Best Places To Visit In India This January For A Refreshing Start To The Year

Kolkata streets | Image credit: Debasish Saha/Pexels Beaches, mountains, cities, hill stations, and more, our list of places to visit in January 2026 has it all. Plan your weekends well, and enjoy a quick vacation to kick-start the New Year. Start the year off right with a holiday to some of the most picturesque locations in India. With a long weekend opportunity in January (Republic Day falls on a Monday in 2026), you can plan a quick trip to a nearby destination or take a few extra days to enjoy a longer, more relaxing vacation. Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway, a hill destination to conquer, or a bustling city to explore, our list of some of the best places to visit in India in January will guide you. Read on to find the perfect fit for your January escapades. Don’t miss our list of some of the best events to travel to in January 2026.. Best places to visit in January 2026 Goa Chapora Beach, Goa | Image credit: Mohit Hambiria/Pexels One of the sunniest places to visit in January in India is Goa, offering cool weather, calm seas, and a vibrant festival scene with concerts, musical performances, and more. You can enjoy a wide range of water sports and outdoor activities in Goa, as well as birdwatching among resident and migratory birds in diverse habitats, including wetlands and mangroves. Spend all day at the beach, hire a sunbed for the day, or better yet, book a place right on the beach to have 24×7 access to the sea. Or you can choose to explore local markets, shop at the flea markets, and cook simple meals Goan-style. Check out our 10-day Goa itinerary for an immersive trip. Places to visit: Dudhsagar Falls, Fort Aguada, Candolim Beach, Chapora Fort, Se Cathedral, Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, and Palolem Beach. How to reach By air: Dabolim Airport and Manohar International Airport are located in Goa. By train: Madgaon Junction and Vasco-da-Gama Railway Station are located in Goa. Related Stories Travel Tips 26 Practical Tips For Smarter, More Responsible Travel In 2026 India Your 2026 India Travel Guide: Destinations That Match Your Zodiac Sign Udaipur, Rajasthan Lake Palace, Udaipur | Image credit: Hemant Singh Chauhan/Pexels The City of Lakes, Udaipur, is an all-weather destination, but it is also one of the best places to visit in India in January, thanks to the salubrious climes. It is the perfect time to enjoy sitting at outdoor cafes and watch the city go by, or enjoy strolls around the many lakes and gardens of the city. This month also offers the perfect blend of cultural richness and comfortable weather for all sorts of explorations, from trekking to the Bahubali Hills to sampling local fare at the markets to enjoying breathtaking sunsets at Lake Pichola and more. Feel like royalty at some of the most luxurious Udaipur hotels and resorts. Places to visit: Lake Pichola, City Palace, Saheliyon ki Bari, Vintage Car Museum, Bagore ki Haveli, Fateh Sagar Lake, and Sajjangarh Monsoon Palace. How to reach By air: Maharana Pratap Airport is about 25 km from the city centre. By train: Udaipur City Railway Station is located within the city. Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh Dalhousie | Image credit: Amareshwara Sainadh, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons For those looking to enjoy a snowy landscape, there are several great places to visit in January in India, and Dalhousie is one of them. January is a prime month for snowfall in Dalhousie, with the hill station transforming into a winter wonderland with snow-laden trees, and streets, markets, homes and hotels ensconced under a pristine blanket of snow. Plan a winter trek, enjoy cosy bonfires, and sample piping-hot beverages at the local cafes and restaurants in Dalhousie. Or simply spend your days soaking up the winter sun and the evenings enjoying barbecues. Places to visit: Kalatop Wildlife Reserve, Dainkund Peak, Chamera Lake, Khajjiar, and Panch Pulla Waterfalls. How to reach By air: Gaggal Airport is approximately 107 km away from the city. By train: Pathankot Railway Station is approximately 80 km away. Andaman and Nicobar Islands Neil Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Image credit: Francois Decaillet/Flickr Beach relaxation, island hopping, water sports, and sunny shores will help you beat the winter blues in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. From exploring pristine beaches to swimming in calm seas to indulging in enthralling water sports, this is the perfect destination for water babies. Plan picnics in the day, enjoy exploring different islands, go snorkelling near the corals, and enjoy watching migratory birds make Chidiya Tapu their home; the choice is yours. The weather in January will be perfect, with plenty of sunshine during the day and a cool wind during the night. Our story on some of the must-visit destinations in the Andamans will help you plan your trip better. Did you knowThe Andamans are home to India’s only active volcano, which you can take a cruise to, and check out from afar. Places to visit: Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Chidiya Tapu, Kala Pathar Beach, Baratang Limestone Caves, Elephant Beach, Radhanagar Beach, Havelock (Swaraj Dweep) and Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep). How to reach By air: Veer Savarkar International Airport is located in Port Blair. By ferry: You can take a ferry from Chennai and reach Port Blair in approximately three days. Related Stories Planning The Best Budget Travel Tips — From Saving Money On Air Travel To Spending Less On Hotels Planning 5 Travel Tips To Remember Before Booking Your Next Trip Kaziranga National Park, Assam Kaziranga National Park, Assam | Image credit: Diganta Talukdar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons For wildlife lovers, a visit to Assam’s Kaziranga National Park in January is perfect! Pleasant, mild winter weather means animals come out to bask in the sun, and that makes it easier to spot them. You can enjoy a safari when you can actually get to spot rare wildlife and plenty of migratory birds, without the risks of rain or extreme heat spoiling the fun. With the vegetation drying out in winter, it is a great time to spot the elusive Bengal Tigers as well. You can also enjoy an elephant safari through the grasslands for a unique experience. Plan your trip after a read-through of our story on the best time to visit Kaziranga National Park. Places to visit: Orchid Park, Panbari Reserve Forest, scenic Kakochang Waterfall, and Kukurakata Reserve Forest. How to reach By air: Guwahati Airport is approximately 224 km away. By train: Furkating Junction is approximately 86 km away. Munsiyari, Uttarakhand Nanda Devi Temple, Munsiyari | Image credit: Jaiambey, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Munsiyari is one of the best places to visit in India in January for those looking for a snowy escapade. With January being the peak season for snowfall in Munsiyari, this is the perfect, nearly untouched place for stunning views, winter treks, great photography, and the beauty of nature all around you. Here, you can explore local culture, enjoy regional dishes, and find some of the most surreal landscapes you will ever see, including sunrises that are likely to leave you speechless. T+L tipDarkot, a village near Munsiyari, is renowned for its traditional woollen crafts, in case you are looking for souvenirs. Places to visit: Khaliya Top, Thamri Kund, Nanda Devi Temple, Birthi Falls, Betulidhar, Darkot Village, and Kalamuni Temple. How to reach By air: Pantnagar Airport is approximately 370 km away. By train: Kathgodam Railway Station is approximately 279 km away. Kolkata, West Bengal Metropolitan Building, Kolkata | Image credit: Dibakar Roy/Pexels The bustling capital of West Bengal is one of the best places to visit in India in January, offering visitors a chance to enjoy regional festivals and outdoor sightseeing. Not only do you escape the heat and humidity, but you also get to see the city bathed in the soft, hazy glow of winter fog. You can spend the evenings near the riverbank, enjoy breakfast at Chinatown, walk along Howrah Bridge without breaking a sweat, ride a rickshaw, shop for hours at Goriyahat, and even enjoy the start of Sankranti or the Saraswati Puja festivities. Not to mention, there are plenty of other places that you can explore near the city. Explore the West Bengal capital better with our guide to offbeat places in Kolkata. Did you knowIndia’s only operational tram network is in Kolkata, making it the last tram city in the country and Asia’s oldest electric tram system, running since 1902. Places to visit: Victoria Memorial, Science City, Howrah Bridge, Eden Gardens, Dakhineshwara Kali Temple, New Market, Alipore Zoo, Vijaydurg Fort, and Belur Math. How to reach By air: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport is about 17 km from the city. By train: Howrah Junction and Sealdah Railway Station are located within the city. Related Stories Planning All You Need To Know About The Supermoons Of 2026 And When You Can See Them Destinations The T+L Editors’ Travel Wishlist: Best Places To Visit In 2026 Kochi, Kerala Kochi, Kerala | Image credit: Kounosu, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons The backwaters and the seashores of Kochi are perfect for exploring in January, as the weather is pleasant and well-suited for outdoor exploration. Enjoy local dishes, spend your days at the beach, watch the ships dock at the port, catch the fishermen bring in their daily haul early in the morning, and enjoy a cultural extravaganza like no other. You can catch a live Kathakali performance, shop for authentic spices, take serene boat rides on the backwaters and canals, or explore nearby villages; Kochi has something for everyone. Places to visit: Willingdon Island, Mattancherry Palace, Paradesi Synagogue, Hill Palace, Kerala Folklore Museum, Fort Kochi, Jew Town, Cherai Beach, Marine Drive, Puthuvype Beach, and Vypin Beach. How to reach By air: Kochi International Airport is about 36 km from the city. By train: Ernakulam Junction is within the city. Shop the best travel experiences here Travel tips for January Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary | Image credit: Vishrutpanday, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons January is one of the coldest times to travel across North India, so make sure to pack according to the weather updates at your destination. Foggy weather might cause travel delays, whether it’s trains or flights. Keep an eye out for such updates. For popular spots and long weekends, make sure to book transport and stays early. Coastal retreats might not warrant woollens during the day, but the nights might get chilly. Stay safe from UV rays with a scarf, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Carry enough cash for covering small expenses, especially when travelling to smaller cities and far-flung villages. Keep yourself hydrated, even though winter seasons fool us into thinking we aren’t thirsty. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, especially if planning treks, long walks, or city exploration. (Feature image credit: Debasish Saha/Pexels) Related | Where To Travel In 2026: 15 Big-Trip Ideas For Your Most Ambitious Travel Year Yet Note:The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication. We may earn an affiliate commission when you shop through links on our site. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) Which are the best places to visit in January 2026? Goa, Munsiyari, Kochi, Udaipur, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Dalhousie are some of the best places to visit in India in January 2026. What are the warmest destinations to travel to in January? Goa, Kochi, Udaipur, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry, and Ahmedabad are a few of the warmest destinations to travel to in January. Which places are best for honeymoon travel in January? Explore beach destinations, cruises, hill stations, and bustling cities for honeymoon travel in January. Where can I see snowfall in January? Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh are a few of the places you can see snowfall in January in India. Which Asian countries are best to visit in January? Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia, and Japan are a few of the best Asian countries to visit in January. Are there any major festivals in January worth traveling for? You can travel in January for music concerts and literature festivals. You can also travel for Sankranti festivities. Which adventure destinations are best in January? Goa, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Pondicherry are a few of the best adventure destinations in January. Share: Written By Esha Dasgupta Senior Digital Writer - Growth, Travel Esha is a traveller at heart, with a penchant for exploring the unchartered. She has previously worked ..Read Morewith TravelTriangle and Internet Moguls. When not in work mode, she can be found downing endless cups of coffee while reading Enid Blyton/Sidney Sheldon. Read Less

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