Every new year, I make my plans for the upcoming year(read: resolutions). The most prominent among them are my travel plans for the year. But the beginning of the year brings a lot of pressure to choose the perfect destination to start the year's travels.
If you are looking for the best destination to kick-start your yearly travels, here's the list of the best places to visit in India this January:
1. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
The white sand of the Rann of Kutch glistening in the moonlight, is best enjoyed in winters, when the temperatures are pleasant during the day and cool during the night. The Rann Utsav, which takes place from October end to February, is another reason to visit this magical place.
Places to Visit: White Desert safari, Kalo Dungar, Mandvi Beach and Vijay Vilas Palace, cultural extravaganza at Rann Utsav.
How to Reach: Take a bus/train/flight till Bhuj in Gujarat. From there you need to travel to Kutch by road.
2. Hampi, Karnataka
Standing on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, the ancient ruins of Hampi will definitely capture your imagination! The town is dotted with monuments of the Vijaynagar empire and a coracle ride on the river is a must do. However, Hampi is located in an area which gets really hot during the summer. So, winter months are the best time to visit this UNESCO world heritage site. The Hampi Utsav, a cultural festival which celebrates the glory of the Vijaynagar empire, is also being held from 27-29 January 2023.
Places to Visit: Vijaya Vitthala Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Elephant Stables, Tungabhadra River
How to Reach: Take a bus/train till Hospet in Karnataka. From there you need to travel to Hampi by road(15 km).
3. Auli, Uttarakhand
Auli has awesome skiing options, comfortable resorts and glorious views of the Himalayas. This is one of the best places to enjoy a snowy winter wonderland. If you time your visit towards the end of January and plan to extend it till February, then it is possible to attend the National Ski Championships being organized there from 4th-9th Feb 2023.
Places to Visit: Auli Lake, ropeway from Joshimath to Auli, Gorson Bugyal trek, View of Nanda Devi Peak
How to Reach: Nearest railway station is at Haridwar(283 km) and nearest airport is at Dehradun(278 km).
4. Jaipur and Ajmer
The pink city may be the perfect place to spend the first month of the year. The city is dotted with beautiful forts and palaces, the weather is salubrious and the food is mouth-watering. Close to Jaipur is Ajmer's famous Dargah, and Kishangarh Marble Quarry. You can also visit the only Brahma Temple in Pushkar. If you are in Jaipur, don't forget to attend the Jaipur Literature Festival being held from 19-23 Jan 2023.
Places to Visit: Amer Fort, City Palace, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Albert Hall, Hawa Mahal
How to Reach: Trains are available to Jaipur and Ajmer from Delhi and other major cities. Jaipur has its own airport.
5. Goa
Goa takes on a life of its own around New Year. But even if you're not visiting around New Year, January is a wonderful time to be in Goa. The climate is not too hot and you can enjoy the beaches and all water sports activities to the maximum. If you are interested in bird watching, do attend the Bird Festival in Goa from Jan 27-29 2023.
Places to Visit: Panjim, Agonda beach, Candolim Beach, Chapora Fort, Cabo de Rama, Palolem Beach, Patnem Beach, Dudhsagar Falls
How to Reach: Airports at Dabolim and Mopa in Goa. Railway Station in Marmagao. Buses are also available from major cities.
6. Meghalaya
Meghalaya is a little quieter in January. The rains are less frequent, and travel is easier although many of the seasonal waterfalls run dry. Experience the living root bridges, beautiful falls, forests and natural beauty that this tiny state offers.
Places to Visit: Double decker living root bridge, Mawsmai cave, Nokhlikhai falls, Elephant Falls, Mawlynnong Village, Dawki river
How to Reach: While Shillong has its own airport, flights are less frequent. So many people prefer to fly to Guwahati and reach Shillong by road from there. Road transport is most prevalent here. Guwahati also has a major Railway Station.
7. Delhi
Delhi is freezing in January and that's the fun of exploring. With tons of ancient monuments, amazing range of food, variety of shopping, January is the best time to explore this city turned state. Plan your trip around 26th January to witness the Republic Day Parade in all its glory
Places to Visit: Red Fort, Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Lodhi Garden, Chandni Chowk.
How to Reach: Delhi has its own airport, Railway Stations, bus stations. You can also take a cab from a nearby city.
8. Varkala, Kerala
Varkala is located on a cliff and sports beautiful views of the sea. It is a hidden gem in Kerala and best enjoyed in January when the weather is a bit cooler. You can also visit Jatayu Earth's Centre and Munroe Island where a boat ride through mangroves is quite a unique experience.
Places to Visit: Varkala Beach, Varkala Cliff, Kappil Beach, Munroe Island, Jatayu Earth's Centre
How to Reach: Varkala has its own Railway Station-Varkala SIvagiri. Nearest city is Thiruvananthapuram which is 40 km away. Buses are available to Varkala from Bangalore and other major cities.
9. Jodhpur and Jaisalmer
Visit the Blue City, and the Golden City in Rajasthan for the experience of a lifetime. The Mehrangarh fort of Jodhpur, and the Golden Jaisalmer fort will definitely blow your mind. But a ride on the sand dunes near Jaisalmer is an experience you'll cherish forever!
Places to Visit: Umaid Bhavan Palace, Mehrangarh Fort, Jaisalmer Fortt, Sam Sand Dunes, Gadsisar Lake
How to Reach: Jodhpur has its own airport and railway station. Jodhpur to Jaisalmer is 280 km by road.
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