Summary: Best Places To Visit In India In January (Last Updated: December 2025) – January is one of the best months to explore India with pleasant weather across mountains, beaches, deserts, and wildlife parks. Top January destinations include Goa, Andaman, Udaipur, Kaziranga, Kochi, and Nainital — perfect for family trips, honeymoons, wildlife holidays, and short getaways.
A new year, new beginnings, and a new list of places to visit! Isn’t it ideal for planning your trip schedule for the following year and making reservations as soon as possible?
In that vein, if you are looking for the best destinations to explore in January, It’s a good thing you found us. There are numerous places to visit in India in January 2026. You won’t break the bank doing it and will also have a terrific time.
Given the pleasant weather, January is an ideal month to plan your trip. Most tourist attractions will be open for you because it won’t be too hot or rainy.
Do not be stuck and confused about where to travel in India in January. Be it Nainital in Uttarakhand or Kochi in Kerala, there are infinite places that you can travel to in January. Set off on the best adventure of your life with your tickets, luggage, and a bucket list.
Though there must be several places in India to visit around the year, the best places to visit in January in India 2026 are as below:
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For those seeking a pleasant getaway away from the busy crowds, Diu tourism is still a major lure. The area was once a calming retreat for the Portuguese. The picturesque sea beaches, mild weather, and calm surroundings of January perfectly set up this place, and it ranks among the best places to visit in India in January.
Around this time of year, Asia’s longest beach festival, the Festa De Diu, takes place. During this time, the entire island of Diu is dressed to the nines.
The picturesque landscape, wonderful weather, and numerous tourist places in Diu will attract you. Explore Diu and its surroundings with our Diu with Sasan Gir tour packages.
Diu is perfect for travellers seeking a relaxed coastal escape without the heavy rush like Goa. Pleasant breezy weather and clean sandy beaches make January the best time to visit.
14°C to 28°C – Cool & pleasant.
You can reach Diu by air, road, and rail. You can fly to Diu airport from most Indian cities. Alternatively, you can travel by train to Una – the closest railway station to Diu. If you wish to drive to Diu, you can travel by public bus or private car from Ahmedabad.
2-3 Days
Couples, families, slow travelers, beach lovers
Also Read: Top 10 Beach destinations to consider for Holiday 2025-26 in India
Also Read: 15 Best Beaches to Visit in Gujarat in 2025-26!
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Jawai in the Sumerpur Tehsil of the Pali district is more or less an undiscovered place. It provides much more than one could imagine. For tourists looking to get away from it all in rural India, Jawai offers scenic beauty, wildlife, and nature. It’s not surprising that Jawai leopard safaris are one of the most popular things to do there.
Between October and April is the best time to travel to Jawai. A variety of migrating species arrive throughout the winter when the weather is dry and less humid. Leopard sightings are also very common during these months.
All in all, Jawai is spectacular. BookJawai Hotel Deals 2 Nights Packages and visits it for the mesmerizing natural beauty, unique landscape, wildlife, and excellent food. Know more about this rustic place with our video – A Land of Wild Leopards Jawai With Flamingo Transworld.
January is prime leopard-spotting season at Jawai due to dry landscapes and clear skies. The cool climate is ideal for wildlife safaris.
8°C to 22°C – Cold mornings & pleasant days.
Jodhpur and Udaipur, the closest airports, are within easy reach of Jawai. You can travel by train from Delhi. It is an overnight ten to twelve hours ride. You can opt for Falna or Mori Bera train station.
2 days
Wildlife lovers, photographers, luxury travelers
Also Read: Rajasthan’s Top 10 Luxury Resorts
Also Read: Top 12 Self-Drive Destinations in Rajasthan!
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The Polo forest of Gujarat stretches over an area of 400 square kilometers near the village of Abhapur in the Sabarkantha district. It is on the banks of the enduring river Harnav in the Aravalli mountain foothills.
Polo forest lies near the Rajasthan border on Gujarat’s northern side. There are no entry fees – zero ticket price for the Polo Forest. Enjoy the walk into the wild. Explore the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary. Among the architectural wonders of the 15th century are the Polo monuments, which give a glimpse into the history of that century.
Choosing our Udaipur and Polo Forest Special Tour Package will enable you to explore the best of both worlds.
Cool weather, misty mornings, and lush greenery make Polo Forest magical during winter — perfect for trekkers and nature lovers.
10°C–22°C
The easiest way to get to the Polo Forest is via vehicle. The closest places to the Polo forest are Ahmedabad and Udaipur, which are separated by 160 km and 120 km, respectively. You can use a bus to get to Idar as well as private cars and jeeps.
1–2 days
Adventure seekers, campers, offbeat explorers
Also Read: Driveable Tourist Spots in and Around Gujarat for 2025-26!
Also Read: Top 10 Must-Visit Tourist Attractions in Gujarat for 2025-26!
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The state of Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful in North-East India offering a wide range of sights, activities, food, and festivals to tourists. When combined with the white clouds, Meghalaya’s hills, valleys, lakes, caves, and waterfalls can mesmerize you.
Double-decker Root Bridge, Mawsynram, and Mawlynnong are just a few popular tourist places in Meghalaya.
It is a great time to enjoy autumn as well as winter between October and February. This is the best time to visit Meghalaya. Enjoy the stunning beauty of nature at its best as you explore the best of Meghalaya with Flamingo Transworld.
January offers perfect weather for waterfall trails, caves, and tribal cultural experiences without monsoon blockages.
5°C–20°C (varies by altitude)
Meghalaya has great road connectivity to most major cities of our country. You can reach Shillong via Guwahati on the national highway. You can opt for private or government buses or choose to drive by yourself.
The closest railway station is Guwahati. From the station opt for a cab to reach Shillong. The closest and most feasible airport is the Guwahati Airport.
Airport: Guwahati / Dimapur
7–10 days
Nature lovers, culture explorers, trekking groups
Also Read: Best Monsoon Getaways in India 2025: Top Destinations for Rain Lovers!
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Known as one of India’s national treasures for its flora and fauna, Kaziranga National Park is the largest sanctuary for one-horned rhinos on earth. This park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been the pinnacle of wildlife conservation in India. This national park, which receives a substantial amount of rain every year, is known for its grasslands, marshlands, and tall tropical broadleaf forests.
It is officially declared a tiger reserve and boasts one of the largest tiger populations in the world. As a result, it has become one of the must-see places to visit in India in January 206. Opt for our Assam-Meghalaya tour packages and explore this beautiful and underrated state.
One-horned rhinoceros sightings are at their peak in winter due to open grasslands and wildlife movement.
10°C–25°C
Roads are easily accessible, and there are numerous airports and train stations close by in Kaziranga. The closest railroad station is Furkating, and it takes just one hour to get to Kaziranga from there. There is an airport, 97 kilometers from Kaziranga, called Jorhat Airport. The region’s well-developed road systems make it simple to travel to Kaziranga by car.
2–3 Days
Wildlife enthusiasts, families, photographers
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The true essence of Kerala can be experienced by visiting Kochi tourist places during a trip to Kerala. Kochi is one of the most well-liked tourist attractions in Kerala because of its stunning backwaters. There is nothing quite like the rich mix of cultures and architecture found in Kochi Tourism, which has been influenced by British, Arabs, Portuguese, and Chinese influences.
Every iconic landmark is worth a visit in Kochi, whether it is a tea farm, a spice farm, a coastal area, or other sights. Learn more about the history, art, heritage, and features that make Kochi a treasure of Kerala with our Kerala tour packages.
Peak winter season with cool weather and vibrant events including the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
22°C–30°C
You can fly in at Kochi at Cochin International Airport. Most of India’s major cities provide daily flights to Cochin. Most trains from across the country that travel to Kerala make a stop in Kochi. Kochi is also well-connected to major Indian cities and other states.
Airport: Cochin International Airport
Culture lovers, families, couples
Also Read: Indulge in Opulence: Discover the Top 20 Luxurious Kerala Resorts!
Also Read: Here’s the Ultimate Guide to the Best Season and Time to Visit Kerala in 2025-26!
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Nainital is one of the best places to visit in India in January for a honeymoon. If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing vacation, this hill station in Uttarakhand is a must-see. Nainital has a pleasant climate all year, making it a popular hill station for couples, families, and even solo travelers.
Nainital has everything you might want for a leisure trip. There are plenty of Nainital hotels and resorts on the hillside.
We offer Traveler’s Paradise – Nainital and Corbett Tour Packages that cater to all your travel needs, whether you intend to boat in Lake Naini, enjoy Garhwali and Kumaoni cuisine, or soak in the Himalayan beauty from Snow View Point.
Perfect time to enjoy chilly weather, snow at nearby peaks, boating and lakeside walks.
0°C–15°C
Choose Pantnagar Airport to reach Nainital. The airport is around seventy kilometers away from the city center. The closest train station is Kathgodam, twenty-three kilometers away from the city. Alternatively, you can also take public transportation.
3–4 Days
Honeymooners, families, winter lovers
Also Read: Most Picturesque Hill Stations In India Must Visit During Your Summer Break!
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The only hill station in the state is Pachmarhi, which is Madhya Pradesh’s highest point. At 1,067 meters above sea level, It is said that Pachmarhi is the Queen of the Satpura Range. Leopards and bison can be seen in this region of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, making it one of the popular places to visit in Madhya Pradesh.
The Panchmarhi Hill Station is often cited as Madhya Pradesh’s greenest vacation spot. Visitors can experience tranquility on this gorgeous hilltop, which adds to its charm. The region has rich and unique flora and fauna, explore the exotic wilderness of this beautiful place with our Pachmarhi Tour packages.
Cool weather makes it perfect for caves, waterfalls, jungle safaris, and scenic trails.
8°C–22°C
It takes 2 hours to get to Jabalpur and around an hour to get to Itarsi from Pachmarhi, 47 km from Pipariya on the Itarsi-Jabalpur rail line. Another option is to travel from Bhopal, which is around 210 kilometers distant, using public transportation.
The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation has begun running deluxe buses that take eight hours to go to Pachmarhi from Nagpur. There are no nonstop flights to Panchmarhi. The closest airport is located 238.4 kilometers away in Bhopal.
Nearest Railway: Pipariya (54 km)
3 days
Nature lovers, families, offbeat travelers
Also Read: Discover India’s Top 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: A 2025-26 Travel Guide!
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Dreams are made and fulfilled in Mumbai!
Mumbai is truly unique, from the jam-packed railway platforms to the famous Dabbawalas, from suburban slums to multi-millionaires, and from Bollywood to vada pavs. If you are planning a trip to this city, make sure you visit the best tourist places in Mumbai to experience the bustling effervescence of the city.
In October and March, when it’s not too humid or hot and there have been no rains, it is the best time to visit Mumbai. Mumbai has no shortage of places to get away from the daily grind of life, whether it’s with a group of wild friends, a devoted family, or a romantic couple. Mumbai is one of the apt and must-visit places to visit in India in January.
The best weather to explore the city without humidity. Great for food walks, beaches, and cultural events like Kala Ghoda Festival.
18°C–32°C
Air travel is the quickest method of reaching Mumbai. Numerous flights connect the city to nearly all major and minor cities throughout the world. The Santa Cruz domestic airport is the one to opt for if you are flying from any Indian city.
It has two main railway hubs: the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminal and the Mumbai Central Railway Station, which serve express trains and trains from other parts of the country. From Mumbai, there are road connections to every region of the nation. It has better roads than the rest of the nation.
2–4 Days
Major metro hub
Also Read: Escape to Paradise: Discovering 5 Luxurious Villas Near Mumbai for 2025!
Also Read: Must-Have Street Foods in Mumbai: A Culinary Journey Through 2025-26
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The Ajanta and Ellora caves near Aurangabad are two of the best instances of ancient caves with rock carvings. The caves of Ajanta and Ellora are famous for their paintings, frescoes, beautiful sculptures, temples, and Buddhist monasteries. The UNESCO-listed Ajanta and Ellora caves are very well-liked among tourists from all over the world.
Ajanta Caves are predominantly Buddhist structures that are 99 kilometers north of Aurangabad, serving as a retreat for Buddhist monks. There is a better balance of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist sites in Ellora, which is only 15 km west of Aurangabad. Thus making both the Ajanta and Ellora caves one of the popular places to visit in Aurangabad.
Pleasant weather for outdoor exploration; caves are less humid and trekking paths remain comfortable.
12°C–28°C
The distance between Ajanta and Ellora caves is roughly 100 kilometers. The nearest airport, Jalgaon, is 50 kilometers from the Ajanta Caves and has connecting flights from Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The city that is closest to Ellora Caves is Aurangabad.
Ajanta is around 100 miles away, while Ellora is about 30 kilometers away. Most major cities in India have flights to and from Aurangabad Airport. India’s two railway junctions with the best connections are those at Aurangabad and Jalgaon.
Nearest Airport: Aurangabad (now Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)
2 Days
History lovers, culture explorers, families
Also Read: Your Ultimate Guide to the Harihar Fort Trek – Maharashtra!
Travel to one of these destinations in January to give yourself the break you need to put 2022 behind you. Refresh, revitalize, and start 2026 off on the right foot. Visit Flamingo Transworld to plan your January 2026 holidays.
Some of the best destinations to visit in India in January include Goa, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, Kashmir, Kochi, Diu, Panchmarhi, and Nainital. These destinations offer pleasant winter weather, festivals, and scenic landscapes perfect for winter holidays.
Yes, January is one of the best months to explore India because of the cool weather, seasonal festivals, wildlife sightings, and snow activities in northern India. It is ideal for hill stations, safaris, beaches, and heritage trips.
Popular snowfall destinations in January include:
These places are perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and winter sports.
January is one of the best months for wildlife safaris. Top safari destinations include:
Cool temperatures make animals more active and sightings more frequent.
For warm weather and pleasant climate, the best beach destinations in January are:
Major January festivals include:
These festivals offer unique cultural experiences.
Top romantic destinations for January are:
These places offer pleasant weather, scenic views, and cozy resorts.
Yes, January is considered a peak winter tourism month, especially for hill stations, coastal cities, and wildlife parks. Advance booking is recommended for hotels, flights, and activities.
Packing depends on the destination:
Affordable yet beautiful destinations include:
Nikita Karia has eleven years of experience working in the B2B travel trade, focusing on international destinations. Thus, writing tourism content comes naturally to her. She has traveled across countries- like Singapore, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and South Africa.
Additionally, she has a flair for writing about healthcare, technology, mental health, education, and e-commerce. Her purpose of the write-up is to simplify the contents in a way that resonates with the reader. When she is not writing, she enjoys tweaking her gardening skills
