January is the time for new beginnings, new resolutions, and whatnot! What’s more, it’s also when India is at its beautiful, wintry best – right from the pleasantly warm tropical paradise of Goa or the frigid winter wonderland in Ladakh. A perfect time to make a fun resolution and cross destinations off your bucket list, yes? Pack up your bags and set out to these 7 best places to visit in January in India.

7 Best Places To Visit In January In India

1. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
2. Rann Of Kutch, Gujarat
3. Auli, Uttarakhand
4. Coorg, Karnataka
5. Shillong, Meghalaya
6. Gulmarg, Jammu And Kashmir
7. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

1. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Located in the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer has a lot of sightseeing opportunities and outdoor activities for tourists. The Golden City has rustic havelis, tranquil lakes, ancient temples, and many more places that you can explore.

You can go for a boat ride at the popular Gadisagar Lake, enjoy a jeep safari in the golden sands, or take to the skies with parasailing. For those seeking a quiet time, you can enjoy an evening of bliss under the starry sky at many desert campsites here. While the days in Jaisalmer are warm, don’t forget to carry your winter wear as the nights can get pretty chilly!

2. Rann Of Kutch, Gujarat

Need a break from your everyday monotonous routine? Maybe it’s time you plan a trip to the world’s largest salt desert, the Rann Of Kutch, in Gujarat. This pristine beauty is spread across 10,000 sq. km, a sight you probably have never witnessed before! You’ll have the time of your life if you visit Kutch in winters.

Rann Utsav is a popular festival celebrated in Kutch. It takes place in this white desert and gives you a glimpse into the culture of Kutchi people. It’s celebrated in the months from October to February. That’s when you get to see the moonlight spread across the white sand here, a scenery that’s simply astounding. There are facilities for tourists to stay in a tent at the Dhordo village in Rann. Adventurers can try out exciting activities like paramotoring, riding an ATV, and rifle shooting.

3. Auli, Uttarakhand

What better way to enjoy a vacation than blazing down snow-covered slopes or just frolicking in it? We urge you to plan a trip to Auli in Uttarakhand, which encompasses the majestic Himalayan peaks and far stretching snow-covered meadows. It’s also known to be the skiing destination of India. So you better grab your thermal wear, body warmers, and snow boots before heading here. All daredevils can enjoy snowboarding and skiing at the various ski resorts in Auli.

This hill station offers panoramic views of apple orchards, pine, deodar, and oak forests, which are absolutely spellbinding. In winters, the weather is perfect to go for long treks to popular spots like Nanda Devi, Gorson Bugyal, and Dunagiri. Another sought-after outdoor activity you can enjoy here is camping. This winter destination in India has several campsites that offer a magnificent view of the snow-capped mountains that surround the place.

4. Coorg, Karnataka

If your idea of an ideal vacation is to bask in the glory of nature, then Coorg might just be among the best places to visit in January in India. Situated almost 900 m above sea level, the climate here is very cool and pleasant, especially in winters. The lush greenery of this place makes it an ideal spot for camping. If you’re visiting here in January, remember to stock up on your thermal wear along with your camping essentials! Madikeri and Kushalnagar are two of the best camping spots in Coorg that offer scenic views of beautiful coffee plantations.

Coorg is also blessed with several tranquil rivers where adventure junkies can have a fun time. Head straight to Kakkabe River for a kayaking experience that’ll totally lift up your spirits. Another water sport to enjoy is river rafting in the sparkling waters of Barapole River. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or someone who enjoys a peaceful time in nature, Coorg has something for everyone!

5. Shillong, Meghalaya

One of the most fascinating tourist spots in India is Shillong, a land full of picturesque landscapes and unparalleled beauty. Whether you’re traveling with your family, beloved, or solo, this hill station has lots to offer to its visitors. Right from trekking through the dense forests to scenic cascading waterfalls, there are tons of things to see and do here. Shillong is particularly breathtaking in winters, so a January trip here is a given!

Some of the most rejuvenating and enthralling adventure sports in Shillong are river canyoning, swimming, and waterfall rappelling. If these activities aren’t enough to quench your thirst for adventure, you can visit the Elephant Falls in Shillong. Whether you’re a first-timer or have tried challenging sports before, this is one of the best locations for some outdoor activities. You can take up activities like trekking, rock climbing, and canoeing here.

6. Gulmarg, Jammu And Kashmir

Gulmarg is bestowed with snow-capped mountains, gorgeous streams, pine forests, and green meadows. All of these make it one of the most sought-after destinations in India. This snowy retreat in Kashmir is full of green landscapes and outdoor opportunities that are beyond your imagination! If you wish to kickstart your New Year with some daring challenges, Gulmarg is the holiday destination for you.

For those who want to enjoy snowy activities, the Apharwat Peak is the ideal location for skiing and ice skating. To get a panoramic view of Gulmarg, a gondola ride from Kongdori is a must. In winters, one of the best things to do in Gulmarg is go for a trek at the Alpather Lake. That’s when the lake appears sparkly and frozen, perfect for both trekking and skiing.

7. Ooty, Tamil Nadu

Ooty, a quaint little hill station in Tamil Nadu, is a paradise for all nature lovers. Its location is such that you get to witness the mesmerizing views of tea gardens, scenic lakes, and green mountains.

The best way to rejuvenate yourself in the tranquility of nature is camping in the tea gardens of Ooty. You’ll be gently awakened by the sound of birds and will get to see a sunrise that’ll have all your heart. Since Ooty is surrounded by mountains, there are numerous walking trails where you can go for treks and hikes. If you need an adrenaline boost, mountain biking in Ooty is an experience like no other. For a cozy and relaxing vacation, we suggest you visit here during winter months.

Summing Up

We assure you that our list of the 7 best places to visit in January in India won’t let you down. Pick your favorite destination, book the tickets, and pack your bags. We hope that you make many memories on your upcoming trip and adventures.

FAQs

Which Place Is Best To Visit In January?

Some of the best places to visit in January are Jaisalmer, Rann Of Kutch, Auli, Coorg, and Shillong.

Which Hill Station Is Best In January?

Hill stations like Coorg, Shimla, Gulmarg, Shillong, and Ooty are best in January for all that they have to offer along with the stunningly beautiful vistas.

Should I Visit India In January?

Absolutely! January is when the weather in India is particularly pleasant. All the same, if you want to witness the snow-capped mountains, this is when you should visit the country as well.

Which Hill Station Has Snowfall In January?

Gulmarg, Srinagar, Manali, and Shimla are some of the hill stations that receive snowfall in January.