can go for a boat ride on the river, swim in the water, or hike in the surrounding hills. There are also a number of villages in the area where you can stay and experience the local culture. 

21. Mawsynram- Raindrops Unveiling Nature

Top places to visit – Nohkalikai Falls, Khreng Waterfall, Mawlyngbna, Krem Puri, Umkhakoi Lake, and Mawsmai Caves.

Best things to do – Visit the Nohkalikai Falls(the highest waterfall in India), explore the Mawjymbuin Caves, trek to Mawlyngbna, boat ride on the Umkhakoi Lake