January is the season to enjoy the Indian winter in all its glory. With a diverse range of landscapes and cultural festivities to make adventure seekers go crazy, it is the best time of year to travel across the country. As the winter chill sets in, certain regions of the subcontinent emerge with a unique charm. For those who enjoy winter activities, the snow-covered northern regions provide a charming backdrop for places like Gulmarg in Kashmir and Manali in Himachal Pradesh.
Further south, the sun-kissed beaches of Goa beckon those seeking a tropical getaway, offering a striking contrast to the colder northern climates. Join us as we venture through some of India’s top destinations during this magical month.
Witness nature at its purest as you traverse through a thick blanket of snow, brace against biting winds, and embrace the challenge of Zanskar in the winter. Chadar Trek, the most difficult trek in the Himalayas, will put your agility to the ultimate test. The Zanskar range trek, which consists of gorgeous pathways enveloped in thick layers of snow on the frozen lake, is the stuff of legends.
Winter paints the Himalayan ranges in a breathtaking snowy mantle, making January the ideal time to witness its splendour.
The most convenient way is to get to Kushok Bakula, the nearest airport to Leh. Afterwards, opt for a rented car to reach Zanskar Valley.
If you want to feel the true essence of Rajasthan, Jaisalmer should be at the top of your list when it comes to places to visit in India in January. Situated in the centre of this sprawling town, the Jaisalmer Fort is home to some of the most incredible hidden treasures. The fort resembles a maze, with each turn leading through tiny settlements surrounded by pink and blue walls.
The fact that every house is usually painted a bright colour adds to the fort's allure. In the middle of the desert, lie the Sam Sand Dunes, an ideal spot for camping under a breathtaking starry sky.
The best way to reach Jaisalmer is to get to Jodhpur Airport, from where you can hire a bus or a private vehicle to Jaisalmer.
This spot is largely adored and visited by honeymoon couples and is known as one of the most extraordinary places on Earth. With its charming beaches, smooth sand, and turquoise ocean welcoming all visitors, it's also one of the best destinations in India to travel in January. Havelock Island offers the best opportunities to experience the beautiful feeling that comes with nature's splendour.
Savour the pristine blue waters of Elephant and Kalapather beaches while engaging in deep sea, diving, and snorkelling activities.
Direct flights to Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman Islands, are available daily from several cities, including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
Gulmarg becomes a winter wonderland in the winter. It is the ideal location if you want to spend your vacation surrounded by snow and engage in adventure sports, such as skiing, cable car rides, and more.
It is one of the best places to visit in January with friends and is a popular destination for skiers due to its perfect slopes for a thrilling experience. Furthermore, Gulmarg is home to Asia's longest and highest cable car, which soars to 13,400 feet to provide breath-taking vistas of the terrain dusted with a white blanket of snow.
The quickest and most convenient way to get to Gulmarg is to reach the Srinagar Airport, which is 56 kilometres away. Afterwards, you can rent a private vehicle to get to Gulmarg.
It's wonderful to watch the jungle inhabitants emerge from their shadowy nooks and spend their time in the sun during the winter months. Like everyone else, these animals enjoy the sunny side of winter, basking near the water bodies, providing ample scope for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers who love to capture these carefree creatures who couldn't care less about who gets what.
Explore the Jim Corbett National Park, India's most renowned and oldest national park is one of the best destinations to see in January. You can visit the Jhula Devi temple at Ramnagar in addition to watching a herd of antlers and elephants repeatedly crossing your route. Come and see for yourself why Edward J. Corbett loved the jungles so much.
Assuming you’re travelling from Delhi, the best way to get there is to book a cab, which would take around 5 hours and 33 minutes to reach.
