7 Best places to visit in January in India

7 Best places to visit in January in India: We have entered into New Year and it’s the perfect time to pack bags and experience cold. January is the month when the average temperatures come between 4 and 26 degrees Celsius across India. Moreover, there are several breath-taking tourist destinations that you can explore from north to the southern and eastern to the western part of the country. Indeed these 7 places in January in India can turn your regular trip into a new experience that you’ve been longing for.

1. Zanskar, Ladakh

Zanskar or Zahar is considered a hidden gem in Ladakh. The Zanskar Valley separates Zanskar from Ladakh. Snow-capped mountains, Monasteries pristine water bodies, and the scenic range of Zanskar attract tourists from all over the world. Further, visiting Zanskar in winters is only for people who are ready to undertake physical exertion.

Places Nearby:

• Karsha Monastery: Karsha Monastery, also known as Karsha Gompa is a Buddhist Monastery in the Padum Village. This monastery is a shrine to ancient paintings and carving and is one of the biggest monasteries here.
• Stongdey/Stongde Monastery: It is the second-largest Monastery in the Zanskar valley. Also, this place is famous for its Gustor Festival that takes place in the eleventh month of the Tibetan Calendar.
• Sani Monastery: This monastery is situated towards the west of Padum. Further, the structure of this monastery resembles a castle and has a stupa in its backyard.

Things To Do:

• Chadar Trek: Zanskar is known for Chadar or Frozen River Trek, which is accessible only during winters. There are some other treks like Padum Darch Trek, Zanskar-sham Trek, Trail Trek, etc.
• Rafting At Zanskar River: It is the best adrenaline rushing activity in Zanskar
• Motorbiking: Zanskar offers the best motorbiking experiences, that you can enjoy during your visit.

A Roadmap to cover all the places in Zanskar is posted on https://www.instagram.com/p/CYyrkVAMiit/

2. Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Jaisalmer is the princely state located in the heart of Thar Desert, Rajasthan. It is often referred to as the Golden City Of India, because of its yellow sandstone architecture. Further, January month is the best time to explore Jaisalmer.

Places Nearby:

• Desert National Park: This park offers the best breathtaking view of desert plains, dunes, and scrubs. Also, this place is famous for Sam Sand Dunes and Gadsisar Lake
• Jaisalmer Fort: It is one of the Living Forts in the world as residents still live inside the fort. Rajput ruler Jaisal built this fort in 1156. It is also known as Golden Fort or Sonar Quila because of its massive yellow sandstone walls.
• Patwon Ki Haveli: This Haweli is the cluster of five massive Havelis in Jaisalmer. Well-known trader Guman Chand Patwa built this Haveli for his 5 sons.

Things To Do

• Star Gazing at Sam Sand Dunes
• Camel Safari
• Cultural Event at the Thar Desert

3. Dawki, Meghalaya

Dawki can be visited throughout the year but November- May is considered the best time to visit as the weather is pleasant which makes sightseeing comfortable. This Place is famous for its crystal clear water.

Places Nearby:

• Umngot River: Also known as Dawki River, is the town’s main attraction. This river flows partially in India and Bangladesh and divides Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Moreover, a ride on the boat makes it feel like the boat is floating middle in the air.
• Jaflong Zero Point: This place is situated at the India- Bangladesh border. This place gives the best picturesque view of the Meghalayan hills. Also, it is known for its pebbles, crystal clear water, and the residents of the Khasi hills.
• Riwai: Riwai is famous for its living root bridge constructed by the tribes of this place. Unlike the modern steel, concrete bridges, these bridges are built by joining the roots of the tree, which grows stronger with time.

Things To Do

• Boating at Umngot River
• Camping
• Kayaking

4. Andaman

The Andaman Islands are located in the Bay Of Bengal and are popular for their white sand beach, mangroves, and tropical forest. In addition, people come from all over the world to enjoy their vacations. Additionally, Andaman is the best place for adventure lovers, which makes it fall under the 7 best places to visit in January in India.

Places Nearby:

• Havelock Island: Officially known as Swaraj Island, this place is a popular dive site in India. For instance beaches like Radhanagar Beach, Elephant Beach, Kalapathar Beach are major tourist attractions.
• Ross Island: This island is also known as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose island. It is considered one of the beautiful places to visit in Andaman.
• Cellular Jail: This place is also known as Kaala Paani, was a colonial prison located in Port Blair, Andaman. This place was used by the British to send political leaders into exile.

Things To Do

• Scuba Diving
• Snorkeling
• Sea Walking

5. Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir

Gulmarg which means meadow of flowers is a popular hill station in Jammu. It is considered the prime location for numerous snow activities including skiing. In addition, local people conduct various sports and culture programs.

Places Nearby

• Gulmarg Gondola is one of the top attractions in Gulmarg as it has Asia’s largest and highest cable project. Also, Gulmarg trip is considered incomplete without cable car ride. The spectacular view of the mountains and valleys on the cable rope is unforgettable.
• Alpather Lake: Also known as Frozen Lake, this lake is situated at the foot of twin Apharwat Peaks. Alpather Lake is surrounded by green meadows, Rocky Mountains, and unmatched landscapes.
• Dal Lake: Dal Lake is considered the pride of Kashmir. Houseboat stay, Shikhara rides, and floating vegetables are some of the top attractions here. Thus, it always tops the list of Kashmir itineraries.

Things To Do

• Skiing
• Shikhara Ride
• Cable car

6. Coorg

Coorg is officially known as Kodagu, is often referred to as Scotland Of India. Located along the western ghats, this place is famous for its jaw-dropping scenes. Further, this is the best place to enjoy the scenic beauty of the misty landscape and quench the thirst for adventure.

Places Nearby

• Golden Temple/ Tibetan Monastery:  Also known as Namdroling Monastery, Golden Temple’ is one of the largest Tibetan settlements in India. The complex is home to about 16000 refugees and 600 monks. Further the main attractions of this temple are the statues of Lord Buddha in the center, an attractive four-story tower with a wheel, and the prayer drum.
• Madikeri Fort: Madikeri Fort also called Mercara Fort is a unique fort in Madikeri, in the Kodagu. Madikeri Fort comprises a temple, an Anglican Church, a prison, and a museum.
• Coffee Estate: There are more than 10 coffee estates in Coorg. Moreover, this place is the origin of many aromatic and flavourful coffee. A coffee plantation tour gives you the opportunity to witness the complete journey of coffee right from seed to the final product.

Things To Do

• Rappelling                                     
• River Rafting
• Microlight Flying
• Trek to Tadiandamol Peak

7. Manali, Himachal Pradesh

Manali is considered the gift of the Himalayas to the world. Also, the place got its name from Manu-Alaya (Abode Of Manu). It is a famous spot for all adventure enthusiasts and couples. Moreover, this place is known for its cool climate and snow-capped mountains and is often regarded as heaven on earth.

Places Nearby

• Solang Valley: Solang Valley is situated between Solang village and Beas Kund. Besides its landscape view, open sky, and snow-capped mountains this place is famous for various winter sports like paragliding, skiing, snowmobiling, etc.
• Hidimba Temple: This temple is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, who was the wife of Bheem and Mother of Ghatothkach. The architecture of this temple is different from other temples in India. Cedar trees and mountains in the background makes this place a must visit in Manali
• Beas River: Beas river is famous for its adventurous river rafting. Moreover Beas River is one of the 5 rivers from where Punjab got its name.

Things To Do

• Skiing
• River Rafting
• Paragliding

Traveling through India during the winters is a great way to beat its tropical heat and satisfy your adrenaline rush. Whether you are looking for islands, beaches, heritage, wildlife, or mountains, the exciting list of places to visit in India in January is never-ending. And this is a perfect opportunity to please your wanderlust and start the year with a bang. So, which destination have you picked to start 2022?