Where would you go if you could go to any part of India for your next vacation? If you have been struggling with deciding on a destination for your January holidays, here’s some inspiration. We have thought of everything, from nature-specific experiences to wellness-focused vacations, holidays full of adventure and thrilling activities, and laid-back beachy days. Based on the sort of experiences you prefer, sift your way through our curated list of the best places to visit in India in January 2025.
Here’s our list of the 25 top travel places to inspire your 2025 wanderlust.
Choosing the best destinations to visit in January in India
January is the middle of winter for most parts of India, so decide whether to visit a winter wonderland or escape the biting cold. Alternatively, you could travel for a festival or a favourite activity that fuels your sojourns or choose a wellness retreat or spiritual spot to reconnect with yourself. The choices are endless, but you’ll have fun deciding.
Best places to visit in India in 2025 January
Varanasi for spiritual experiences
The mist-clad ghats of Varanasi in January are a sight to behold, significantly when the ‘Ganga Aarti’ lamps cut through the fog. It’s an ideal time to immerse yourself in the spiritual essence of Varanasi without the extreme summer heat hindering your sightseeing plans. The average temperature in Varanasi during January ranges from 5°C to 24°C, making it perfect for a vacation filled with cultural experiences. In January, the top places to visit in Varanasi include Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Ramnagar Fort, and Namo Ghat.
Check out our story on the most beautiful places in Varanasi for inspiration.
Best things to do: Visit ghats, go boating, attend the stunning aartis, and embark on day trips to nearby places.
How to reach
By air: Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is located in the city.
By train: Varanasi Junction Railway Station is situated in the city.
By road: Varanasi is well-connected to most cities across north India via NH 30, 31, and other highways.
Diu for sunny beaches
If you’re looking to escape the biting cold of the plains, Diu is one of the best offbeat places to visit in January in India. With pleasant, somewhat balmy weather and sunny beaches, it’s easy to forget the chilly days back home. A less-crowded alternative to Goa and Puducherry, Diu offers a mix of cultural and historical spots for a fun-filled vacation. Some of the best places to visit in Diu include Naida Caves, Diu Fort, Chakratirth Beach, and Pani Kotha. The beaches of Diu will host the DNH & DD Beach Kite Festival 2025, a vibrant festival full of cultural experiences and thrilling kite flying.
Best things to do: Go beach-hopping, sample the freshest possible seafood, and catch a spectacular view from Sunset Point.
How to reach
By air: Diu Airport is located within the city.
By train: Veraval Railway Station is approximately 90 km away.
By road: Diu is connected to Rajkot and other cities in Gujarat via well-maintained roads.
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Auli for snow sports
Fresh, powdery snow blankets Auli in January, turning the hill station into the perfect playground for snow sports enthusiasts. With opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and winter treks, Auli is one of India’s best places to visit in January. You could also plan your visit towards the end of January to attend the National Winter Games Auli 2025, which runs from January 29 to February 2, 2025. Alternatively, visit to soak in the stunning views of the snow-capped Nanda Devi Peak.
Best things to do: Take skiing lessons, embark on the Kuari Pass Trek, and enjoy winter camping under a starry sky.
How to reach
By air: Jolly Grant Airport is approximately 270 km away.
By train: Rishikesh Railway Station is approximately 250 km away.
By road: Auli is well-connected to Delhi via local and private buses and taxis.
Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh 2025
Prayagraj is a spiritual destination offering numerous historical and cultural spots, but its main allure in January 2025 is the Maha Kumbh, a major Hindu pilgrimage held every 12 years at the Triveni Sangam (the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers). Traditional practices, vibrant markets, camping by the river, processions, aarti, and a host of other cultural experiences make it a must-visit. The Maha Kumbh will run from January 13 to February 20, 2025, promising a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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Best things to do: Take a dip in Triveni Sangam, explore Allahabad Fort, and take part in meditation courses.
How to reach
By air: Allahabad Airport is located within the city.
By train: Prayagraj Junction is located within the city.
By road: Well-maintained roads connect Prayagraj to several major cities across Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country.
Ladakh for the Chadar Trek
One of the best places to visit in January in India, Ladakh is an adventure enthusiast’s dream, especially in winter. The Chadar Trek is a thrilling winter adventure in extreme temperatures ranging from -10°C to -25°C. The trek involves climbing past a starting altitude of 11,300 feet above sea level, walking on the frozen Zanskar River, strolling past frozen waterfalls, exploring high-altitude passes, and spotting wildlife such as ibex, snow leopards, and a variety of birds. If this excites you, Ladakh is the place for you this January.
Best things to do: Visit Hemis National Park and explore Leh after the trek.
How to reach
By air: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is approximately 50 km away.
By road: You can reach Ladakh via the Srinagar-Leh route, which remains open during winter. Heavy snowfall may disrupt your travel plans if going by road, so watch the weather forecast.
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Jaisalmer for the desert experience
Jaisalmer is best visited in the cooler winter, when the scorching summer heat dissipates, leaving behind pleasant temperatures and cool breezes. With day temperatures between 10°C and 24°C, camel rides and desert safaris across the Sam Sand Dunes have become a fun experience. Thanks to the clear skies, January is also the perfect time for star gazing. You can also plan to visit nearby destinations, including the haunted Kuldhara Village.
Best things to do: Stay in a desert camp, marvel at the intricate carvings at Jaisalmer Fort, and sample local street food such as Pyaz Kachori.
How to reach
By air: Jaisalmer Airport is located within the city.
By train: Jaisalmer Railway Station is located within the city.
By road: Highways such as NH 9 and 52 connect Jaisalmer to Delhi and other cities in Rajasthan.
Ooty for toy train rides
Crisp, cool temperatures and clear skies make Ooty one of India’s best places to visit in January. Mist-shrouded hills in the morning, sunny afternoons, and a slight nip in the evening ensure a pleasant time for all. If travelling with kids, try the Ooty Toy Train, which runs from Mettupalayam to Ooty via Coonoor and travels 46 km across the picturesque Nilgiri Mountains. Some of the best places to visit in Ooty include the Government Botanical Garden, Rose Garden, Elk Hill, Pykara Lake, and Doddabetta Peak.
Here’s our guide to the toy trains in India.
Best things to do: Take a day trip to Coonoor, go boating on Pykara Lake, or explore the many nature trails of Ooty.
How to reach
By air: Coimbatore International Airport is approximately 88 km away.
By train: Mettupalayam Railway Station is approximately 50 km from Ooty.
By road: Ooty is well-connected to cities such as Bangalore, Chennai, and Gudalur.
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Jaipur for the festivals
Jaipur in the winter is ideal for extensive sightseeing across some of the city’s most popular haunts, thanks to the pleasant days and chilly nights. In addition, the Jaipur International Film Festival (check out details on their website) from January 17-21, 2025 and the Jaipur Literature Festival 2025, from January 30 to February 3, 2025, are two big reasons for visiting the royal city. The Jaipur Kite Festival, to be held on January 14, 2025, during Makar Sankranti, is another festival that’ll make it worthwhile to visit Jaipur in January.
Best things to do: Embark on a sightseeing spree, catch the Amber Fort Light and Sound Show, and enjoy a bird’s eye view of The Pink City from a hot air balloon.
How to reach
By air: Jaipur Airport is located within the city.
By train: Jaipur Junction Railway Station is located within the city.
By road: Several highways, such as NH 58, Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, and NH 48, connect Jaipur to other cities in the country.
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Bharatpur for birdwatching
Keoladeo National Park, formerly Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, is one of the best places in India for birding enthusiasts, especially in January when migratory avian species arrive. Photographers and nature lovers will enjoy the pleasant weather and vibrant landscapes. History enthusiasts can also explore sites like Lohagarh Fort, Deeg Palace, and Bharatpur Palace, making it a well-rounded destination for all travellers.
Best things to do: Go on a day trip to Fatehpur Sikri, explore the Bandh Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary, and check out the treasures at the Government Museum.
How to reach
By air: Agra Airport is approximately 50 km away.
By train: Bharatpur Junction is located within the city.
By road: Bharatpur is well-connected to various cities in Rajasthan and Delhi.
Khajuraho for a cultural immersion
Khajuraho offers a more comfortable sightseeing experience in January, making it one of the best places to visit in India. Known for its cultural and historical richness, it boasts ancient temples, forts, museums, and more. Nature lovers will enjoy the Raneh Waterfalls (the Grand Canyon of India) and Panna National Park. A stunning sound and light show near the Western Group of Temples is a must-see, as is a visit to the State Museum of Tribal and Folk Art.
Best things to do: Take a temple tour with a guide, make a day trip to Orchha, and spend an evening enjoying stunning sunsets from Benisagar Dam.
How to reach
By air: Khajuraho Airport is located within the city.
By train: Khajuraho Railway Station is located within the city.
By road: Bundelkhand Expressway and other highways connect Khajuraho to various cities across Madhya Pradesh and parts of India.
(Feature image credit: Gaurav Manu/Flickr)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Ooty, Auli, and Manali are some of the best hill stations to visit in India in January.
Diu, Goa, and Kerala are some of India’s best beach destinations to visit in January.
Jaisalmer is an ideal desert destination for January.
Khajuraho, Varanasi, and Prayagraj are some of the top cultural and historical destinations to visit in January.
Keoladeo National Park, Jim Corbett National Park, and Panna National Park are some of the best wildlife sanctuaries to visit in January.
Ladakh, Diu, and Bharatpur are some of the best offbeat destinations in India for January.
Jaipur Literature Festival, Makar Sankranti, and Jaipur International Film Festival are some of the best festivals to attend in India in January 2025.
Auli, Ooty, Jaisalmer, Khajuraho, and Diu are some of India's top honeymoon destinations in January.
Written By
Esha Dasgupta
Senior Digital Writer - Growth, TravelEsha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read More
