New Year, New Plans: Top 5 Places To Visit In India In January 2025

Many folks prefer to give the parties a miss and bring in the new year in peace, with fresh new experiences. From an enriching experience of heritage and history, to treks in forests, and an up close encounter with a seaside lighthouse, we have put together a list of holiday destinations for turning over a new leaf for 2025, or for simply getting as far away from the noise as possible.

Sun And Sand In Lakshadweep

According to some studies, beaches are the most preferred type of holiday destination for millennials vacationing with their families and children. The coral islands of Lakshadweep, a collection of islands spread across the Arabian Sea have much to offer, including lighthouses, diving, and marine museums. Check here for our guide to the islands. Lakshadweep is at its best in winter when the sea is calm and the sun bright. Laze on the beach in Minicoy, go scuba diving, check out the lighthouse, or on walks through the coastal villages. Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach in Lakshadweep have been awarded the prestigious international eco-label, Blue Flag. The certification is awarded by an international body, the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). While Kadmat is popular for water sports, the white sand Thundi is better known for its lagoons.

Getting There

Kochi in Kerala is the gateway to Lakshadweep. The islands can be reached by ships. Agatti and Bangaram islands can be reached by flight from Kochi.

Nature Trails In Madhai

Madhai, a charming town in Madhya Pradesh, is tranquil and peaceful, making it a great holiday getaway to escape last year's stress and bustle. This is a great spot to unwind and spend some quality time while planning for the year ahead. Satpura National Park in Madhai is a wildlife and nature lover's heaven. Satpura Tiger Reserve is one of central India’s best-kept secrets. The rugged Satpura hills stretch across most of the park’s 1,427 sq km, creating a wonderland of undulating sandstone, deep ravines, narrow gorges, sparkling streams, tumbling waterfalls and dense forests. 

More about this place here.

Getting There

The nearest airport is Bhopal Airport, located at a distance of 120 km. The closest railway station is Itarsi Railway Station, located at a distance of 35 km. Many taxis and rental cars are available to reach Madhai from this railway station.

The Ancient Haveli Art Of Mandawa

Begin your year with a dose of art and heritage in Mandawa, a captivating town in Rajasthan known for its exquisite frescoes and ornate havelis. Steeped in history and culture, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into the artistic heritage of the region. This small town, located in the Shekhawati region, has earned its reputation as a living museum of exquisite frescoes and beautifully adorned havelis (traditional mansions). Home to forts, palaces, and havelis, this quaint town is located in Jhunjhunu district, and is full of paved archways and architectural relics reminiscent of a bygone era. Once a trading outpost, the18th-century settlement, founded by affluent merchant families of the region, facilitated an exchange of goods between traders via the Silk Route. Today, it is one of the oldest cities in the region, and serves as a cultural hotspot suited for visitors inclined toward art and history. Check here for our guide to the town.

Getting There

The closest airport is Jaipur International Airport, located about 182 km away. You can arrange an airport taxi and a road trip to Mandawa from there. Dundlodh Mukundgarh is the closest railway station, about 17 km away.

A Time Warp At Jadung

Located at an altitude of 3,800m, with snow-capped mountains and beautiful green valleys, Jadung in Uttarakhand has unrivalled visual splendour. Hole yourself away at this ancient border village in Uttarkashi near the Tibet border. Here you can go stargazing, trekking, hiking, and immerse in tribal culture. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) recently selected Jadung as the state's newest tourism attraction. Notably, it is the first of five villages that will be converted into a sustainable tourist centre, with activities such as astro-tourism, trekking, hiking, nature camps, and tribal culture experiences.

Getting There

The nearest airport is Dehradun’s Jollygrant, about 255 km away. Haridwar Junction railway station is the nearest station, about 263 km away.

Go Sustainable In Khonoma, The Green Village

Nestled amid gentle and rugged hills alike, Khonoma with a population of around 3,000 is a one-of-a-kind green village in Nagaland. The hills of this settlement are covered in terrace cultivation, growing an array of vegetables, fruits and flowers. Occupied by a fierce warrior tribe, the village resisted the rule of the British till 1880, inflicting heavy losses on the foreign soldiers. It was also a village of hunters, but the people now consciously choose to manage natural resources and focus on holistic, ecological development. This is also a birder's territory Khonoma is home to Blyth's tragopan, a type of rare and highly endangered species. One can also spot the mountain bamboo partridge and the crested finchbill. You can opt to stay in homestays, observe cane and bamboo crafts, especially the fine Loramhoushu weave.

Read a first-person account of a trip to Khonoma here.

Getting There

Dimapur is the nearest airport and railhead to Khonoma, and is connected to major Indian cities. Take a taxi from Dimapur to Kohima (70 km). Khonoma is 20 miles away. Dimapur is also linked to Guwahati, which in turn connected to the rest of the country by several trains.